-^^v:^' :?^ 5c; ^^ mc- ■^<^ czcc ^^€(rcz'^==^ ' c Z3 < , \^ ^ ^OWi - V'^V g^u^^^riiWP' /i,^.*- [ Jiinnary 20, 1876. THE JOUEML OF HOKTICULTURE, COTTAGE GAEDENER, COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. A CHEONICLE OF THE HOMESTEAD, POULTRY-YARD. APIARY, .1 DOVECOTE. CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.E.H.S., and ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Eobson, Gardener to Visooaat Holmesdale, M.P., Linton Park ; and Mr. J. Tayloe, The Qardens, Longleat. THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. T. Record, Vintera Park, Maidstone ; and Mr. E. Lockhdbbt, Old Linda, Buxted. ST.)VE, GREENHOUSE, and WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr. O. Abbey, Grinkle Park. VILLA AND SUBURBAN GARDENING, by Mr. THOMia Record. 0\SDENI;)G CALENDAR, by Mr. J. DouQLla, L«(ord Hall. FLORISTS' FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H. DoilDRAIN. POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. BilLT ; and E. Hewitp, Esq. PIGEONS, AVIARY BIRDS, &c., by " WILTSHIRE Rector j" Mr. Barnesdv, and others. BEE-KEEPI.N'G, by "B. &W. ;" and Mr. A. Pettigrew. HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by the Authoress of "My Flowers," and others. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL OAKUEN. VOLUME XXIX., NEW SERIES. VOL. LIV., OLD SERIES. LONDON: PUBLISriED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET. 1875. ' vj /S7S LONDON : PRINTEIi AT THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE, 171, FLEET STREET. Janaary 20, 1876. ] JODRNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, TO OUR READERS, A GLAN'CE at our past year, and a cheer towards the year we entered when this volume closed, have been contributed by two of our most welcome adjutants; so that a few sentences only are needed in addition. To you who are especially devoted to the Garden wc can promise an ample supply of able communications, and need add only the wish — A gard'net'd new year to yoa : Due BansUine and rata ; No blight on your crops ; of theumatica no pain. To Poultry, Pigeon, and Cage Bird Fanciers we make a similar promise, for our staff is strong, and we wis-h To all bin'-lovers a happy new year, Few deiths 'moug the young, no eggs that are clear. To you, Apiarians, the same promise applies, for here we have to be grateful fur aid from the best skilled. So A happy new year, Bee-men : much honey and good ; Stooka and swarma very strong, and not any foul brood. Also Rabbit Fanciers and others wlio refer to our pages for information will find that we are always able to render satisfactory replies; and this we are justified in saying, because wc obtain them from men whom we know are sound in knowledge and judgment. To thcni, to you our readers, and to all our contributors we record our hearty thanks, for to you wc owe our increased success, and enable us to say truly that we are proud of being THE EDITORS. January 20, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. INDEX. AbRUS TREOATOBIua, 417 Acacia wood durable, 161 Acorns, large, 866 Adiantum fsrleyeDse, beat for, 471 Advice, fin old gardener'd to youDg men, £87 Airioan gardeniii^, 532 Agave americaDa, flowerJni! out of doors. 248; seed-veasels, S8S Afiapantbes, dividintr, 515; ambfcl- latua and culture. 489 " Agricultural Holdings Act," 58) Airedale Poultry Show, 233 Alchemitlas, 293 Alexandra Palace, Flower Show, 180 ; Fruit Show, 223 ; Potato Show, 290 ; Rose Show, 3; Poultry Show, 148, 279, 37", 388, 408, 435. schedule, 258 Mford Poultry Show, 143 Allinm narciBsifloruin, 181 Allolment ground, preparing, 326 AlliumH and culture, 488 AlstTQ?meriaB, culture of, 345 AlternanlberaB, propagatinfj. 471; wintering. 142 Altrincham Poultry Show, SOS Amaryllises, BtllaiioDDa culture, 183 ; culture, 470; for March, 5i8; ae- lectinn ani culture, 356 American blight. 5^ti ; deatrojing, 565; bU6rorblif;lit,4H,73 Amesbury Grammar School founded by John Rose, 115 Amsterdam International Horticul- tural &how,E66 Andrt-'s. Mr. E.. botanical tour. 401 Anemones. 3i7 ; japonica vitifolia, 16 ; plantins*, 4 82 Annini?, Mary, 885 Annuals, autumn sown, 1S5 ; for spring - flowering, 190; for cut flowers. 585 Antediluvians, near and among, 318, 335, net Anta, destroying, 142,162,199; plague of, 383. 428 ; in the house, 436 on lawn, 686 Aphides in winter, 585 Aphis on fruit trees, 450 Appleby. T.. 383 Apple-growers, prince of, 254 Apples, late, 5; trees, aphides on, 35, firuning, 167, unfruitful, 450; ear- iest, 140: Lord Grosvenor, 141; in orchard house, 363; Russian, ^9!); mone-ter, 40O ; storing, 267, 4|j7 ; grafting on Pear, 4'j7 ; Lane's Prince Albert. 487; Sturmer Pippin, 494; shrivelled, 565; Fameuse,S88 Apricot Angoumoia. 109 Apricots for Mid-Yorkshire, 141 Aquarium {Royal) and Winter Garden Shows, 680 Aquatics in vinery, 451 Arkleton, a vifait to, 297. 312 Ash seedlings on wall, 233 Asparagus beds. &c , manuring, 77; forcing, 448, 564; in frames, 538; plants, distance of, 325 ; seedling, 79 Asphodel, bog. 811 Asters. 188; Betteridge's Quilled, 290 Aston Park Lower Grounds, 93, 138 Atriplex Halimua for the seaside. 535 Aucubas shifting, 615 Auriculas, culture, 14, at ShefSeld, 508; its introduction, 508; offsets, 167; repotting, 574 Autumn work, 388 Aylesbury Poultry Show, 301 Azaleas, 65; cuttings, 79; forcing, 432; after flowering, 326; growing, 121; leaves falling. 493; liquid ma- nure for, 586; repotting, 14, 450 Baneb&'s bubble, plant fob. 210 Bantams, Black, cock's comb, 874 ; Capt. Hill's, 125; showing Game, ^-~. 516 ^■^ Barton-on-Humber Poultry Show, 544 ^ 667 w7 Baskets, double, for fowls, 257 ^" Basket plants, 186 . — . Baschurcb poaltry-rnns. 4C7 *-^ BasBo-Conrs de I'Angleteire, 85, 121, ^^J^ and West of England Society, P*-^'401 Rn.r Piultrv Show, 235 "gj^rsea Park, 465; desoription of, try Poultry Show. 237 3s. Broad,' 77 ; Seville iLoEgpod, " Leicester for. 89 ding, herbaceous plants for. 441 ; ants for. 111; plants for winter. 210, 827. 407, 516 Baw Bea, 86 P^^ucamea propagation, 35 36., 1^® cuUnre in California, 591 °es-ou Oontoneaster, 2; howl ob- tained, swarming, sparrows killing, 19: trnp, honey for show. superincT. nadir manageiiifnt. transferring, old stocks not working. 20 ; prospecta, superincr, 38, 4H ; iion - swarming bjves, how to bive a swarm. 39; in Irelflnd. Keepers' Association, in Switzerland. 61; taking (^uper.wond- Vice in super. lifTurisrising a hive, C2 ; feeding, swarniinp, 83; manag- ing fupcrs, two qupena, not swaTm- ing. 81; keeper'ti diary. 104; IMan- chestrr Honey Show, qneens frnm eggf , 105 : putting on supers, o'ltain- inB clean comb. 106; the season, drone mu'-der, 127: felt for hive covers, 128; lemoying stocks, 128; offensive pmellinp, feeders, 128; im- mature drones, food for. transfer- ring, 118; driving. Rev. Mr. Lanpa- t'oth. honey srason in Hereford- shire, 173; apiarian incnbafnr, not LiRurian, comb and honeycomb, cor)b-knife. 174; Egyptian, Apicnl- tural Show at Strasburg. Moses Ouinby. Crystal Palace Honey Show, 196; retrospect and prospect. 238; about (jueens, 239; Show, 240: Ligurian. 217; Indian honey and wax. on the moors, in a hollow tree, workers slaughtering, 218; gossip about, apiarian treat, 261 ; transfer- rin c, golden Bvmp for. hives, 262; eating fruit, 279: profit of reniov- ine, seascm in Cheshire, Lignriaii, 283 ; foul bruod, in hollow tree, 284 ; and Peaches, 288; Crystal Palace Show, 3L.7 : houses, ItOO: queens, a chat about, 809; a batch of ques- tions, honey season near Linc"ln. 331; drivinp. 332; eating fruit. 341; a retrospect, 352; in Scotland, houses for. 853 : driving. Z'4 ; twenty days hatchine, humble bee for New Zealand, feeding. 374; honey wea- son, 393; hive protecting, feeding, 394; life of a worker. 412; British Association, hive covers, 413; swarming and non-swarming. 414; days hatching. British Keepers' Association, suit about, preserving bives and combs, ^^iving hives, keeping near Lond^^^h^ British Keepers' Association^^B^rfovcr, spurious honey, loss of.^n^lii^t- tingham, pollen-carrying vember, 458; harvesting honey, ^'x- tractors, 479 ; pollen-carryins * hive covers, 480; "Woodbury hives, 500; harvesting honey, sectional supers, 523 ; honey season near Liocoln, 524 ; protecting and feeding, bar-frames, 545; feeding, 546; predatory, 56'; feeding, 572; extracted toney, 592 ; experiments with honey, wonders of bee hive, harvesting honey, 593 Beet leaves, cooking. 891 Becnias and cultui'e, 504 Bell ast PouHry Show, 590 Belladonna Lily, 183 Belvoir Castle, 9, 29; statu*; garden, 272 Berberis hedge cutting, 5L'5 Birds, and citterpillara. 133; slaugh- tered for Iftdief' )iata,487 Birkenhead Poultry Show. 259 Birminpham Poultry Show, 391, 478, 494. 519, 539 ; Summer PouHry Show, 190 211 253 Bishop AucklandPoultry Show, 122*. Blackberry culture, 565 Blacks in fowls, 168 Eobart.Jacob, 863 Boiler, 494; tubular. 451 Boletus aureus, 279 PomarcaB. 4S7 I Books, elf menlary, 374 Border flowera. 48, 96. 114, 157, 201, 292, 841. 361. 445, 488, 505. ,SfiO. 576 Border plants for cut flnwera, 232 I Border, planting fast. 587 I Botanic (Royal) Society's Show, Is *' Botanical Geography," 579 Bottom heat. 35 I Piturnrmnutb, 270 : vegetation of, 291 ■ Bouvardia not thriving, 587 Box-edfiinp, relaving, 449 Brahma fowl unhealthy, 332 Brahmas. dying, 391 ; Light, renewing block. 106 Bramlcy Poultry Show, 82 Brecknock Poultry Show, 17 Brecon Poultry Show, 213 Breeds of fowls, too many at once, Prentwood Poultrv Show, 58 Briars, budding, S'-^H ; moving, 825 Bricklnyers' rubbit-h. 141 BriFbane Botanic Garden. 362 Bristol Poultry Show results, 100, 516 Bii'if-h plants, a few choice, 311; choice selection of, 336 Broccoli, 54 Bromley Poultry Show, 588 Broom, a useful garden, 291 Brooms. 133 Broughty Ferry Poultry Show, 518 Bro\\n-tail Mntb. noteB on, 345 Brussels Exhibition. 632 Euckinpham Poultry Show. 124 Bulb culture, 367 Bulbs in window boxes, 451 Butltinch featberless, 1C6 Burnfoot, a visit to, 297 Bur1ou-on-Trent Poultryl Show, 216, 477 Burv Poultry Show, 216 Butcher, Mr. J.. 156 Butomus umbellatus, 311 Caladiums, argybites, 398; winteb- iNO. 29^ Calathea leucostachys, 561 Calceolarias, perpetuating herbace- ous. 142 : propagation. 98 Calochnrtns citrinus, 561 Camellia house, glass for, 191 Camellias, bud« falling, 368; casting its buds, 256 ; culture, 584 ; from Ghent, 472; placing in heat, 51fi; propagating, 15; scale on, 5E5; scorched, 65 Canaries — asthmatic, 480; Belgian, 60, 126, 195. 522; dvinpin greenhouse, I 3S2j short of breath. 332; casting : their feathers, 33il : injured in cage, i 3.^4; comj>laints, 174; scaly-footed, [ 436 ; keeping cock and hen together, I 810; ben bitting, 62 ; in greenhouse, j 240; Lizard, 147, 807, notes on, 852; ! lump on neck, 196; management, 20; moulting, ;i74; turned into a room, 40 Canna culture, 99 Canker in fowls, 240 Canterbury Bells, 52 Canterbury Poultry Show, 539 Carica candamariensis, 508 Carnations— culture of, 187, 286; far town gardens, 110 ; and Picotees at South Kensington, 111, 133; dress- ing, 158; and Picotees, 69. 90, 210, 270; seed sowing. 232; select, 15, 471 ; treatment of, 826 ; choice list of, 337; National Show. 837; dressing the flowers, 837; Miss Jollff^e, 346; Turner's. 69 ; in winter, 502 Carpet-bedding plants from seed, Carrion, burying, 407 Carrot grubs. 399,403 Carter challenge cup. 9 Carter's Root Show, 367 Caryofhyllus aromaticus, 248 Castle Donnington Poultry Show, 16, 101 Castle Eden Poultry Sliow, 169 Catalogues ofpoultry shows, 167, 211 Cateipillars V. Gooeebfrry bushes, 188 Cauliflowers, and wireworms, 110; protecting plants of, 547; sowing. leS; Ear'y Snowball. 113 Celery, culture, 32, 255; decayed, 565 leaves prubeaten, 299 ; in wide trenches, 74 Cemetery avenue trees, 471 Centaurea candidissima, propagating, 266 Cereus grandiflorus, 42 Chadderton Poultry Show, 3f 5 Chamomile flowers, 99 Chelsea Botanic Gardens, 442 Cherries, early, 176; Farlv Lvons and Ohio Beauty, 272; in ■Switzer- land. 44t ; tree leaves caterpillar- eaten, 257 ; tree shoots bUghted,lC7 Cherry wine, 1C6 Chester Nurseries, P8l Chestnut trees in California, 554 Chickens, age of, 40; just hatched, 106 ; pot au feu for, 369 Chipping Noi ton Rose Show, 74 Chibwick Garden, 6 Christmas Exhibition in New Zea- land. 551 Christmas greeting. 547 Chryaanth'mums, culture, If,i^, 3h7 leaves dif^coloured. SOO ; Temple Gardens, 399 ; at South Kenf-ington, 401 ; Chelsea and Slough, 422 ; ma- nagement, 430 ; at Alexandra Park and Pine Apple Nursery, 445 ; Juhe Lagraviere, 472 ; select. 516 Church and room decoration, 556 Cinerarias, culture, 142 ; for March 638 Cirencester Poultry Show, 122 Clarkias, double, 484 CJeckheaton Poultry Show, 102 Clematis garden at Bath, 241 Clematises, Jackmani, propagating 15,142, pruning, S88. 471; select, 19) Cleveland House, 2C5, 226 Cleveland Poaltry Show, 125 Clianthus puniceus culture, E14 Climber for stove, 515 Climate in relation to practice, £85. 855, 416 Climbers for conservatory, 368; for cold greenhouse, 868 : for north wall, 482 Coals, beating power, 460 Cochin declining. 106 Cockatoo mnullinp, 128 Cock crowing. 394 Cocoa-nut tibre refuse uses, 78 CoIeOrton Hall, 446.658 Coleus, wintering, 256 Colorado Potato beetle, 12 Colour, Ducks changing, 40 Colours, arrangement of, 163; red, white, and blue, 155 Columella oblonga, 182 Comarum paluslre. 811 Comb, deformed. 40 Comfreys and culture, 157 Comfrey. prickh'. 594 " Conifers and Rhododendrons," 579 Conifers, transplanting, 286; viruj rooting. 442 Conophatlus bulbiferus, 8 Conservatory, plants failing, 4fi7 : and drawing room temperatures, 450 Coping boards. 300 Coprolites. 318 Corn crushing for fowls, 524 Cottingham Poultry Show, 215 Cotton. C ,467 Cotoneaster, hedge cutting, 565; mi- crophyjla culture, 3 Cousinia hystrix, 96 Covent Garden Markel, 20, 40. 62,84, 106, 128. 148, 174. 196, 218, 24'\ 200, 284, 310. 332, 354, 374, S94, 414, 436, 458, 480. 50O. 524, 64P, 572, 594; sale of fruit and vegetables at, 319 Covering plants. 525 Crassula Bolusii, 487 Crassulas, propagating, 210 Crewe Poultry Show, 280 ^56 Crinum, culture. 376 ; amabile culture, Crot-uses, Boryi, 271; minimus and Fleischeri, 113; selection of for pot culture, 326; veluchenais, 6C8 yi JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t January 20, 1876. Creak Poultry Show, 146 Croppinj:;:. continuoua, 586 Crops in Lancashire, 265 Cro.v don Vicarage and WaddonHousc , Cryptogamic Society of Scotland, Show of. 321 Crvstal Palace, Autumn Frait Show, 225 : beddinj; at, 313 ; Poultry Show, 25S, 828, 550, 3E9, 475, special claaaea, 3C9, Dorkint; cups at, 372; Rose Show, 4; Doft Show, Bccnes, 15; Goat Show, 11.3 Crystals on Grapes, &o„ 863 Cuckoo, 6 ' ; our friend, 12 Cuckoo-spit, 15 Cucumbers, critical time, 4C5; cul- ture, 536; in house, 49i; leaves shri- vellioK, 494 ; houae for, 79 ; in vinery, 15; for winter, 98; in vetrc- table collection, 167; not swellioff, 141; unhealthy, 19); supply of. 209; pummiog. 232; standard of mc-rit, ii:,6; planting, 278; Kehvaj'a Conqueror, 346 Cupar Poultry Sbow.SOl Cupre56U3, choice kinds of, 295; law- aoniana, pruning. 253 Cups and entry fees. 279 Cm-raut cuttiags, exporting, 883 , Currants, propagating, 55; pruning, 514 Cut flowo* 9 and spraTs, 920, S63 Cuttings, 14.89; home-made pots for, S3 ; striking, 165. 257 C>clamens, cilture, 5C4: seedling cul- ture, 189, S68; after flr)wering, 15; repoting, 141; sowing, 210 Cyfartbfa Castle, half an hour at, 28S Cypripedium Ar;ms, 113 Cytisua culture, IIH CAH'ltS, PREP4KIS'G GBOCND. 471; BTOKIKU AND MANAGEMENT, 848 Dari, 61, 80, U3 ; for foAvls. 17 Darlington Bird Show, t51 Darwen Poultry Show, S8 Decjbelone Barklyi, 561 Decoration of churches and rooma, 5:36 Deformed comb, 40 Delphiniums, for bedding, 4 7; Cash- mirianum, 486; eelsct and culture, 459 Dendrobium amcenum, 508 Derby Poultry Show, 433; cage birds at. 458 Deutzia. crenata flore-pleno,29; forc- ing. 432 Dietea Huttoni, 113 Diomea muscipula, 319, 472; culture of, 2S9 Dion edule. 246 Disa grandiflora, 98; culture of, ^99 Diuris a!ba, 561 Dogs and bir '3,210 Dog'iJ-tooth Violets, ^8 Doncaster Poultry show. 18 Dorking Poultry Show, 569 Dorkings, rearing. 458; weight of, 832 Doves, food for, 174 Do^le, Martin, 4U Draba Mawii, 271 Dracienaa, new, 427; medal for new, 44 i; judivisa seeds ripening, 385; Bced aowing, 278 Drake numliing. 374 DnfTield Poultry Show, 36, 147 Drigblingtou Poultry bhow, 80 Driog'a poultry-yard, 121 Dr>nar;as— D. coronans, 73 Dublin Poultry Show, 542 Ducks, Ayieabury, laying, 128; Call, 100: changing colour, 40; dying, 600 Dundee Horticultural Show, 2i8 Daneevan, a visit to, 294 Dunorlan, 364 Duiham Poultry Show, 101, 543 Dyeing Everlasting Flowers, 35 EARLSEiTorj Poultry Show, SO KAst Kent Poultry Show. 568 Kaht Lnnriun Floricullural. 179 Ecclestield Poultry Show, »2J Kd.jiibrioms.88; beds, bsV, 44y, makm^ 253, materials for, 325 ; growing, 453 failing, 494 ; this year, 11:1 Myrist:ca arumatica, 491 N'ARiuLCiuM os&irnA<^uu, tiu January 20, 187G. ] JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. \u NeclariDcs, crafkinp, 107; for mid- Yorbbbiro, HI : LorJ Nnpicr, 110; renovatinR, 4Si; selection, r.O:! ; for ■west wall, 3i?S; trees, Btflndanl and bueb, iiS Nelumlium luleuni,379 JJeuttopteris nidus, 15 Nertora culturt', 18'j Newbury Poultry Sbow. 17, 193 NewcaaUt-upon-Tyne Show. 435 Newhall PouUry Show, 16 Newton-Stewart RoBe Show, 90 New Year's Krectiufr. 573 New Zealand, 551; sftrdeuinc 57S Night soil, 32C NoiTis Green, 511 Northallerton Poultry Show. 282 Northampton Poultry Show, 37 ;J Northern Poultry Show, JUl Norwich and Norfolk Bird Sbow, S0!>, 390 Norwich Canary Sbow, 412 Not"8 by the way, 267, 313, 5 3 Notice to leavp, 451) NoUinfihiim Poultry Show, 328 Nurserymen, a hint to, 8 Nutmeg, 491 0DOHT0OL0S8DU HABTATUM AND CUL- TURE, 384 CEnotheras, 28 Oldham Bird Show, 478, Poultry Show, 170 Oldlanda Hall. 246 Olea fragrans. 487 Oleander, and culture, 359; propa- Rating 14'2 011a podrida, a continental tour, 110, 175. 220. 248. SS9,S;i8, 4C5 Onion, grub, 100 ; maggot, 33 ; prevent- ing, U Onions, buUing, 210; report on Chis- wick-grown, 526 ; storing, 208 ; versus Carrot grub, 878 Operations, times for, 2EG Ophioglossums, 555 Orange-tree culture, 78, 257 Orchard house, against east wall, 5G5 ; management of, 347; selection of Peaches and Nectarines (or, U47 ; routine, 'G5, 209, 255; trees, potting and top dressing, 298; rating, 14; Peaches, 99; trees, 45J Orchard-planting, 471 Orchids, autumn treatment of, 299 ; culture, 7S. 515 ; in Cucumber house, 451; in winter, 5i7; sale of Mr. Russell's, 346; autumn treatment of, 347 Ormskirk PouUry Show, 16 Omithogalums and culture, 488 OBmaston Manor, 40a; Vines, 42G, 428 Oswestry Poultry Show, 304 Onndle PouUry Show, 81, 103 Oval bed, 450 ; forming, 40C Oxalis, arenaria. 480; culture, 5:5 Oxtord Botanic Garden, If-S Oxford Poultry Show 893, 409 ; entrica, 309; schedules. 301 Oione, plants forming, 412 Oybter shells, preparing, 5:G Packing out flowers and fruit, Pftlm seed sowing, 278 Pancratium, selection and culture, 85ij Pansy cnttinga, 232 Parchment, vegetable, 414 Parnassia palu3tria,311 Parsnips cnnkered, 471 Parrots, afBicted, i!S4 ; falling, 240; nostril diseased, 894 Paths in kitchen garden, 406 Peach, blister, 31 ; stones sphtting, 141 Peachea— spotted, 56 ; Early Beatrice. 109, 223 : Early York and Alfred, 150 ; early, 177 ; Dr. Hogg, 182 ; travelling, 188; shoots injured, 189 ; tree, train- ing, 197 ; how to train, 243; bushes, 248; blotched, 232; Havourless, 233; large, 276; for south wall, 279, 825; bees eating, 288; shouts, thinning, 299 ; ripening on standard, 338, 3l9 ; for west wall, 38:); trees, standard and bush, 423 j blight on, 432; cul- ture, 440; estimate of sorts, 440; Diamond, 484; forcing, 509; uneat- able, in pots, 515; selection, 515; 503; Sleeper's Dwart, 554 ; double fruiting, 574 ; forcing, 575, 5&5 ; Rivers'3 in Texas, 578 Pear-tree slug, 443 Pears— information wanted about, 21, 7j; diseased, 79; pruning,l:0; Win- ter NeUs, 35; notes on, 85, 108, 129; early, 118; bow to ripen, 130; stor- ing, 257; Cbaumontel not ripening, 257; for S. wall, 257; rusted, 2if9 : cracking, 299, 378; gathenng, 8G8; grafted m spring, 368 ; early, 387 ; (jlapp's Favourite, 397; leaves browned, 4U0 ; storing, 407; Doy- encf du Cornice, 420 ; lur north wall, 431; large. 415; unfruitful, wall- training, 150; on Quince stock, 451 ; Jules d'Airoiles, 469; estimate, 483; Best Vaftt, 5 6 ; not ripening, 538 ; effect of season on. 55i; Louise Bonne d'Avriinches Panachi-e, &G;l; for Durham, 587 Peas, remarkfl on late, 59; oualityof 49; Dr. Maclean, &c, C8; late, 7i.) ; (ailing, 141: wires for, 157; estimate i>t sorts, 384 ; sowing early crop, 317 ; for exhibition, 848; for smnll gar- den, 471; raiding early, 583; lor succession, 58" Poat. for healing, 43a;lhcating with, 488 Pelargonium Society, 118 Pelargoniums, 54 ; for beds, 232; los- ing colour. 432; cuttings, 142; after flowering, 99 ; goUleu-lenvod list, 167; origin of our, 9; soil for, 55; Turner's. 09; variegated, 233; win- tering, IGC Pennibtone PouUry Show, 212 Penshurst, BtO PentBtcmon8,'culture,',199,'384 ; propa- gating, 35 Perennials, list of hardy, 79 Pcrnettya Pentlandii, S-ll Petrea volnbills culture. 1^3 Petunias, Hcnder'a seedling, 217 Phalamopsis culture, 420 Phlox culture, 199 Phloxes, 533 Phylloxera in Spain, 533 Picotees, propagation of, 287; select, 15.471 Pieris vcraua Microgaster, 878 Pigeons — nests, 18: selection, 18; tace wounded, 20; laving soft eggs, 20,218; Capt. Hill's, 125, 172; selec- tion in breeding, 126; Jacobin, 20, (;o, 104. 194, 238.260, 282. 37, 330, ^73, 411. 435. 520.592; Carrier caught at sea, 217, 262; Pouters laying soft eggs, 218; keeping, 310; sick, 332; buckwheat for, 874 ; at Galston, 522; Barbs, 546 Piltdown, 130 Pinching and pruning, summer, 558 Pine Apples, auctions of, 187; culture, 493; toreign, 81!; suckers, planting, 77 ; in winter, 595 Pines, fruiting first year, 299 Pinks, planting, 318; propagation of, 287 Pinguicula grandiflora. 811 Pip<*s, ill-varnished, 493 Piping, for heating pit, 256; for con- servatory, 515; required for stove, 588 Pits, constraoting forcing, 120; and frames, 200; heating from kitchen boiler, 35 : management of cold, 49i Plant, Dr. W, 401,426 Plant stand, 11 Plants for cut flowers and spraya, 317, 345, 356, 876, 488, 5C4 ; sensitive, 204 Planting, when to do, 63 Platyloma cordifolia, thrips on, 120 i'lumierias, 432 Plums, the Sultan, 113 ; early, 177, 319 ; defective, i.78; standard culinary, 233; Pond's Seedling, 292, 839; weight of, f39; Bonnet d'Eveque, 846; at Stamford Show, 368; for north wall, 431 ; Prince of Wales. 503; trees as pyramids, self ction, 548 Pocklington Pigeon Show, 26) Poinsettias, culture, 493 ; after flower- ing, 615; a double, 533; leaves fall- ing, 450 Pohantbes tuberosa and culture, 489 Poltimore, 199 Polypody, abnormal, 503 Polygonum amplexicaule, 382 Pomtgranato, out of doors, 423 ; cul- ture of. 338 ; not flowering, 14'i Poplar MeeiUng, 15 Poppies, 112; ornamental, 121 Potato humbug, 550 Potatoes— Colorado Beetle, 12; at Bir- mingham Show, 536 ; crop in north- west, 73 ; taking up crops, 298 ; cul- ture, 109; the curl, 33, 9J, 298; disease, 43, 52; new disease m, 3-*, C9, new of America, 6, 15, increasing, 118, 119, 120 ; saline manures to pre- vent disease, 134 ; applying saline manures, 167, 189; planting on dis- eased, 278; early, 77; good early, 493; in North of England, 325; for exhibiting, 537; failmg, &c., 166; Sutton's Ked-skin Flourball, 31; forcing in frames, 538; removing haulm, 279; hybrid, 422; date of introduction, 256; insects on, 121; manuring for, 515; saline manures for,232; medal to Mr. W. G. Smith, 76 ; prizes lor, 360 ; seed, savinu', 99, cleaning, 299 ; resting spores of, 70; Show, International, 290; storing, 178, 221, 241, 205, 407; removing stems, 209 ; Snowflake and Eureka, 252 Pot-herbs, tray of, 141 PoihoIm.SGO Pots, incrustation of 14; porous gar- den, 41, 74, li3, 135, 181;j,non-porous, 183 ; home-made, 88 Potted plants, watering, 555 Poultry— mortality, llO; firming, 19\ 280, 472 ; keeping, 147 ; selhng, 148 ; re'rospect of. 301; auction sales of, 349; sale of Lady Gwydyr's, 352 ; for exhibition, 353; houses, heat- ing, 354; grinding corn for, 57^; house, the Paragon, 592 ; manure, I 587 ; present and future, 587 Pouters, exhibiting, B52; Pigmy, at Crystal Palaco, 5 0 Prices of prize fowls. 283 Primulacere, hybrid, E54 Primulas, culture, 118 ; ama^na culture, 141; Parryi, 210; for March, 538 Prizes, 538 Protection, 525; structures. 200. 2CC Protective precautions. 5!3 Protector for plants, 58) Proteinophallus Kivieri, 508 Prune— why so much V 221 Pruning scissors, French, 332 Pruning, summer, C5,156 Pullets moultin? in December, GM Pultency, Dr., 89 Pvretlirums, propagating, 121 ; selGct, 325 PyruB Mauloi jam,^420 QOESTIONS, A BiTCn OP, 331 Quince marmalade, 456; compote oi, 351 Rabbit hutches, 194 Rabbits, catching, 432 ; keeping in Bel- gium, 414; check tumoured, 24); sale of skins, 148 ; Silver-Grey, 20; at Bramley, 1()4 ; Sunflower for, 284 ; Rains, injury by. 76; fall of, 78 Ranunculuses, 817; cultui-e, 515, 550; planting. 432 Raspberries, culture, 79, 416; early, 17G ; pruning autumn-bearing, 450 Redlees,92 Red spider, destroying, IS Rest. 562 Rhododendron cuttings, 79 Rhododendrons, repotting, 450 ; pro- pagating, 471 Rhubarb's introduction, 388 Rhubarb forcing, 448, 451 Richmond Horticultural Society's Show. 46 Ripon Poultry Show. 57 Rochdale Poultry Show, 193 Rockwork. 464 ; sowing for plants, 583 Rolleston Hall, 533 Romance in real life, 164 Root Shows. Cartel's & Sutton'j, 466 Root, pruning, 279 ; storing, 291 Rosemary hedge, 3'j7 Rosery, turtis's,91 "Rose Garden," 441 Rose-garden at Bath, 244 ; election, 415; hurdle, OHerhead's, 313; of Jericho, 576; John, 114 Roses, 22; Teas for walla, 1 ; button- hole, 7, 15. 47; not clustered. 11; China, casting their buds, Mar«'chal Niel and Aimt-c Vibert not flowering, mildew on, 35; concerning, 42 ; wild in Ireland, for wall of vinery, 55; cut-back, 64; on Manetti stock, standard, 79 ; cultural hints, 85 ; notes on, 87. 89 ; far north, 90 ; cater- pillars on, 99; from cuttings, 108; for small collection, 109; buddint', 120; varieties of scent, 129; esti- mate of 130, 133; notes from Corn- wall, 13; cuttings, 184; Duchesse dc Cavlus, Banksian not flowering, mildewed, 142, 166, 167; Briar suck, ers for stocks, 1G7; election of 1875, 182; improving colour, increasing size, 210 ; planting half-standard, leaves mildewed, liquid manure for, 25i3 ; pruning pot, 257 ; on their own roots, 272; Martchal Niel budding, 278; a dozen for garden, 'z79 esti- mate of new and recent, 287 ; new, £89; for south wall, for east wall, 326; mildew on, house for and se- lection of varieties, 348; Beauty of Glazenwood, 358; Tea for paling, 388; of 1875, 396; Marti-chal Niel in greenhouse, 407; for small col- lections, 426; and their stocks, 431; prizes for, transplanting stocks, raising from Eced, dwarf in green- house, 450; votes of electors, 438; potting and pruning, unbinding buds. 451 ; removmg, soil for, prun- ing, 471; estimate of fragrant. 48i; Briar stocks from tuttmgs, 484; re- moving, 493 ; iron pillars for, 494 ; Loil for pot, 515; Cloth of Gold, 506; fragrant, 507,5.8; Beauty of Glazen- wood, 587 ; fragrant, 555 ; on rooted Briar, 5B1 ; fungus on, 56i PoSB Poultry Show, 411 R,,ckor. S., 3^2 R|,t.land PouUry Show, 517 gyjjOpe Poultry Show, 215 St Ive^ Poultry Show, 259 Saisalv cooking, 387 ga^lyia rfesnera;flora, treatment of, 341 Sarmienta repens and culture, 69 Sawdust fo^ ^00^ production, 507 Scarborough warning, 47 Schizostylis coccinea culture, 483 -Scillasand culture, 504 Scissors, g^, in posa. 08 ; leaves browned, 99 100, yellow, 407 ; mildewed. 167, and their renovation, 292,333; planting, 1C7. 210; watering, las; shoots injured, 1^9: for green- house, 189; for late Grapes, 273; Lady Downea', 278 ; destroyed by wireworm,292; in Cucumber house, 800; temperature for, 312; outdoor, 826, 368; roots diseased, 369 ; clean- ing,'&c , 387; mealy bug on, 407; for late vinery, 407 ; for verandah. 450; grafting, 471; select, for cool vinery, 515; roots in sewer, 560: in houses and pots. 564 ; planting, 565 Vineries assessed, 565 Vinery, constructing, 233; renovating, 471 ; removing border, 472 Violas, cuttings. 23J ; propagation and culture, 293, 300; replanting, 4J2; winterin'^. 257 Violets, Australian, 1781: culture, 5G3 ; Dog's-tooth, i'^; in winter. 538 Vitis od^ratibsima culture, 112 Wahlenbergia Kitabelii,272 "Walks, ammoniacal liquor for, 580 ; cost of concrete, 257; in kitchen garden, £67 Wallilowers, treatment of, 341 Wall, colourinir, 401 : fruits for 8:)utli, 406; creepor for north, 407 Walnuts, storing, 300 Waltham Cross nurseries, f<'te at, 53 Warning, a Scarborough, 47 Wasps' nest under a floor, 121 Wasps, 281: and Tomatoes. 378 Water-cresses, culture, 210; stewed, 262 Watering, 12; plants, 41 Water gardens, 252 Waterproofitig canvas, 414 "Watford Poultry Show, 541 "Weeds, seashore, on walks, 463 Weeks, doings of last and present, 13, S3, 54, 77, 98, 119, 140, 165. I8ft. 209. 231 , 255. 277, 29-1.324. 347,386,405. i3>, 491, 470, 492. 513, 536. 563, 595 Wellingborough Poultry Show, 431 Wenslade. 198 Wensley, 164 Wt'lherby Poultry Show. 305 Wevbridge. a visit, 313 Whitby Poultry Show. 169 Whitwick Poultry Show, 144 Willow, the White, 181 Winterton Poultry Shoff, 53 Winter temperatures, i'ii Winter temperature for plaats, 451 Wisbeach Flower Show, 46 Wolstenholme's pictures. 591 Woodlice, destroying, 15 Woolwich Poultry Show, 563 [565 Worms, in flower pots, 426; in pots, Yarmouth Poultey Show, 573 York, Ancient Florists, .iS^ Yorkshire Society's Poultry Show, ; Yucca, good specimens, 2C3 Zinnia elsqans, 188 WOODCUTS, PAQE, Abrus precatoriuB 417 Amaryllis belladonna 184 Anning, Mary 385 AstonPark 91. 139 Bar frames 5i5 Belvoir Castle Garden 19,30, 273 Bobart, Jacob 364 Canary, Lizard 147 Car>ophyllus aromaticas 248 Clarkias, double 484 Cleveland House gardens 206, 226 Cole Orton Hall 447. 559 Conophallus bulbiferus 8 Cotton. Charles 468 Covent Garden Market 321 Crystal Palace beds 314, 315 Dion.Ta muscipola 289 Drynaria coronaus 73 Danorlan garden 365 E pideadrura aurantiacum 160 Evelyn, John 250 Fl )wer bed 161 pots, home-made 88 Fruit room 179 PAOR. Grapes, at Arkleton 297 „ a bunch 88>, 402 „ keeping 465 HacknessHall 117 HardwickHall 583 Hartham Park 424, 425 Helleborus viridis 157 Hive covers 413 Honey extractor 479 Jacobin 521 Jules d'AiroUes Pear 469 Keeling and Hunt's sale room 188 Kitchen boiler, heating 553 Knott's Greeo 51 Lilium auratum at Dunervan 286 Lobelia urens 318 Myristica aromatica ' 491 Nectarine, Lord Napier 110 Nelumbium luteum 879 Norris Green 512 Odontnglossum hastatum 881 Oleander 859 (Enothera 28 Ophioglossum palmatum ..,., , 555 PAGE. Osmaston Man 9r 404 Peach blister SI Phalrenopsis amabilis 421 Plant protectors 200, 266. 58 1 „ stand 11 Pomegranate 388 Potato fungus 72 Pouttrv house and run 59^ Rabbit hutches 194 Rolleston Hall 534 Rose of Jericho 577 Rose, John 116 Salvia gcsnerieflora 842 Secateur 882 Solandra grandiflora SO Stannopea basket S39 ,, martiana 843 Stapelia variegata 443 Strawberries 222, 251 Supers for hives 28 Topiarywork 229, 490 VioePyralis 95 Willow, White ... 185 July 1, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. nvv V BvTAN UAitD Day Day of of Month Week. 1 Th 2 P !t 8 4 Son 5 M R To 7 w JULY 1—7, 1876. Birmingbam Great Exhibition opens. Spalding Show Gtolntjisfh' Ai^sociation at Hp.m. [ opens. Brockbam (Eoee), Soutbgate and Camden Park (West 6 Sunday after Trinity. [ Kent), Shows. Eutoiuologieal Society at 7 P.M. firantbara Sbow opens. Royal Horticultural Society— Cut Rose Show. Averag 3 Temperature near London. Bises. Sets. Day. Nieht. Mean. m. h. m. h. 74.8 60.8 62 8 49afS 18 a( 8 73.4 51.2 62.3 60 8 18 8 74 0 50.2 62.1 60 3 17 8 76 1 50 2 63.2 51 S 17 8 77.1 60.2 63 7 62 3 IB 8 76.0 508 63.4 63 8 16 8 73.7 60.8 622 51 S 15 8 Moon KiaeB. Moon Seta. m. ta. 23 af 1 9 16 38 6 S3 65 m. h. 16af 7 29 K 20 9 55 9 18 10 86 10 47 10 Moon'a Ago. Dptb. 28 29 O 1 2 3 4 Olnck before 8un. 4 33 Day 182 183 184 185 ]H6 187 188 60.6' From observations takoa near London daring (orty-tbree years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.0°; and its night temperature HALF AN HOUR AMONG THE TEA EOSES. ' MONG the many merits of Tea Eoses and Tea-scented Noisettes is their suitableness for covering walls high or low, and spaces of a few square feet or of a wide expanse, very small plants that are only a few months old and a foot or two in height yielding both foliage and flowers of much excellence, and which are quite as admirable and useful in their way as the older and larger plants, or rather trees, bearing perchance many hundreds of blooms. A single glance tells the experienced eye what position a new sort requires, all of delicate and slender growth being admirably adapted for clothing with beauty the base of walls that are usually left bare by the rampant growth of more vigorous kinds, as well as more prominent and favourable positions. I have a collection of upwards of fifty kinds of this charming section of the Rose family all growing against walls and buildings, and planted in soil prepared for them with great care. Under these favourable conditions most of them have thriven very well, and when jotting down their leading characteristics lately for my own future guidance it occurred to me that my notes might interest and assist others in forming a correct idea of the relative merits and value of the various kinds, not so much as exhibition flowers as for the greater intrinsic worth of beauty in the expanding flower buds and foliage- points which are, I think, of even greater importance, certainly of greater utility than the production of fine large flowers. Some stress is laid upon this matter because it appears to receive very little notice ; in fact I am by no means certain that in the rage for fine flowers it is not almost lost sight of. What say the rosarians ? Do they plead '•not guilty," and claim that all their "gems and jewels rare " are of such invariable excellence in this respect that official notice is uncalled for ? Of course it must be granted that there is beauty in every leaf and bud ; but it is undoubtedly beauty in degree — good, better, best, and I suppose no one will attempt to question the im- portance of some classification. Large numbers of Eoses are cut and sent to town during the season ; and this is one, but only a secondary, reason why I value beautiful flower buds and foliage so highly, for it is upon the growing plant that they are undoubtedly most attractive, and the estimate of those kinds which I have now to give is not based upon the appearance of a single flower or truss, but upon that of one or more plants of each. Taking them in the order in which they are entered in the note-book, first of all comes that fine old Rose Gloire de Dijon, alike excellent in bud, flower, and foliage. There are several seedlings of it, most of them partaking of its robust habit and fine foliage, but of in- ferior merit in other respects. President has large buds and flowers ; loose, dull- looking, and worthless. Safrano. — Excellent in bud, and is then most useful No. 714.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeieb. for bouquets ; but the expanded flowers are thin, ragged, and so unsightly that it ought never to occupy a pro- minent position. Marcchal Niel. — Objection is sometimes taken to this magnificent Rose because its flowers are pendant; if it were of a dwarf bushy habit the objection might hold good ; but in such a vigorous climber it is a decided merit and not a blemish at all. A fine specimen of it which was planted about three years and half ago is now quite 20 feet high, and has had upwards of three hundred flowers open at one time this year. The effect of such a mass of pendant golden flowers was as fine as it was singular ; aud what is perhaps more important in the ■eyes of many, they met with even more admiration when cut than when suspended upon the plant high overhead. I have about a dozen plants of this Rose trained to walls of different aspects and in open borders, and have always found the flowers of a higher colour upon a south aspect than in any other position. Of a robust, free, vigorous growth, with flowers and foliage of the highest excellence, and very free-flowering, it may justly be termed an in- dispensable sort, finding as prominent a position in the select few of an amateur's garden as it does among the thousands of the largest growers. Homcre. — This is variable in colour, but is usually of a pale salmon at the base of the petals, deepening outwards to a deep pink. The edges of the petals are beautifully recurved. It is a charming, distinct, and most useful variety. Isabella Sprant has nice little delicate yellow buds, which are useful ; the expanded flowers are worthless. The effect of different aspects is strikingly exemplified in a plant of this sort, which is trained to a buttress. Upon the north and east sides the growth is stunted and weak, with puny worthless flower buds ; while upon the south side the growth, foliage, and flower buds are as vigorous and fine as could be wished. Belle dc Bordeaux. — A vigorous but shy-flowering kind, hardly worthy of a place. Heine de Portugal. — Fine large buds of a coppery hue, which as they unfold their broad elegant petals assume a rich yellow tinge. A fine Rose with handsome foliage, but apt to be petal-bound. Boule d'Or. — Fine pale-yellow buds, deepening in colour as they expand into equally fine flowers. Marie Sislei). — Fine, large, pendant buds, of a lovely pale pink colour. Foliage good. Madame Duchcr. — This has large buds of the Gloire de Dijon type, but paler in colour. It is a second-rate Rose, of a somewhat loose straggling habit of growth. Ahricotc. — Delicate fawn-coloured buds, exquisite in form, and which expand into large and tolerably full flowers. The pendant habit of its flowers renders it a desirable kind for training upon high walls or buildings. It has handsome foliage, and is altogether a fine Rose. Madame Coclina Noircij. — -A valuable sort, with abun- dant large delicate pink flowers, handsome foliage, and of a remarkably compact growth. Devoniensis. — Magnificent buds and flowers of a pale No. 139G.-VOL. LIV., Old Sebies. 2 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENKR, [ Jalj 1, 1876. jdlow shade of colonr. The dwarf growth is clothed with handsome foliage. A fine Eoee. Viscomleate de Cazes. — Useless for bouquets owing to the looseneea of the flowers, but so rich in colour — a bright golden yellow — as to merit a place. Madame Level. — This is another kind with thin loose flowers of bad form. It is a free-blooming kind, but unworthy of wall space. lluhens.—'Bxx'Xa of medium size, yellowish white, with a charming pink tinge ; elegant recurved petals. A fine Bose, ■with handBome foliage. Madame Bravy. — A delicite kind, of little merit. i/orti'Hsia.— Another delicate kind, but with fine, large, rosy- pink flowers. An txeellent variety. Triomphe de Luxevibourg. — This has rose-coloured flowers, tinged with copper. The buds are good. Growth of medium vigi ur. Narcissc. — Flowers white, with a charming yellow tinge. The exquisite form and delicate colour of its buds render this a most desirable kind. Madame Azi'lie Imbert. — Pretty little cream-coloured buds, ■which are very useful ; but like its parent Madame Faloot, its expanded flowers are worthless. Souvenir d'tin Ami. — This fine old Bose still holds its own, and is worthy of a prominent position. It has beautiful flowers, full, and of a charming pink colour. Madame Margottin. — The yellow flower buds of this kind are good, and the foliage handsome, but the expanded flowers are worthless. Madame Falcot. — Buds of exquisite form of a deep fawn colour. Somewhat resembling Safrano, but infinitely superior to it. Madame Hippoli/te Jamain. — A very Iree-flowering kind, but unworthy of wall space. Momieur Furtado. — Pretty flower buds of a delicate yellow shade. Madame Mulanie Willermoz. — Large creamy white flowers tinged with pink of the Gloire de Dijon type. It is an excel- lent kind, vigorous in growth and very free-flowering. A fine Bose. GoubauU. — A vigorous free-flowering, deep-flesh-coloured old Bose, valuable for its buds, which are flue in form and distinct in colour. J^'iphetoi. — An excellent large white kind ; the flowers are pendant, full, and well formed. Jean Pcrnel. — This is an excellent variety, bearing well- formed flowerp, full, and of a delicate pleasing shade of yellow. The flower buds are very useful, Sombreuil. — A white kind with a delicate pink tinge, very good and well-.-haped flowers, of vigorous growth, with fine foliage, and excellent in every respect. Due de Mayenta. — A free-flowering kind, with nice useful buds and flowers of a novel yellow and pink tinge. Lamarque 7i Jleurs jaune. — The opening buds of this variety reveal a charming interior of rich bright yellow. They are exquisite in form, yet they, like so many others, expand into comparatively worthless flowers. It has handsome foliage, and is quite indispecs b'e for its buds, which are really unique. Comte de Paris has pretty pale pink flowers. The buds are useful. Perle de Lyon. — This is so delicate with mo that I am quite unable to form an estimate of its worth. I shall be glad to learn more about it from others. Montplaisir. — This is another of the Gloire de Dijon strain, having large flowers, but wanting delicacy and refinement both in the form and texture of its flowers. Belle Lyonaise is also a seedling of the prolific Gloire de Dijon. Its flowers, of a deep canary yellow, are fuU and well- formed. Belle Maconnaise. — The flowers of this kind are so decidedly inferior in every respect that I shall discard it. Adrienne Christoplile. — Anovel kind, with very high-coloured flowers of a rich coppery yellow, and with a pink centre. It is worthy of a place. Bouton d'Or. — This has charming little bright ycUow flower buds, which are very useful. It is a valuable dwarf-growing kind. Victor PttUiat. — The flowers of this are of the most paltry description — loose, ragged, and thin ; they are without a tingle redeeming point even under the best culture and in a warm sheltered potitiou. Climbing Devonietisis. — This is a splendid variety in every respect. It is wonderfully vigorous, bearing its fine flowers of the true Devoniensis type most abundantly. The shoots of a small plant which was planted against a 10-feet wall between three and four years ago reached the top so quickly, and the entire plant was so vigorous, that it was transplanted to the south front of a building about 50 feet high ; it has now attained a height of about 20 feet, and will probably cover the entire fpioe allotted to it in course of two or three years more. Triomphe de Rennes. — This has pretty little flowers of a delicate yellow shade, but ia unworthy of a prominent position. Solfaterre. — This fine old Bose requires a considerable share of wall-space to develope its full excellence. Its large, full, and wtU-formed flowers are of a delicate and most charming shade of yellow. — Edwakd Ldckhuesi. BEES AND COTONEASTEB MICROPHYLLA. Thocgh not an apiarian I confess to be interested in the hive bee. I know of bees only outside their hives — nay, those I know now are not in hives, but have their domicile in the roof of a house. There are two colonies of them, one of very many years' standing, and the other came from a neighbour- ing apiary three years ago. The new comers sought entrance to the roof by the same opening as the old colony had ; but though mighty in numbers they had to be content to take to the north side of the roof, the old one having an entrance at the southern side. Whether they fought for possession of the entire roof or location is not known, but that the new comers were satisfied may be inferred from the fact that they were very fractious for some days before they settled down, and until the old colony had cast off a swarm. What made me notice them particularly were their coming in great num- bers and flying round the eaves of my cottage as if in quest of new quarters. Between it and their quarters the creatures maintained a string or line along some railings, reconnoitreing slowly as they advanced from, but were less guarded or sped them swifter in returning to, quarters. So far as the railings went the bees followed them, and from where the railings turned at right angles they took a straight flight to and fro to the roof. Pugnacious were they, making attacks on all approaching near their road of march. They searched the roof thoroughly all round, and finally returned to head quarters, where they have remained in quiet ever since, not casting a swarm that I know of. Whether the new comers are re- sponsible for a swarm that found its way to the roof of a lodge about half a mile distant I shall not speculate upon, or whether they are the instigators of the spies which have lately been seen busy round the eaves of the said lodge, and intend inva- sion at a not distant date, may not be as clearly shown as to carry with it the force of conviction ; but that runaway bees know beforehand whither they are bound at the outset seems clear from their straight flight to the settlement. It is not a hovering around the old habitation, and settling upon branches near, but a clear case of mind made-up beforehand, requiring only at the juncture to be acted on. The finding of runaway swarms on branches of trees is no proof that search has not been made for a domicile before the exodus, for it may be the queen is unequal to the task, and settles where she does of fatigue, surrounded by her clamorous subjects. Is it proven that a swarm so left would perish, and not after a halt renew the journey ? Failing this, would the bees not return to whence they came out, minus it may be the queen ? And what would be the good of continuing the journey if the essential of their existence were not capable of reaching the destination marked for the new colony ? It would be a mercy to dispatch the queen and return to their old friends, or both may return together. Anywise it seems to me (excuse my knowledge of bee-ology) contrary to the philosophy of nature and instinct for a swarm of bees to be driven out or of its own accord leave a hive, not knowing whither it is bound, or without means instinctive of selecting one. Can it be that the "cultivated" bee is so accustomed to have its habitation provided as to lose the instinct peculiar to it in a wild state in providing itself with a domicile ? and are not runaway bees evidence of the full returning of their instinctive power? — a return from the cultivated to the natural state. Bees, runaway or home, how fond they are of the flowers of the Cotoneaster miorophylla. Every flower seems to be possessed by a bee, and hnmble bees are also bu^y in sharing in the sweets. Upon no shrub or plant have I noticed the bees so busy as upon the flowers of this. Salvia nemorosa and Heather (CiUuna vulgaris) are no exceptions, but they flower Jnly 1, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. later; NepetaMnsBini, an effective Uvender-manve flower plant for borders, being a good foraging ground for bees. The Cotoneaster is a qnick-growing evergreen sbrnb, and though the leaves are small the growth is so dense and close as to give a carpet of deep shining green to rock, and rugged ground, whilst for walls it clothes them in a close green mantle, be they old or new, and for low walls up to those of a dozen feet or more it is, for a close covering, perhaps match- less. The flowers are white, and only from their number are figoificant of the following of the bright red berries, appearing to great advantage — coral beads upon the brightest and deepest of emerald setting ; against the walls of a church it is a fitting subject, according well at the festive season with the decorated interior. Bugged and sloping banks after the plants become esta- blished are covered by it speedily and effectively, and though it has been recommended as good for growing under trees, my experience appears to point to only partial success. It is not either suited to a position very bleak or exposed, as the growths are cut by severe weather, especially if the ground be rich and the growths consequently strong and iiuripe. With moderate shelter, however, it succeeds admirably. C. buxifolia has rounder leaves, is of more glaucous aspect, and is not nearly so good or free-growing as C. miorophylla ; and C. Simmons! , which was vaunted upon its production as a berry-bearing shrub, is certainly very free in growth, of stiff and erect habit, of no use whatever as an evergreen cover- ing for walls, being at best only a semi-evergreen, losing a majority of its leaves in winter ; but it bears a profusion of bright orange-red berries, which are very pretty and useful for deoorative purposes at the dreary season. — G. Aebet. ALEXANDRA PALACE ROSE SHOW. June 24th. A PERIOD of showery weather followed by a week of dull yet dry days has aided the production of splendid Roses. The rains suppoited the plants, and the cloudy days intensified the colours of the flowers, and a perfect show-day enabled them to be set-up in large numbers, and many of them of a high order of merit. The first Alexandra Show was great not only in name bat in fact. The great Rose champions entered the lists and marshalled their forces in such numbers as almost to over- tax the energies of the managers, but by dint of bard work the arrangements were jnst completed in time for the public in- spection. It is indeed little short of a marvel, considering the distance the collections have to be brought, and the utter de- pendence on trains not always punctual, that flowers can be staged in such numbers and freshness as are found at any ex- hibition of note. It is only by untiring devotion and unremit- ting work that an exhibition such as this can he perfected, and the Rose-loving world should recognise the efforts and appre- ciate the labours to all who contribute to a succestfal display. A cocaprehensive schedule and liberal prizes met a general response of rosarians. At this first Show thousands of blooms were staged, and thousands of visitors were attracted, yet on the first day the numbers were more select than numerous. As is to be expected in such a large number, many blooms were small and indifferent, but still more were exceedingly fine. As a rule the collections were too fully expanded, and had just passed the prime of the fall gloss and freshness cf youth. Some of the exhibitors were sensible of this, and wisely kepi their blooms covered until the last moment. The Judges were sensible of it too, and did not always award primary honours to the largest blooms, but evidently and justly gave full weight to freshness, colour, and uniformity. Roses are never so beautiful as just before they are fully expanded, and mere size does not, neither ought it to, carry the palm. We note this because the weak point of the Exhibition — and it is a common if not a growing weakness — was that a majority of the blooms were too far ad- vanced. Two-days shows have frequently a ragged appearance on the second day, by paying undue honour to mere size of blooms on the first. The correctness of the judgment will, in most instances, in this Show, we think, be as clearly seen on the second day as at the time the awards were made, and that is no mean proof that quality has been recognised aa well as size. In glancing at the classes we shall not append a long string of names, as it is only repeating John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre, Mme. La Baroune de Rothschild, Alfred Colomb, La France, &c , over again. Such Roses are always good, and are constant and sterling varieties indispensable in all collections. In the six exhibits in the nurserymen's class for seventy-two single trusses the above were all represented in flue order. Messrs. Paul and Sjn, Cheshuut, secured first hononra with an even l"t, com- bining size, substance, and colour. Amongst them Duke of Cjnnaaght, Due de Rohan, Eugenie Verdier, and MaiieBau- maun shone pre-eminent. Messrs. Cranston & Mayos were second with equftlly large blooms of nearly the same varieties?, but not quite so bright and fresh as the Cheshunt Roses. Mr. Cant, Colchester, was third with fmiiUer but particularly fresh blooms. In this collectiou Emilie Hausburgh was lovely. Than this no more charming tlower was in the Exhibition. Louis Van Houtte was also intensely coloured, and Niphetos was shown in faultless beauty. Mr. Turner was placed fourth. An extra prize .,was awarded to Mr. Keynes, Salisbiiry, f ir a collection of considerable merit. In this class the bloom were the finest in the Exhibition. More imposing, however, was the following class for forty-eight varieties, of each thrre trusses (five competitors). Here Mr. Turner, Slough, was in the ascendant, securing first honours with blooms nearly equil to those in class 1. Mareohal Niel, Maurice Bernardin, Madame Eugenie Verdier, and Etienne Tjevet were amongst the bebt. Paul & Son were second with La France (splendid), Senateur Vaisse (very bright), Charles Rouillard, Framjois Miohelon, etc.; Mr. Keynes being third, his Devoniensis and Marquise de Castellane being the most effective. Mr. Cant was fourth ; an extra going to Messrs. Cranston & Mayos for blooms only a shade inferior to those of their great rivals. In the class for twenty four triplets of Hybrid Perpetuals were ten competitors. It was a massive display, Messrs. Paul & Son having the premier place with blooms almost perfect in form ■and colour, but not very large. Madame Lacharme was here very good ; and very fine were La Ville de St. Denis, Louis Van Houtte, Marie Baumann, and Madame Hippolyte Jamain. Mr. Prince, Oxford, was second with blooms of great substance, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos being third, and Mr. Turner fourth. In the next class, for twenty- four single blooms, eight fine boxes were staged, Mr. Keynes winning with a level lot of great excel- lence, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos and Mr. Prince following in the order named ; equal fourth being awarded to Messrs. Davison and Whitten, Hereford, and Mr. Cant. The best blooms in these collections, besides the old standards, were Etienne Levet, Mad. Hippolyte Jamain, Exposition de Brie, Catherine Mermet, Xavier Olibo, Dr Andry, Fisher Holmes, Marie Baumann, Mar- quise de Mortemart, Princess Beatrice, Horace Vernet, Louise Van Houtte, Marguerite de St. Amand, and Franpois Michelon. In the nurserymen's class for Tea-scented and Noisette Roses were six competitors, and some charming flowers were staged ; Messrs. Paul & Son winning a close race, followed by Mr. Prince and Mr. Cant in the order named, Messrs. Davison & Whitten being fourth ; Mr. Keynes having an extra prize. In the cor- responding class for amateurs the Rev. J. B. M. Camm was first, followed by Captain Christy, T. Laxton, Esq., Stamford, and Mr. Pulien, gardener to E. Smith, Esq., Colney Hatch. These charming Roses afforded a refreshing relief to the Hybrid Perpetual classes, and had many admirers. The best were Marechal Niel, Anna OUivier, Madame V/illermoz, Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, Devoniensis, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Gloire de Bordeaux, Marie Van Houtte, Belle Lyonnaise, Madame Capucine, Alba Rosea, Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir d'Elise, Celine Forestier, Adam, President, Mr. Kemble, Mens. Fartado, Josephine Malton, Reve d'Or, and Homere. In the remainder of the amateurs' classes was good compe- tition. For forty-eight single trusses Mr. Baker, Heavitree, Exeter, won the first honours with a very fine collection. Some of the best were Marie Van Houtte, Marie Baumann, Annie Laxton, Fraoijois Miohelon, Duchesse de Caylus, Beauty of Waltham, and Centifolia Rosea. The other awards going to Miss Penrice, Norwich ; Mr. Rushmore, gardener to Sir C. Rowley, Bart., Tendring Hall, Colchester, and Mr. Laxton. For thirty-six blooms eleven competed, Mr. Baker being again in the ascendant; Mr. Curtis, Chatteris, Mr. Cavell, Oxford, and Mr. Mayo following in the order named ; Mr. Camm having an extra prize. In the class for twenty-tour blooms seventeen competed, and the awards were made in the following order — Mr. Atkinson, Brentwood; Mr. A. J. Bloxham, Oxford; Mr. T. Jowitt, Hereford; Mr. Curtis and Mr. Baker, equal fourth; and an extra to Mr. Mayo. In these collections many inferior blooms were placed, but the winning stands contained fine ex- amples of standard varieties; Beauty of Waltham, Henri Lede- chaux, Paul Verdier, Marquise de Castellane, Annie Laxton, and Etienne Levet showing to advantage. In the class for twelve were eighteen collections of superior quality, Mr. Baker being placed first; Rev. A. Cheales, Reigtte, and Mr. Taylor, Oxford, equal second; Mr. Smallbones third; Mr. Gravely fourth; an extra award being given to Mr. Mayo. The open classes were specially interesting, and brought out some fine Roses. For twelve blooms of 1873, 1874, or 1875 Mr. Turner secured the first place. He had very fine examples of Beauty of Slough, Dean of Windsor, Caroline Kuster, Mr. Baker, Capitaine Christy, J. S. Mill, &c. ; second honours going to Messrs. Paul & Son, who had amongst their finest Duchess of Edin- burgh, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Reynolds Hole, and Etienne Levet. Mr. Cant had third place, his best being William Hayes, Etienne Dupny, Madame Lacharme, and Antoine Mouton of a v>-ry pleasing lavender tint; Mr. Keynes being placed fourth. For JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jnly 1, 187B. eix trnsees of any Rose of 1873, 1874, or 1875 Messrs. Cranston and Sons won with Sir Garnet Wolseley. It is one of the best Eoses ever set up, rich, deep, full, and grand. Messrs. Paul and Son had second place with their distinct and good variety Cheshunt Hybrid, followed by Mr. Corp, O.^jfurd, and Messrs. Davison & Whitten with Capitaine Christie. For eighteen truBsea of English-raised Eoses in commerce Mr. Turner and Messrs. Paul & Son were first and second respectively. The best were John Hopper, Rpv. J. B. M. Camm, Miss Hassard, Wilson Saunders, aud Lord Napier. lu the open class for twelve single blooms Mr. Walker, Thame, Oxou, won with the best bos of blooms in the Exhibition ; Mr Keynes being second, Mr. Turner third, and Messrs. Corp and Prince equal fourth. We now come to the classes for twelve blooms each of nine special varieties, which resulted in a rich display; and it is likely that this mode of showing popular Roses will become more general. It would have been complete if a champion prize had been added to the best box in the Show. Of Alfred Colomb four collections were entered, the honours being appor- tioned to Mr. Turner, Mr. Baker, and Messrs. Paul & Sou re- spectively. For Duke of Edinburgh, Messrs. Paul & Sou and Mr. Turner shared the awards. For Mme. La Baronne de Eothschild (splendid blooms), Mr. Baker and Mr. Prince were winners. For La France, Mr. tjaker was again first, closely followed by Messrs. Paul & Son with grand collections. For Marie Baumann, Mr. Curtis and Mr. Baker were placed in the order named, with handsome stands. For Marc'chal Niel, Mr. Cant was first aud Mr. Walker second. For Princess Beatrice, Mr. House, Peter- borough, and Messrs. Paul & Son. For Edward Morren, Mr. House and Mr. Cant ; aud for Madame Lacharme, Mr. Cant was first and Messrs. Paul & Son second. What shall we say of this controversial Rose ? " D., Deal," is right in calling it good, and Mr. Camm is right in calling it indifferent. How can this be ? As a white Eose, when well finished it is the best of all. Good examples of it were shown, but many more were indifferent both in size, form, and purity of colour, and the plants exhibited were infested with mildew. It is good when well grown; so "D, Deal," is right, but is evidently anything but a constant and good grower, which affords Mr. Camm room for complaint ; besides it is scentless, or worse, and hence that rosarian cannot esteem it of the highest merit. Madame Lacharme must be grown, and those who pro- dace perfect blooms will have reason to be proud of them. That is the teaching of the Alexandra Show to an unprejudiced and impartial mind. l''or fifty pot Eoses Messrs. PauUt Son had the post of honour, Mr. Turner's plants being nearly as good. For standards there was no entry. For vases of Roses Miss Money of the Alexandra Palace had the first prize; Mr. Gardiner, gardener to Lady Gamier, being second. Certificates were awarded to Mr. Laxf on for Mrs. Laxton, a beautiful Eoso with the form of Marie Bau- mann and the colour of Si'nateur Vaisse ; and for Emily Laxton of the type of Marquise de Castellane, but richer in colour. Mr. Laxton also exhibited Dr. Hogg, a rich claret, with good sub- stance. Mr. Turner had certificates for Mrs. Baker, a flat- petalled velvety Rose ; and Oxonian, a globular flower of great Bubstauce, a deep rose-coloured Princess Beatrice. Mr. W.Paul exhibited new seedling Eoses of great promise. Mr. Turner had certificates for finely-laced Pinks and plants of new Pelargoniums. A batch of Gloxinias of merit were ex- hibited by the Alexandra Palace Company, four of which were certificated. Certificates were also awarded to Mr. Ware for a double Sweet William ; and to Messrs. Barron & Son for Cu- pressus Lawsoniana elegantissima and Relinospora tetragonia aurea. Miss Williams, Holloway, had elegantly arranged groups of flowers. Mr. Williams had first prize for a large collection of plants, and Mr. Turner second; and the hall was made gay with large and well-filled vases of flowering plants and Ferns. Altogether the first Eose Show was a successful one, and with the experience it has afforded is no doubt but the precursor of others still better, especially in some details of arrangement ■which the Exhibition would suggest to the intelligence of the managers. EOYAL HOBTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. The following requisition signed by more than twelve Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society having been pre- sented to the Council, in aecordauce with the bye- laws, a special General Meeting is hereby called for Thursday, July 8th, at 3 o'clock p.m., in the Council-room of the Society, at South Kensington. — Robert Hogg, Secretary. " We, the undersigned Fellows of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, respectfully request the Council of the said Society to summon a general meeting of the Fellows with as little delay as possible, to consider the conduct of Lord Bury, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Messrs. Bonamy Dobree and Burnley Hume, in re- ference to the non-completion of their resignations, aud other matters that it may be deemed necessary to introduce to the notice of the Meeting under the head of acts and doings of the afore-mentioned gentlemen during and in connection with their membership of the Council. " Also for the purpose of conferring with the Council as to the steps that should be taken to extricate the Society from the difficulties under which it is placed from the obstructive position assumed by Lord Bury, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Messrs. Bonamy Djbree aud Burnley Hume, in the non-completion of their resignations." CRYSTAL PALACE ROSE SHOW. June 2Cth. No sooner is one great tournament over on the north of the metropolis than another, if not greater, yet in most respects better, is arranged — where so many fine gatherings have been seen before — in the great Palace at Sydenham. Eose shows are unlike plant exhibitions in one important respect (although there is necessarily a great similarity in the nature of the ex- hibits), that the identical prize-winners are not transferred from one place to another in precisely the same state and with exactly the same results. If in the case of Roses we have just the same exhibitors and much the same order of success, we have undoubtedly different flowers from those which have been previously seen aud described. The two great gatherings described this week are distinct in the essential points of quality of blooms and their order of arrangement. It is but just to note that the Crystal Palace arrangements have fairly carried the palm for efficiency, and it is serviceable to others to know wherein this efficiency con- sisted. That blooms are produced in better condition at one place than another is beyond the pale of official management; but not so the arrangements in conducting the show. In the parallel rows of boxes arranged under the awning in the central transept at Sydenham, the Eoses showed to greater advantage than in the widely separated and lofty aisles of the Concert Hall at Muswell Hill. They were arranged with more smoothness, judged with more ease, and enjoyed with more comfort at the Crystal Palace than at the Alexandra Palace ; and further, the system is altogether simpler and better to have each exhibitor represented by name on his card rather than by number. These cards at Sydenham are simply turned face downwards, and the class number written at the back, and are not turned up until the decision is arrived at, and for the ready printed slips of "first," "second," and "third prizes," to be pasted on their face. For celerity, fairness, simplicity, and effi'-iency the plan is commendable. If honour exists in any body of men it is in the judges of Roses, and any special precautions to ensure perfect justice being done is quite needless. It may be nseful to mention this plan, which works so perfectly, as being prefer- able to the blind ticketing of the collections with numbers alone, and for the corresponding names of which the pitblio must wait with the impatience that under the circumstances is inevitable. But to the Show. It was one of the largest ever held, and one of the best. The collections were arranged on two tables, the boxes facing each side. If in a single line they would have reached 1170 yards, or nearly two-thirds of a mile. In quality the blooms were generally very superior; to lose in such a eon- test was no dishonour, but to win was indeed a triumph. We have seen larger blooms, but for colour and freshness they have nevei:, perhaps, been excelled. The dull morning retarding their expansion was an advantage, and the rich appearance of such blooms over a large collection fully expanded was very manifest. We name a very few of the best in the classes on the principle that the shorter the roll of names the more select is the list of varieties. In the nurserymen's class for seventy-two varieties of single bloom" were six competitors, each staging collections of sterling merit. " What ! Messrs. Paul & Son first again ?" was the greeting. Yes, the Cheshunt Eoses were the largest, and also equal in colour and finish to those of their great rivals, and hence they won. A very noteworthy Eose in this collection was John Bright, not, however, clothed in the sober garb of the quakers, but rather in the brilliant colour of the life-guirdsman. It is a rich and glowing variety. In con- trast was a bloom of rare excellence of Madame Eivers, and of equal high quality were Madame G. Schwartz, Duchesse de Morny, Alfred Colomb (very brilliant). Marguerite de St. Amand, and Mens. Noman. Mr. Turner, Slough, was second, Mr. Cant third; an extra third going to Messrs. Cranston & Mayos. The best blooms were Horace Vernet, Duchesse de Caylus, Dr. Andry, Xavier Olibo, Duke of Wellington, Annie Laxton, Madame Bellon, Madame Vidot, Elie Morel, Senateur Vaisse, Cecile de Chabrillant, Souvenir d'Elise, Dupuy-Jamain, Marquise de Gibot, Niphetos (splendidly shown in the collection), Charles Lefebvre, Frani;'oi8 Michelon, and Marie Baumann; and in Mr. Keynes's collection a very grod Madame Ijachaime. The above collections were nearly equal in point of merit, but the beauti- ful foliage of Mr. Turner's Eoses turned the scale in his favour. July 1, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDE NEE. For three trusses of each of forty- eight varieties were also six ■fine collections ; Mr. Cant having first honours with a grand lot of blooms ; Messrs. Paul it Sou and Mr. Keynes being equal eecond, and Mr. Turner third. The most perfect triplets were La France, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Fer- dinand de Lesseps, Louis Van Houtte, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Madame Sertot, Niphetos, Etienne Levet, Princess Beatrice, Madame C. Wood, La Fontaine, Dr. Andry, Murie Baumann, Louisa Wood, Franfoia Louvat, J. S. Mill, Victor Verdier, Marquise de Castellaue, ROve d'Or, Abel Grand, Mad. Lacharme very good, and Lamarquo in splendid form. In the class for twenty-four varieties of three trusses of each were six excellent collections, Mr. Prince, Oxford, winning with blooms of fine substance of petal and in perfect form and colour, the seedling Briar adding one more to a long list of honours. Mr. Keynes was second, and Mr. Bennett of Stapleford third. Mr. Prince had amongst his list Madame Lacharme (stick to it " D., Deal"), Francois Michelon, Marquise de Castellane, Etienne Levet, Charles Lefebvre, Madame G. Schwartz, and Marie Baumann. Mr. Cant also set-up a grand lot, his Duke of Wellington, Duchesse de Morny, and Ntphetos being the best of these line varieties in the Exhibition. The class for twenty- four single blooms brought out fine collections, amongst them were superior blooms of the varieties above named. Mr. Cooling, Broad Street, Bath, securing the post of honour ; Mr. J. Walters, Mount Radnor Nursery, Exeter, being placed second; and Mr. Walker, Thame, and Mr. Corp, Oxford, equal third, an extra third being awarded to Mr. Coppin, Shirley, Croydon. In the amateurs' classes was spirited competition, and many grand flowers were set r:p. For forty-eight varieties, single trusses, Mr. Baker, Heavitree, distancing all comers. The Heavitree Roses must have the benefit of heavy soil, for they are heavy blooms of splendid finish. Finer examples of Marie Van Houtte (lovely), Devoniensis, Prince Camille Bernardin, Dr. Andry, Alfred Colomb, Annie Wood, Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, Duchesse de Caylus, Exposition de Brie, Louis Van Houtte, and Devienne Lamy have seldom been seen. Mr. R. Draycott, gardener to Sir C. Cunard, Bart., Hallaton Hall, Leicester, was second; Mr. W. Nichol, gardener to J. H. Powell, Esq., Drinkstone Park, Bury St. Edmunds, third ; Mr. Pearoe, gardener to Prof. Adams, The Observatory, Cambridge, and the Rev. T. H. Gould, Mortimer Vicarage, Reading, having extra awards. There were ten competitors, the winning stands being highly creditable to the growers, but in the rest were many small blooms. For thirty-six single blooms fifteen com- peted, Mr. Baker being again first with perfect blooms; Mr. J. Mayo, Oxford, being second ; Mr. Draycott third ; an extra award being awarded Mr. J. Davis, Wilton, Salisbury. Mr. Baker had a charming Marie Van Houtte ; Lord Macaulay and Prince de Portia were especially brilliant, and Eugenie Verdier, Louis Van Houtte, and Etienne Levet being very fine. Mr. Robson, Sunningdale, Torquay, staged an admirable collection of fresh handsome blooms. For twenty-four single blooms no less than twenty-three competed. The flowers were perhaps gene- rally small, but beautifully fresh and well coloured. They em- braced as the best the varieties above named. The awards were given in the following order: — Mr. Baker, Mr. Atkinson, Brent- wood, and Mr. J. C. Quennell, Brentwood ; extra thirds being awarded Mr. Nichol, gardener to F. H. Powell, Esq., Drinkeston Park, Bury St. Edmunds, and Mr. L. Curtis, Chatteris. For twelve blooms were staged eighteen very fine collections, Miss Anne Lloyd, Exeter, being placed firet; Mr. Smallbones, Chat- teris, second ; Mr. Atkins, Halstead Place, Sevenoaks, and Mr. Cavell, Bard well Villa, Oxford, equal third; extra awards being made to Mr. JohnTranter, Upper Assenden, Henley-on-Thames, and Mr. G. P. Charter, Brentwood. As a rule the blooms in this class were very superior, the whole of the exhibitors con- tributing well. The open classes for new Roses always possess primary interest. For twelve blooms of any new variety of 187.3 there were six competitors, Mr. Bennett, Stapleford, achieving the post of honour with a grand collection of charming blooms of Mdlle. Marie Cointet. These had size, form, colour, and freshness; Paul tt Son being second with rich blooms of their distinct and valuable Rose Cheshunt Hybrid ; Mr. Turner having third place, also with the same variety. Two collections of Madame Lacharme competed, but they did not merit any award. This is a Rose which no one can afford to exclude from their collec- tions, although as a rule it was exhibited flimsy in the petals, and quite half of the blooms were slightly tinged. It probably requires a vigorous stock. The best bloom in the Show, and it was not perfect, was in Mr. Prince's collection, and grown on the seedling Briar. In Class 10, for twenty-four varieties, single blooms, of 1872 and 1873, were collections of great merit. Messrs. Paul & Son won the premier award in this class, the best being Emile Dupuy, John Bright, fiery; Duke of Connanght, very rich; Fran(;ois Courtin, EmUy Laxton, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Thos. Mills, Empress of India, Madame Lacharme, good bloom ; Capitaine Christy, Kleber, Peach Blossom, Etienne Levet, Claude Levet, Madame Dumaine, and Marochal MacMahon. Mr. John Durbin, English Coombe Rosery, Bath, was second; and Mr. Keynes third. Class 11, for twelve blooms of any variety of Rose, brought out a rich display of standard sorts. The premier award was worthily won by Mr. Bennett, Stapleford, with Mdlle. Marie Cointet. This is a grand Rose, set up in fine style. It is of full size, with shell-like imbricated petals of rosy-peach colour, with a fine satiny gloss suffusing every part of the blooms. It is a Rose of undeniable excellence, and will enrich the most select collection. An extra first prize was awarded to Mr. Cant for massive blooms of Souvenir d'Elise. Mr. Mobsby, gardener, Colewood House, Sussex, and Mr. Baker, Heavitree, were placed equal second with Marcohal Niel and Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild respectively; Mr. Prince, Oxford, being placed third with Marquise de Castellane; an extra third being awarded to Mr. Turner, Slough, for Marie Baumann. The above were very superior collections, and iu the same class Horace Vernet, Madame C. Wood, Abbe Bramerel, Beauty of Waltham, John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre, Frangois Michelon, and Marguerite de St. Amand were worthy associates. In this class were twenty- three competitors. The awards for yellow Roses went iu the following order: T 0 Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Cant, and Mr. Walker. They were generally too much expanded, excepting Triomphe de Rennes and Boule d'Or, and these were iu a beautifal half-open state. The rest were Marechal Niel, Adrienne Christophle, Gloire de Dijon, and Celine Forestier. For the best-arranged vase or epergne Miss Alice Hyder, St. Mary's Cray, was placed first. It was a simple graceful com- bination of Roses, Campanulas, and Ferns. Perhaps equally beautiful but more flowery was the one from Mr. Soder, gardener to O. Hanbury, Esq., Weald Hall, which had the second prize; Mr. Chard, Clarendon Park, being placed third with a vase too highly coloured. For Fern cases furnished, Messrs. Dick Bad- clifle & Co., 129, High Holborn, were first; Mr. W. 0. Garford, Springfield Nursery, Wandsworth Road, having the second place. The third prize was withheld. In the classes for table decorations was considerable compe- tition. In the open class Mr. Buster, St. Mary's Cray, was placed first ; Mrs. W. Seale, London Road, Sevenoaks, eecond ; and Mr. James Hudson, Champion Hill, Dulwich, third. Mr. Buflter's table contained five tall glass vases filled principally with Grasses, flowers being very sparingly used. It was light, cool, and free. Mrs. Scale's was more gay, and by many considered the most beautifal ; Mr. Hudson's being too heavy. The Judges have given their verdict in favour of elegance and grace as against highly- coloured embellishment, and we think thereby they have judged rightly. In the amateurs' class Mr. Hudson was first ; he had as centres three Palms, with bases of flowers. Mr. Soder, gardener to 0. Hanbury, Esq., being second with elegantly-arranged vases ; Mr. Chard being third with Palms and flowers too heavily grouped. In the ladies' class Mrs. Seale was first, Mrs. Sarah Hudson second, and Miss Edith Blair, 50, Upper Bedford Place, London, third. In these decorations blue flowers predominated, which for daylight dinners are per- missible, but for gaslight objectionable. The flowers consisted mainly of Campanulas, Water Lilies, and Cactuses. Most of the work in these classes was overdone. For wedding bouquets Mr. Wood, High Street, Sydenham, was first with far the best bouquet in the Exhibition. It was composed of white Odontoglota, Roses, Utricularias, and Ferns, with a central spray of Spirma japonica. Mr. Hepburn, Crystal Palace, was second. For opera bouquets Mr. Hepburn was first and Mr. Hudson second. For buttou-hole bouquets Mr. Hepburn was first with a yellow Rose bud, a sprig of Bouvardia, and Ferns ; Mr. Burley, Brentwood, having the second award. In the miscellaneous class prizes were awarded to Mr. Hooper, Vine Nursery, Bath, for Pyrethrums, Pansies, and Pinks ; to Mr. Hepburn for a collection of button-hole bouquets ; and to Mr. Corp, Oxford, for charming boxes of Tea-scented Roses. First-class certificates were awarded to the following — Mr. John Durbin for seedling Rose Lady Mary Keith, Mr. Laxton for Mrs. Laxton and Lady Isabel Cecil, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for Duke of Connaught and John Bright, Mr. Postans for an unnamed seedling, and Mr. Turner for seedling Rose Oxonian and seedling Pink Boiard. Messrs. Carter & Co. exhibited highly coloured Coleuses, the best being Duchess of Edinburgh, Mandarin, and The Shah — a trio of considerable value. Mr. Thompson, of the Crystal Palace Company, furnished attractive decorative plants and cut blooms in fifty varieties of Dianthus chinensis vara. Heddewiggii and laciniatus from seed supplied by Messrs. Sutton & Sons : these were of fine quality and remarkable richness, and greatly ad- mired. The Exhibition was good and admirably conducted, and the Palace grounds are now attractive and in a high state of keeping. Late Apples. — One of your correspondents inquired about late-keeping Apples. Since I have commenced writing I have JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1875. been to the cellar and brought np my last ; they are the Sassex Duck's Bill, or Winter Queening, a very good Apple both to cook and eat. They are of medium size. — G. G. NEW DISEASE OF POTATOES. I SEE in your Journal communications, or warnings, of a new Potato disease. I am sorry to say that it has appeared in this district, as in my own cottage garden I have it, but mine are Paterson's Victorias. They are affected exactly as the Kev. Mr. Berkeley says, and I have been told of others in the same way, and I am afraid that if it grows worse there will be no Potatoes where it is at all, whereas in other years there have been abundant crops. — G. C. I FIND Early Rose to have nearly escaped ; perhaps one haulm in a dozen gone, but the rest have a somewhat suspi- cious appearance on the leaf — dark ydlow spots, which appear to increase, otherwise the haulm looks healthy. Bresee's Prolific is very bad, but seems to have been attacked at a later stage than you speak of at Chiswick. When the haulm had become more than half grown the leaves assumed a spotted burnt appearance, and are gradually leaving bare poles. These were planted early (beginning of March). Do you think that makes the difference ? The seed was cut — a plan I am much against, but it was mostly composed of what Mr. Fenn styles " whoppers," but they were allowed to dry before planting. — C. I HAVE grown the American Early Rose for five years, and it has always been affected in the way you describe, but this season it is so much so that I do not intend planting it again ; fully one-third are gone. Other sorts, such as Wheeler's Milky White and Victoria, are sound. — 9. Wells, Osborne Park Gardens. Seeing yonr announcement of a "new disease" amongst Potatoes, and the letters of Mr. Fenn and Mr. Douglas, and your own observations on the same, I feel it may be of some service it I state that it is not quite new here. My Early Rose Potatoes were affected to the extent of about one-eighth in the year 1872. In 1873 they were still worse. In 1874 they were not alone, as my Early Vermont, obtained of Messrs. Veitch, were affected too. This year the Early Rose, Vermont, and Late Hose are all affected, the latter the worst. Brownell's Beauty being alongside, but quite sound, as it was with me last year. I have about eleven other Americans, all at present sound ; nor have I seen it in any of my English varieties, of which last year and this I grew upwards of fifty sorts. I have inspected many hundred gardens in this division, and find the disease affecting the same sorts only as my own. Whether the fungi are the cause or the effect is a problem for the horti- cultural doctors, which I hope will be solved. — C. W. Howaed, Canterbury. EOYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. June 30th. A SEEiEs of Bucceeeful shows was brought to a close with this Exhibition, which was devoted to fruit and cut flowers. In neither department were the collections remarkable either for extent or uniform merit. We must speak of it as a small show, for several classes were empty; yet there was some good fruit. In the four claeaes for pot Vines Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkhampstead, were the only contributors with Foster's White Seedling, carrying about thirty bunches, and Bucklaud Sweet- water, with a fewer number of hunches but of better quality. For a collection of fruit there was no entry. lu Pine Apples was scarcely any competition. For two Queens Mr. Brown, The Beeches, Weybridge, had the beet, but nearly equal were those from Mr. Landford, gardener to the Earl of Bective. The fruits averaged about 4 lbs. weight. Mr. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Kaduor, exhibited Providence of 9} lbs. ; Mr. Davies, gardener to W. IJooker, Esq., Cardiff, had a large unripe fruit of the same kind ; Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitboutn, Esq., putting up a nice Charlotte Rothschild. In the Grape classes very good fruit was elaged. For baskets of 12 lbs. there were, iu blacks, eight competitors. Mr. Ginnett, gardener to F. Wilmot, Esq., iBleworth, bad Hamburghs, perfect in colour but not large; Mr. Bones, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bridgman, and Mr. Akehurst having collections of nearly equal merit. In the corresponding class for whites the best basket came from Mr. Douglas; Mr. Fiest, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Bannermau had also very good coUcctions. For three bunchf s of Black Hamburgh five lots competed, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jack- burst, Mr. Douglas, andMr. Sage each setting up good examples. Splendid Madresfield Courts came from Mr. Ginnett, and well- finished Royal Ascots from Mr. Douglas. For three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Mr. Fiest sent highly- finished medium- sized bunches, Mr. Bannerman and Mr. Bond competing with larger and also good examples of culture. Other white Grapes were Buckland Sweetwater from Mr. Douglas, and Foster's White Seedling from Mr. Ssge. Peaches were very good. Bellegarde and Noblesse from Mr. Bones ; Teton de Venus and Violette Hative from Mr. Johnson; and Royal George and Grosse Mignonue from Mr. Lake. Necta- rines were also good. Elruge and Violette Hative from Mr. Lake ; Downton and Violette Hative from Mr. Bannerman and Mr. Grant; and Violette Grosse and Elrnge from Mr. Johnson. Melons were few and very irregular iu size. Mr. Coleman's Eastnor Castle, green flesh, was the be-t Mnlon in the exhibition. He had also Read's Scarlet Flesh. Mr. Harvey had a seedling and Duke of Edinburgh ; Mr. Chard and Mr. Douglas also com- peted. In the class for the heaviest and best-shaped scarlet flesh, Duke of Edinburgh, oval, from Mr. Sage, weighed 71 lbs.; Duke of Edinburgh, round, from Mr. Harvey, and a very nice netted fruit from Mr. Goldsmith, competed. Very good black and red Cherries came from Mr. Musk ; ex- cellent whites — Elton and Biga^reau — from Mr. Douglas ; and Governor Wood and Bigarreau from Mr. Chard. Theonly Plums we noticed were Prince Englebert and McLaughlin's Gage from Mr. Sage. In the class for four dishes of Strawberries six very fine lota competed. Mr. Douglas had Dao de Magenta, "Seedling," Amateur, and Admiral Duudas, all of good size and colour. Mr. Clarke had President, Sir J. Paxton, Dr. Hogg, and British Queen ; Mr. Turner, Slough, had James Veitch, very large, and Leon de St. Janier; Mr. Meadows and Mr. Smith, Romford, had also capital dishes. Figs came from Mr. Sage, who had Brown Turkey very good, and Early Violet; Mr. Pottle com- peting with Brown Turkey and White Marseilles. In the class for any fruit not mentioned in the schedule Mr. Sage had a bunch of Musa Cavendishii weighing 80 lbs., in fine colour and uniformly ripe. Roses were not extensively shown. In the nurserymen's classes Messrs. Turner, Panl & Son, Cant, Keynes, Eraser, and Bennett competed with the well-known popular varieties, Captain Christy and Mr. Chard being the principal amateur ex- hibitors. Capt*in Christy had a very good box of Madame Lacharme, and Mr. Cant another still better — indeed, the best we have seen of this variety. Besides these the most noticeable boxes were Devoniensis from Mr. Turner, and Niphetos from Mr. Keynes. Mr. Bennett had Mdlle. Marie Cointet; Mr. Wm. Paul Magna Charta, Star of Waltbam, and other seedlings; and Messrs. James Veitch & Sons blooms of great merit. Mr. Turner and Mr. Douglas had boxes of Pinks, and Mr. Wheeler collections of tender and hardy cut flowers. The whole of the large marquee was furnished by the Pine Apple Place Nursery Company, and the plants, both for numbers, variety, and condition, gave an admirable idea of the resources of that well-known establishment. Striking amongst the plants was Lobelia pumila magnifica, which cannot fail to take a fore- most rank in our gardens ; it is exceedingly rich and free. Lo- belia Sparkle is also very attractive, and Blue Stone gives pro- mise of usefulness. The awards were not completed on our departure from the gardens. THE CHISWICK GARDEN OP THE ROYAL HORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY. Always interesting, and much more than interesting, are these renowned gardens. They are in the highest degree in- structive, being the national testing ground of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They are emphatically useful by the quiet progress of important work which is ever going on under Mr. Barron's able superintendence. With this practical testing ground whereon to found their judgments the Committees of the Royal Hortioultnral Society possess a means of arriving at a sound decision unequalled by any other body of censors. In the best interests of national horticulture these gardens should be sustained. As a supply ground for the ornamental appendage of South Kensington they fulfil an important mission, but of immeasurably greater moment is the quiet work done there of accurately proving the qualities of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and determining an authoritative nomenclature. That is and should be the great object kept in view at Chiswick. The soil is good, the site good, and the management un- questioned ; added to these main conditions is the large body of practical and scientific men forming the Garden Committee, whose object is to elicit truth, and who constitute a jury which should command the respect of the horticultural world. The gayest part of the gardens are the beds of Violas. These beautiful hardy spring and early summer flowers have been sent by different growers from various parts of the July 1, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. country. Some of them eTidently posBflss great merit, and are likely to oontioue bloomiug, at auy rate iu partially shaded places, throughout the summer. Iu Siiotland Violas are ex- tensively used as hadding plants, but in ths drier districts of England their use has not been satisfactory. The beds at Chiswick are in a thoroughly open and exposed position, and the effect of some of them is at the present moment very rich. To those who desire an effective display of flowers iu the early months of the year these bedding Paasies are commended. They are not nearly cultivated to the extent that their merits deserve, and in most places room may be found for these bright early flowers. Long lines of them iu cool shady borders are particularly effective, and beds in partial shade are rich and long-lasting. But for spring and early summer decora- tion they require no shade, but flourish best iu the full sun. The richest section is the blue and purple-coloured flowers. In this class so mmy varieties possess merit that it is difficult to select the very best. Taking all points into consideration — as colour, habit, freedom of bloom, coastaucy, and easy growth — The Tory claims a high place, if not the post of honour in this section. It is worthy of extended culture. Richer and finer flowers are seen in Alpha, Royal Blue, Dickson's King, and Mazarine Gam. These are indeed fine varieties, but it is doubtful whether they will continue in hot weather. Whether they will or not, they are unquestionably fine flowers for their season. Blue Bell and Lothair are dwarfer with flowers of leas merit individually, but for massing purposes they are varieties not to be lost sight of. Blue King is, for spring, one of the best, but for sumcner effect is not to be depended on in dry districts. Viola Cornuta Perfection is free and continuous- blooming, and for lines and masses is useful ; V. C. Magnifi- cent being richer in colour, but less free and floriferous. The above are the best of this rich section, and all named are worthy of being cultivated. The yellows are, of course, very bright. The best is Sove- reign. It is dwarf, rich, free, and, what is no small advantage in Pansies, its blooms look one boldly in the face. Some otherwise good flowers have a habit of looking at the earth. A variety may look well in the exhibition stand, but in the garden may hide its beauty. It is essential to correct judg- ment to see the plants growing. Bedfont Yellow is a fine, bold, and free-flowering variety, and for large bed3 and distant effect is one of the best. Crown Jewel is also a fine clear yellow. Yellow Boy is a small, dense, and exceedingly free- flowering variety. As a dwarf bedder it is good. Pride of Eufford is not good here. A thoroughly satisfying white bedding Pansy has yet to be raised, or at any rate proved. Some of them look very nice and pure when the flowers first open, but eventually they be- come suffused with lilac, which quite spoils them. White Swan and Dickson's Queen and Snowflake are fairly good, but some unnamed seedkngs from the last-named Edinburgh firm are the most projiising. Amongst the plum-coloured or maroon varieties Mulberry is one of the best. The Shah is also very rich. Queen of Lilacs is an effective bedding variety ; it is novel, free, and good. Princess Teck is paler in colour, and less robust in habit. Primrose, as its name denotes, is a soft yellow; it is dwarf, and makes a nice bed, but does not hold up its flowers sufiioiently to become popular. A variety of the old Viola cor- nuta named "Williams" must be noticed. It is in all good qualities a great improvement on the type, and as a bedder is very effective. The old variety Magpie U represented ; it is quaint, distinct, and worthy of culture. For cut blooms this variety is very useful. The above are the best cf the varieties now growing at Chiswick, and they are recommended as being amongst the best of dwarf, hardy, early-blooming garden plaats. We noticed a fine old border plant in excellent condition — viz., the Willow Herb, Epilobium angustifolium. For large masses of purple in front of shrubs this old plant is especially suitable and effective. It only requires to be planted and it will take care of itself. Forcing Pink Lord Lyons, the parent of Derby Day, is very valuable for indoor or outdoor decoration. It is a smooth fine flower of a purplish mauve colour. The Pelargonium beds are not yet attractive. The plant department savours of a nursery, for large numbers of popular decorative plants are propagated and grown on for South Konsiugton. Fruit trees are in fine order and are heavily laden with fruit. The horizontal cordon Apple trees form an ornamental margin, and the vertical and diagonal cordons on walls are particularly fruitful and healthy. The collection of pyramid Pears is very extensive and tine, many of the trees being models of this form of culture. The stockJ, the French Paradise, Duucin, Scott's, Rivers', and Dutch Paradise are all fruiting, the first named being the most prolific and promising. The influence of the several stocks on the Blenheim Pippin will, however, be shortly determined, the grafts on the several stocks being very healthy. Cox's Orange Pippin two years grafted on the French Paradise is fruitiog well, and the miniature trees are also growing freely. The Peach house — trees iu pots and standards planted out- is literally full of fruit, and. a house of seedling Peaches will shortly be interesting, for most of the trees are carrying good crops. The large vinery is carrying a full crop of medium-sized bunches now being thinned. It is a mixed collection, and in a few mouths will be an imposing sight. Gros Guillaume, of which something has been said in these pages, is showing large bunches and plenty of them on the young wood, but on the old spurs it is nearly barren. Mr. Barron can only produce a good crop of this Grape by lajing-in young wood. In the grounds a collection of Red Currants are being proved both as to their correct nomenclature and qualities. Some are robust, some curioup, some fruitful, and the rest barren. The most promising are Houghton Castle S96dling and Red Dutch, syn. La Ha'ive. This is a very interesting group, and will afford much instruction to cultivators. The most fruitful and profit- able Strawberries are Viscomtesse Hurioart de Thury and Amateur (Bradley's). The crops on these varieties are very large and fine. 'The chief centre of interest in the vegetable grounds is the Onion department. We did not count the hundreds of labels, each denoting either a sort or the source of a sort. It is a fair and extended trial, and the crop is looking thoroughly well. It is altogether premature to offer remarks on these, but we may note that the Queen is distinctly earlier than all others. It is ripening but the bulba are vjry saaall. The great and special value of this variety is noted by Mr. Luckhurst. Sown in the spring it is early but small, but sown in the autumn it is early and large. We reiterate the advice of Mr. AUis, Sow the Queen and the silver-skinned pickling Onion in the autijmn for an early and valusible crop in the spring. The trials of Dwarf Kidney Beans are also an important feature of this season's arrangements. A Broad Bean is worthy of notice, the Seville Longpod. It is a very distinct variety, and is affording pods splendid for exhibition purposes. 'This variety is distinct, of medium growth, and is bearing a nice but not a heavy crop. The whole of the flowers do not set, but the pods when perfected are superior to all others we have seen. It has furthermore another good quality in being four days earlier than the Early Longpod. How is it that cultivators and advisers cannot leave oS the parrot-like cry of stating the Mazagan to be the earliest Broad Bean? That honour does not justly belong to the Mazagan, and it is strange that the fact has not been found out by the authorities of kitchen gardening. The Mazagan is not an early Bean at all, as all may prove who will sow it and the true early Longpod on the same day. The Longpod is the earliest and best of the Beans in general culti- vation, but the Seville at Chiswick precedes it in being ready for use. Without any great show the gardens at Chiswick are doing important work; they are calculated to confer great benefit on the horticultural community, and the fullest scope should be afforded them to carry out their mission. — W. BUTTON-HOLE EOSES. Mk. Babcltffe must have written in fun when he recom- mends Madame C. Joigneaux and Charles Lsfebvre as button- hole Roses ; but he might as well have " gone the whole hog " and recommended a full-expanded Paul Neron. Ha omita many beautiful button-hole Roses — e.g., Madame Faloot, Madame F. Janin, Li Boule de Neige, and Prince Camille de Rohan (in bud). There are several fine Teas, too, of late introduction that he does not mention ; for instance, Anna Ollivier, very fine in bud for button holes, and Amazone the same. I do not think we shall find many rosarians recommend Abbe Bramerel, Maxime de la Rocheterie or Baron Chaurand for any purpose. — P. I AM surprised that Mr. Eadclyffe, in giving (p. 486) a list of button-hole Roses, does not mention (Thea) HomSre. It is JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1875. without exception the best button-hole Rose I know, recommend it. — A. E. Pray CONOPHALLUS This is one of those Aroids which throw up the flower stalk before the ap- pearance of the leaves. It is clearly what Wight has figured under the generic name of Pythonium, and as there is an unfortu- nate misprint on the plate it was supposed to be dis- tinct from the well-known Arum bulbiferum, which is, however, not the case. The plant is interesting from its beauty when the spathe first opens, but unfortunately during the emission of pollen, which takes place under the form of delicate cirrhi,the stench is intolerable, and to some constitutions causes un- pleasant symptoms. Oat of the same lot of tubers, from which the specimen we have figured was pro- duced, appeared other Aroids, and amongst them the curious Amorphophal- lus oampanulatus, which was brought up to South Kensington by Messrs. Veitch on the ICth ; the smell, however, hke that of putrid cheese, was so in- tolerable that in spite of its curious appearance it was soon sent home. One plant, after the pollen was ejected and removed to a cooler temperature, became per- fectly scentless. The young stems of va- rious Aioids are sold in the bazaars at Rangoon, tied up in bundles like Aspara- gus. They probably require one or two changes of the water in which they are boiled before they can be eaten with impunity. We are indebted to Major E. S. Berkeley for the oppor- tunity of giving our pre- sent figure. BULBIFEBUS, Schott. the case of those who may not wish to buy except now and then, and hence hardly like to avail themselves of the boon. I think this difficulty might be met by the issue of tickets of admission at a suitable charge, which might be annual or monthly, according to circumstances, and not transferable. This would relieve any from feeling they were placed under an obligation they do not precisely know how to meet when visiting a nursery in their neighbour- hood for the purpose oi promenade ; while, having the names of all visitors, the proprietor has a gua- rantee in the event of any damage being done. In certain instances known to me nurserymen have made it a rule "absolute" that no young children be ad- mitted ; perhaps this is going rather too far, and it may be sufficient to require that they be accompanied, not by an older child, but by a parent or other adult. One nurseryman near Gravesend has launched out in a new direction by not only thus issuing sea- sou tickets, but also arrang- ing for " grand morning concerts," three in the sea- son ; while the orchestra is to be BO constructed as to be subsequently turned into a reading pavilion. There is also to be provided a croquet lawn, with ladies' and refreshment rooms. It remains to be seen how far this will answer expect- ation, since we cannot sup- pose that a proprietor of a nursery-ground will run the risk of damage for purely philanthropic consider- ations. Why should there not be some popular botani- cal lectures deUvered at nurseries in the vicinity of towns, where iUustrative specimens could be partly supplied from the garden ground and partly from rural districts that may be adjacent ?— J. R. S. C. A HINT TO NURSERYMEN. In the present day, when in or near large towns, some place where persons can enjoy a recreative stroll without the annoyances of the public road is often a requisition, and a suitable extent of land for a park cannot always be obtained ; some nurserymen have uti- lised their grounds by al- lowing respectable inhabi- tants of the neighbourhood to have the privilege of walking in them. This to some extent is advantageous to both parties, since the visitors to the nursery garden are likely enough to purchase some of the trees or plants exhibited from time to time ; only a slight awkwardness arises occasionally in Hg. 1.— C0N0PHiLI.DB BDLDirEBDS. FLOWER MISSION. Amonost the appeals for fruit and flowers for the poor, none has been made by the Wilberforce Mission in south London, though any gift of the kind in that poor and densely populated neighbourhood will be most gratefully received. The few flowers they have been enabled to distribute have been highly prized by the recipients. The gift of a few Primroses to their chil- dren brought two women to the church who had never been seen there before, that they might express to the clergyman how much pleasure the sight of the flowers in their rooms gave them. As there is no flower mission, and all their funds are required for the necessities of the poor, would those who feel a wish to brighten the dreary July 1, 18V6. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEi;. rooms kindly make their flowers into bonqnets ? Where one garden would not supply flowers for a basket several might contribute a few, and send them, carriage paid, to the Wilber- force Mission House, The Pamgou, New Kent Road. [Those having abundance of flowers could not better bestow some of them than by sending them to "The Wilberforce Mission House." — Eds.1 ELECTION OF STRAWBERRIES. This apparently being an age of election, could not we readers have one of Strawberries, which would, I think, be a most useful one 1 now being the time to take votes ; four or five sorts for early, the same for midseason, and of course late, making twelve or fifteen in all — sufficient for any useful purpose ; also naming staple of soil, as light, medium, and strong, with any other useful hint thought worth notice for some peculiar quality. Bosariane have richly benefited by the elections, why should not fragarians ? And as one is said to do well where the other flourishes, I hope to see an election soon, in which I shall be happy to join. [In vol. xxiii., page 397, is an election of Strawberries, but we will readily publish in arranged form further lists of varie- ties which are found by our readers to succeed in their locali- ties and soils, which must be particularised. — Eds. J THE ORIGIN OF OUR GERANIUMS OR PELARGONIUMS. I SAVE now in bloom Pel. Zonale and Pel. Zonale transparens, and it is very hard to believe these can be tho parents of our beautiful bedding Geraniums. What a vast improvement has been effected ! I often feel what a pity it is there should be so little recorded of what our ancestors did in the way of crossing these plants. Who knows the plants poor Donald Beaton employed ? Which were the parents of EoUissou's Unique, Sydonia, Little Pet, Major Clarke's seedling, or Madame Gewitzski ? To what are we indebted for the various races of large-flowered Pelargoniums, French and Fancy V These have evidently not descended from the same original Cape species, and yet no one I ever met could give me their history. By their- history I do not mean the history of the gradual im- provement by crossing and selection, but the history of how the first of each race was obtained. The man who effects the first cross between two dissimilar plants, particularly if the result of such cross should prove fertile, has effected much more than he who improves the plant afterwards ; he has given the start to a new breed, and no one can tell what beautiful plants may be produced from it. Botanists have been often accused of making too many species, but anyone who has grown a large collection of Cape Pelargoniums and tried to cross them will hardly think they have erred in this manner with regard to this genus. How they differ in foliage, habit of growth, saying nothing about size and colour of flowers ! How little glaucifolium, oblongatum, tricolor, echinatum, betulinum, radula, ardens, Ac, resemble each other ! Then, again, it appears impossible to cross many of them with dissimilar kinds — at least it is very difficult. Mr. Wills stated that he had tried thousands of times to effect a cross between the Zonals and Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums before he succeeded in raising Willsii, and many of the crosses pro- duced appear nearly or quite sterile. Who has seen a seed of Mangles's Variegated or Little Pet ? and many others might be mentioned which very rarely produce seed, if ever. Yet when we remember how many beautiful plants grown under the general name of Pelargoniums (bedding or show) have been raised, and how many species there are growing in Africa, who can say what we may yet see obtained from them ? How many changes may be rung on a hundred bells ? and we have many more distinct Pelargoniums if we can but induce them to cross. If a few have given us such beautiful races of plants, what may we not expect in the future ? I have great hopes our Pelargonium Society, if kept up with spirit, will produce great results. Liberal prizes for collections of native kinds will bring into notice what may be considered raw material, and good prizes for plants the result of first crosses between native species cannot fail to bring to light plants which may prove parents of improved races. The raisers of such plants are apt to undervalue them because they are not perhaps very showy, and neglected plants are soon lost ; whereas othnr persons might have perceived in a plant of this description a fresh starting-point with great possible results. Loudon described some 210 species, and as many garden varieties produced from them ; how many of these can now bo found in cultivation ? If, as may be supposed, many of them are lost, how much may we not have lost with them of possible improvement ? It will be observed that I have headed this paper "Gera- niums or Pelargoniums," for I do not believe in the distinc- tion, having many plants the produce of two species of Pelar- goniums which I cannot induce to seed ; whilst I have a plant raised by Mr. E. J. Lowe between a Zonal Pelargonium and a Geranium which has produced seed. They all belong to tho order Geraniacea;, and I remember the time when it was thought quite pedantic to talk of Pelargoniums at all. After a time the large show varieties were called here Pelargoniums, and the bedding kinds Gerauiums ; and really we require some distinguishing names for these two classes. "Show "Pelar- goniums will not do when all are shown ; " French " and "Fancy" are poor distinctions, equally appHcable to many of both classes ; " Scarlet " is absurd as applied to a class where scarlet no longer predominates, and which contains every colour from white and pink to dark crimson ; " Zonale " is equally absurd, when many of the best have no zones; "Nosegay "is no longer applicable, when it is impossible to say whether a plant has more Nosegay or Zonale blood in its composition ; " Bedders " will not do, for many beautiful pot plants do not do well out of doors, but which are grand for the conservatory. So I shall continue to call my pets Gera- niums and the others Pelargoniums till we are provided with better names by the recognised authorities. — J B. Peaeson, Chilu-ell. THE CARTER CHALLENGE CUP. We again remind intending exhibitors that the competition for this great prize takes place next Wednesday at theKojal Horticultural Society's Gardens, South Kensington, and have been requested to give publication to the following important announcement : — " As some doubts have been expressed relative to the diiu- culty gardeners in the more northern parts of the kingdom will have in producing Carter's Champion EnunerBean atthis early season, Messrs. Carter, in order to make the competition as great and as general as possible, have kindly consented to make its production optional on the part of the exhibitor, as well as that of the Fern-leaved Parsley." The schedule is therefore thus revised ; — Scarlet Runner Beans, optional; any good variety of Parsley, and eighteen pods of Beans in all cases. BELVOIR CASTLE.— No. 1. THE SE.\T OF THE DUKE OF EliTLAND. Anyone looking at the map of the midland portion of Eng- land will see that the three great ducal seats of Chatsworth, Trentham, and Belvoir form a triangle, and nowhere perhaps shall we be able to match such a noble trio. They have each of them their differing characters, but all alike are of that class of which it is said our late dirty visitor the Shah confi- dentially informed the Prince of Wales that it was not for tho security of his throne that such grand places owned by such mighty seigneurs should exist, and signified that he should adopt a short and easy method, iiuite in accordance with hU Eastern notions, of getting them into his own possession. 1 had seen Chatsworth with its palatial residence and grand sur. roundings, and Trentham with its soft and luxurious scenery ; and it now remams for me to visit Belvoir, unUke in many respects to either of the others— a grand baronial residence, with its turreted battlements, standing high above all around it, towering up in the midst of a level country, a great deal of which is owned by the Duke, whose tastes have doubtless been fostered by the character of the country in which from earliest childhood he has been brought up, and which tastes have to a certain extent stamped their character on the style and manner of gardening which so wise and intelligent a man as my excel- lent friend Mr. Ingram has adopted to meet the requirements of the place. The Duke of Butland is a sportsman, and as Belvoir is situ- ated in the best hunting county in England, it forms hia residence during the winter and spring months. When the hunting is over he is off to London for the season, and then to his seat in Derbyshire for shooting, and so on, and therefore gardening at Belvoir is carried on in special reference to the time when he is in residence. Now, go into any ordinary place 10 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ July 1, 1875. in those monthB, or indeed into many a place where gardening is celebrated, and there is little on which its owner can gaze with much satisfaction. Of course, in his greenhouses and conservatories he has the wealth of other lands, but his garden is bare, the beds are empty, and he only lives on the promise of the future. But it is in spring that Belvoir is in its glory. Its spring gardening is famous, and a mass of beauty greets the eye as one comes upon terrace and glade where flowers which one used to meet with in earlier days, but which have been shoved aside as not fit for their aristocratic congeners, have found a home, and where they amply repay the care bestowed upon them by Mr. Ingram. It was on one of those beauteous days more like July, in the early part of last month (May), that on my way to Manchester I determined to fulfil a long-promised wish and to accept an oft-repeated invitation to visit Mr. Ingram at Belvoir. I was indeed a little too late ; should have been much more so had it not been for the late spring, or rather shall I not say the prolonged winter ? But I was enabled to see a great deal of the beauty of the gardening, and could easily imagine what it had been just before, for it is Mr. Ingram's plan not to depend on a mass of bloom at any one particular time, but to have a continued succession. And so away to the Duchess's garden. This is a beautiful glade of considerable extent, surrounded on all sides by trees of grand dimensions which were then in their early beauty, developing those varied tints of green which, if not quite so glowing as the autumnal ones, are at any rate fresher, and, moreover, are associated with the thoughts of the lengthening and brightening days of summer, and not with the shortening and darkening days of winter. In this glade the natural rocks have been accommodated to the requirements of alpine gardening, while the upper p nrtion has been arranged in beds. This, while effective, I would fain hope may some (lay share in what are evidently Jlr. Ingram's own predilec- tions, and be merged in the irregular but most effective style which is so charming in the lower parts of the ground. Not that I have a word to say against the bedding-out, save as such, for nothing could be better than the tasteful arrangement of colour both of foliage and flowers. The Tulips, Hyacinths, and Crocuses were all over ; but the bedding Pansies, the Oxlips fof which the Belvoir strain is remaikably fine), were in flower. The beautiful Gentiana verna, accommodated with nice little ledges on which its brilliant blue shone out brilliantly, the bright yellow Doronicum austriacum, and other fine plants were there. And then how beautiful were the blue Forget-me- nots ! how luxuriantly fine the Saxifraga crassifolia ! Then, again, we had the brilliant blue of Lithospermum prostratum as it trailed over the rockery, and that of its larger congener L. Gastoni. Of a softer but no less beautiful shade of blue was MyoBotis dissitiflora, though now nearly past, as it is the earliest of the tribe. Then how fine was Veratrum nigrum, beautiful for its foliage ! And another plant which Mr. Ingram uses very largely — and well may he do so, for its fine bronzy foliage forms quite a grand point in the spring gardening, Heuchera Incida — I have not seen it in use before. Then there were bright masses of Dianthus neglectus and alpinus with their dense tufts of lovely pink flowers ; and turn which way you will gems of rarity or beauty met the eye. Nor let it be supposed that all this is easily managed work. These midland counties are cold ; they suft'er from drought, and last summer had been especially fatal to many of the rarer alpine plants. One Ukes to linger on these slopes, and the clever sketch by Mrs. Ingram, who is an artist of no slight merit, will give some idea of its situation ; and as one stands on the upper portion of it and looks down on the carpet of lovely green backed by the feathery and elegant foliage of the Birch, it is indeed hard to be obliged to tear oneself away from it. A word or two on the beds shown in the sketch. Here is one of Myosotis dissitiflora, with Doronicum caucasicum spring- ing from it. Here is another — one of the serpentine beds — composed of dwarf Wallflowers, Myosotis dissitiflora, Aubrietia (Ingram's strain), and at the edge Sedum acre. Then I noticed another of Daisies, Aubrietia, Oxlips, Forget-me-not, Heuchera, Heath, and Arabia ; but the combinations were numerous and beautiful, although, as I have said, the wilder and more natural portion of the garden pleased me most. As these slopes are so extensive Mr. Ingram is able to have masses of colour. Those of us who grow a few alpines and herbaceous plants must be contented with their individual beauties, but here it is otherwise ; and although no glowing colours meet the eye, yet the deep and lovely blues which bo JuJy 1, 1«76. ] JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OAEDENEE. 11 predominate in alpine plants and are so rare in our gardens, and the bright and shining yellows intermingled with more sombre shades, make a real scene of beauty. There are some other things about Belvoir I should like to mention, but I have selected as most worthy of notice and most characteristic of the place, and must reserve a few other observations for a future time. — D., Deal. f THE FEEO-PLANT. Most plant-stands are formal affairs, mere skeletons of wood or wire, that detract from the beauty of the flowers and do not readily lend themselves to the adorning of a room, or they are very costly and hold but few pots. Brackets are well enough in their way, but sometimes incon- venient, and so we de- cided to try the effect of a bit of rustic work, and the result has been eminently satis- factory. A square of oilcloth prevents da- mage to the carpet, and on occasion cut flowers and pressed Perns are added to its living beauties. Some sticks of laurel, a saw, bit, and hatchet, with a little mother wit, is all the materials and tools necessary for its con- struction. Other kinds of wood will answer, but laurel is the best because of its tough and fine grain, and peculiarly suitable manner of growth. Pick out your sticks in the woods, but you must humour them a little, for you will never find just what you want. For put- ting them together as a frame, use small carriage bolts— nuts inside — one of them is worth several screws or nails, and it must be strong. For the top make a frame of 2 by 3 Inches scant- ling, on which nail some boards, and then take a sheet of zinc .S inches larger each way than the top, turn up the sides H inch, bend the corners round, and you have a water-tight top without rivets or solder. The sides of the frame and top must be hidden by the rustic work. Now put your aquarium iu position (the aquarium is an essential part of the fero-plant, though it may be a globe), then with sand, cinders, and water lime or plaster of Paris, coloured by some dry paints as yellow ochre or burnt sienna, build some rockwork on a separate board fitted in the space not covered by the aquarium. The flower-pots should stand on wooden blocks or empty fruit-cans turned upside down, which make it much lighter. The branch at one corner is a supplemental affair bolted on ; the terminal supports for pots are the collars of gas fixtures, which are admirably adapted for the purpose in size and shape. To furnish the fero-plant go to our native woods, and you will find a wenlth of ornament hardly dreamed of. Cover and hide the ed^'os of the zinc trough with moss, for which the thin mats torn from the faces of rocks, and sprinkled with Polypods, are most suitable. Some exotics, as the Calla, &e., are iu the figure, but for a long time we had nothing but native plants.— W. H. Seamans (in American Gardeners' Monthly). THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. I WISH to draw the especial attention of your readers, and of my brother gardeners in particular, to the near approach of the thirty-second anniversary festival of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. It is to take place at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, on July 2nd, and under the presi- ' dentship of R. Broad- water, Esq., Master of the worshipful com- pany of Fruiterers, which is most apropos of such an occasion, for who can value more truly the ser- vices the gardeners do the community than can the fruiterers of the country ? In the long list of Stewards — about se- venty in number — we are gratifyingly struck with those who year by year give thus their valuable time and support by their msans, to this in- valuable Institution. Gardeners have the power to aid this fes- tival, through their employers, by send- ing fruit and flowers to enliven the display, and thereby to in- crease the pleasure of those who assemble for a worthy object. Finally, let me earnestly ask every non-subscribing bro- ther gardener not to pass by this appeal without deciding to become at once a member of this only true federation of gardeners. The simple guinea per annum assuredly can be spared by all who possess the will, even from what I confess are in far too many eases wretchedly low salaries. Such a guinea will never be really missed by any, and it might to you, as to myself, some day become a solace to old age, infirmity, and adverse visitations of Providence, such as are at present hidden. Apart even from this, delay postpones the guarantee, which is the right of every fifteen-years subscriber or his wife's receiving the Institution's aid. All packages should be addressed to Mr. E. R. Cutler, G.RB.I., London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, London, either on Thursday, July let, or not later than the earlier trains on the morning of Friday, July 2nd. Let all who will aid, there- fore, be so kind as to write to the Secretary as soon as possible. — William Eakley. Roses not Cldstehed.— Mr. Robson's demand for " Eosfs that have the good property of furnishiEg good long stalks to each flower, whereby they can be cut without loss," reminds me of an old mess-room story, that when a certain officer of high rank, whose head was not very well covered at the top, was chatting one of hi.? staff for his prematurely grey locks, -The pero-plant. 12 OOUBNAL OF HORTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. I July 1, 18VB. the Aide-de-oamp replied, " Ab, but I can make my bead like your Royal Highuess's in a few minutca with a razor ; but you can never make yours like mine." Cannot we with a pen- knife make any Rose like tbogo which naturally grow with long stalks to each flower ? but we cannot give the abundant bloom to those which flower singly. — An Old Subscribeb. OUR FRIEND THE CUCKOO. Do cuckoos live exclusively on caterpillars, or do they do any barmy I bad hoped to have seen this subject more ven- tilated, as it was referred to in a recent number. Being in Ireland last month and out for a daj'a fishing (with bad sport), I asked of the keeper what some poles were intended for, and was informed they had hawk traps on the top, and that nearly fifty hawks had been killed this season. This may bo all very well, but in addition over thirty cuckoos had been destroyed. Now if, as a correspondent recently stated, cuckoos do good and no harm, and that they are allowed to be Ecarce this season, I for one should like to plead for the poor cuckoos, and could not do better than through your Journal if you deem it worth notice. I purposely at present suppress the information of the exact locality. I remonstrated with the keeper, who was under the impression they sucked eggs. I told him I did not believe it was so. Unfortunately these traps kill the birds before they are taken. — AVavektbee. [MacgiUivray, one of our best ornithologists, says : — " It is a very remarkable circumstance that when the bird arrives at first, its food consisting of coleopterous and other insects, the cuticular lining of its stomach is smooth ; whereas some time after, when the bird lives chiefly on hairy caterpillars, it is often completely covered with theii' hairs, which are thrust in and arranged in a circular manner, so as exactly to resemble the pile of some quadrupeds. This disposition of the hairs shows that the action of the stomach causes the mass of food contained in it to move in a rotatory manner. This down, of course, is nothing else than hairs of caterpillars." We are assured that the popular opinion that the cuckoo sucks eggs is a popular error. — Ers.] to recommend the plan suggested in his last report, and since adopted by the German government — viz., that cards giving a coloured figure and a description of the beetle should be posted up in all vessels plying between America and the British Isles, with a request that the passengers and crew will destroy any specimens that may be met with. Mr. Riley considers that the Potato beetle, if once introduced , would thrive as well in most parts of England and Europe generally as in America. Extremes of heat and drought, as well as cold and wet, appear to be unfavourable to it. It is, however, reassuring to be informed that the American farmer by means of intelligence and a little Paris green is pretty much master of the Doryphora, and that the ravages of the insect and its poisonous character, though real enough, have been considerably exaggerated ; while no accidents have occurred from the use of Paris green, except from sheer carelessness and exposure to its direct influence, or from applying it too strong, when it is liable to injure the plants. The last new food plant which the beetle has attacked is the Mullein. An ingenious contrivance for sprinkling two rows of Potatoes at once has been adopted, being a sort of water-barrel slung upon the back like a knapsack, and provided with two india- rubber tubes, one on each side, ending in a rose like a common watering-pot. — {Irisli Farmer's Gazette.) PROGRESS OP THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN 1874. By W. F. KiREY, Assistant Natuialist in the Royal Dublin Society's Museum. FuETnER information regarding the Colorado Potato beetle having been lately published by Mr. Riley in his last report on the insects of Missouri, I hasten to lay his additional remarks before the readers of the FarDier's Gazette. The beetle has now penetrated to the Atlantic seaboard at many points, along the whole coast of the United States, from New England to Virginia and Maryland. The newly invaded districts appear to have suffered most severely, because the farmers in those places which have long been infested have become used to the infliction, and familiar with the best means of dealing with it. It is worth remarking, that while the insect has been exceed- ingly destructive in its original haunts in the mountain ranges up to about 8000 feet, yet it cannot live above that altitude, which Mr. Riley attributes to the very dry atmosphere and the cool nights. Mr. Riley remarks on the steps which have been taken in Europe to prevent its introduction, and although he thinks that Sh- M. H. Beach has rather underrated the danger, yet he considers that the only risk lies in the introduction of the insect in the perfect state. The larva feeds exclusively on fresh Potato tops, and will not touch the tubers ; and though the eggs may be introduced with Potato haulm, yet it is un- likely, as it rots too easily to be often used in packing. Be- sides, Potatoes are mostly exported during that part of the year when there are neither eggs, larva, nor Potato vines in existence in the United States. There is only one other possible way of transmission, and that is in sufiiciently large lumps of earth, either as larva, pupa, or beetle. Now, if the American dealers be required to carefully avoid the use of the haulm or straw, and to ship none but clean Potatoes, as free as possible from earth, the insect's transmission among the tubers will be rendered impossible ; and when such precautions are 80 easily taken, there can be no advantage in the absolute pro- hibition of the traflio in American I'otatoes. As well prohibit treftic in a dozen other commodities, in many of which the insect is as likely to be taken over as in Potatoes, and in some of which it is oven more likely to be transported. He proceeds NOTES AND GLEANINGS. At a meeting of the CouncU of the Royal Horticultural So- ciety on the 25th of June Dr. Hocui was unanimously elected its Secretary. At the same meeting Dr. Denny was elected a member of the Council. We have seen a PAiirnLET purporting to be a report of the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting of June 4th. That pamphlet is not a faithful report, and although it has the Society's monogram on its title page, that monogram ought not to have been placed there. On the 4th of May I found Adiantum CAriLLUs-VENEBis growing in moderate abundance on the west coast of the Isle of Man, near the village of Glenmayo. Tbe young fronds were just peeping from the opening in the rocks, some 10 to 15 feet above high-water mark. I have noticed that several writers, in alluding to this Fern, have confined its occurrence to the more southern parts of England and Ireland. — (H. J. MiRSDEN, in Science Goss'qi.) We have received a report of the Hokititi Acan- CULTURAL AND HoETicULTUBAL SOCIETY'S Siioiv. Many of our readers will be obliged by our adding that that rarely-heard name is of a New Zealand town. It is comparatively a modem township, but rapidly increasing. Two or more newspapers are published there, and among the awards for plants, fruits, flowers, and vegetables are chiefly those known in England ; in fact, we notice only one exception — namely, a prize for Cape Gooseberries. The flowees in bloom at Messrs. Suttons' Seed Farm, about one mile from Reading, are presenting a most beauti- ful sight, and well worth more than a passing glance by pas- sengers to and from Reading by the Great Western, South Western, and South Eastern railways. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Watekixg and Mulching. — Time is bringing us into the usually hot month of July, when early crops of vegetables will be fast ripening off, and other successional crops in the absence of rain must be supported and kept growing by the application of water and surface-mulching. Water being such a necessary element in vegetable culture, it is important for an amateur not to underrate its value in sustaining the necessary vigour, so that different crops may come to perfection under tbe burning in- fluence of the summer's sun. For instance, what may be ex- pected from a plantation of CauUflowers, Kidney Beans, Scarlet Runners, or Peas and Turnips, if a plentiful supply of water is not given them occasionally ? The former would soon assume a blue tinge in the leaf as if the plant was struggling for exist- ence, the heads would be small and tough, and in most cases would not be worth eating ; the two next would shed their blossom without setting their pods, or would produce very small pods, with, perhaps, but little in them ; and the latter would produce a small hard bulb devoid of that tender flesh which makes the Turnip in summer so delicious. It is easy, therefore, to perceive what a wonderful difference against the cultivator there would be in the produce of these July 1, 1876. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAQK GAIiDENEB. 13 crops by neglecting to give them the requisite quantity of water. Again, it ia not these crops alone, but almost everything in the garden is more or leas affected if water is not applied to counter- act the effects of dry weather. The amateur's evenings may be very profitably spent by attending to his crops in watering them. Now, in the application of water and the time for doing it, as well as the condition of the crop, are matters worth the greatest study, and must be left in the hands of those to whom it most concerns, aided by a few general remarks which may be suggested as the most applicable to his gardeu. While one may have a gardeu the soil of which is light and shallow, and, perhaps, so situated that little or no shade is pro- vided from the suu, another position may be quite the reverse — that is, on a level in a valley, with a deep, rich, holding soil with a cool subsoil, where but seldom the summer's suu has an effect upon the crops. This is what I should call a good sum- mer garden, but not bo early as the former. The crops in the former garden would require double the water to sustain them to that of the latter, so that there is an opportunity of judging between these two extremes, for gardens of the amateur class are situated in all manner of positions or situations. There is not a doubt that it is wrong to allow any crop to show signs of the want of water, as then the injury in a great measure has been done, and such injured crops do not often recover lost ground. Again, when once watering is begun it ought to be continued at necessary intervals according to the state of the weather and the growing condition of the crops; and if a succession of showers fall, the extent of their benefit and the depth the rain has entered the soil should be ascertained as near as possible. The subsequent state of the weather, if hot or otherwise, should be taken into consideration in order to judge when the next application of water should be given. "When water is applied it should be in such quantities as will reach every root of the plant, and not in small dribblets, which a few hours' sun will cause to evaporate out of the soil again. We now come to what is called mulching, which is doubtless a very necessary work, and especially on light soils. This prevents a too rapid evaporation from the soil, and encourages surface-rooting, and also saves labour in watering by assisting to retain the moisture. If the mulching is a manure the soil is enriched every time the watering takes place by washing the nourishing properties into the soil, and greatly benefiting the crops; but manure is not always to be had, and then other and poorer materials must be used. If it happens that no mulchine IB used, then as soon as the soil is dry enough it should be hoed or stirred after every watering, because watering has a tendency to bind the soil, so that air cannot enter. Now, even mulching can be carried too far ; for instance, if applied too thick the warmth of t.he sun does not penetrate it BO as to reach the roots, and air is excluded, and the soil becomes sour and sodden to the detriment of the crop it is applied to, therefore judgment and moderation is necessary. Again, there is another use to which water can be applied — that is, for cleansing the foliage of plants. In street gardens this is particularly necessary, where dust from the roads is con- tinually blowing over the foliage of Roses and all other plants ; and how fresh and vigorous and how cheerful it makes these little gardens look after being cleansed by water ! The difference is easily seen by looking at a garden that is not so treated. All this work should be done in the evening, or as soon as the powerful rays of the sun are off the ground ; in fact, in the height of summer this should be the principal work of the evening for all kitchen garden crops, as well as those of the flower garden. Evaporation does not then go on so rapid, and there is time for the whole plant to become invigorated and strengthened for the next day. — Thomas Eecobd. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HAEDY FRUIT GAEDEN. It has been a good time for Strawberries out of doors, the weather has not been scorching hot, and the few showers have done no injury. In very hot weather our system of supporting the fruit above the leaves with sprays of elm, beech, &o., does not give such good results as when the season is dull or rainy, but it is seldom that the sun is so powerful as to scorch the berries before they are quite ripe, although it has happened once during the last ten years. It was a dry period when the plants were in flower, and the beds had two or three good Boak- ings with clear water, but some mulchings had been previously placed between the rows. We have had two good pickings of Black Prince for preserving. Notwithstanding the large number of receutly-introduced varieties, this old sort still holds an im- portant position ; it is preferred in the kitchen, and although Bmall and wanting in flavour for dessert purposes, we grow it in pots for the earUest crops. The plants will be layered imme- diately. Apple and Pear trees have been summer- pruned, and it has been positively necessary to thin-out the fruit on some of the free-setting sorts, especially when the trees have been young. Hawthornden, and the variety called New Hawthornden, Bets so freely, and the trees have not the characteristic possessed by some other varieties — that is, to throw off the superfluous fruit; and it happens if they are neglected they become crippled for life. This is Bpecially the case if a dwarfing stock has been used. The Apple maggot is now busy, aud the men who prune the trees have instructions to pick off aud destroy all fruit that has been attacked. The wall trees have been looked over, and all superfluous shoots have been removed, and the remainder laid-iu to the wall. All small fruits should be picked as soon aa they become ripe, and they must be gathered when quite dry. VINEEIES. Some of our readers may tbink that enough has been said about red spider, still it is the only pest in our vineries, and as this season an experiment has been tried a few closing words may not be out of place, b'irst, the nature of the soil in the garden at Loxford is such that the Vines growing in it are pre- disposed to spider attacks ; others who have had to do both with light and heavy soils can testify to the same results. In one of the largest and most celebrated gardens in Scotland, I once noticed that the leaves were nearly destroyed by spider as soon as the fruit became ripe, aud was told on makiug inquiry that ii was owing to the light sandy soil. Some growers say syringe the 'Vines with clear rain water ; of course, if you are going to syringe, clear rain water is the best, but the purest water will destroy the bloom, and with it the appearance of the fruit when it is placed on the table ; and Grapes that have been syringed with the clearest water would have no chance on au exhi- bition table in London, or anywhere else, if the Judges know what they are about. There are only two ways left to us— either to sponge the leaves with soapy water {every leaf must be done, and only fancy the labour in a large house, aud if it is not thoroughly done it will not be a success) ; or the next, and our experiment this year has again proved it to be the best, that is to sulphur the pipes, and heating them enough to cause the fumes to destroy the spider (see Doings, No. 7-12). Late houses require but little attention now. As the fruit is stoning, and but very little growth is made, the roots must not suffer for want of water; a good soaking of manure water is beneficial, but the appUcation of that must be according to the quality of the border and the quantity of roots it contains. Many Vine borders are made too rich at first, and to make matters worse manure water is applied before it is really needed. We are of opinion that turfy loam with but little more added except some crushed bones is the best border. Stimulants may be applied in the form of suiface-dressings. OECHAED HOUSE. All the Strawberry pots have been removed from the shelves, the fruit had been gathered, except some of the Frogmore type. This is a good late sort, and does good service when Queens and Dr. Hogg are over. It hinders very much the proper management of the Peach and Nectarine trees when Straw- berries are grown in the house, as many of the trees cannot be syringed for two or three weeks, which gives insect pests a chance to increase. GEEENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Having had much to do with exhibiting for the last few weeks some of the work has fallen a little into arrears, but clearing out a few plants that had finished flowering, picking Eeed pods from Azaleas, and re-arranging is all that has been required. A few words may not be out of place on exhibiting, as it has all been in our work. A contemporary made some remarks in a recent number on exhibiting stove and greenhouse plants. The paper referred to remarks that something ought to be done to promote a change in the variety of plants exhibited, and make some suggestions. If any change is to be made the societies must do it. Exhibitors will always grow and show the plants best adapted to their purpose, and those that remain longest in beauty are preferred. Take Pleroma elegans ; it is extremely beautiful when well grown, but how seldom it can be brought in at the right time ! whereas Erica Cavendishiana will remain in beauty for a couple of months, and then how easily it can be moved with- out injuring the flowers ! If the societies wish certain species and varieties of stove and greenhouse plants to be exhibited by way of a change they ought to name, say twenty-four, aud ask the exhibitots to show nine or twelve out of them on a certain date, and give all the same chance. Some small specimens of hardwooded plants have been re- potted ; this is a matter that should not be delayed, as handsonue specimens cannot be produced if the plants become pot-bound in the early stages of thiir growth. The staple material for a vast proportion of the New Holland plants is good turfy peat. Some of them require a little loam mixed with it, others are better with a little leaf mould, but manures in any form ought not to be mixed with the potting material. Thorough drainage is also very necessary. Young- beginners frequently have their plants injured before they perceive that anything is wrong. Many of the Heaths are subject to the attacks of mildew, and it requires an experienced eye to notice it in its first attacks, but it must be u JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ Julj 1, 1875. destroyed on its veiy first appearance. Green fly also finds a lodgment in the young growiug sboots of some plauts, and beiug of the same colour aa the plant they also e6cape observation until it is too late. If aty increase in the stocV of stage and fancy Pelargoniums is required, cuttings put into small pots at once will strike root readily if they are merely placed on the stage near the glass, and they make good fl iwering plants for next year. Cuttings of the half-ripened wood of baidwooded plants will strike root freely ; they should be taken off at a joint and be potted in light sandy soil, the pots to bo placed in others, and some sand filled in between the two pots ; this keeps an equable temperature for the cutting pot, and the sand forms a resting place for a bellglass, without which the cuttings would not strike roots. The different varieties of Kalosanthes coccinea are very easily grown, the cuttings root very freely, and when the plant is in flower it ia very attractive. FLOWER GABDEN. The rains have been a great aid to us in this department. The lawn is quite fresh, and flower beds are filling up well, and ex- cept a few Calceolarias which always have a tendency to die off in a continued drought, there are no blanks. Finks are now in full flower and have done very well this year ; pipings will be put in of all the sorts as soon as rain comes. In showery weather the pipings may be put-in in a shady place out of doors, and they will soon form roots without the aid of glass lights or frames. Our Carnations and Picotees are grown in pots, and as they come into flower are removed to a position under glass where they can be shaded from the sun. Small iudiarubber rings are put round the pods of those that are likely to burst. Phloxes are tied to their supports as they progress in growth. The early- flowering sorts are now comiug into flower, and the late-flowering section will be in full beauty in August. Spring-struck cuttings will continue the display into September, so that these beautiful flowers are not so fugacious aa many persons are led to suppose. Roses are flowering remarkably well : it is necessary to look over the plants every two days to remove decaying flowers. Orange fungus seems to be prevalent this season ; we had it once on some young plants sent home from the nursery, but the affected leaves were cut off and the leaves dusted with sulphur. Whether the sulphur was a specific for it was not determined, but not a trace of it has been since seen. Auriculas require some little attentioa now. The plants are at their summer resting period, and the larger outer leaves con- tinue to die off, 60 that it is necessary to remove them frequently, as if they are not removed in time the plants will suffer. Green fly also increases with the hot weather and must be removed with a small brush ; the greatest difficulty with us is to find time to do it at this season. Potting should be finished by this time J if not, let it be done at once. It is now a good time to see to the propagation of scarce sorts. Offsets are now forming at the collar of the plants, but in many instances they are covered with the large outer leaves; if so, it is as well to remove the leaf to give the offset a chance to dovelope itself. Hardy Primroses are often devoured by red spider, and also suffer for want of water at this time of the year. They ought not to be neglected, or they will not flower well in the spring. Water well, and wash the leaves with a syringe. — J. Douglas. Bridge. — Joly 27tb. Mr. E. Hardeman, Hon. -Sec. [Hon. -Sec. PKEaToN.— July asth and 29th. Mr. W. Trongbton, 4, ChorcJl Blreet, Shkew^bl-ky.— Jiilj 29th and 30th. Mr. H. "W. Actuitt, Hon.-Sec. SouTUAMPToN. — July 3lsc and August 2ud. Mr. C. S. Kuidge, 32, York Street, Lower Avenue, Sec. HORTICULTUKAL EXHIBITIONS. Secbetabies will oblige us by informing ua of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. BiBMiNGHAai.— Julj 1st, 2nd, Srd. and 5th. Mr. Quilter, Aston Park Sec. Spalding.— July let and 2nd. Mr. G. F. Barrell, Hon.-Sec. Tdnbrjdge Wells.— July 2nd. Mr. E. F. Loof, Sec. Mahsdln.— July Srd. Mr. J. H. Kdmonton, Hon.-Seo. Beockham Kose Show.— July Srd. Rev. Alan Chealea and CharlcB Mortimer, Ea^., Hon.-Secs. SocTHGATE.— July 3rd. John Miles, Esq , Hon.-Sec., Southgate, N. Geantham.— July 6th and 7th. Schedules, &c., frum Mr. Lyne, Bookseller. Huntingdon,— July 7th. J. Oldman, Esq., Hon.-Sec. DuBHAM and Northumberland.— To be held at Elswick Park, July 7th and 8th. Mr. R. Revely, Sec. Leicestek.— July 7th and 8th. Mr. W. C. Mirris.S, New Street, Sec. "WiNTERTON.- July 7th and 8th. Mr. McCallum, Sec. Fbome (Knse).— July 8th. Mr. A. R. Baily, Hon.-Sec. KiLSBT.— July Sth. Sec. Mr. C. E. Bracebridge. Richmond.— July 8Lh. Mr. A. Chancellor, Hon -Sec. Nottingham.- P.ose Show, &c., July 8th, 9th and 10th. Apply to Alfred Kiik, Municipal Offices, Nottingham. OxFoED (Roses).- July 9th. Mr. C. R Ridley, Hon -Sec. Granoe-over-Sands— July 9th. Mr. Thoreas Af-hJey, Sec. Eewobth.— July 14th. Mr. R. H. Feltoe, Hewortb, York, Hon.-Sec. Ou^DLE.— July 14 h. Mr. Alfred King, Sec. ToNBRiDGE.— July 14tb. Mr. \\. Blair, Free Press Office, Hon.- 3eo. WiMBLLDON.— July 14th and 15th. Mr. P. Appleby, 5, Linden Cottages, Sunnyeide, Wimbledon, Hon -Sec. Darlington.— July l(jth. at Southend. WiUiam Hodgson, Sec. Bhamley.— July 19tU aud 20tb. Mr. R. Fox, Seo. Brecon.— July 22ud. Mr. W. J. Roberts, Sec. Helensburgh, N.B. (Ko^e Show).— July 23rd and 24th- Mr. W. Ure, Waddell, Sec. Cleckheaton.— July 24th. Mr. S. H. Williamson Hon.-Sec. TO CORRESPONDENTS. '^* All correspondence should be directed either to " The Editors," or to " The Pablisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johueon or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to auy of our correspoudents, as doiog so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspoudents should not laix up on the same sheet qaestions relatiog to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bje sub- jects, and should never send more thau 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. Wooden Labels and Plant Supports (A'tir/JorO-— You caa obtain both plain deal labels and sticks from Messrs. Blackith & Co., Lower Thames Street, who advertise in oar columns. You can paint them any colour yon prefer; they are very cheap. Wiite to them fur the information you need. Sulphate of Ammonia for Plants (C B.). — It maybe need to potted plantb and Vines In your greenhouse, but the liquid must be very weak — not more than a quarter of an ounce of the sulphate to a gallon of water. CaLTiTATiNG SIXTEEN AcRES {J. H. M). — No auBwcr was givcn. We send a buok which gives directions for two acres, equally applicable to the larger surface. New Potato Disease (B. S., Harrow). — The specimens you have sent of Eiirly Rose Potatoes are destroyed by the new disease. Your experience that the £ni.;libh vaiieties are nou attacked, though grown with the Amencan, coincides with the experience of other growers. Fungus on Leaf Mould (J. C). — It is the common Mushroom. MiLLERiA eifloba (A. R ). — Was named in honour of Philip Miller, auihcr of the " Gdrdeners' Dictionary." The name ought not to be degraded to"Milld." The species is called biflora, but there is a varieiy described in the dictionary as Milleria thflora, which is that you have. Moths (IT. H. H.), — What kind of moths trouble you ? There are hnndrede of species. Eating Oechard House (-4 Constani 'Bcadcr). — Parsonage houses are not exempt from being rated, therefore whatever the incumbent does to increase its valu3 must lender it liable to an increase uf ramg. We say nothing in defence of him or them who took adTanta;^e of so small an addition ai an orchard house. Incrustation on Flower Pots {Inquirer).— the incrustation is due to the pots beiug badly burned, and the clay of which they are made containing a consideiable amount of lime, the clay not having been well tempered. Oil, by preventing water passing through the pots so quickly, will lessen the in- crustation. The best thing you can do is to form Portland cement into a I thick wash aud apply it to the outside surface of the pots with a brush, and I give three cuats, allowing the first to harden, as it will in a few hours, btfore j putting on the second, tio. You may sprinkle witn sand-tone the colour yoa j i\ish, broken up fine and sifted through a hair sitve immediately, after the second coat. It will not interfere ^ith the growth of the Ferns, the drainage being good. Planting Strawbeesies from Pots— Runners for Fobcino {A Sub- scriber, Cork). — Plant those from pots in rows 2 ftet apart, and if they are Keens' Seealing, or any early eort of moderate growth, IS inches apart in the rows; but if President, or a similar kind, they should be planted 2 feet apart in the rows. The ground having been well maanred in winter will not re- quire any at pUnting, hat the soot you name would be beneficial — a peck to ftO square yard.^. Make the soil very firm around the plants, and give a good watering after planting. Runners may be taken cfi plants which have bten I furcei, but they will need to be layered in small pots and had well rooted before being detached from the parent plants. It is better, however, to lajer in smaller pots runners from plants in the open ground, they being stronger and more free from red spider. Fuchsia Leaves Punctured {A Cork Reader). — The leaves are eaten by some weevil or caterpillar, which you may probably ascertain by examining tbe plants, and especially at night, with a lantern; or yoa may syringe them with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozti. to a galluu ol water, "'hich will destroy any tbrips and red spiier, of which there are trace?, au) make the leaves distaste- ful to the pestij. The plants a.:Q weak, and would be the better of more moisture, sprinkling overhead every evening, aud affording slight shade. FtrcHSiAS ( W. R. C). — They beiug stopped a fortnight ago will not require to be stopped again Jor blcoming at the time you require ; -they, with ordiuary greenhouse temperature, will be quite eai-ly enough. Give thum weak liquid manure, and sprinkle overhead every evening, and afford slight shade from bright sun. It is essential tlat the foliage be kept fresh, therefore keep a sharp look-out for tbrips and red spider. Preventing Onion Maggot {liUm]. — Dress the gronnd prior to sowing with gas lime, spreading it evenlj, and at the rate of a x^^ck to 30 square yaids, allowing it to lie on the surface for a few days, aud then point in nith a fork. It for this year you wish a remedy, dress at once with Kuano, two parts to one of salt, and at the rate of a peck to 30 square yards, applying it in moist weather cnly ; or it may be applied in a liquid state, 1 lb. to twenty gallons of water, and this at the rate of four gallons per square y&rd, which is nearly equal to an inch of rainfall. Embuthrium coccinecm {A Cork Reader). — The leaf sent appears to be that of this plaut. We can cuiy account fur its ujt fioweiiug from its not having a sufficiently warm situation so as to ripen the wood, the shady pohitiun inducin;^ to vigour, and that may cause the divergence in the appear- ancjof the plants to which you allude. It requires a warm exposure, aud only moderati^ly rich soil. Repotting Azaleas (FT.). — Pot them at once, the flowering b.ing pasti aud place them in a house with a bri^k and moist heat, sbaliug from bright Jnly 1, 187B. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 15 snn, pyrinpinfr twice a day, and keepinf? up a ffood moisture by ir6(\nent Bpri^kliug of the paths and every available surface with wator, and in this way >0(;nrB a unnd ^^iMWih.and when this is complete and the bndu set rerauve tf> a oool and aii^ Louse, keepius as cout two months they will be rooted, but we should not pot them off singly until the middle or close of September, and iu 8-inch pots, in san'ly loam and peat, and return to the frame, keeping rather close, moiat, and shaded until the elotfO of October, then remove to thegreeuhouse. Budding Roses IE. M. Major).— Yon may bud them during the present month. We cannot name varieties of Roses or of any other florists' flowers. Insects on Honeysuckle Leaves (W. Smart).— The objects sent by you as "pupa cases" are the empty eggshells of one of the many species of field bugs (Pentatoma sp.), and the small dark-coloured objects aie the newly- hatched young bugs. — I. O. W. Select Carnations and Picotees (Cacfus).— We cb.'Q only name a few. Carnations : Scar'et BizarreB.—Campanini, Dreadnought, Dukeof Ediuburgb, Mars, Invincible, and Guardsman. Crimson Bizarres.— Marshal Ney, The Lamplighter, Graceless Tom, Colonel North. Eccentric Jack, and Gem. Pink and Purple Bizarres — Jaraes Taylor. Purity. Purple Flakes.— Tiue Blue, Ajttx, Dr. Fopter, Earl Stamford, John Robinson, Mayor of Nottingham. Scarlet Flakes.— Christopher Sly, Superb, Marshal St. Arnaud, John Baylt-y, Illuminator, and Anuihilator. Rose Flakes.- Mr. Martin, Illustrious. Mrs. Frederick Burnaby,Phcobns,and Sybil. Picotees : Red-, dged. — Colonel Cleik, J. B. Bryant, Leonora, Lurd Valentia, Mrs. Hornby, Mrs. Keynes. Purple- edged.— Mrs. Little, NoifuJk Beauty, Eoitb, Venue, Admira'ion, and Mary. Rose and Scarlet-edged.— Edith Dombrain, Juliat a, Mrs. Allcroft, Ethel, Dachess of Edinburgh, Mrs. Fordham. Yellow-gtound.—Goldfiuder, Gold Button, Sovereign, Seraph, Empress of India, and Claude. Opuntia c\xindrtca cbistata [Idem) — It is not particularly rare, but is not a very common kind ; in fact, snc.-ulenta cannot, except in a few sorts, be cousitiered common, they being grown to only a limited extent in most gardens. White Floweps for Funeral Wreaths (E. H. O. P.).— '^tove.— Clero- dendron BaKuurii. C IhnmpnoDi, both flower March to June, and more or less Tip to autumn, th^y have a portion of red in the flower, but that mav, if ob- jectionable, eat-ily be removed ; Eucbaris amazonica. May and autumn, some- times early in spring: Gardenia citriodora, March ; G.flirida, April, iHay, and June; G. rad'cans major, Jone and July; Hoya bella, June onwards; H. car- nosa, Jane and July; Ixora acuminata, June and July; Jasniinum gracile, May onwards ; J. Sambac flore-pleno, March onwards ; Stephanotis floribnnda, May and June; Taherunr'montana corouiria florc-pleno, winter. Green- house.— Bouvardias candidissima, DaviKonii, Humboldtii coryiubiflora, The Bride, Vreelaudii, winter aiul spring; Carnation La Belle, The Bride, Ava- lanche, Queen of Whites, winter and contiuuounly; Citrus aurantium.C. ja- ponica, April and May; Cyclamen pert-icuiu album, winter and spring; Duphue iiidica alba, spriug; Draeopbyllum gracile, May and June; Epacris The Bride, winter and spring; Erica melauthera, spring; Eugeuia Ukui, April; Jasminum grandifloiuui, spring and autumn, Keunedya ovata alba» April and May; Maudevilla suavenlens, Juno onwards; Myrtus communis. May and June; Primula cortusoides alba, April; P. sinensis alba plena, Rhododendron jasmiuiflnrum. May; llhynchoaperraum jasminoides, May and June ; Solauum jasminiflorum, summer and autumn; single aud double white Violets will in pots bloom most of tho winter in a greenhouse, aud Lily of the Valley, Deutzia gracilis, Spirrea japouica, 3. Thuubergi being valuable in spring ; so are white Azaleas as alba. Boisig.Comtesae deRibmcourt, Fielder's White, Narcisi-illora, aud Reine dew Blanches. Invaluable for winter areEver- iastingg, " Immorielles," as Acroclinium album, Ammobium alatum, Gom- phrena alba, Helichrysum bracteatum album, H. monstrosum album flore- pleno, Helipterura corjmbiflorum, Rhodanthe maculata alba, and Xeran- ihemum annuum album flore-pleno. ToDEA superba (M. D. C.).— It should be lightly sprinkled overhead morning and evening, and in a very moist aud rather close atmosphere does not require a glass shade. It will do well enough over water, but not with the pot stood therein, being impatient of stagnant water at the roots. Anemone japonica vitifolia— Honorine Jobert (I(7^7n).— The plant usually does not flower until late iu summer, and continues a long time in flower. Being very vigorous it will probably bloom finely in August and up to frost. A. japonica aud vara, are fine iu late summer aud autumn, and are deserving of extendi d culture; they have iu addition to fine flowers a hand- some appearance in mixed borders from their foliage. Neottopteris nidus (A Yoimg Exhibitor). — It is not a tree Fern. It is the Asplenium nidus of Linnaaus. Disease in American Potatoes.— "W. H. A." informs ua that it is attacking them in north Lincolnshire, and did the same last year. He asks what was the parentage of Sutton's Red-skinued Flourball Potato. It is very similarly attacked. Poplar Bleeding (J. Evcracrfs).—Bea.r the wound thorooffhly with a red-hot iron, and then paint over the charred surface with pamters' knotting ; that is the paint painters use to prevent the resinous exudation from the knots in deals. Names of Plants (A Constant Readt'r).—We cannot name plants from their leaves only. (O. B. C.).— We cannot name the varieties of Rosea even, they, like all other florists' flowers, are too numerous and alike. {Lady King). — A Geranium, specimen insufficient. {Rev. S. A. Brf«rtfii.— Apparently Rosa gallica, but this is not au Irish plaat. A note as to the circumstances of ita occurrence would be of interest POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OMONIOLE. SCENES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE DOG SHOW. When at the Croyclon Show I suddenly remembered that the Dog Show at the Palace wa9 at that very time going on. Indeed, it together with the Islington Horse Show helped to account for the thin attendance at the Bath and West of England Meeting. I was determined to make for the Dog Show, so reaching Syden- ham station, I walked with an old poultry friend from thenc& to the Palace. Aud, oh ! dost thou love a pretty walk, good reader in early summer ? If thou dost and art near London take a ticket to Sydenham and do as I did, and let the time be when the lilacs and laburnums are in bloom. I passed along pretty broad roads, with peeps every now and then into villa gardens — fine large gardens, not mere scraps of earth, and villas well built, and large and mansion-like. The day was what we look for in " leafy June," not yet broiling summer, and May's chilli- ness gone. Alas ! that the poetical May should, usually by the east wind, be rendered such a fib. I passed on, meeting groups of healthy children with their nurses. And what a test of % neighbourhood is the appearance of the children in it ! There is n°o truer test. The poverty of a place is seen staring-out at you in the children's pinclied cheeks aud thin limbs; while well-fed little ones— with round faces and deep dimpled-chins and clean attire, as surely tell us that we are iu a well-to-do part of England. I passed on aud entered the Palace grounds towards the lower pirt of the park, and walked upwards through its grounds and gardens to the Palace. How beautiful are these grounds and gardens ! The Palace may disappoint, part being gone, and many portions look shabby and worn. The vaunted courts liok dull, and their monumental designs show cracks and flaws. But the gardens are better and better, the view still aa grand, the shrubs each year grander. How better is nature than art— the former never can be vulgarised, the latter often is. The grand dreams about the Palace have long since passed away. It is a place of shops, aud not very high-class amuse- ments ; but its situation is grand, its garden and park beautiful. I reach the terrace ju'st as the fox terriers are being judged, a class of dogs particularly to my fancy. The ewners of the dogs now I see as a rule, are iu attendance with their pets, and they no longer suffer servants to hold them. The ring of dogs is large but gradually grows smaller as the least deserving in the eye of the Judges are weeded-ont. The dogs are, as a rule, admirably shown, and there are fewer over-large animals. Tight, trim, neat and rather small dogs are favouritec- dogs that 16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ July 1, 1873. can wort, and whoBe Bize does not prevent their entering into a fox's earth. There were also some with great beauty showed also many scars on their faces, thus clearly proving them to be, not mere pretty-shaped pets, but true plucky workers. The eight on the enclosed spaces on the terraces and slopes above "Was very pleasing to any lover of dogs. The rings of dogs below with the Judges in their centre ; then on the slopes the many interested Inokers-on. How nervously an.\ious were the owners. Exhibiting must be a trial to the nerves, for I notice that con- versation with an exhibitor prior to the judging is but on his part broken sentences, the one thought, " Oh ! shall I win?" Later in the day I went into the Show itself, and I must say that it far excelled any exhibition of dogs which I had ever seen. Its freedom from offensive smells proved that the care of the managers was great. Evening was now coming on, the inside was getting dim, the poor animals were inclined to quiet- ness and sleep, and no exciting gas as at Birmingham had been lit. Coming to the middle portion of the Show I see a small crowd moving forward, pushing towards the centre ; then there are cries of " Stand back, stand back, room !" Surely, surely, it is not a dog fight at a dog show — not the old cruel sport— these are days of gentle fancies, and wicked sports happily do not go unpunished. The crowd grows larger, there is a wonder- ful attraction in a moving crowd gazing at some central object or objects. I am drawn into the whirlpool, and have made up my mind to call in the police and stop the fight, and write about it to the " Animal "World." I am in the crowd now, like the rest, I am on tiptoes actually, and as the penny-a-liner would say also, " On the tiptoe of expectation." I force my way nearer the centre, I plainly see ladies are near enjoying the scene. *' Oh ! this is worse than Hurlingham ! How bad these women of modern days are ! Ladies enjoying a dog fight, for I am sure there are dogs and ladies too. Oh ! fie for shame ! " Still nearer I get. I can see more now. Why, there are hair brushes in the air. What can it all mean. I press nearer — hair brushes the best that money can buy, new and clean. It is surely an exhibition of ladies' hair as grown on the head to prove that all is not false. This is a good idea, and I will see which girl wins — which has the longest, and thickest, and loveliest home- grown production. I get nearer to gaze on the fair heads to see them pass the smoothing brush over the black, or the golden, or the auburn, or the fair flaxen, as the case may be. I see the brushes and the hands — small and delicate, moving rapidly. I am in the centre now, and oh ! no dog fight, no lady's-hair prize, but lady owners are giving the last brush to their Maltese dogs before they go into the hands of the Judges, who stand close by. The texture, gloss, and exact partiug of the dog's hair down the line of the spine were really wonderful. The best Eeemed like creatures clad in spun glass or floss silk, and no lady's hair was more evenly parted. By the way, the Judges of these classes ought to be old, very old, and rather spiteful bachelors, or unfairness might arise. Thus, say a very pretty bright-eyed lady with a coaxing smile held np her dog beside a bony, hard-featured, withered, woman's- rights virgin, would it not be human nature, or rather " man" nature without the " hu," to give the prize if possible to the dog owned by the fair lady, and to receive in return such a smile? So to correct the balance I would say, Let the dogs be held only by the attendants at the show, or let the Judges be the crustiest of old bachelors, and, if possible, let them be suffering from suppressed gout at the time. I have noticed the sufferings of gentlemen exhibitors, but theirs were nought to those of the lady exhibitors. I marked such pale cheeks of anxiety, lips bitten hard (lips meant for a better fate), muscles twitching, and a whole demeanour marking the combat going on between hope and fear. Verily I am glad I am not an exhibitor. All is over, the Judges' decision is given, the little crowd breaks up only to gather again around the owners of the Blen- heim Spaniels. Again the same scene, again the ladies and their dogs — their pretty Blenheims, vastly superior to my taste to the Maltese ; but tastes differ, and right they should ; and that tastes differ is never more plainly seen than at this dog Show. Perhaps its ample provision for taste of all kinds is one great element of its success, for successful most certainly it was. — Wiltshire Rector. OUR SPRING HATCHING. I SEE reiterated this week in the Journal the failure of chickens this season, and was expecting to have seen answers from those well experienced to your invitation regarding the effect of frost or cold upon eggs, but being in this respect disappointed, I venture to give my experience, though a young amateur. I only commenced keeping fowls this season, and being a novelty my children were so delighted at obtaining the eggs that they were all gathered immediately, or soon after, being laid and brought into the house, and I found nearly every egg that was set — and 1 set a good many during the cold spring— were with scarcely an exception all prolific, and in the spring was very successful in rearing the chickens. Since then I have not been so successful. I must, like other amateurs, learn by experience. My hens became uncomfortable and left their eggs just before hatching, and I have only recently dis- covered the cause — their becoming troubled with insects, which I attribute to having moistened the eggs with water. I do not consider this requisite, and shall discontinue the practice until I have proof of its necessity, for, as someone pointed out io a recent number, hens at large will as often make their nest in a dry loft as by a damp hedgeside. I had taken the precaution of putting cinder ashes under the nests, believing this would deter insects. For the future I shall be able to combat with this difficulty, but should be glad at the same time to receive hints on the subject. — Wavertbee. POULTRY SHOW SCHEDULES. Great Grimbky has its Show on July 2l8t, 22nd, and 23rd, in connection with the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society. The schedule is almost the same as last year ; though good in some points, it is still open to immense improvement with the same expenditure in money. Dorkings havci one class with four good prizes. Game have two classes and seven prizes. Reds coming off very well indeed. Brahmas and Cochins have only one class each with three prizes. Why will committees he so foolish ? No classes fill like the Brahmas. Hamburghs have two classes only with four prizes. Houdans and Creves have each a class, and there is one for Polands. There are two Selling classes for cocks and pairs of hens with handsome prizes. Turkeys have a class, also Geese, and Ducks three, and we are glad to see a class for Guinea fowls. Entries close July 3rd. The fee is 3.3. Gil. a pen. Judges *' competent," but nameless, are to award the prizes. When will committees see the folly of their ways ? We see nothing about baskets in the rules, bo we suppose double and single may be used. Newhall (near Burton-npon-Trent) has its Show on July 21st. It is quite a miniature affair. We are sorry for this, because this is the Society we believe which had its Show at Horninglow in 1873, when the schedule was quite imposing. There was a falling-off last year, but this season they have come down to 12s. 6f?, and 7s. Gd. prizes. We are very sorry for this, as we have pleasant recollections of the 1873 exhibition. As far as the schedule goes the classes are fairly distributed, and Cochins and Brahmas fare better than they do at Great Grimsby. The entry fee is 2s. Cd. Baskets are again left open as to description. The Judge's name is not announced ! Castle Doninoton holds its floral fete and poultry Exhibi- tion also on July 2l8t. The schedule is most peculiar. There are classes for all kinds of breeds, with two prizes in each of 10s. and 5s. ; and a special prize, the value of not less than .£1, is given to every two classes. We wonder whether these " specials " will much exceed the i'l, and whether they will be paid in hard cash or in little useUss articles. We almost think we must try and win one of these " not-less-than-i'l " prizes, and see what we shall draw from the lucky bag. Cochins have six classes and three of these specials ; while Brahmas four, and Dorkings two ; Houdans, Spanish, and Bantams each have two classes; Game and Hamburghs four each. There is a class for chickens of this year of any breed with four prizes. Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys all have classes. We rejoice to come at last to a schedule where the "gentlemen of acknowledged ability" have names. Here they are to be Re v. T. O'Grady aud Mr. Hutton. Non-subscribers pay 2s. per pen, but a subscriber of 5s. only Is. per pen, which is most reasonable. Entries close on July 14th. Nothing is stated about baskets. The Obmskirk and Southport Society meet this year at the latter town. This is one of the first chicken shows of the year, and we shall watch the results with interest. The prizes are £2 and i£l in each class, and there are classes for old birds and for chickens of the year. We are very glad to see White Dork- ings have their two classes. There is no class for Black Ham- burghs, which surprises us, and White Cochins are pushed off to the Variety class, and we hope the insult will be returned by not one pen of the breed appearing at the Show. Entry fee is 2s. to subscribers, and 6s. to non-subscribers. Entries close July 13th. Post entries, with extra fees, will be taken up to July 19th. The names of the Judges are not given, and we see no mention made of baskets. There are two XB cups, one for Game and one for any breed not Game. The Pigeon depart- ment is good. There are three prizes in each class, and five point prizes besides. It is the single-bird system, and the entry fee is 3s. per pen. Carriers have four classes, and one for birds bred in the year, as, too, there are classes for 1875 Dragoons, Barbs, and Autwerps. There are classes for E nglish and foreign Owls, but Tumblers and Turbits have only one each. The Royal Manchester Society meet at Preston this year. The schedule is a fac-simile of the one at Stalybridge last season. The prizes are very handsome — i'3, i'2, and £1 in each class. The Show is for 1875 birds only, and the classes are well and fairly distributed ; but we much regret to see the Silver-Grey Dorking class of 1873 again is omitted, and that no July 1, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 17 inducement hue been held out to White Cochins. Buffs ami Partridges are well looked after, but Whites are sent to the refuge. This must be wrong. Geese have two classes. The entry fee is 3s. for subscribers, and Cs. for non-subscribers. The Judges' names ard not announced, but we generally find the right sort here. Again the basket subject is not mentioned. We hope this is a general dawning of better days, and that com- mittees, while cutting out the old rule of separate hampers being necessary, leave it to the exhibitors' taste to use double or single packages. Newbuky (Berks) has a " grand Exhibition of poultry and Pigeons" on August 24th. The schedule is good, but not grand. We hope, however, the anticipated display will be grand, and so make this young Show worthy of its title. There are three prizes in most of the classes, and four t'.5 silver cups. Dorkings, Brahmas, Cochins, and Hamburghs have two classes each, but Game only have one. Polands have a class. There is a class for 1875 chickens with good prizes. Ducks have three classes. The Pigeons are well classified, but the prizes are so poor that this department can only be local. There are also local poultry prizes, which are arranged in a new way, and in a manner we would especially recommend to those committees who go in for local classes. The entry fees are 3s. tid. and '2s. Cil., and the entries close on August 9th. The names of the Judges are not announced, but they are to be of " acknowledged experience ;" and the old basket system is in use here, we are sorry to say. Brecknock holds its annual Show of poultry. Pigeons, &o., on August 25th. It is a fair schedule, and most of the chief breeds have three prizes in each class. Game have three classes, and there is one, too, for Polands. There are for 187.5 chickens two classes — one for the large breeds, and one for the smaller. We are glad to see a cottagers' class, and hope it will be well sup- ported. The Judge is announced — viz., Mr. Ilutton, but each pen must be in a separate basket. Entries close on August 10th, the fee being 3s. Gd. There is a severe rule against trimming, which we give in full, as others may like to copy it in their schedules: — "11. — The Judges will be specially instructed to disqualify and mark any pens of birds they may discover trimmed or altered in character for the purpose of exhibition {excppt the dubbing of Game cocks). In case of any such disqualification duly certified under the hand of the Judges to the Committee, all the pens of the same exhibitor throughout the Show will be also disqualified on account of such fraud ; and both the penalty and the reasons for it will be stated in the prize list, and notice thereof legibly affixed to the front of the said pens. These notices will be maintained throughout the Show, and anyone found removing or defacing them will be givpu into the custody of the police.'' The Pigeons have only 15s. and 7s. prizes. There are eleven classes, one of which is for Nuns. The entry fee is 2s. Gd. per pen. — 'W. THOBNE POULTEY SHOW. Is it usually the custom to allow birds to be removed from the show pens during the Show ? At the recent Thorne Show I observed in Classes 77 and 78 (the awards were not then given to those particular classes) several vacant pens. In Class 77, which had eight entries, only three birds appeared ; heavy showers were falling, and these three birds were more or less wet and dis-spirited, so that it was not surprising when the prize-list appeared that the honours were in more than one case taken by birds which had not borne the brunt of the storm. Among the birds thus exposed to the weather, and subsequently passed over unnoticed, were some which had taken high honours at the Palace and other shows, and might no doubt on this occasion have presented a different appearance had they shared the advantages of their rivals. In addition to the unfairness, it is a great disappointment to fanciers who go to see the birds, and find some of the best pens removed. I am told that after the judging some fine birds were removed from other classes, and visitors had only the pleasure of seeing the prize card and the empty pen. The rule in the schedule is that birds were to be penned at 10 A.M., but after eleven o'clock I saw poultry hampers admitted at the gates of the showground, giving great advantages overex- hibitors who had been obliged to send their hampers the night before. — E. [We have for many years past uniformly protested against poultry shows being held in open grounds, as a certainty of fine weather cannot in our variable climate be ever depended upon. At Thorne the poultry and Pigeons were arranged under the shade of high trees, and when the heavy thunder storms pre- vailed most of the visitors betook themselves to the shelter of refreshment tents, & j. Some few of the exhibitors who travelled with their birds were prepared against such an exigency with oil-sheets, and consequently their pens were protected from the positive downpour, as were a few pens that happened to be under those trees that had the most abundant foliage ; but we cannot say whether or not any of the birds were temporarily or finally taken away during the Show time by their respective owners. It is only a short time since we heard of a man in charge of poultry stripping himself of both his coats and his waistcoat to protect his birds, and the result was, to use hia own words, " I got the cup by it, and the worst illness I ever had iu my life 1 " We again say, Shows without covering are altogether a mistake.] DAEI. So>rE of your friends are asking about dari. I beg to say my attention was first called to this corn seed three years ago. I was at the time keeping Gold Pheasants, Black Bantams, Houdans, and Black Cochins. Finding all the birds did so well on it, particularly the Pheasants and Bantams, I was the means last season of inducing two or three of our large breeders of Pheasants and Partridges to give it a trial, although they had an exceptionally good season. They were not at the time at all willing to give any credit to the feeding on dari. Evidently a change has taken place in their views, for within the last four- teen days I have been solicited to obtain for them, if possible, a few quarters of the stuff I was so kind as to send them last year. I cannot speak so positively as Mr. G. Eiley does of its egg- producing properties, but for keeping birds in good health and feather I never used its equal. Pigeons and Doves are delighted with it, but should only have it on high days and holidays, they eat it too ravenously. My .experience is that it should only be given very sparingly, and not oftenerthan twice a- week. — James Eloab. THIRSK SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The sixth annual Show was held at Thirsk on the 23rd of June, and the day proving, unlike that of last year, very fine, it was a success in all respects, and for the amount offered in prizes the entry for poultry was something extraordinary, and it is our opinion that if a real good prize-list were offered by this Society, such is its popularity that a most excellent show would be the result. On this occasion there were about 210 entries for 10s. and OS. for poultry, a.nd 5s. only for Pigeons. Dorkings were a very good lot, and all Dark Greys; Game poor, a.ni Spanish a fair lot. Pen 367 were agrand pen of Buffa, and well placed, the other noticed birds standing well. Brahmas all Dark, and a pretty good lot. Only the winners in Gold- epangle Hamburglis were deserving of notice, and in Silver- spangles the three noticed were only of quality, but these were good. In Gold-pencils the first was a grand pen, the second a better cock, but rather wild, and the hen not equal to him. Silver-pencils only moderate, while Black Hamburghs and Po- lands were good. Black Bantams were the best class in the Show, many pens being really excellent. In Game Bantams Mr. Steel's pens were empty ; there were some good pens, but the majority were not good. ' In the next class the first were capital Silver Sebrights, second being Gold. ' In Ducks, Rouens were a fair class, an extra second being given; Aylesbury good, while in the "Variety class Black East Indian of only poor quality won. Turkeys and Geese were each fair lots, and Guinea Fotvls really good. In the Selling class a fair pair of Black Red Game were first, and Gold-pencils second ; and in the Variety class the first were Sultans, and second Malays. A class for chickens of any variety was provided, the winners being Gold-pencils and Dorkings. In Pigeons there were forty entries, only one prize in each class being offered ; the Jacobins, Fantails, Owls, and Dragoons proving good, the latter especially, a pair of Reds, being a really grand pair. Dorkings —1 and 2, J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton, he, A. Jackson, BrouBhton, Nurtballerton: T. Newbald, Clittnn. Yorit , ,.. Game.— 1, ti. Carter, Bedale. 2, Holmes & YounR, Driffield, he. Lister and Pounder, Spabam, Yarm ; .1. Casa, Hoviugham, York ; G. & T. Kidson. {.SPANISH —Black.— I, (J. W. .lefferaon, Northallerton. 2 and ftc, G. Pounder, Kirby Moorside. c, Rev. H. Hawkins, Topclillo, Thirslt : I. Flintoff, Nowby, Stockton-onTeea. ,„..,, „ , ^t .l t^ . Coohin-Chima— Biijf— 1. Urwin Si Ibeston. Vfhitby. 2, J. North, Fartnwn, HudderBfleld. he, Lady Bolton ; J. North. Parlridge.—l and 2. .7. Bell, Thirak. BBAHSli PooTRi.— 1, T. P. Carver, LanRihorpB. Borouijlibridge 2. t. VS'illiama & Son. vhc, G. B. Bell, Layton, Caulwell, DarlinRton. he, Lady Bolton ; Miss Jacques. Kii-binond. ^ ^ ,• ^ n HiMBDROH3.-G"/'(."~)"i"'7/<(i-I,E Kcenleyside. Aycliffe, Darlmatop. 2, Holmes & Youne, LiritHel.l, he, T. P. Carver; G. Garbuit. Sinnmston, Picker- inK. Silver-spanu'ed.-l, Holmes & Young. 2, G. Garbutt. he, Wella & Sher- '■"HljiMMHS-Golrfen-iKiiciHrf-l. T. P. Carver. 2, J. Newhnld. Clifton, York. hc,A.G. Mitchell, Bishop Auckland. UUver-penciUed.—l, W. Bearpark, Northallerton. 2, .1. Case. ^, _ ^ ., t, „ HiMBUKOHS -W(xcfc.-1, T. P. Carver. 2. G. Sla'er, Fairlawn. R'pon. PoLANDs.-l and c, C Walker, BorouahbridKe. 2, w Bearpark. BANTAMs.-B;»tll, Chesterfield. 3, Hawke & Kevd, Ticknill, Rotherham. Brown and other Beds, except Blaek-breasted.—l. C. \V. Brierley. 2, Sales and Bentley, Crowle. 3. H. Heldon. Duchivinga and other Oreya and Blues.— \. J, Mason. 2, J. A. & H. H. Staveley, Tibthorne. Driffl-ld. 3, ^ales & Bentley. c, H. B'ldon, Goitstock, Bincley. Any other variety.— \,3 F. Walton. Kavv- lenstall. 2, R. Walker. Woodnook, Gomereal. 3, J. Pearsall, Hexthorpe, Doncaster. DoBKlvfiS— ,SiIt:er-Grey.— 1 and 8. W. Roe, Newark. 2, J. Walker. Rochdala. Anil variety.— \, J. Walker. 2 and 3, Mrs. Arkwright, Sutton Scarsdale, Chester- field, he, W. Koe. Spanish.— 1, J. Boulton, Bristol. 2, H. Beldon, Goitstock. 3, Barcb and Boulter, Sheffield. CocBiNB— 1. J. Walker. 2. H. Beldon. 3, W. B. Fletcher, Ackworth, Pontc- fract. he, J. Mann, Odsett, Wakefield. BMAHMAS.-Lii/'it -1, J. Long. Bromley Common. 2. W. J. Frank, sherbnm, Sonlh Milford. 3, H. Beldon. flarfc— 1, J. F. Smith, Cheiry Mount. Shefflel.l. 2, T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount. 3, W. Whiteley, ShefBeld. he, J. F. Smith; T. F. Ansdell. Hambcsghs.— ^i7uer-spailflie(i— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. 3, C J Young, Driffield. he, .J. Long. Silver-pencilled —I and 2, H. Beldon. Gulden-spangled.— Cap and )ic, H. Beldon. 2, Buch & Bnulter. S.J.Long. POLANDS.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. 3, A. S W. H. Silvester, Sheffield, e, J. Mann. B&UTAias.— Black-breasted and other Eeds.—Cnp and 3, W. F. Entwisle, Bradford. 2, A. Sueden. ^winley. Cipckheat-'n. Vie, E. Walton, Rawtenstali. e. Miss Holt. Stainchffe. Game, any variety.— \, K. Newbitt, l-ipworth. 2, F. Terr.v. Owston. 3, E. Walton, he, W F. Entwisle. Crevr-l'ceur.— 1, W. Cutla-k. jun., Littleport. 2. T. Addey, Askem. Any Variety.- C/iicfct'/(8.— 1, Kev. R. Fielden, Derby. Guinea Fowls.— 1, C. J. Young. 2, £. Snell, tiarrowden, Stamford, ftc, CM. Stacev. Wilby, Doncaster. Tiih'keys —1. J. Walker. 2, B. H. Bronksbank, Tickhill, Rotherham. BvcKa— Aylesbury.— 1, J. Walker. 2. W. stonehoase, WestclitTe, Whitby. Boueu.—l, J. Walker. 2, E. Snell. Any other variety.— I, J. Walker. 2, Mrs. Arkwright. Gfese.-I, J. Walker. 2, J. White, Netherton, Wakefield, do, E. Snell ; C.J. Young. Sellino Class.- 1, Burch i Boulter. 2, W. G. Lysley. S, W. Whiteley. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1, J. E. Crofts, Blyth, Worksop. 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham. he, G. Sadler, Boroughbridge. c, R. G. Thwaites, Pontefract; E. Brown, Sheffield. Jacobins.— 1, J. Skilbeck, Conlton, York. 2, G. Sadler, he, W. Parkinson, Doncaster; H. Yardley ; J. E. Crofts. Antwerps.— 1 and 2, W. F. Entwisle. he, W. W. Fowler, Pontefract ; H. Yardley. Any other Variety.- 1 and Extra 2, J. E. Crofts. 2. H. Yardley. vhc, A. and W. W. Silvester, he, F. Stamford, Norwood, Bevirley; A. & W. W. Silvester. ^'ANTAILs.—l, J. F. Loversidge, Newark. 2, H. Yardley. ftc, W. W. Fowler ; E. Brown. Selling Class.— 1, J. E. Crofts. 2, W. W. Fowler, ht, J. E. Crofts ; G. Sadler. Judges. — Poultry and Pigeons : Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey, and Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. PIGEONS' NESTS. Fob many years I have used the wooden nest similar to one shown in the Journal of June 3rd. If other fanciers would adopt them they would see the advantage they have over the earthen- ware nest-pan. To test their merits place in the breeding bos one of each, let the pair of Pigeons choose for themselves ; they will convince you which is the best by their selecting the one best adapted to their wants. I have 144 in use, part of which were made in 1854 at a cost of seven cents each (3J(Z.). Another lot made in 1869 cost twice that amount. They were made from the cuttings of 3-inch yellow pine joice ; 9 inches square, 3-inch thick, the bowl turned 21 deep by 8 inches in diameter. The wood containing rosin I believe make them proof against vermin. I had them made expressly for Short-faced Tumblers, but have used them for the larger breeds, such as Carriers and Trumpeters, which I have found to answer equally as well aa larger nests, as the eggs are kept close together in sitting, also the young nestle close in a small nest, thereby gaining more warmth, which is much required at the time when the old begin to leave them. They fit nicely in the corners of the breeding box, and have plenty of shelf room in the nest pan for the old birds to feed their young. By placing three or four of them together they make nice troughs for heavily-wattled Carriers or large-rosed Trumpeters to feed out of. In your report of the Bath and West of England Show I note "Wiltshire Rector's" remarks about Fulton's dealings with American fanciers. I'll vouch for all said of him, as I had from him some Short-faced Almonds that were as near perfection as it is possible to attain them, which have done me good service in improving my strain of Short-faces, which variety of birds I have loved fondly for the past twenty-seven years, and am more devoted to them to-day than ever ;■ and well may Eaton remark, "once in the fancy always in it," which is quite true when you were born a fancier, as I believe all fanciers are.— T. S. Gabdesb, Baltimore, U.S. SELECTION. I WAS much pleased to see in " our Journal " of last week an article by Mr. Huie on " Selection," a subject I have long desired to see discussed by intelligent Pigeon fanciers. I have never been a believer in the Dove-house or Rook Pigeon theory j but July 1, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENBB. 19 at present will not enter upon it beyond saying that, with a view to have more light, I am also prepared to give Dr. Morgan, or anyone else, £50 in money or plate who works out the problem, either forwards or backwards, in accordance with the terms stated in Mr. Huie's letter. — Geo. Uke. HOW I OBTAINED MY BEES. It is fourteen years since I lived with a gentleman who kept bees, since that time I have seen bat little of them. On the 5th inst., at 11 30 a.m., I was going from one part of the garden to the other (which is about thirty acres), when one of the men called to me, saying " Here's a swarm of bees." He was knock- ing a beef-tiu with his hoe. He called it " ringing them down," a very common thing in Lincolnshire. So I ran to a house 600 yards off where they kept bees to see if theirs had swarmed. They had only one stock hive, and it had swarmed a few days before, and the swarm had gone into an empty hive, where the bees had died during the winter, standing by the side of the parent hive. So I borrowed a hive of them, a common straw skep 13 inches across by 12 inches deep. I ran home for a glass of beer and some sugar and some fennel, and rubbed the hive with the mixture. When I returned the bees had alighted on a straight piece of the thorn hedge, sol pulled it down and gave it a good shake and turned it down under the hive. I did not even get stung, Off I went to my employer to tell him and ask him for the bees, as I am only garden bailiff here, and did not like to take them away of my own permission. He gave me consent, so at night I wrapped-up the hive in a sheet and carried them home. On the 8th I weighed them, and the hive altogether was lOJ lbs. My friend weighed two of his empty hives, and they were 5 lbs. 6 ozs. I have given them 1 lb. of sugar with cold water, a little every day up to the ITth, and at night I turned them up to look at them. They appear to have iilled the east side of the hive from the middle nearly to the bottom with beautiful white comb. They go laden in, some with yellow and some with a very dark pollen on their legs. There was a drone went in yesterday (June 17), the only one I have seen. I suppose it is a first swarm by its being so early as the 5:h of June. To-day I boiled a pint of water and 1 lb. of white sugar together, and poured it into two jars, and put a bit of round wood with a lot of holes in it to float on the top, and by dinner-time they had cleared it all up. — J. M., Lincolnshire. SWARMING. In reading over Mr. Pettigrew'a article on swarming I am fairly put to bay, insomuch as that I am doing all I can to pre- vent my bees from swarming to insure first-rate stocks for nest season, and, as I hope, good early swarms. But where is the nse of these good early swarms if — after filling their hives, and we will premise fill supers as well — through their industry the hives are too well filled with honey to be of much use for stocks for the ensuing season ? I know of two straw hives, Clinches diameter, quite full and heavy (as much as I could lift comfort- ably), and the swarms had only been hived a fortnight; then a nadir was placed under each of them, and if the proprietor only reaps the benefit of that nadir from each this season he will have no need to go to the stock hive for more. What is more difficult than to extract one or more bars from a stock hive that is full of bees? Am I to understand that Mr. Pettigrew advo- cates at a certain time after hiving the driving of a swarm from its then stock hive into another artificially, extracting the honey and comb from the first, and then returning the swarm to re- commence their arduous labours, to rebuild their home, and re- stock it with a suDply for their winter use? He likewise states that hives with 20 or 30 lbs. to spare in spring, in which the bees have been fed during the winter, do not yield large swarms. Now, by this I conclude that it would be best either to give the bees so much food that the hive shall not be increased in weight very much — that is, if food be found wanting, by weighing the hive ; or to deprive them of at least 20 lbs. of honey, say in March. One would almost think that a hive strong in bees and heavy with honey would be the most valuable and most likely to yield a good return at the honey harvest by a goodly supply of supers. I have always understood the cry to be " feed ! feed ! ! feed!!!" late in winter and early in spring. Now, if we do, and the bees collect in food and honey 20 to 30 lbs., we sacrifice large swarms ; if so, what course must be adopted to ensnre them ? — J. H. HoWAliD. [Mr. Howard has read my remarks very intelligently, and has stated his dilficulties clearly enough. I am glad he has done so, for they will enable me to explain more fully the points noticed by him, which are important. We maintain that by the swarm- ing system of managing bees better stocks for keeping can be bad than on the non-swarming one. Let us suppose that Mr. Howard has two stocks ready to swarm about the end of May; ten days sooner or later will not disturb the argument. One stock yields a swarm which may be honsed in an 18-iuch hive ; the other is prevented from swarming by the use of supers, ekes, or a nadir. If supers be used the hives will be pietty well filled with honey, and the breeding space much contracted before the first super bo filled. If the nadir process be resorted to instead of supers, the top hive will become the storehouse for almost all the honey the bees may collect. The nadir will gradually be filled with combs, and become the breeding room; but unfortunately bees that are prevented from swarming gene- rally and instinctively make far too much drone comb, which greatly impedes healthful progress. Nadirs are most advan- tageously used with early swarms of the current season, when both honey and stocks are aimed at from them. If I understand aright Mr. Howard's letter, the gentleman he allades to has nadired two swarms of this year in 21-inch hives, which are already heavy. The top hives will, weather being favourable, become too full of honey for stocks, but will yield a large harvest of honey and honeycomb. Now let us go back to the hive and its swarm. A second swarm may or may not be obtained. We take all the second swarms we can from hives that swarm in May. But suppose for a moment that the hive does not cast off a second swarm. All the brood in the old hive will be hatched about twenty- one days after the first left it. At this time the bees have no brood to attend to, and plenty of empty cells and bees to store honey in them. Such hives in good seasons rise in weight to 80 lbs., and sometimes more, and thongh too heavy for keeping are far better for stocks than those that never swarmed at all. We are now driving the bees out of our stock hives on the twenty-first day after swarming, and taking about 15 lbs. aver^o.,iy of run honey from each stock. The quantity is unusually small, but the season has not been a favourable one. When the honey is thus taken the bees are put into empty hives, which they have to fill. As one stock hive is emptied it is refilled with the bees of another. These hives, filled with young combs and possessing young queens, generally make good stocks. We now come to notice the first swarm, which if obtained in May will in a favourable season for honey do better than and run before all non-swarmers. If I am asked how it is that swarms invariably rise to greater weights than non-swarmers in honey seasons, I may not be able to give a satisfactory and philosophic reply ; but the facts of fifty years' experience cannot be overturned by any philosophy. It is natural for bees to swarm, and to let them swarm is cer- tainly and incontestably the surest and best method of obtaining and keeping good stocks. In the swarming system of manage- ment there are two or three hives full of bees at work, two or three queens laying, and any of the three hives under proper management is equal, we think better, for keeping than a non- swarmer. Bat one or two of them are marked for honey, and their bees united to the one that may be kept, thus making it doubly or trebly strong in bees. The apiary is thus kept full of hives with young queens and young combs. When quite young we were instructed to look on nou-swarmera as ineligible for stocks under ordinary circumstances, and at the end of a long and extensive practice we say that it is but seldom and with great reluctance we ever keep a non-swarmer another year. I thank Mr. Howard for his letter, and trust that both he and others will frankly and fairly state their opinions and per- plexities.— A. Pettigbew.] SPARROWS KILLING AND EATING BEES. A FEW days ago Mr. Tates sent me the following letter : — " My brother has jast returned from a visit to Doncaster, where he has been spending a few days. He remarks that when watch- ing the bees he noticed the sparrows taking them. The sparrows perched on a tree near the hives, and suddenly darted and caught the bees. The birds carried the bees to the roof of the house, there killed them, and then carried t'nem to their young. To be quite sure the gun was brought, and we soon had a good opportunity of shooting at a sparrow, which caught a bee and alighted on the ground ; but, though the bird was hit and wounded, it flew away. On going to the spot a number of feathers were there and a bee — a drone, and so surmise the sparrows were catching drones only, which I believe they did at rather a considerable rate." In confirmation let me say that on Sunday last I happened to be looking through a window at the bees working, when I observed two hen sparrows busily catching bees on the flight- board of one of the hives. Each bird jamped on the flight- board and caught a bee by the back, carrying it to the roof of the house. They soon returned for more, giving me ocular evidence of their destructive powers. I saw the sparrows ju'np oft the flight-board with bees in their bills, and there kill and eat them. I was rather too far off to be sure whether the sparrows took drones only. I thought those that were killed and eaten in front of the hives were working bees. One drone I saw taken and carried away. — A. Pettigkew. P.S. — Since the above ha? been written I have seen hen sparrows again catching and killing bses, but have not yet sue- 20 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1875. ceeded in preveutinfj the birds from carrying off their prey. If the sparrows take drones only we shall be grateful for their service; but if the working bees are thus destroyed, we shall endeavonr to riddle the birds with sparrow shot, — A. P. AN EXTEMPORE BEE-TRAP. We have this morning driven the bees out of a bell-glass super very successfully by the following method:— After setting the super on three inverted flower-pots, we placed over it a seakale-pot raised on two bricks. We then put on the cover of the pot and laid a piece of old sacking on the windward side. This was done just at 1 r.M. In about twenty minutes the bees began to clear off. A little before 2 p.m. as it came on to rain hard and scarcely any bees seemed to be coming from under the pot, we took off the cover and found not more than a dozen or twenty bees left in the glass. These were soon brushed out with a small feather, and in a little more than an hour from the time of its separation from the hive our booty was adorning the luncheon table. No doubt the risk of robbers was diminished by the day being dull, and consequently few beea being about. — A. C. N. OUR LETTER BOX. Cheap Poultry (H. P. B.).— We know of no vendors of cheap poultry; every farmer sells mongrels at the market price. You must advertise, stating what you require. Guinea Fo^vls (Puzsl^d).— Yon are on one point quite correct, aithongh it ■was disputed fur years, and is now by some fanciers. There is no doubt that Guinea Fowls pair. We are comp'^lled to believe that the birds you have are both hens. All the little attentions you name may, under some circum- stances, bft practised by a hen assuming the plumai^e (as in other birds) and habit 8 of the cock ; especially is this the case in Spanish hens aud hen Pheasants. The ey^s liid by a hen " sulo " would remain perfectly clear, because no germ of life'exists. It cannot, therefore, be developed, and no corruption can follow. Such eggs would remain clear for any length of time, although under a hen. Hamburgh Chickrns— Pigeon's Face Wounded (B. itf.).— You may feed the young Hpan^Ied Hamburghs as ynu would any others ; bailed e<^g chopped fine, curd, bread crumbs, bread and milk, cooked meat chopped tine, and some beer to drink. Yuu must dry the eruption on the face of your Pigeon with a sponge, and then burn off the excrescences as they appear with caustic. By drying we mean you must clear off all pus or moisture there may be under the crust or skin of the excrescence. Silver-Grey Rabbits.— Mr. Firth writes, In reply to Mr. Savage, I never advised the breeding of the '* loo liKht-shaded Silver-Grtys," which are "as objectionable as the dark shades." I maintain the opinion that no Silver- Greya with dark heads, feet, and tails should be an *'eihibiiion standard ; " but those which possess the true sharp silvery shade, beautifully and evenly interspersed with the blue-tioted shade, and this exhibition shade I have always advocated. Mr. Savage says that Mr. Hudson's back— prize buck " was none of the too light shade," aud which was " as objectionable as the too dork shade." I presume the word "none" is a misprint for " now." [Yes.] Books {Fldget).~Wnte to the author. Jacobin Laying Soft Eggs iW. Carlton).— Yonr bird is evidently improv- ing, as the last egg had a ehell, though a thin one. Separate her from the cock for ten days, and give her a small dose of castor oil, and feed her low. Sofc eggs come from overfeeding, causing inflammation of the egg organs. Honey for Exhibition (J. Marshall). — If your swarm of June 5th has been put into a moderately- sized hive, it should be able to fill a super to hold 8 or 10 lbs. by the 2.'>th of August. Aa soon as the hive is filled with combs, cat a hole 3 inches in diameter in the centre or crown of the hive, and place the super on aud over the hole. The combs will not be damaged much by cuttiog Ruch a hole. The super may be of glass, or wood, or straw; but glass supers require thick dark warm covers. If they do not have these the bees would do bettor in wood or straw. You ask if feeding will help your beea, and if it be possible to have two supers from your hive by feeding it well. We say yestobo'h questional, but feeding with flUt,'ar-Hyrup will not make honeycomb. Yoti may sptodi'y cause the swarm to fill its hive with combs by giving it plenty of such syrup ; but if feeding be continued after the super is placed on the hive, it should be done with pure honey. Some time ago pains were taken to teach the readers of this Journal how to fill supers artificiaUy and speedily. The process may be here repeated in a sentence easily under- stood: By placing or fixing plenty of white emp'y combs in the supers, and as soon as the bees begin to work iu them give them good honey, or honey in old black combs, as fast as they carry it up. In this way supers of any kind may be filled. Supering a Hive {Q. C). — The swarm which you found and hived may possibly fill a small super if the season be fine till the end. If a swarm fill its hive in four weeks, which is about the usual time in good seasons, it may be supered afterwards. Your swarm will make a good stock for keeping another year. Management of a Nadir {E. R.). — The top door of a nadired hive should be closed with a view to cause the bees the more readily to fill the nadir with combs. The nadir if well filled with worker-combs (not too much drone comb) will make a good stock for another year. Let all the bees ha driven from the top hive into it when the honey is taken. Transferring Bees (O. S.). — Your best time for transferring your bees from the old hive will be three weeks from ihe date of the issue of the first Hwarm. Probably before then you will have had a second swarm from the old hive. Should this occur before you see these lines you will doubtless have hived it in the "Neighbour" as you propose. If it should issue later, put the swarm in the old stock's place, and pruceed to treat the old hive a day or two later as you propose doing, after giving time for the boea therein to return to iheir old place. You will not find many bees in it. but you can drive these together into a small hive or box, and set tbem immediately over the new swarm. Any brood which may be left in the old hive can be cut out carefally and given to any other hive to hatch out. Old Stocku not Working [£!.). — We should feel inclined to drive a swarm immediately out of the one, and put it in the old stock's place in a new hive ; then letting the old hive stand aside fur a couple of days, till most of the bees had joined the swarm, we would shift away the other old hive, and put the deserted stock in place of it. A new queen would have to be raised, which would probably turn out a successful breeder, and so new blood would be introduced into your apiary ; but you rau.192 610 .57,2 S.W. 68./ 73.6 48 2 118.8 15.1 — Th. 21 30,245 62 4 56.0 N.W. 59 0 76.1 60.7 123.0 456 Fri. 25 30 085 60.5 58 0 w. 60.2 76,3 53.1 122 0 49 0 Sat 26 29.912 60.8 66.6 s. Gl.O 73 0 62 5 120.0 48 1 Sun. 27 30 030 65 0 64.2 S.E. 69,2 72.2 44.2 118 0 42.0 0 070 Mo. 2a 29 835 60.2 57 0 S. 60,5 72.3 54 0 82,6 62.1 0 200 Iu. 2, 7 SCNDAY JFTER TRINIiy. Boyal Literary Fund at 3 p M. Average Son Sun Clock Day Temperatare near London. Rises. Seta. Rises. Sets. Age. before Sun. of Year. Day. NiBhl. Mean. m. h. m. b. m. h. m. B. 74.0 60.0 62.0 65aI3 15 a( 8 12a(10 5Sat 10 5 4 42 189 741 49.4 618 66 3 14 8 26 11 a 11 6 4 62 190 74.7 60 3 62.5 67 8 13 8 after. 18 11 J) 5 0 191 75 4 507 630 68 3 13 8 51 1 SO 11 8 5 9 192 75.9 60.5 63.2 69 3 12 8 8 S 45 11 9 1 17 193 76.1 61.4 637 0 4 U 8 17 4 morn. 10 5 24 194 71.5 60.5 62.5 1 4 10 8 30 5 4 0 11 5 31 195 50.4'\ From observations taken near London during forty-threo jeajs, the average day temporature of tbo week is 75.0'; and its niglit temperature WANTED, INFORMATION ABOUT PEARS. | NCE or twice it lias been proposed in these columns to have an election of Pears on the principle of Mr. Hinton's excellently- conducted Hose elections, but the subject is full of difficulties, and our knowledge of it is evidently very imperfect. For my own part I am obliged to confess that I am miserably behind in the matter, and I am afraid, as the information is not forthcoming, that some of my confrircs are not much better informed than myself. It is true we have the new edition of the " Fruit Manual," and the amount of information contained in it is nothing less than marvel- lous for the work of one man ; but we want as many Dr. Hoggs as we have members of Parliament, and all of them to be as fond of work as the original, before we can obtain the accurate information which I should like us to possess. Perhaps it is impossible in our generation to obtain a perfect knowledge of the subject, but we can do some- thing to make the task easier for our 8Ucce.=;sore, and I would ask if it is not possible to conduct a series of ob- servations extending over three years in every part of the country, with directions from head quarters ? I would propose to take the Pear first, as I consider it the most useful of all outdoor dessert fruits, and it is the fruit on which our knowledge is the most imperfect. It is the most variable of fruits in different soils, seasons, climates, and on different stocks, and the usually-grown sorts vary from those which are good in almost all seasons and climates to those which are never good under any conditions. Take up the most select catalogue of fruits for sale you can find, and looking over the names of Pears you are certain to find at least one or two which it is questionable if anybody ever saw good in this country. I never saw Duchesse d'Angouleme good, yet you will hardly find a catalogue without it. This, of course, is not the fault of the nurserymen ; they must propagate that which they have a demand for. Then there are some sorts which are all very well to look at, but are not fit to eat — Benrre Clairgeau and Vicar of Winkfield for example. Some sorts are improved by being grown against a wall, others are of better flavour from standards. I am inclined to think that all which will ripen without a wall are best without it. Some bear the best fruit on the extremities of the shoots, and therefore should not be pruned hard, as Jargonelle. Some will scarcely exist on the Quince stock, as Marie Louise; others are altogether indifferent as to what kind of stock they are on, as Glou Morreau; while others again are even said to be improved in quality by being grafted on the Quince. Some kinds bear in all seasons and climates, and are generally good, as Louise Bonne of Jersey ; others bear a crop perhaps once in two or three years, as Wil- liams's Bon Chrrtien ; and some, although they bear, are only first-rate occasionally, as Napoleon. Some kinds No. 715.— Vol. XXIX., New Series. are comparatively hardy and do well in the northern parts of the kingdom, and are perhaps best when grown there ; others are only suited for the most favoured spots in the south and west. Now, an average good gardener coming from Scotland to the south of England knows pretty well what Apples he can depend on, but in the matter of Pears he is all at sea ; and the southerner going northwards would be in as great or a greater dilemma. Even different parts of the same county vary very considerably. We want then, when going to a strange place, to be able to lay our hands on a list of fruits which are known to succeed in that particular county in which we are to take up our abode, and it will at least be a little guide to the way in which we ought to conduct our experiments. If the list were compiled in the immediate neiglibourhood by a trust- worthy person, and on tlie same sort of soil as that with which we have to deal, of course it would be invaluable. It takes an average lifetime for one to obtain a perfect knowledge of the subject in any particular part of the country if he has no data to guide him, and then if he in turn does not put his experience on record his fucces- Eors may have to go over the same ground, instead of being able to march onward as they ought to do. It may be said that his successors should be guided by what they find doing well ; and so they will if all belong to the intelligent class of gardeners ; but, unfortunately, more than half belong to another class, and the chances are that in the present backward state of horticultural knowledge amongst the aristocracy, a good practical man may be succeeded by one who can use his tongue better than his spade, and the result of his predecessor's life- long study and practice is speedily demolished. _ It is very sad when this is the case, but I am within the bounds of truth when I say it is actually happening every year. Oh that our great seats of learning would give a smattering of vegetable physiology and kindred subjects to their students ! they would be doing greater good to mankind at large than by teaching heathen mythology. At present our gentry only find out by accident that such subjects as horticulture and arboriculture are interesting, and some of them do not find it out at all. I pity them. They miss seven-eighths of the enjoyments of this earthly paradise of ours. But to my subject. I think it would be well to issue printed forms to all who care to have them to be filled up and sent in each year after the Pear season is over, say in May, something like the accompanying sketch. I should be glad if others would give their ideas and suggestions on the subject, and strive to awaken an interest in it. We want more precise information as to the average period of ripening the autumn Pears in each district ; it is not enough to say a Pear ripens in September or October, because there are not many of the autumn Pears which last in condition more than ten or twelve days. There are far too many sorts in cultivation ripening at that time ; we merely want to save the cream of them. A fruit must not only be good, it must be very superior to be tolerated at a season when it has so many competitors. No. 1397.-VOI. LIV. Old Series 22 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1875. >.,*s fa 03 S.g£ a tea -fl o b •« ^ s.a o H >. H„ "S §> a S S| g ^■|sl^ 1 1 i%%i& § s s s a s O M M CD oww pi ° ccmO O OOO ^ es'S J! Jfl 3 sa^H o Hi iii o acoco CO 1-.03CJ 1 11^ CO 0,00 i-S Q a > We want also to kcow wbat kind of pruning best suits different eoils and climates. I am under the impreeeion that close pinching and hard pruning do not answer on strong heavy soils. There are very likely other points of importance which I have omitted in this hurried sketch. I have purposely omitted mentioning the geological formation, as that would add an insuperable difficulty to some persons, and it can enfily be filled in by whoever undertakes to tabulate the in- formation received; and I venture to say that if we can obtain a hundred returns from widely-distant parts of the country that I could find some one able and willing to weed them of all eccentricities of taste, and turn them to good account. — William Taylok. KOSES. I HAVE been away for some little time on the Continent, and have been interested in reading-up on my return the numbers of the Journal of ]IorticuUxiri\ which I had missed during my absence. It is my intention, as soon as I can find time, to send a few remarks on the comparative merits of English and foreign gardening (as far, that is to say, as public parks and gardens are concerned), and shall expect my friend " J)., Deal," will say, " What ! John Bull again !" My object, however, in writing now h to make some few remarks on recent Rose communications from Mr. Camm and others. I can, to begin with, quite confirm one of our Editors' remarks, that there are no Roses fo sweet with the real Rope fragrance as the old Moss and the Provence (common Cabbage), and I was very pleased to see a fine quarter of (he old Moss at Battersea Park at the entrance near the York Road station, caUerl, I think, the rosery entrance. Mr. Roger tells me he thinki they are some of the true old Mo.=8 left from the old nursery grounds which existed there before the park was made. Oa the first day I was there, a warm day after rain in the morning, the whole air was quite fragrant with them. I do not wish to take away from the merits of the Tea Roses, with their peculiarly delicate and aromatic scent, but it is so very different from that tf the Provence, Damask, Moss, and the generality of Hybrid Perpetuals as to be quite distinct in its way. The old Sujphurea odorata, called by some Crystal- line, with its long egg-shaped bud, and which I believe was the first Tea introduced into this country, and which I fear is now rarely to be met with, is still almost the sweetest in its class. Amongst others in the Hybrid Perpetuals one has not I think been named jet, and that is Senateur Yaisse, and I would also add Fratc,ois Lacharme, which is one of the Ewettest of all the Hybrid Perpetuals, but, unfortunately, only a weak grower. After all, though fragrance adds much to the value of a Rose, yet when we come to decorate a room with Rcsfs we should be sorry to cut out such Rores as Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild, &c., because they were deficient of scent, and we think far more of beauty of colour, form, fresh- ness, to say nothing of size (which 1 still think a most im- poitant element so long as it does not lead to coarseness), than we do of the mere scent. I am glad Mr. Camm has raised the question about cut-back Roses versus maidens. I am not an exhibitor, as I live too far north and too much away from Rose exhibitions to be able to send Roses for competition. I cannot, therefore, speak from my own experience, as I have never yet thought it worth while to try to compete with all the difficulties I should have to surmount. So long as the leading nurserymen bud so many Roses as they do every year on Dog Roses and Manetti, and pay but slight heed to their cut-back Roses, so long we shall be told that the only Roses fit for competition are those from maiden stocks. The fact is, transplanted Roses on Briar stocks have so much to contend with, that Roses on trans- planted standards and half-standards are rarely, if ever, good enough for competition; but I am quite sure on ordinary good garden soil Roses that are well established on Manetti stocks properly pruned, well manured, and cultivated, will produce quite as good blooms and in far greater abundance than maidens. Roses, too, on their own roots, under proper culti- vation, will also give quite as fine blooms as those on the Dog Roses. There are, however, heavy soils which are suitable to the Briar which will neither suit the Manetti nor Roses on their own roots, and when a lucky season comes then a quarter of newly-budded Briars on a clay soil will often carry all before them. The mistake, however, that is too commonly made is, that because a heavy clay soil suits a Briar, that consequently it is a congenial soil for the Rose ; whereas it generally happens that the Dog Rose is the only stock that does any good on it, and that only when there is a sufficient amount of loam in the soil, or wheu plenty of vegetable matter is added by means of farmyard manure. As I have before this ventured to state no one system did so much to prevent amateurs from growing good Roses as the plan which at one time so extensively prevailed, and which I am sorry to say has not yet been sufficiently discarded, of growing nearly all Roses iu a garden as standards. At one time the only Roses to be seen in gentlemen's gardens were standard Roses planted, perhaps, on the grass on each side the principal paths, or with little circles cut out of the lawn in which annuals and other plants were grown. The whole system of pruLiug which standards had to undergo in order to make symmetrical heads is so contrary to the natural growth of the Rose as almost of itself to militate against the produc- tion of really good Roses. Then, again, most garden soils are not suitable to the Briar, and out of a hundred standards sent out by nurserymen not more than half, or perhaps I might be nearer the maik if I said a quarter, have really had sny at- tention paid to that most necessary article the roots. They are generally cut out of hedgerows by men iu winter time when they may run short of other work, and so long as they have a good straight stem they care very little how much root they have. The consequence is a great proportion of the stocks when planted never recover the rough treatment, some die altogether, some eke out a lingering existence, but all that are able to push any shoots are budded, and in the course of another season are again transplanted when ordered by gar- deners or gentlemen from the nurserymen, and have their powers of endurance again tested. I am glad to say that the Manetti, the seedling Briar, and Roses on their roots are gradually getting the better of these old standards ; but so long as the standard is adopted as the general system, so long out-back Roses will be at a discount, and gentlemen will be under the impression that they cannot grow Roses or that their soil is not suitable for them. When July 8, 1876. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGB GARDKNEB. 23 they see their own Roses grown on transplanted standards, and compare them with the grand display now made on the exhi- bition stands by onr leading nurserymen and amateurs, Mr. Camm has, I think, consequently done good service by calling onr attention to out-back Roses. I should like much to have innuired at the Alexandra and Crystal Palace Rose Shows how many of the blooms exhibited by the amateurs were from old-established plants. I certainly do not ever remember to have seen a better collection of ama- teur Roses taken as a whole than those shown by the amateurs at the Crystal I'alaco. The nurserymeu were in high force, and I do not thiuk I ever saw a better seventy-two than those which Mr. G. Paul staged, and which carried off the premier prize ; but when we consider that the generality of amateurs only cut from a comparatively small number of Roses, I thiuk that the Roses shown by the amateurs on Saturday, 2Gth of June, at Sydenham were quite as meritorious in their way as those shown by the nurserymen , and the majority of the blooms were quite equal in their way to those in the nurserymen's classes. If, as I fancy, the majority were from cut-back Roses, it would help materially to confirm Mr. Camm's remarks. What shall I say about the much-vexed question as to the merits of Mme. Lacharme? I am inclined to thiuk that neither " D., DtYi/," nor Mr. Camm is right: that one exalts it too highly, while the other pulls it too much to pieces. It is undoubtedly a good pot Rose, but it is too delicate and flimsy in the petals for ordinary garden purposes. It puts me somewhat in mind of Miss Ingram, which also was equally highly extolled and as much declaimed, and which still is a good Rose when caught at its best, much as I expect Mme. La- charme will be. Certainly a box of it at the Alexandra Palace was worthy of high commendation. French raisers of Roses will have to look to their laurels. The last three years have given us but very few worth anything. Ttike Etieune Lavet, Franvois Michelon, and a few others out of the list, we have a great deal of trash, as Abbe Bram- mertl, Maximo de la Rocheterie, and others to place against them. Why I name this is that some of the recent English- raised Roses, as Cheshunt Hybrid, John Bright, Duchess of Edinburgh, Emily Laxton, Mrs. Lixton, Oxonian, and others seem likely to be taking precedence over the foreigners. While on the subject of Roses may I press upon nurserymen iu preparing their catalogues to give the name of the raisers to their Roses, not merely in those cases where there are two of the same name, as Duchess of Edinburgh of Veitch's and Bennett's, but because it is only fair upon those who have furnished the public with the best Roses to have their names honourably mentioned, and it also might help as a check, which is much wanted, against worthless novelties? I must conclude by saying I was much amused by Mr. Rad- clySe's idea of button-hole Roses. I wonder he did not add Bironne Prevost and Felix Genero, to say nothing of Mme. Masson. Mats cliucun a son gofit. — C. P. Peach. DK. KODEN'S STRAWBERRIES. MoBNiNGSiDE is the residence of Dr. Rodenof Kidderminster, who frequently contributes to the pages of your Journal, and who is quite a professional iu many branches of horticulture, and whatever he undertakes he generally carries out to per- fection. Notably at present are his Strawberries, which are a eight worth going miles to see, and anyone interested in the culture of that delicious summer fruit will have ocular demon- stration of what can be done with them. Dr. Roden has made the cultivation of the Strawberry and raising of seedlings his Btudy for years, and has been successful in raising a number of seedlings which bid fair to take the field against a great many existing varieties. Eirly Prolific and Duke of Edinburgh were sent out some years ago, and I have proved them to be excellent for forcing. Early Prolific I consider a first-class Strawberry for forcing in every point of merit, to be succeeded by Duke of Edinburgh. These have taken the place of Black Prince and Keens' Seed- ling, with me the former being so liable to mildew, and the latter in many cases a great many of the plants prove barren ; but the Doctor is bringing out another Strawberry which is earlier than either of the above, and a grand cropper ; he names it Alpha. Amongst early Strawberries he has also Amy Rob- sart, Early Crimson Pine, and Hundredfold, the latter properly named, for it is a mass of fruit all round the plant, and has a good constitution. There are also to be seen his eight-year- old British Queens, about 3 feat through, and supported with crinolines completely covered with fruit. The Doctor has also a great many other mid-season seedlings, and also very late seedlings, a later than any we have at present iu cultivation is a desideratum which I hope the Doctor will be able to supply ; and this is not the only branch of horticulture iu which the Doctor excels, for in fruit trees he has a splendid collection of all the best sorts of Pears, Apples, Plums, &o., models of good training, and by judicious treatment, such as root-prun- ing, summer-pinching, etc., he is generally able to secure good crops of fruit. — J. A., Uill Grove. THE MIDLAND COUNTIES HORTICDLTURAL EXHIBITION, BIRMINGHAM. In the Lower Grounds, Aston Park, this great Show was opened on the lat inst., and continued for f jur days. The laud- able object of Mr. Qailter iu seekiug to benefit a worthy insti- tution, his encouragement of popular gardening, his adminis- trative ability and liberal recognition of all who aid him, secured the response of a wide range of cultivators, and the result is a display of the best products iu the different sections into which the Exhibition is divided. The past history of these Shows aud their great success has raised them far above a local character, and we are glad to say their reputation is sustained. The dis- play this year is iu most poiuls eqaal, and iu some superior, to the gatherings of past years. The plant department is full and fine, the Roses and cut flowers extensive, the vegetables of the first order of merit, and the fruit of excellent quality, but does not perhaps afford such an imposing display as did this section last year. Implements and appliances are also extensively represented by the principal firms of the country. Tho Rose tent, which also contained other cut flowers, plants, fruit, and vegetables, is 300 feet in length by 4.5 feet in widtb. A covered corridor, CO by 45 feet, containing Pelargoniums aud Feriia, leads to the tropical plant tent, which is 300 feet in circumfdrence. The specimen plant tent is 130 by 80 feet, aud thera are thirty allotments of space for implements. These are all filled, and, excluding other conveniences, give a fair outline i'ioa of the extent of the Exhibition. Taking the classes iu their order of arrangement we commence with the Specimen Plants, and find collections of great cultural and decorative merit. The plants are arranged on turf banks — a large central oval aud marginal tiers. In Class 1, for sixteen stove aud greenhouse plants in bloom, the competitors are Messrs. ColeA Sons, Withington, and Mr. Cypher, Cheltenham. Messrs. Cole won the .i;25 prize, and being the second time they have achieved this honour, the silver challenge cup iu addition becomes their own. Their plants were not only lar<;6 but in admirable condition of health and freshness. Some of the best were a grand Hedaroma tulipifera, a perfect globe of fully 6 feet in diameter; huge and densely-bloomed Azaleas, two very fine Allamandas, A. grandiflora being exceedingly effective ; a re- markably fine plant of the old Vinca oculata alba, very fine Ixoras, Ericas Cavendishiana and Candolleana, very large; and Parmentieriaua rosea, excellently shown; a capital Phceuocoma, a good Anthurium Soherzerianum, &c. This was a valuable, well-grown, and well-arranged collection. The second-prize plants, Mr. Cypher's, were in health and arrangement in no way inferior to the above, but were not so large. They were, however, fine aud admirably grown specimens, the most striking being a brilliant Combretum clothed in rich deep scarlet ; very fine Allamandas, Franciscea eximia, very telling; Cleroden- drum Balfourianum, extra fine ; a fine Kalosanthus, Genetyllis, Ericas, &c., a fresh aud beautiful collection which anyone may be proud to own. The next class for twelve plants in bloom brought out some superior examples of culture. Messrs. Cole and Sons again bad the post of honour, followed respectively by Mr. Cypher and Mr. Perkins, Leamington. Messrs. Cole's was a fine group, Ixorae Coleii and Williamsii, Ericas Massoni major and obbata, a good Bougainvillea, AUamanda, aud Azaleas being the most striking. The cream of Mr. Cypher's were AUamanda grandiflora, very bright ; Dipladenia amabilis, Ixoras, Phajnc- coma, Statice, aud Dracophyllum, all uniformly excellent. Mr. Perkins having as the best a very fine Dipladenia, and immense Statices imbricata aud profusa, very attractive aud good. The individual excellence of the plants in these classes was very re- markable, and their freshness for the period very noteworthy. The next was an amateurs' class for ten stove and greenhouse plants iu bloom, and was filled with four collections of rare excellence. The first prize of ill'2 went to Mr. Chapman, gar- dener to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, with elephantine plants in capital order. Bougaiuvillea glabra was 5 feet through and densely bloomed ; Clerodeudron Balfourianum and Phosao- coma being equally large ; Ericas Parmentieriaua and Aitoniana were very fine ; with Ixora, Dracophyllum, and Statice. Mr. Pilgrim, Fairlawn, Cheltenham, had the second place with a splendid lot containing one of the finest plants of Anthurium Soherzerianum ever seen, a perfect model of sixty bright spathes; his Stephanotis, Eiica ventricosa major, GeuetylUs, 24 JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABUENEE. I July 8, 1875. and ricenocoma were also admirably grown. The third prize was worthily won by Mr. Partes, gardener to J. Harriot, Esq., Warwick Greeu, Coventry, with a group of beautiful aid we)l- finithfd plants. Sobralia macrantba was 4 feet through; and equally well set up were Eucbaris amazonica, Oncidium flexuo- Bum, Dipladenia and Statice, and other remarkably good naedinm- sized plants. A fourth prize was deservedly awarded to Mr. Tndgiy, pardener to J. F. Williams, Esq., Henwick Grange, ■Worcester. The growers of the plants in this class are to he complimented on the results of their skill, and each richly de- serve the honours they have won. The next was an open class for the best specimen ttove plant in bloom. There were eight competitors. Firpt honours fell to Mestrs. Cole & Sons for a grand plant of Ixora Coleii .5 feet high and 4 feet through, a dense mass of white blooms. Mr. Foster, gardener to E. Greaves, Esq., Avonside being second for a plant of the Eame size of Stephanotis in fine health and bloom. Mr. Webb, gardener to J. Gulson, Esq., Warwick Green, Coventry, being third also with a Stephanotis not so large as the preceding, but Biih better foliage and finer flowers. Neither of these plants, however good as they are, evidenced such skill in grow- ing as Mr. B. S. Williams's fine Anthurium; but, postibly by being a little past its best, it could not win a place, which proves how good the winners were. For the best specimen greenhouse plant Mr. Webb was first with a well-grown specimen 4 feet in diameter of Bouvardia auguatifolia; Mr. Chadwick, gardener to C. Nelson, Eeq., Crackley Hall, Kenilworth, having the se- cond place with a faiily good Statice. There were six competi- tors, but except the winners the plants were only of moderate quality, and the third piize was justly withheld. We now come to the fine fuliaged plants, and although some very good specimens were staged, the plants generally in these clasEes were not of extraordinary merit. In the nurserymen's class for nine plants Messrs. Cole & Sons had the first place with Phormium tenax variega'um. Yucca aloifolia, a good Dai-yliiion, Croton pictum, and Palms; Mr. Cypher being second with smaller but generally brighter plants, Enria latifolia variegata, Phormium tenax variegatum. Yucca aloifolia, a Dracaina, Croton, and Palms constituting the best of the group. In the corre- sponding class for amateurs were Fome very beautiful plants, the first-prize collection from Mr. Foster containing some remark- able specimens. The most striking of all was a noble plant of Cjcas revoluta, 8 feet across, iu robust health, and with a globe of fruit in the centre a foot in diameter; he hael also Crotons august ifolium and pictum in pyramids of 8 feet iu height, a beautiful Encephalartoa villosus with a severed bloom spike attached, Pbcenccophorium seycbellarum, and Areca Verschaf- felti in perfect health. Mr. Pilgrim had the second place with, amongst others, a capital Dasylirion acrotrichum, a nice Croton Weismauni, Thrinax elegans, and a welbcoloured Phormium. Mr. Brown, gardener to Mrs. Alston, Elmdon Hall, Birmingham, was thiid ; bis collection embraced a very fine Gleichenia semi- vestita, Phormium tenax variegatum throwing up a spike of bloom, and an exceedingly good Caladium. In the nurserymen's class f( r six plants Mr. Cypher was first, and Messrs. Cole and Sons second, with plants not greatly differing from those in Class 9. In the amateurs' sixes Mr. Pilgrim was placed first ; Mr. Jones, gardener to C. E. Matthews, Esq., second; and Mr. Brown, Elmdon Hall, third. Mr. Pilgrim had besides the plants previously enumerated a very good Cordyline indivisa, a fine Encephalartos, and a capital Theophrasta. Mr. Jones had some very nice specimens of Euterpe edule, a well grown Caladium Belleymeji, Araucaria excelsa, and a good Latania borbouica. Mr. Brown's plants were smaller, but equally well grown, with those in the other collections. In the open class for the best specimen fine foliaged plant, Messrs. Cole & Sons had the first place with a remarkably healthy Cocos Weddel- liana, Mr. Cypher being second with a smaller plant of the same beautiful Palm, Mr. Parkes having the third place with an ex- cellent Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, very clear and pure in its markings, and altogether a good plant. In this class were six competitors. For six Dracaenas Mr. B. S. Williams was placed first, Mr. Brown second, and Mr. Matthews third. Some of the plants were very good, but the collections did not equal those of Mr. Bull and Mr. Wills at the late Crystal Palace Show. For the best specimen Croton Messrs. Cole & Sons won with a grandly coloured C. angustifolinm. One could not but feel that the name of the Golden-fountain Plant was very appropriate. When well grown this old favourite is still one of the most beautiful, as it is certainly the most elegant of all the Crotons. Mr. Cypher had second honours with a fine plant of C. longi- folium extremely well coloured, Mr. Parkes being third with a capital plant of C. Weismanni. Ferns. — In these classes were many exceptionally fine plants. In the nurserymen's class for eight plants Mr. B. S. Williams and Mr. Cypher were awarded equal first prizes, and well they merited the honour. Mr. Williams had his fine Alsophilas; he had also an excellent Cibotium, very fine Gleichenias, a beauti- ful plant of Davallia Mooreana, Marattia elegans, and a very good Adiantum farleyense. Mr. Cypher had Cibotium princeps, Gleichenias Epelunca? and dichotoma, Neottopteris australis, admirably grown, also a very good Silver Fern. 'These were very fine groups, as also were the following in the amateurs' class : — For eight plants were seven competitors, first honours falling to Mr. Brown, Elmdon !Hall, for a splendid collection. Todea superba was in a rare state of perfection. The silver Gymno- gramma peruviana and the gold G. chrysophylla were capitally grown. Davallia Mooreana was very fine, Leucostegia immersa ti feet over, and a large Gleichenia were the most striking plants. Mr. Jones, gardener to E. E. Matthews, Efq , had the second place with a collection of level excellence ; Mr. Colman, gar- dener to W. Bay lis, Esq., Walsall, being placed third with very good plants. For the best pair of tree Ferns Mr. B. S. Williams was without a rival with plants of Dicksonia antarctica 10 feet high, and with trunks more than a yard iu circumference. For six Cycads Mr. Williams was first with a striking collection in remarkable health of Encephalartos horrida, Lehmanni, Ghel- lincki and villosus, Dion edub-, and Cycas revoluta. Mr. Pilgrim being second with healthy medium-sized plants. For the best specimen Fern, Adiantum excluded, Mr. Williams won with his noble plant of Alsophila australis Wiliiamsii, the most distinct and beautiful of all tree Ferns, the fronds of which assume the graceful weeping character on plants in a young state. It is an important acquisition to a valuable class of plants. Mr. Brown, Elmdon Hall, was secondwith avery healthily-grown Dicksonia; Mr. Quarterman, gardener to T. Gladftone, Esq., Edgbaston, having the third place with a nice Alsophila australis. There were eight competitors. Eight also competed for the best Adiantum, Mr. Cypher beinc first with a grand A. farley- ense fully 4 feet through ; Mr. Parkes having the second place with a plant of the same nearly as good ; Mr. Peevor being third with A. cuneatnm. For twelve hardy Ferns fine collections were staged. Mr. Moseley, gardener to J. E. Mapplebeck, Esq., Birmingham, winning the first place with splendid plants of Athyrium Filix-fn:-miua var. robusta multifida, C feet over; Lastra?a cristata, fronds 3 feet in length, and the plant 4 feet through; Atbyrium Filix-famica Elworthii, very beautiful; A. Pritchardia and A. coronatum, finely crested; and a beauti- ful Polystichum angulare var. proliferum Wollastonii. Mr. Brown, Elmdon, had the second place with healthy medium- sized plants of Sculopendriums, Atbyriums, &c. ; Mr. Coleman being third, his noticeable plant being Onoclea eensibilis. The Ferns in these six classes alone numbered 199 plants, and scarcely an inferior one was to be seen. In contrast was the following class for Three Pitcher Plants — Only two competed, Mr. Tudgey, gardener, Kenwick Grange, being first with Nepenthes Hook- erianaand distillatoria, and Sarracenia purpurea; Mr. Williams having the second pdace with a trio of better quality of Nephenthes Sedeni Hookeriana and phyllamphora. Neither were the Heath classes remarkable for fine plants. In the nurserymen's class for six Ericas Mr. Cypher was placed first, and Messrs. Cole & Sons second. Eximia superba, exquisita, Massoni major, and Parmentieriana were the smallest plants and the best. In the corresponding amateurs' class better plants competed. Mr. Pilgrim had the first place, E. Lindleyana, obbata, and ventricosa being good, with a nice plant of ferruginea major. Mr. Tudgey was second with small and medium-sized well-grown plants. Mr. Chapman being third with larger but looser specimens. Palms. — In the nurserymen's class for six plants good collec- tions were set up by Mr. .1. H. Ley, Croydon, and Mr. B. S. Williams, who had first and second prizes in the order named. Mr. Ley had Martinezia Lindeni, Latania borbonica, Thrinax elegantissima, Chamrerops tomentosa, Astrocaryum mexicanum, and Acanthoriza ; Mr. Williams having Sabal Blackburniana, Areca lutescens, Phccnicophorium Seycbellarum, Astrocaryum, Chammrops, and Latania. All the plants were healthy and fine, and so equal in point of merit that they might fairly have had equal awards. In the corresponding class for amateurs Mr. Pilgrim, Cheltenham, had the first place with well-grown glossy plants of medium size; Mr. Brown, Elmdon, being second with a nice collection. F'or fix new and rare plants sent out iu 1873,1874, or 1875 there were seven competitors, Mr. B. S. Williams being placed first, Mr. Cypher second, and Mr. J. H. Ley third. Amongst the most noticeable were, in Mr. Williams's group, an excellent DraCcena Baptistii, Croton majesticum, Dipladenia Brearleyaua, a fine Cyathea Dregii, and Bertolonia Van Houttei in splendid form and colour. Mr. Cypher had as the best Dipladenia Brear- leyaua very good, Pbyllotffnium Lindeni, Croton majesticum, Ficus Parcellii, Aralia Veitchii, &c. ; Mr. Ley having a Dion, Zamia, Croton, &c. Messrs. Barron ».(.' Sons' choice collection of new Conifers in this class attracted considerable attention. Orchids. — These were not largely represented. In the open class Mr. Williams was the only prizetaker. Amongst his ten plants were Vauda Batemanii with a fine opening spike, Aiirides odoratum majus with sixteen racemes, Pilumna fragrans with four fine spikes, Ai'rides Larpentre, Odontoglossnm citrosmum roseum, Liolia purpurata, &o. In the next clasa for six plants July 8, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2S Mr. WilliamB was again without a rival. Besidea duplicates of those above named, he had Ai'ridea virena Ellisii with two beautiful racemes, Dendrobiura, Pierardia latitnlia, the two main spikes having each forty flowers ; Dendrochilum filiciforme, a Masdevallia, and Cypripedium. These classes were a magnet point of interest to the visitors, tbe quaint and beautiful flowers showing to advantage amongst the Ferns and Palms. Gloxinias were not good, having being injured in transit. The first award went to Mr. Coleman, Walsal, who had very nice examples of Queen Victoria, Pink Perfection, Queen of Portugal, and Cerise Unique; Mr. Webb being placed second with larger plants of inferior varieties. Succulents. — The class for twenty- five varifties of these interesting plants brought out two beautiful collections from Messrs. James Dickson it Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester, who had the first prize, and Mr. Pilgrim, Cheltenham. Messrs. Dicksons' group consisted of Agaves cocciuea, applanata, de- albata. ferox, uuivittata, Verschaffelti, Richardsi, amcena, hor- rida, Celsii, ccerulescens, &c., with Opuntia cylindrica cristata, Echinocactus hamatus and E. electracanthus, Melocactus cory- nodes, tVc. The most striking in Mr. Pilgrim's group wereEche- veria pulverulenta and Aloe grandidens. Than these plants nothing in this Exhibition was more greatly admired, and the cul- tivation of plants so thoroughly distinct can hardly fail to become more general. They afford an enjoyable change from the rich- ness of flowering plants and the elegance of Ferns, and the longer they are grown the more ornamental and valuable they become. We now come to plants of a directly opposite character — viz., Fuchsias. — The classes for these elegant plants were well filled, and very fine but not gigantic specimens were staged. For the best nine plants the first prize was awarded to Mr. Caldicott, gardener to W. Matthews, Esq., Edgbaston, Mr. Cushon being second, and Mr. Quarlermau third. The plants were not closely trained, but were mostly of a pyramidal shnpe, and in excellent health. Out of the seventy-five plants the best were the old Venus de Medici, Lustre, Wave of Life, Senator, very fine; Annie, Marguerita, Princess Beatrice, Eoderic Dhu, extra fine; Miss Marshall, Nabob, very good; Blue Beauty, Improvement, splendid flowers; and Noblesse. These were generally exhibited better than were the Pelargoniums. — In the open class for six Show varieties Mr. Turner, Slough, had the first place, Mr. Chadwick being second, and Mr. Quarterman third. The plants were about 2 feet in diameter, with good flowers, but were somewhat drawn by having been retarded in the shade. For the best collection of twenty plants the awards were the same. These were nice plants from 18 inches to 2 feet over. The best varieties were Scottish Chief- tain, very rich; Blue Boy, distinct; Duke of Cambridge, bright; Patrician, Protector, Highland Lassie, Claribel, tbe best light variety ; Victory, Juno, Brutus, and, the best of all, Ruth. For the best six Fancies Mr. Turner was again placed first, and Mr. Quarterman second with plants calling for no comment. In the Zonal classes were very good naturally-grown globular plants, which is a more agreeable form than the pancake mode of training which is often adopted. The best nine plants came from Mr. Cushon, Mr. Quarterman being second, and Mr. Kim- berley. Stoke Nursery, Slough, third ; and for six Nosegays, or hybrid Nosegays, the awards went to Mr. Cushon and Mr. Quarterman. For six gold or silver Tricolors Mr. Dobbins, Worcester, Mr. Waters, and Mr. Turner were placed in the order named; Peter Grieve and W. Sanday in Mr. Turner's group being the brightest and best. In the Bicolor or Gold- and-bronze class the awards went as follows : Mr. Dobbin first, Mr. Pache second, and Mr. Coleman third. The plants gene- rally were not superior, and further, they werestaged toohigh to be seen to advantage. The prizes for Doubles were won — first by Mr. Chadwick with compact plants, Double Tom Thumb being remarkably good ; and second by Mr. Perkins with large straggling specimens. In the miscellaneous classes Mr. Vertegans worthily had extra awards for groups of tropical plants and Conifers of great merit. Mr. Williams had also an extra award for a very beauti- ful mixed group, the centre plant being a fine Anthurium, sur- rounded by Ferns, Palms, Sonerillas, Dracaenas, Crotons, Cypri- pediums, &c. Messrs. Veitch & Sons had also a rich display, worthy alike of the admiration they received and of the reputa- tion of their name. Amongst them were Nepenthes of rare ex- cellence, remarkably fine Gloxinias, Sarracenias, Bertolonias, Ferns, Agaves, with Draciena hybrida in splendid colour ; this fine hybrid should be in all collections. Mr. Corp, Oxford, had beautiful Tea-scented Roses, David Pradle evidencing great merit as a rich pink for button-hole purposes. We must notice a handsome gold Fern, Gymnogramma Alstonii, from Mr. Brown, Blnadon Hall. It is most distinct and beautiful, the pinms turning upwards and showing a portion of the under snrface, giving the plant the appearance of being spangled with bright gold. It is a distinct and valuable Fern, which Mr. Brown may be proud to own. We close our notes on the plants by an allusion to a remarkable specimen of Fancy Pelargonium lUaminator from Mr. Fleming, gardener to R. Hington, Esq., Liverpool. It is a marvel of good culture, being a pyramid about 5 feet in height and 4' yards rouud the base by adm^asure- ment. It is in perfect health, and covered with flowers and opening buds. Probably it is the finest plant of the kind which has ever been exhibited. We now glanco briefly at the BosES— The best varieties for exhibition purposes were BO fully noticed last week at the Crystal Palace and the Alexandra Palace Shows, that an enumeration of the Roses now extiUntea would amount to little more than a repetition and could serve no useful purpose. Many blooms had been injured by the rams, but yet some grand bo-Xes were exhibited. In Class -17, for seveuty-two single blooms, for j£10 and the twenty-hve-guinea silver challenge cup, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos, Kiug s Acre, Hereford, won with a collection such as has seldom been equalled. In size, colour, and freshness they were alike excellent. In this class also the champion Rose of the Show, for which a special prize was offered by T. Laxton, Esq., Stamford was selected. It was a magnificent Seuateur Vaisse to which this high honour was awarded. Mr. Cant was placed second ; Messrs. Paul & Son third ; and Messrs. Whitten & Davison fourth. There were three other competitors. For forty-eight varieties, three trusses of each, Mr. Turner, Slough, won with grand blooms of uniform excellence. Messrs. Cranston & Mayos were second, and Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Cant being equal third. This was a glorious class, massive and brilliant. Fur twenty- four Hybrid Perpetuals of three trusses each, wf, re thirteen competitors, Mr. Prince, Oxford , winning with a princely contri- bution, the other awards going to Mr. Cant, Messrs. Cranston and Mayos, and Mr. Turner in the order named. In the nursery- men's class for twenty-four single blooms fifteen competi'd, the honours falling to Mr. Turner, who staged really grand blooms ; Mr. Prince, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos, and Mr. Cant respectively. In the class for twelve Tea-scented Roses Mr. Cant won, followed by Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Prince in the order named, who all staged boxes of superior merit. We now come to the amateurs' cla-tses. For the best forty-eight single blooms the first prize and the twenty-five-guinea silver challenge cup was won by Mr. Davis, Wilton, Salisbury, with an extraorfiinary fine collection. Mr. Baker, Heavitree, being second with blooms a trifle too much expanded, but splendid in colour and foUage ; Mr. Staite, gardener to the Rev. C. Evans, Solihull, was third; Mr. Laxton having the fourth place. Fourteen competed. For thirty-six blooms twenty entered the list, the honours being won in the order following— Mr. Mayo, Oxford ; Mr. Davis, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Brown. In Mr. Mayo's collection was a lovely bloom of Miss Ingram, all the boxes being very good. For twenty-four blooms were no less than twenty-seven competitors, Mr. Parnell, Rugby, winning first honours with a grand lot; Rev. C. Evans being second; Mr. Davis third; and Rev. W. Benn, Churohover Rectory, fourth. For twelve blooms were twenty-five competitors, Mr. Parnell being placed first; Mr. Jowitt, Hereford, second; Mr. Staite, SLlihull, third; and Mr. Gould, Mortimer Vicarage, fourth. The merit in this class was as great as the competition. For twelve Tea-scented Roses fourteen competed, first honours going to Mr. Jowitt, second to Mr. Laxton, third to Mr. Mayo, and fourth to Mr. Evans, with lovely blooms of popular varieties. For the best twelve Roses of 1872, 1873, or 1874, Mr. Turner won first honours, followed by Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Cant, and Messrs. Cranston & Mayos in the order named. Fourteen competed. For six blooms of the same years Mr. Cant was first, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos second, Messrs. Paul & Sou third, Mr. Corp fourth. In the above classes many grand Roses were shown, Mr. Laxton having the best blooms of Madame La- oharme we have yet seen. In the open class for twelve (•ingle blooms Mr. Corp was placed first, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos second, and Mr. Turner third. For twenty-four pot Roses Messrs. Paul & Son had no rivals. In the classes for twelve blooms of special standard varieties Mr. Paul was first for Alfred Colomb; Cranston & Mayos and Messrs. Paul & Son being re- spectively first and second for the Duke of Edinburgh; Mr. Jowitt and Messrs. Perkins & Sons for Madame La Baronne de Rothschild ; Mr. Turner and Messrs. Davison & Whitten for La France ; Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Turner for Marie Baumann ; Mr. Cant and Mr. Turner for Marfichal Niel ; and Mr. Cant and Mr. Turner for Devoniensis. Some of the col- lections were not super-excellent, while others, and especially those last named, were very fine indeed. In this show of Roses over five thousand blooms were exhibited, many of them of the highest quality, and not surpassed by any show of the season, except, perhaps, that at the Crystal Palace. It was a great and grand exhibition, and received the lion's share of attention by the general visitors. In the nurserymen's class for eighteen bunches of cut flowers Messrs. Cole & Sons were placed first, Mr. Perkins second, and Mr. Kimberley third; the corresponding class for amateurs bringing to the front Mr. Chapman, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Webb. In the open class for eighteen bunches of hardy flowers Mr. Perkins was first, Mr. Chadwick second, and Mr. Kimberley third. Than these collections perhaps none more beautiful have 26 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1875. ever been stageil. For Carnations and PicoteeB Mr. Turner, Slongb, and Mr. Hooper, IJatb, were the sncceBBfal compekitors. Bouquets were well represented, twenty-sis competing "bridal" and "opera." For the best bridal boaquet Mr. Per- kins was first, Messrs. Feltoe & Sons second, and Messrs. Tnrner Brothers, Basnitt Street, Liverpool, third. They were admirable es-imples of tasteful arrangement, but were fully too large. For the best opera bouquet Messrs. Pope & Son were first, and Mr. Cypher second, with artistic combinations of choice flowers, Messrs. Feltoe & Sons being third ; an extra being awarded to Mr. Jackson. Some of these were too heavy, but on the whole they were admirably set up. The arrangements of flowers for table decoration were an ex- cellent display, there being thirty two glasses, none of them being inferior, while most of them gave evidence of consum- mate taste. For three pieces arranged for the table Mr. Cypher was first; Mr. Cook, gardener to Mrs. Abercrombie, Cheltenham, second ; and Mr. Jackson third. For a centre-piece Mr. Cypher was again placed first. Turner Brothers second, and Mr. Jack- son third. Grasses played a very important part in these masterly arraugements. For the best button-hole bouquet twenty-three competed, Messrs. Pope & Sou being placed first for the smallest and best, Mr. Finch being second, Turner Brothers third, and Mr. Cypher fourth. A small Rose bud, a sprig of Forget-me-not and Bouvardia, with a little Fern, found most favour with the Judges and public alike. In the class for skeleton leaves Mr. John Kaye, Didsbnry, Manchester, exhibited six stands, and had the first and only prize awarded. If the three prizes had been grouped in ono it would have been no more than this exquisite collection merited. FRUIT. Commencing with Pines we find for two Queens, that Mr Meredith, gardener to Viscountess Downe, Baldersley Park, Thirsk, secures the first place with handsome, plump, flne-con- ilitioned, small-crowned fruit ; Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carriugton, Wycombe Abbey, being second with fully as large hut not quite such perfect fruits. For the best fruit of any other variety Mr. Coleman had the first award for a large fruit of Pro- vidence. For the best six Pines Mr. Meredith was again in the front place with beautifully ripened medium-sized fruit, Mr. Miles being placed stcond. The Pines generally were useful well-finished table fruit, of which twenty-four were exhibited. Grapes, C'f which sixty bunches were exhibited, were more remarkable for quality than size, and were as a rule highly cre- ditable to the growers. For the best three bunches of Black Hambnrgbs Mr. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers, was placed first with (xamples quite worthy of himself. The bunches were of good size and handsome shape, the berries being fine and as even as if cast in a mould, with colour and bloom perfect. Mr. "Wallis, gardener to A. Mundy, Esq., Shipley Hall, Derby, was second with very nice bunches ; Mr. Bannermau being third on the list with larger bunches and berries, but the latter being rubbed in transit detracted from the appearance of otherwise fine Grapes. For the best three bunches of any other variety of black Grapes Mr. Coleman had the first place with Black Prince, the bunches being a foot in length, and the berries perfectly regular and as black as jet. Mr. "Wallis was second with excel- lently finished Black Frontignan ; Mr. Evans, gardener to C. N. Newdegate, Esq., M.P., Arley, Nuneaton, being third with very good Black Prince. For the best three bunches of Muscats Mr. Bannerman was first with bunches heavy, full, regular, and finely finished ; Mr. Fleming, gardener, Sandhejs, Liverpool, having the second place. For any other variety of white Grapes Mr. Bannerman was first with exceedingly fine Foster's White Seedling, Mr. Coleman second with capital White Froutignans, Mr. Cushon being third with very large but very much polished Buckland Sweetwaters. For a collecliou of six bunches Mr. Bannermau had the first place with Madresfield Court, Black Prince, Black Hamburgh, Foster's White Seedling, Muscat of Alexandria, and Buckland Sweetwater. These were all good and set up in excellent order ; so also was the second-prize col- lection from Mr. Coleman. For sis Peaches Mr. Coleman had again the first place with very fine Grosse Mignonnes, Mr. Jackson, Tixall Hall, Staflord, being second with excellent Early Yorks, and Mr. Earnewell tliird with fruit Urge but pale of Noblesse. For Nectarines Mr. Parks, gardener to J. Marriott, Esq., had the first place with Eiruge, Mr. Grant being second, and Mr. Bannerman third. The whole of the dishes contained good and well-coloured fruit. For the best dish of Black Cherries Mr. Miles had the first place with Black Eagle, extra fine ; Mr. Maher, Stoke, being second; and Mr. Clarke, Studley Royal, third. For Whites Mr. Cos, Madresfield, was first with Elton, Mr. Miles being second with White Heart, and Mr. Maher third. Strawberries, of which were seventy dishes, of twenty-five fruits each, were, perhaps, the best feature of this section. For the best dish of the British Queen or Dr. Hogg type the first award went to Mr. James, Kenilworth, for a grand dish of Dr. Hogg, Mr. Cox and Mr. Coleman being tecond and third respectively with excellent dishes of the same variety. In the any other variety class Mr. James was first with immense fruit of Oscar Mr. Winston, Kenilworth, being second, and Mr. Taylor, Mal- pas, Cheshire, third, for remarkably fine fruit of Sir J. Paxton. Mr. Turner, Slough, was deservedly awarded an extra prize for thirty-six varieties. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons also ex- hibited a collection, amongst which were James Veitch very large, Bicton Pine, and other popular sorts. This was a very fine collection. An extra award was also made to Mr. Bates, gardener to G. Moore, Esq., .Vppleby Hall, for plants in pots bearing a good crop of ripe fruit. Melons. Of these twenty-five good fruits were exhibited. For the best Green-fleshed variety Mr. Coleman had the first place with a fine and richly- flavoured fruit of Eastnor Castle; Mr. Tudgey, gardener, Kenwick, being second with a "seedling;" and Mr. Fmlay, gardener to Col. North, Banbury, third with Gilbert's Green-flesh. For the best Scarlet-flesh Mr. Maher, Stoke Court, Slough, had the first award with a beautiful un- named oval-shaped fruit ; Mr. Brown, gardener to Earl Howe, being second ; and Mr. Coleman third, both with Read's Scarlet- flesh. We now come to the last and greatest class of this sec- tion of the Exbibilior. — viz., the collection of eight dishes of fruit, f( r which i;iO, £7, and £5 were offered, with the 25-guinea silver challenge cup to the winner of the first prize. Here Mr. Coleman reaped the reward of his skill, and being the second time of securing the first honours, the cup became his own pro- perty. His collection embraced a nice Pine, splendid Black Hamburgh and good Muscat Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, a fine Eastnor Castle Melon, and superior President Strawber- ries. Mr. Clarke, Studley Royal, was second ; and Mr. Banner- man third with admirable collections of nearly the same kinds of fruits. Two others competed, and the whole of the collec- tions were highly creditable contributions. VEGETABLES. Last but not least in importance we come to this section, and nowhere in the Exhibition were more creditable examples of cul- ture to be seen. For the prize of £5, and the tweiity-five-guinea challenge cup added, the best ten dishes were from Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carrington. The trophy now becomes Mr. Miles's own property. The collection comprised James's Pro- lific Peas, Canadian Wonder Beans, Turnips, Carrots, Onions, Tomatoes, Cauliflowers, Asparagus, Globe Artichokes, and Po- tatoes. There was not a failing dish ia the collection, each being nearly perfect of its kind. Mr. Holder, Prestbury, was second — a collection of considerable excellence; third honours going to Mr. Turk, Cheltenham. The roots in this exhibit were especially very superior. For the best eight dishes Mr. Arkell, Cheltenham, had the first place, Mr. Bloxham, gardener to Sir P. Duncan, Bart., being placed second, and Mr. Richardson third with superior collections of the same sorts as in the pre- ceding class. For the best three dishes of Kidney Potatoes Mr. Miles was first with Early Rofe, Mona's Pride, and Milky White, Mr. Smith being second with Extra Early Vermont, Lapstone, and Veitch's Ashleaf, Mr. Taylor having the third place. For Round sorts Mr. Richardson, Boston, had the first award with Early King, " Paxton's," and Carter's Main Crop ; Mr. Taylor being second with Early Rose, Rector of Woodstock, and Main Crop ; Rev. Mr. Bell, Bampton, having the third place . For the best siugla dish of Kidneys Mr. Richardson won with Mona's Pride, Mr. Bates being second with Myatt's ProUfic, and Mr. 'Taylor third — Rivers' Royal Ashleaf; the awards for the best dish of round sorts going first to Mr. Brown, Gopsall, Hull, with Rector of Woodstock ; second to Mr. Gullich, Dosthill, with Chattertoii's Prolific; and third Mr. Madely, Handsworth, with Rector of Woodstock. In these classes ninety dishes were exhibited of fair average quality. Rector of Woodstock making the most handsome dish. Peas were remarkably good. For the best three dishes Mr. Richardson won with Omega, G. F. Wilson, and James's Pro- lific; Mr. Cox, Madresfield, being placed second, and Mr. Arkell third. For the best single dish Mr. Cos won with the Duchess of Edinburgh, Mr. Arkell being placed second, and Mr. Smith, Cheltenham, third. The prizes offeied by Messrs. Hurst and Sons for Mr. Laxton's Peas fell first to Mr. Richardson, second to Mr. Miles, and third to Mr. Cox. These were very fine, the best being Omega, Popular, Fillbasket, Superlative, and William I. Prizes were also given for fifty pods each of Unique to Mr. Miles, Dr. Hogg to Mr. Bailey, and Supplanter to Mr. Miles. In the Pea classes Dr. Hogg, Connoisseur, Carter's Commander-in- chief, James's Prolific, and Omega showed to advantage. Of the remainder of the vegetables we can only say that Onions were immense and clean bulbs. White Tripoli being in every instance to the front, the awards going to Messrs. Miles, Cox, and Turk. Cucumbers, of which twi-nty-five brace were exhibited, wtro noticeable for quality rather than size. Tender and Tnie distanced all competitors, Mr. Cushon having the first place with handsome meiiinm-sized fruit, Mr. Maher being placed second, and Mr. Holder third. In Dwarf Kidney Beans Canadian Wonder was the best of all the varieties; Mr. Blox- ham was placed first, and Mr. Cushon second. Celery was, for July 8, 1875. I JOURNAL OF HORTICULT0RS AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 27 the Ist of Jaly, good, Messrs. Turk, Miles, and Holder standing in the order named. Carrots were bright and clean, Nutting's Nantes Horn from Mr. Miles being especially worthy of mention. Turnips, Lettuces, and Cabbages were generally too large, the awards falling to the smallest specimens. Cauliflowers were mostly coarse, yet some handsome heads wore staged, especially by Mr. Miles. Broad Beans were good, Seville Longpod from Mr. Cox being the best, f dlowed by Selected Longpod from Mr. Miles. Baskets of salads were admirably exhibited, Mr, Holder being placed first for a basket embracing almost everything in the salad world. Asparagus was large. Mushrooms poor, and Tomatoes splendid, Messrs. Miles, Coleman, and Cox standing in the order named. A dish of Carter's Green Gage was consi^icu- oua by its excellence : it is a distinct and fine variety. The remainder of the awards will be found in our advertising columns. The implements and appliances were numerous and excellent. We have only space to note that silver medals were awarded to S. Deards, Harlow, Essex, for improvement in coil boiler; Cowan Patent (Limited) Company, for improvement in limekiln boilers ; G. Green, Birmingham, for rusticated garden furniture ; J. Unite, London, for square tent without centre pole. Bronze Medals : — G. H. Harris, Birmingham, for three-wheel hose collector ; Kneebone & Timmis, Birmingham, for garden plough ; P. J. Perry, Banbury, for improved machinery for greenhouse venti- lation ; N. Voise, Horley, Surrey, for three-light Cucumber frames ; W. Barrow & Sons, Nottingham, for rusticated garden furniture; W. Jones, Stourbridge, for improved joint for hot- water pipes ; J. Watson, St. Albau's, for horticultural stoves ; C. Yeats, Mortlake, Surrey, for garden labels. Highly com- mended : — T. G. Messenger, Loughborough, for plant-protector, with the improvement recommended ; J. Clarke, Stourbridge, for plant-protector; J. Crowley & Co., Sheffield, for improve- ments in the gold-medal lawn-mowers; W. J. Bpps, Lewisham, Kent, for sample of peat. Yet although the Exhibition wag so good in extent and quality, and the arrangements were so complete and satisfactory, another prime element was necessary to ensure success. Of this we regret to say that on Thursday, Friday, and S.^tnrday thunder and rain were prevalent, and it was not until Monday, the last day of the Exhibition, that anything like flower-show weather Bet in. We are much afraid it came too late to make the success commensurate with the preparations and objects of this great horticultural gathering of which the midland counties have just reason to be proud. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July 7th. This being designated the Cut Eoae Show, we place the Rosea first in our report, but the display was a very poor one, many of the classes being empty. The principal exhibitors have done so much and done so well that they can afford to rest on their laurels ; the transitional state of the Society, too, is such that full, free, aud hearty exhibiting is out of the question : hence the poor response to the prizes which are offered by the Society. Mr. Prince brought some grand Roses, and just saved the name of the Show. The trade fairly triumphed over the Society ; for the competition for the prizes offered by Messrs. Carter it Co., Sutton & Song, and Hurst & Sona were the great feature of the Exhibition. In the class for seventy-two single blooms (nurserymen), Messrs. Mitchell & Sons, Piltdown Nurseries, Uckfleld, had no rivals. The first prize was awarded. The blooms were small, and none of them call for special note. For forty-eight Roses, three blooms of each (nurserymen), Mr. Prince was placed first for admirable blooms in triplets. Mr. Eraser, Lea Bridge Nursery, Leyton, also exhibited in triplets, but the blooms were too much expanded. He had an extra prize. In the class for twenty-four Hybrid Perpetuals only (aurserymen), Mr. Prince exhibited a collection of fine quality. For forty-eight single blooms (amateurs), T. Laxton, Esq., Stamford, was first with very charming blooms, not large, but of great- excellence, Louis XIV. being the richest Rose wo have seen this year; Marie Rady, Beauty of Waltham, Annie Laxton, Exposition de Brie, Alfred Golomb, Mar6chal Niel, and Miss Ingram were all in very fine condition; Mr. Chard, gardener to Sir F.Bathurst, Clarendon Park, Salisbury, being placed second. For twenty-four single blooms (amateurs), T. Laxton, Esq,, Stamford, again had the first award with a box of beautiful blooms, fresh, clear, and bright. Felix Ganero, Marie Van Houtte, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Emile Hausburg, La Ville de St. Denis, Marie Baumann, and Xavier Olibo comprised the best blooms. Mr. Chard being placed second with very nice but irregular-sized blooms. For twelve single blooms (amateurs), Mr. Ridout, gardener to W. S. Brown, Esq., Woodhatch, Reading, was first with a highly meritorious collection. Senateur Vaisae, Comtesse d'Oxford, Due de Rohan, and Annie Wood were exceptionally rich ; Queen Victoria, La France, and Mdlle. Therese Levet being good amoDgsfc the light colours. Mr. Chard had nice boxes aud the second award; Mr. Tranter, Upper Assingdon, ITenley-on- ThamoR, being placed third. For twolve Tea-scented Roses (nurserymen), Mr. Prince was alone, and had the first prize. He exhibited lovely blooms of Catherine Mermet, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Marie Van Houtte, Belle Lyonaise, Perle de Lyon, i-o. For twelve Tea-scented Roses (amateurs), T. Laxton, Esq., had the first prize with a collection, but the blooms had been in- jured by the weather. Perle de Lyon was very rich; America, NiphetoB, Marie Van Houtte, and Devoniensis were the best. In the class for twelve Roses distinct (open), Mr. Tranter had one of the best blooms of La France ever exhibited, otherwise the collection was not noteworthy : it had the first award. For twelve blooms of Paul Neron, Mr. Prince was first with large and well-coloured blooms; Messrs. Mitchell & Sons, Piltdown, being second with blooms a little more expanded. This huge Rose shows to advantage iu masses. For twelve blooms of Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild Mr. Prince was without a rival with splendid blooms ; indeed no finer have been this year exhibited ; he had the first award. For twelve blooms of Marfichal Niel Mr. Laxton exhibited blooms very rich in colour, but not of high quality, having received injury by wet ; he had the first award. For twelve blooms of Marie Baumann. — This fine. Rose was grandly set up by Mr. Prince, the best bloom in the box being equal to the champion bloom at Birmingham of Senateur Vaisse ; he was the only exhibitor, and had the first award. For one basket of 2 feet in diameter, filled with cut blooma and Rose foliage, Mr. Chard had a very good and well-arranged basket of fresh blooms and good foliage, to which the first prize was awarded. Single Rose, any kind, iu glass stand, Mr. Pince was first with a beautiful Marie Baumann, Mr. Chard being second with a nice La France. PEIZES OFFEBED BY MESSRS. JAMES CABTEK it CO., HIGH HOLI30BN. The greatest prize of the year, the fifty-guinea " Carter " cup, with £\0 added for the gardener, with £7, ,£5, and ±'3 as the minor awards, was competed for on this occasion. Formerly this trophy had to be won three times to secure permanent possession, but now the Holborn firm, with a liberality as great as their enterprise, surrender it to the employer of the gardener winning it the first time. For this great prize there were nine competitors. Finer vegetables have seldom been seen. The Judges, Mr. Barr, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Woodbridge, took in- finite pains, and were long iu deciding, and eventually awarded the splendid prize to the Most Noble the Marquis of Exeter, and Mr. Gilbert, the gardener, received the congratulations of his friends. Mr. Gilbert's collection was exceedingly fine, and was beauti- fully arranged. Peas, Onions, Beans, Turnips, Cnrrots, Lettuce, Potatoes, Cauliflowers, aiad Globe Artichokes were splendid ; Melons, Cucumberg, Celery, Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Parsley being very good. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Arkell, gardener to A. J. Skinner, Esq., Swindon Road, Cheltenham, for a really grand display. It was ao nearly equal to the Burghley coUectiou that it was only by carefully adding up the points of merit of each dish that its true place was found. The third prize went to Mr. Pragnell, gardener to G. D. W. Digby, Efq , Sherborne Castle, Dorset, for a great and good collection, difiicult to find fault with except on the general ground cf a lack of finish and refinement which pervaded the others. The fourth prize was awarded to Mr. Osman, gardener, the Metropolitan Schools, Sutton, but certainly not because it was the best, but because it was in strict confirmation with the conditions. It appears that iu previous years two sorts of Melons were permitted ; but this year those who had more than Little Heath committed a fatal mistake. Messrs. Carter would do well to exclude Melons alto- gether from a collection of vegetables. Their production is an insuperable barrier to many really good vegetable growers com- peting. But for this mishap the awards must have been different, for Mr. Lumsdeu and Mr. Cox — previous holders of the cup — both had collections much superior to that of Mr. Daman. For an innocent error a penalty is paid by some of those who un- fortunately committed it. Mr. Chard and Mr. Cross also had ooUectious of gn a*, value. For the prizes offered for the best six dishes of Peas, Mr. Cross, gardener to G. B. Lousada, Esq., Peak House, Sidmouth, had the first award, Mr. Pragnall being second. The principal sorts were James's Prolific, Commander-in-Chief, G. F. Wilson, and Hundredfold, and splendidly were they exhibited. Messrs. Sutton & Sons offered prizes for six dishes of Peas, of which finer examples were perhaps never exhibited than those of Mr. Pragnell and Mr. Elliott, who were first and second respectively. The principal varieties were Duchess of Edin- burgh, Duke of Edinburgh, Giant Emerald, and Best of All. Messrs. HunsT & Son also offered liberal prizes for Mr. Lax- ton's new Peas. These were exhibited as growing on the haulm — that is, the plants were brought. They were a distinct feature, but time only permits us to say that the prizewinners were Mr. 28 JOtlENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Joly 8, 1876. Croes, Mr. Miles,' Mr. Chard, and Mr. Osman ; and the sorts William I , Unique, Dr. Hogg, Supplanter, Omega, and Fill- batket. This firm also offered prizes for the best six dishes of Mr. Laxton's Peas, which were won by Mr. Miles, Mr. Cross, Mr. Smith, seedsman, Bomford, and Mr. Cox with collectioDsof great excellence. We may say generally that the vegetables which competed in the several classes were in the highest degree crditable to the raisers, vendors, and growers ; indeed, but for them the Show would have been a complete failure, but with them it was highly interesting and instructive. Fbdit Committee.— Henry Webb, Eeci., in the chair. Mr. William Paul of Waltham Cross sent a seedling Strawberry called Wallham Seedling; a large bright-coloured fruit, and of a conical shape, inclining to cockscomb. The flesh is very firm, like La Constante, and having been grown in the garden at Chiswick Mr. Barron reported that it possesses very hardy habit, and is an abundant bearer. It was awarded a first-class certifi- cate. Mr. Miles of the Gardens, Wycombe Abbey, brought a dish of Early Beatrice Peach ripened against an open wall. The fruit, though not so large nor so highly coloured as when grown under glat-s, was quite ripe, and considering that these were gathered on the 7th of July it is perhaps the earliest Peach from an open wall ever grown in England. A vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Miles. He also exhibited a dieh of the Tomato- shaped Capsicum, which iu shape is similar to a Tomato, but much darker in colour. From the garden of the Society Mr. Barron exhibited the Early Orleans Gooseberry, which was pro- nounced to be the best early Gooseberry. It was awarded a first class certificate. Mr. Mills of Chiswick exhibited Monarch, a variety grown in preference to any other by the London market gardeners because of its great fertility, large size, and its free- dom from the attacks of birds. Mr. Mills also sent fruit of two varieties of Currants, and received a vote of thanks. Mr. J. Hatton, 93, Goswell Road, sent fruit of Allen's Golden Gem Melon. Mr. W. Gallot, Bradford Gardens, Dorchester, sent a seedling Melon called Princess Alexandra ; Mr. James Groom, Henham Hall, Wangford, also sent a seedling Melon, but none of thete were of sufHcient merit to obtain a certificate. Messrs. Carter & Co., Holborn, sent fruit of Marquis of Lorne Cucumber, exhibiting a remarkable roughness of surface set with spines. These were only found on one plant, which was in per- fect health. Mr. J. McLellan, The Gardens, Grove House, Tottenham, sent a seedling Cucumber of handsome shape, but not differing from others in cultivation. Mr. Sage of Ashridge Gardens brought a brace of fine fruit of Tender and True Cu- cumber. Mr. Barron exhibited plants of the Seville Long Pod Beans, laden with long-podded fruit. Its great recommenda- tion is its earlinesa and prolific bearing. He also showed bunches of Early White Naples, New Queen, Neapolitan, Marza- jole, and Nocera Onions. Messrs. Carter & Co. exhibited the American Gathering Lettuce which has originated in Germany, raised by Mr. Heineman of Erfurt, a curled brown semi-cabbage variety, very crisp and brittle. Mr. Richard Dean of Ealing sent specimens of Early Snow- ball Cauliflower, very similar to Early Erfurt, which was repre- sented to have been sown on the 3rd of March. It was decided that it be tried at Chiswick, and that iu the meantime Mr. Barron be requested to investigate the conditions under which the plants were grown. Flok.1l Committee.— Dr. Denny in the chair. Mr. Bull ex- hibited a cuUpction of Liliums in bloom, Phalienopsis eru- bescens, and Hydrocotyle nitidula. Mr. Bateman exhibited blooms of Lilium Bloomeriauum oscillatum, and had a vote of thanks awarded. Double Clarkia elegans, Salmon Queen, and Purple King, sent by Mr. Hardy, Stour Valley Nurseries, Bures, Essex, had first-class certificates awarded. Mr. Croucher, Sud- bury H'luse, had a vote of thanks for Masdevallia Harryana with thirteen fine blooms; as also had Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whiibourn, Esq., for magnificent blooms of Cattleya gigas. First-class certificates were awarded to Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Hammersmith, for splendid seedling Begonias Coltoui and Bodwelli, with large blooms of rich orange scarlet. Mr. George sent Zonal Pelargoniums Saltan of Zanzibar and Criterion. Mr. R. T. Veitch, Exeter, had a vote of thanks awarded for well- grown plants of Nertera depressa. A first-class certificate was awarded to Messrs. T. Crippa & Son, Tunbridge Wells, for Cle- matis Fairy Queen, a very large blush variety. Mr. Laxton sent double Pelargoniums; and Mr. Dean, Canterbury Bells and Stocks of good quality. THE (ENOTHEEAS. The Evening Primroses form a genus of very beautiful plants for the decoration of our flower beds and borders. A few of them are of trailing habit and are half-hardy. These, of which E. Drummondimay be mentioned, are suitable for small beds and for hanging over the edges of rockwork and rustic baskets. The hardy hr rbaceous Eection are also of dwarf habit and are interestiDg and attractive border and rock plants. CE. CiespitoBa, QZ. fruticosa, CE. speciosa, and others are all adaptable to this mode of culture. The hardy biennials, of which we give a typical representa- tion, are, however, the most showy, their tall spikes of soft primrose-coloured flowers which open in the evening being very beautiful ; the foliage of these plants is also clean and bright, and the plant's habit is stately and agreeable. For planting in Rhododendron beds and for imparting a cheering touch of colours to shrubberies iu the evening few plants are better suited than are these stately ffinotheras. Neither haTe Fig. 4.— (Enothera. we any plants of more easy culture. In many gardens when once established they will take care of themselves, yet they seldom increase so fast as to be an incumbrance. They flourish in the full sun and also under trees better than do most tall- growing plants. In wet weather they seldom are injured, while on hot dry banks they will remain fresh after most plants are withered by drought. At this period of the year many gardens are made attractive by their towering spikes, and in the twilight especially no plants are more striking. For Mr. Taylor's ideal semi-natural garden these plants are amongst the best can be used. They are not to be used as cut blooms for the ex- hibition in the daytime, but it is for the decoration of the border and shrubbery at eventide that these good old plants are worthy of extended culture. They are increased by root-division in the autumn and by seed. Seed sown at the present time in the open border, and the seedlings, when large enough, transplanted will grow into Jaly 8, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 29 fine bloomiuR plants for the followinR season. It is a little singular that these gay, distinct, an J useful iilants are not more generally employed. They are certainly worthy of culture, and when seen in association with the sombre foliage of shrubs in the evening are always admired. STBAWBEBRIE3. Now the Strawberry season is in full swing I think the sub- ject might with advantage be again ventilated, as it is not only the fruit-bearing period, but also the time for making prepara- tions for another season. The readers of the Journal are awaro that this subject cropped-up some months ago, and was pretty weU discussed at the time, and the only apology I have to make in recurring to the subject again is merely a reminder to refresh the memory, as it often happens that when a subject of this kind is discussed out of the season of preparation it is apt to bo forgotten, and now another season's experience will have been gained as to the merits of different varieties, for what is eulogised one season is deciied another. The nature of the soil is one important element in Straw- bei.y culture, water another; a similar soil may exist in widely-separated localities, and yet have veiy different results with the same varieties. The difference between a dry and a wet locality wiU effect this. I am located on a poor hunt-y soil with a gravelly subsoil, but in ordinary seasons most kinds of Strawberries do pretty well, but many sorts in dry seasons differ nuich in quality. Ou this soil I find it necessary to make fresh plantations about every third year. British Queen still maintains its high reputation, and in ordinary seasons does well, but it is astonishing what a ("(■ ferenoe a wet and a dry season makes in the quality of the dif- ferent kinds of fiuit, such as Sir Charles Napier, Oscar, and Sir Joseph Taxton. I find that if the fruit-swelling period is dry the quality of the fruit deteriorates considerably, while British Qneen and Dr. Hogg seem to retain their high crisp flavour. President seems to be in its proper element, and stands the drought better than most kinds. I must not forget the old Keens' Seedling. I have heard of other varieties which are considered better for preserving purposes, but I very much question if there is a better general-purpose Strawberry than the veteran Keens' Seedling, and I am of opinion that the name w-'l be a household word for some years to come. Strong uiuners taken now and planted in well-prepared ground ought to bear fruit next season ; if deferred much later they will not do much good before the second year.— G. E. Alms. DEUTZIA CRENATA FLORE-PLENO. I THINK the above-named plant is not so popular as it might be, considering the usefulness and beauty of the flowers at this season and likewise when forced. I propagated a quantity some years ago and planted them out in the shrubberies and borders here, and I have been rewarded each year with a beau- tiful display of white flowers ; for grown underneath the shade of trees or in shady shrubberies — where it grows and blooms as well as in the sun — the flowers are almost pure white, but in the sun the flowers will be shghtly tinted with rose. Anyone having to supply a quantity of white flowers at this season for decorating vases, making bouquets, or the more solemn ceremony of making a wreath of flowers to place on the grave of a friend or relative, will find this plant of great assistance. — J. A., Hill Grove. FURTHER REMARKS ON LATE PEAS. The remarks of "A Noethekn Gardener" on late Peas, page 48G, vol. xxviii., are well worth studying, but I fear if he travelled southward he would find great diftieulties of having them so late as he speaks of, and it may be some consolation to him to know that while he can put a dish of green Peas on the table gathered from the open ground a few days before ice was strong enough for skating on, and keep them for use till that day, a feat was accomplished which has few if any parallel in the south of England ; yet I fully believe every word he says on the matter, and have a perfect recollection myself of seeing a dish of Peas at a horticultural show in the north about the middle of November that were said to be the produce of seed ripened that year and sown again that same year, in other words two crops in one year. I do not remember if it was from the same plot of ground, but it easily could have been ; certain it was they were there, and in fairly good order. The variety I think was an early white one, possibly the Early May or Charlton, the parents of most of our early Peas. The season was, if I remember right, 18'28 ; certainly not 1820, which was the hottest and driest summer I ever remember ; in which two crops of ripened Barley from the same field were not uncom- mon even in cold out-of-the-way places, and the second crop ripened as well as the first. But to the matter of late Peas. I fear we sojourners of the sunny south have no chance of expecting them so late. Arti- ficial watering may possibly do something for them, but even that will not always scare away mildew — a fell enemy to the Pea late in the season ; but the mode recommended by our correspondent is the only way to expect a good result ; and although I do not remember ever to have witnessed the Peas sown in sunk trenches, I have no doubt the plan is a good one where there is depth of really good soil, but a plan adopted by an old gardener many years before the first Reform Bill became law deserves to be mentioned here ; for, like " A Northern Gardener," ho sowed the rows wide apart, but' instead of making one drill for the seed he made two about a foot or 15 inches apart, and in dry weather placed a ridge of dung along the space between them before they were up, supplying them with short sticks at first and long sticks afterwards, adding more dung at the sides in the way of mulchings, and watered the whole when required. The advantage of this plan will be apparent to everyone : the roots of the crop being divided occupied more ground, and consequently benefited accordingly, as I do not remember of ever seeing finer crops of Peas, which were of good quality. This plan I have frequently followed ; but when a dry hot summer sets in, and the impos- sibility of supplying them with water follows as a matter of course, all hope for a crop of late Peas is out of the question ; but the effort to obtain them is still worth trying, and like many others I have to thank your correspondent for caUing attention to it. Possibly many places in the coo and moist western and northern counties have a belter chance than we have in Kent in maintaining a healthy growing vegetation during the dry hot period of the dog days, and Peas as well as Lettuce and other things benefit accordingly ; but with us when such dry seasons as 1808 and 1870 occur, when rain in suiUcient quantity to support even the Scarlet Runner was not forthcoming, and a short supply the result, it is hopeless to expect Peas to be fruitful, for in practice it is found better to depend on Scarlet Runner and French Beans in the latter part of the summer than on Peas, and cropping is done with that object in view, and although it is hut seldom that Scarlet Runners can be served- up fresh to a party of skaters, it is certain they can be retained to a later date than even the Peas. Again thanking your correspondent for his useful paper on the subject, and agreeing with him on the merits of the variety Ne Plus Ultra as a general cropper (for I have not used it very late), I hope his practical remarks will draw out those of others on this useful and interesting subject. — J. Robson. BELVOIR CASTLE.— No. 2. THE SEAT OF THE DUKE OF RUTLAND. Althouoh I regard the spring bedding at Belvoiras its most noticeable feature, I do not at all mean to imply that it is followed out to the exclusion of other work. Anyone who knows Mr. Ingram need not be told that whatever department of gardening you look at under his management is sure to be well done, and go where you will you will find the evidences of a master's hand. The Castle stands, as will be seen from the woodcut, on an eminence, and around it the various terraces are arranged with the same object as the gardeningon the slopes — viz., to give a cheerful appearance in the earlier months of the year ; and the various combinations aflorded by the liberal use of Aubrietias, Oxlips, Myosotis, Sedums, Violas, Epime- dinms (of which latter Mr. Ingram speaks in high terms, and deservedly so) were even, although past their prime, very charming. The kitchen and fruit gardens, which are about three acres in extent, were, as might be supposed, in a high state of cul- tivation, and there was, as there is everywhere, something to be learned. Noticing some fine beds of Frogmore Late Pino Strawberry, and seeing that the plants were not separate, as is usually the case in good gardens, I was told that it is the only way in which Mr. Ingram finds that he succeeds. Others who find it difficult to grow Strawberries may, perhaps, succeed in 30 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jnly 8, 1875. the same way : the exception proves the rule, and so with that which prescribes young plants. Trollope's Victoria bears as well if not better on three and fonr-year-old plants than on young ones. The walks in the kitchen garden were edged with slate about 1 inch thick on the edge, and while looking very neat afforded no harbour for slugs. Mr. Ingram had also a capital plan for filling up the spaces on walls with Pear trees when trees had become worn out. He had raised a number of seedling Pears, and when these had been tried and found worthless they were planted against the wall in the place where the old trees were, and then grafted right up, so that in a very short time a tree was formed and then the old one was taken away. I may here mention that I saw near here the other day some Apple trees grafted in a similar way all over instead of, as is the usual plan of being cut down and the stump grafted. As the soil is heavy some vegetables require to be grown in a peculiar way. The Potatoes were planted on ridges in single rows — a modification of the plan so often adopted in the wet climate of Ireland and called the lazy- bed system ; bnt these are not beds, but simply ridges. In the same way Aspa- ragus was grown in ridges, and thus an easy method of forcing in the open ground can be adopted by filling up the spaces between with fermenting material. I recollect seeing some- thing of the same kind adopted at Montronge near Paris. The houses and vineries were all in excellent order. Plants do not, however, form a feature in this establishment, those being cultivated only which are adapted for decorative pur- poses, during which they undergo such a system of ill-treat- ment aa requires all the skill of the gardener to resuscitate them. In the reserve garden were to be found many of the once- despised herbaceous plants, which are here fostered and petted. And here let me subjoin a list of some of those which I noted, and which Mr. Ingram spoke highly of. Some of them were in bloom, others had passed, while some had yet to declare their beauties. Erodinm manescavi, Schrevriekia podolica (very early, white Arabis-hke flower), Potentilla Donberi (white), Arum variegatum, Geranium subcauleseens (deep rosy crimson, Fig. 6.— Belvoie oastlb. dark centre), Cerastinm arvense, Veronica pectinata (very dwarf), Iberis euperba, Iberis jucunda (very lovely). Campa- nula Boldanella flore-pleno, Lithospermum Gastoni, Spirsea fihpendula, Alyssum Wiersbeckii, Alyssum argenteum, Linaria alpina (Alpine Toadflax, very pretty). Rhododendron prtecox, Erigeron grandiflorum, Viola striata, Epimedium pinnatum elegans, E. rubrum, E. striatum, Dodecatheon gigantenm, Doronicum caucasicum, Polygala chama^buxus (pale lemon and bright yellow, very fragrant), Gentiana verna and aeaulis, besides many others well known and extensively used in most gardens where herbaceous plauts are cultivated. Mr. Ingram spent some weeks last year in Norway, of which he gave an interesting account in a contemporary. In a small nook he has brought together some of the spolia op'nna of his journey, including Sedum evense, Salix polaris (the small- est tree perhaps known), Betula nana, Thalictrum alpiuum, Arenaria prostrata, Viola bicolor, Saxifraga cotyledon, A-o. I have given but a very imperfect idea of the peculiar cha- racteristics of this princely residence. I have not dwelt on its architecture or its entourage, except only as it bore upon hor- ticultnre ; and have bnt to add that from Mr. Ingram I re- ceived the utmost courtesy and kindness, and to Mrs. Ingram I am indebted for the clever sketch of the garden on the slopes. —P., Deal. THE PEUNING OF PEAB TREES. I WISH to enter my protest against the barbarous and un- natural system which is now so prevalent of pruning bush Pear trees with the shears in the same manuer as is practised with Yews and Portugal Laurels. This practice, besides being most injurious, as I cannct but think, to the health of the tree, exposes only a small surface to the influence of the sun and air, and much diminishes the area from which a crop may be expected. In my opinion, as the result of several years' expe- rience, a thinning-out of the centre of the tree so as to admit plenty of sun from above, combined with a judicious and moderate shortening-in of the side shoots, is the proper modo of culture. A mulching or top-dressing in the spring, and, if thought necessary, an occasional root-pruning, may also be resorted to ; but the grand point is allowing the sun to shine into the July 8, 1875. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER, 31 interior of the tree and the air to circulate freely round the branches. — J. C. Bahnham. SUTTON'S RED-SKINNED FLOURBALL POTATO. In answer to " W. H. A.," who asks what is the parentage of the Red-Bkinued Flourball Potato, I believe it to be of American origin. In support of my opinion I may state that a friend of mine had a few Potatoes sent from America four years ago before the Flourball was sent out by Suttons ; some he gave to a gardener in the neighbourhood, and the remainder he kept growing by the side of the Flourball, and they each fail to discover any difference, nor can I who have noticed them the past two years. I may add that my friend having received hia from America without name, called his the Tus- carora. — W. Bark, PEACH BLISTER. We have recently received from one of our correspondents (Mrs. Carlisle) , some specimens of Peach blister with the fungus here and there be detected on the red blister, and this bloom when magnified one thousand diameters linear is seen as shown at e. It is excessively minute as compared with the thickness of the leaf and its component cells ; the latter magni- fied to the same scale are seen at c. The fungus consists of a stratum of fine threads, which throw-up a series of small flask-like bodies (asci) filled with spores, the flasks beinf; mixed with necklace-like growths d, which are clearly a second form of fruit. Each ascus, or flask, contains eight spores, which at certain moments open at the top, as at e, and dis- charge their spores (which are analogous with seeds), into the air to continue the existence of the species elsewhere. — W. G. Sjiiih. SUMMER PRUNING.— No. 1. The object of all pruning is the origination of now partr, diverting the sap from au over-vigorous to an enfeebled part, and the reduction of barren and the production of fruitful wood. By the first we secure the form in part of the present and ultimate specimen ; by the second its symmetry ; and by the third the highest ciuality of produce. Fruit-bearing trees naturally have no pruning other than the browsing of herbi- Fig. 6.— Peach blister with ACcojiPAsnsa fd.N'ohs (ascomtces deformans). (AEComyoes deformans) which is said to cause it, in such unusually good condition that we are induced to give an illus- tration of the latter as seen under the microscope. An editorial opinion has recently been expressed in these columns that the blistering is caused by spring frosts rupturing the Bap-vessels, and that the fungus lives upon the extravasated sap. When Mrs. Carlisle's specimens were exhibited before the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mr. Smee, who is well acquainted with the disease, expressed his belief that the blistering was caused by au injury inflicted by an aphis, and he has expressed an opinion elsewhere that the fungus is seldom really seen with the blister, but that the aphis is an invariable accompaniment. De Bary, however, and Berkeley say the blister is caused by the fungus, and the former has published a figure of the mycelial threads as seen inside the leaves amongst the cells before the perfect fungus appears upon the surface. However this may be, we must confess that our views range on the side with Mr. Berkeley, and we imagine the reason why the fungus is not invariably seen is simply because in its early condition it is confined to the interior of the lamina of the leaf, and its life may possibly be brief in its perfected state on the exterior. The spawn of the fungus, like the spawn of the Potato disease, is corrosive, and changes the green colouring matter of the cells from tho usual healthy hue to a deep blood red. In the accompanying cut, a shows the Peach blister as com- monly seen ; when the fungus is present a white bloom may vorous animals, therefore cultivated and natural tree 5 are not in this respect analogous. Orchard trees are not to be admitted natural, for they at least have a certain amount of time ex- pended upon them in pruning — in giving disposition to the branches, and some occasional after-care in the thinning, otherwise we readily grant orchard trees are the nearest ! approach to Nature of anything cultivated, and as such are ! not subject matter for summer pruning. Our remarks, there- I fore, apply to trees cultivated in gardens as pyramids or bushes i trained to walls or espaliers. Limited to space as such trees are, the necessity, if they are to be kept to it in a fruitful state, for pruning arises. It is not in any sense an imitation of nature, but of restraining — causing the trees to conform to j the requirements of the cultivator. There is not, perhaps, a more interesting or important operation than summer pruning, forming such a pleasant contrast to winter pruning, which only those having had feet feeling hke ice— it may be chil- blains—and fingers cold and benumbed, can thoroughly appre- ciate. I know it will soon be " dog days," when it is hoped any having an hallucination for winter pruning will lose it. Fruit trees have three descriptions of shoots : leaders, the continuation of stems or branches ; side shoots, originated from the branches ; and spurs, mainly producing the fruit. We have also laterals, which mean literally any side shoot, but in gardening phraseology laterals are side shoots from growths of the current year. Foreiight shoots, which arc those proceeding from the front of a branch and at right angle? 32 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. C Jnly 8, 1875. or nearly so with the wall. Others there may be, but I do not know the term they are recognised by. Now, fruit trees have two growths, spring and midsummer. The first is the strongest, and in vigorous trees is continued to a period long past midsummer ; but upon moderately vigor- ous trees the first growth is over by the early part or middle of July, and varies somewhat with different trees. Apricots will have the first growth made by the middle of June to its close. Plums follow next, then Pears, and last of all Apples, unless we take cognisance of the Peach and Nectarine, and those of course are next to the Apple in completing the first or spring growths. When the trees are as before stated very vigorous, the spring growth is not complete until a late period, so long- continued is it that there is difficulty in distinguishing the spring from the second growths. The less vigorous the growths the earlier the spring growth is made, and the sooner it is, of course, succeeded by the second or midsummer growth. Between the two is a sort of cessation from growth for a time. The cessation from growth is, though brief, for some purpose which I do not profess to comprehend. It may be the giving of character to the buds (and I could advance much in proof), or as tending to some end in respect of the fruit ; certain is it the wood becomes what we term in trees which do not lose their leaves, firm. From the points of such shoots or near them other shoots arise in many cases, not in all, whilst shoots may be originated from other parts which in the first growth have been in a semi-latent state. The shoots so resulting are the second or midsummer growth, and if they proceed from wood of the current year are laterals. The second growth will be continued until a late period, and is not usually productive of bloom buds, seldom I believe in the case of stone fruit, though instances occur of bloom buds being formed upon the second growths of Pears and Apples. The first growths are therefore most momentous ; the second are mainly of value ia promoting root action, drawing up fresh supplies of sap for the fruit, and elaborating it iu a more p^rfect manner than the leaves of the first growth, whilst thfy also prevent, by appropriating any excess of nutriment, its being forced into the buds of the first growth, and their premature expansion, as is occasionally the case with Pears, Apples, Cherries, and Plums, the bloom buds expanding in summer, and the hopes of a crop the following year being lessened. Such instances are not uncommon, and those havicg any experience at all of trees on the dwarfing stocks, cannot but be more or les3 familiar with two blossomings in a season, frequently a little here and there, but occasionally a full display. It is not necessary to do more than note the evil calculated to be done by practising summer pruning at an early period of the first growth, or before the leaves intended to be stopped to are full-sized, for if the tree be very vigorous it will only be resultant of two or more shoots from below whence the stop- ping was done, and the tree is as full of sappy shoots in a year as it was before the stopping. It is only just to state that a very vigorous fruit tree neither by early and severe stoppinj?, or even moderate pinching at a later period is to be brought into a satisfactory fruiting state, it requires pruning at the other end — i.e., the roots, and by reducing the supply of sap inducing a less plentiful amount of fruitless wood or spray. If we operate upon a very moderate-growing tree very early in the season we liberate the sap, and cause it to be forced into parts expected to form fruit buds, and thus acted on early they may start into growth instead of developing into fruit buds, or should they already be of the latter character wo may hasten their development, their maturity being completed at so early a period in summer that they are forced into flower by there not being present other means of appropriating the sap. Early pinching for other important cousi ieratious we do not advise, not a few of the many mishaps to fruit trees accruing from want of foliage at an early period, and to lessen it does not appear a satisfactory means of avoiding them. Blistered and crumpled leaves is known to be the result of chill, by con- tinued cold weather ; pinching will not give warmth, but expose the parts remaining more fully to the influence of cold, and jeopardise the fruit by its being more fully exposed, the leaves being its natural protection from adverse influences. Early pinching must also limit instead of promote root action, and the growth and the tender fruit be for a time arrested, if indeed it does not cause the crop to bo thrown off or become cracked or otherwise deformed. Though too early pinching be bad, late summer pruning is equally deprecable, for the allowing of long vigorous shoots to be made appropriating the sap, shading the spurs and fruit. and thereby depriving them of light and air, is a robbery of the fruitfulnei;3 in the present as well as for future seasons. The spurs receive very ill-support, and the fruit less, for the parts — i.e., the leaves feeding them — are small from being under the leaves of the shoots, and they imperfectly perform their functions owing to the unfavourable conditions in which they are placed for doing so. Late summer pruning deferred until a late period is also undesirable from the parts requiring to be removed being large, suddenly exposing the fruit and leaves that were overhung by spray to bright and it may be hot sun, and they must have forced into them the sap that was needed for the spray removed, and as there is no part or only lesser foliage to appropriate it, it must create a stagnation at the roots, and cause to be put out speedily a quantity of spray that will be active late in the season. In fact, so complete is the check con- sequent upon a late and large removal of summer shoots, so paralysed is the root action, that the tree for a long time after- wards remains stationary, making no effort at fresh growth, and when it does it is weakly and late. In no wise can a large development of spray conduce to the sine or quality of the ctop, and in no wise can it by a large and sudden removal contribute thereto, but must act prejudicially upon the tree's healthful- ness and its present and after fruitfulness. — G. Abbey. NEW DISEASE OP POTATOES. I AM sorry to have to state that it attacks English as well as the Yankee Potatoes. I have Walker's Regent, and especially Flourball (Sutton's), badly attacked. I had it very bad (1874) among Early Eose ; about halt died off as described in last week's Journal, just as the Potatoes began to form. I have examined several gardens since it was mentioned in the Journal of Hor- ticulture, but chiefly do I find it in the American race. One garden nearly all Eed-skin Flourball was badly affected. — E. J., Louth. [More than ono correspondent states that Sutton's Flour- ball is liable to this disease, and each arks. Is one of its parents an American variety ? — Eds.] I HAVE a row or two of Extra Early Vermont (I saved the seed myself last year), and find several roots attacked iu the way you describe. None of the English varieties are attacked. My next-door neighbour has also some in the same condition, and the circumstances are precisely my own. — G. C, Croydon. The disease is very prevalent here in some cottage allot- ments known as Clarke's Gardens. In one of them I saw six- teen plants of American Late Eose, and they are all dead, also several plants of Extra Early Vermont ; and the other varieties do not look so strong and vigorous as they were in former years, the leaves being very much curled. — W. E,, Doncaster. CELERY CULTUEE. Theee are few plants which require more care in culture than does Celery. Having experienced some failures and a fair share of success, I can offer a few notes upon its culture. Leicester Eed is the sort. Those who require early Celery must sow in heat about the middle of January, prick-out iu heat, and harden-off ia frames. I sow for the main crop the first week iu March, place in a Cucumber bouse, thence to a vinery, then to a frame to harden for ten or twelve days. The plants are then pricked-out in 5 inches depth of soil (on ashes made hard), well mixed with Mushroom dung or droppings broken up. In this compost the plants are readily moved to the trenches with a good ball. Stocky plants are also obtained by sowing in a warmer corner early in March, timely thinning, and planting in the trench when large enough. I have noticed Asters, Stocks, Helichrysums, and other plants do equally well sown out in the borders. With the Celery the next thing is the trench. The soil here is 2 feet deep, and the greater part of it is annually trenched, turning-iu to the bottom a foot thick of husky strawy manure from the stable, shrubbery refuse, &c. After early Teas, a trench is thrown-out o feet wide, 1 foot deep, and plenty of dry short manure is worked in. The plants are placed 1 foot apart each way, water is freely sup- plied till re-established, when liquid manure is given. Soot is used to prevent fly, and salt to keep-off' worms and to give solidity. Blood manure is an excellent stimulant for Celery. "Earthing is commenced with the growth, using boards and Jnly 8, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 33 handling each plant separately, and keeping the heart np until growth ceases. It ia then earthod-up close, and litter is put on in severe frost. By the above method of culture Celery ia obtained from 4 to 5 lbs. weight, and of the best quality. I have not found the earthing to check its growth, in fact if well supplied with liquid it will push the soil down from the sides, for its vitality cannot be overcome. — C. Prinsep. LOBELIA PUMILA MAGNIFICA. The merits of this fine Lobelia cannot be too widely known. No one who saw the baskets in the exhibition tent at Regent's Park last week could fail to be ttruck with its great superiority. It is a robust form of pnmila, and in habit perfect. The blooms are large, stout, and intensely blue — Lobelia blue — and the white eye is clear without being obtrusive. There is but little doubt that it is the finest Lobelia yet raised, and cannot fail to be invaluable both for pot culture and garden decoration. I direct attention to it because of its sterling worth, and be- cause I am satisfied that it is one of the few plants that can- not disappoint. It is massively rich and charmingly chaste, decorative qualities which but few plants possess in combina- tion. I advise all my gardening friends to possess this fine Lobelia. — J., Battcrsca. THE POTATO CUKL. There can now be no doubt that the new disease affecting the Potato is the recurrence of an old one known to some of us in our young days as " the Cuil." This appeared towards the end of the last century, and continued with more or less virulence for the first five-and-twenty or thirty years of the present one. We have a perfect recollection of the dread with which it was regarded, and the disastrous results of its attacks. Volumes were written upon it by the most noted agriculturists and gar- deners of the day, from Arthur Young and T. A. Kuight down- wards, and so serious was it that it engaged the attention of the most eminent scientific and practical men of the period. Its origin and its cure alike baffled the ingenuity of all who turned their attention to it till at last it died out, and for forty or more years it has not been heard of, till two years ago it made its appearance in the new seedling varieties of American Pota- toes after they had been grown one season in this country. This fact singularly corresponds with what we find in some of the early accounts of the disease. Arthur Young says that of Potatoes raised from seed one plant in thirty will be curled, and if propagated will retain this quality ; and Dr. Anderson, a great authority of the period, states in the Bath papers that a large field planted with Potatoes the third year from seed had more than half the plants curled, while another field near it planted with seta which never, as far as he knew, were produced from seed, had scarcely one plant curled in the whole field. There will no doubt be many conjectures as to the origin and cause of this disease, some being the old ones revived ; and there will also be as many suggestions for a cure brought for- ward now as were formerly ; but while others may be inves- tigating and some dreaming as to these, our advice is, to be wise in time, and utterly to destroy every variety and every crop in which it has made its appearance ; for our readers may rest assured it is a far more serious matter than some of our contemporaries who have treated on the subject seem to think of. Onion Maggot. — It may now serve some of your numerous readers to inform them that soot prevents the Onion maggot if perseveringly used till the danger is passed. I believe the fly lays the eggs on the manure near the surface. — C. Phincep. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. To-DAY (Thursday) a Special General Meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society is to be held, and it is to be hoped that all who look forward to the Society being pulled out of its difiiculties will attend and support any motion that may be brought forward to urge the completion of Lord Bury's resig- nation. It is proposed to call a meeting of the leading horticul- turists on Wednesday, the 21st of July next, at six o'clock p.m., at the Criterion Hotel, Piccadilly, to consider the best means of carrying out the pledge to hold an Intbrnational Hobti- cnLTURAL ISxuiBiTioN during the year 1877. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GABDENINO. Flower Garden and Suuuiuskhy. — All sorts of bedding plants will have become tairly estalilibhed by this time, and they must of necessity have considerable attention. The beds must be well hoed and cleaned, and the plants be induced to cover the space desired as soon as ponsible either by tying them out or neatly pegging them down. These are such as Verbenas of sorts, Nierembergias, Heliotropes, and other dwarf growing or trailing plants. Then there are many plants which must be staked in time, as Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and Salvias. These are much reduced in beauty if allowed to go too long unsupported ; for the wind once blowing them about prevents the plants being put into proper order again. As I have hinted once or twice be- fore, both pegs and stakes should be prepared in times of leisure so that the work may now be done more expeditiously. Dahliaa will be the better if a mulching of rotten manure be applied to the roots, so that when water is given the plants will receive extra benefit, and fine flowers is the general reward. Put stakes to Gladiolus, and secure the plants to them by one tie at present, and that must be rather low than otherwise, which allows of a freer growth and the bloom spike to come up without any obstruction. Roses have been objects of great interest so far, and about; here the flowers have been very fine. I hope when it is intended to increase the stock by budding that a Eelection of those best suited to the soil has been made, because budding should not be delayed any longer if the bark rises freely and the sap is flowing well from where the buds are taken. This should always be noted as important in the success of budding; and again the bud must be nicely and firmly fastened to the place in which its is inserted, and the stock itself be made secure agaiust the wind. It is a practice in some localities to shorten the young shoots of the Briars by more than one-half at the time of budding, but I prefer leaving it the entire height till the bud has taken, be- cause if the weather has been previously dry, or should set in dry immediately after budding, the shortening of the shoot causes a check to the flow of sap, and the bud suffers just at the time it most requires support. Prick-out Brompton Stocks and Wallflowers into beds of good open soil, and encourage them to advance in growth. Violets that have been divided and planted out will likewise need encouragement, and they must not suffer from the want of water. The better crowns they form the more bloom will they afford when planted in the frame in autumn. The shrubbery will require looking over — that is, all coarse growths that are rising up to the detriment of the lower growth and the shape of the plant, must be cut out. An unequal growth is particularly objectionable in a young hedge of almost any sort, and often ruins it. Yews and Laurel hedges that are in- tended to be ornamental and tidy may be now clipped, or rather cut, for the knife ia better for the purpose than the mora ordinary shears; the knife hides the cuts, but the shears cuts the leaves in two, which ia very objectionable. Go over Rhododendrons that have done flowering, and pick off all the seed vessels, which not only makes the plants look neat, but allows the growth a free course, as it starts just at the point where the bloom rests. Look over the shrubbery gene- rally, and see that no choice plant is being overgrown by ita coarse-growing neighbour. Have all grass frequently cut and the edgings neatly kept, and walks rolled after rain, which by frequent use and a period of dry weather the surface of them ia apt to work up in a rough state and become unpleasant to walk upon. Put in cuttings of Pinks, and layer Carnations and Picotees as soon as their growth ia sufficiently advanced. — TncMAS Record. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOE THE PRESENT WEEK. kitchen garden. There are two important crops that ought to be attended to this week — late Peas and late Cauliflowers. The gardeners in the north of England and in Scotland have the advantage over the southern growers in respect of these crops. In favourable localities with deep and moderately heavy or heavy soils decent crops may sometimes be produced, but in light and shallow soils it is labour in vain to grow these crops late in the autumn. Mildew and thripa are also very troublesome pests to deal with on the late Pea crops. It is now time to sow the Peas, and the late rains have made the ground in condition to receive the seeds. The ground ought also to have been prepared by being manured and deeply trenched. Were we sowing Peas this week the sorts would be Laxton's Alpha and Fillbasket : the last- named is not a Marrow Pea but a hardy sort, and ia wonderfully prolific. It may be necessary to water this crop after it is up, and they may be syringed with soot water. .34 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 187f, Early London, LenormancTs, and Veitoli's Autumn Giant are good Borts of Cauliflowers ; the late rains afford an excellent opportunity to plant them out. It is Eoraetimee necessary to plant out in dry hot weather, but it is seldom that the crops do so well. Plant Autumn Giant 2 feet, and the other two Borts from IS to 20 inches apart. The Cauliflower even more than the Pea delights in a very deep rich soil. Cabbages may also bo planted out now for autumn and early winter use. Coleworts and Atkina's Matchless are excellent varieties. We have planted out the main crop of Celery, and those who have not yet done bo should seize the present favourable oppor- tunity. The usual method in this neighbourhood is to plant in single rows, and splendid Celery is produced where attention is given to watering; but where quantity is of more importance than quality it is better to plant in wide trenches, say 4 feet •wide : this will admit of four rows 1 foot apart. The two outer rows would be C inches from the sides, and two rows in the middle a foot between each. Then as to planting in our garden, we dig down very near to the gravel, place in some rotten manure, and 2 or 3 inches of rich mould over this ; the plants are then set out with a trowel. One of the most useful winter crops with us is Brussels Sprouts, and we generally manage to obtain a tolerably good supply. We have found that they succeed very well if sown in deep drills, drawn as for Peas 2 feet apart. A little fine mould is Bprinbled over the seeds, and as the plants increase in size the drills are filled in. The plants receive no check in this way, and they make sturdy plants, well furnished to the bottom. Of course they are thinned-out to the usual planting distance in the rows. Sowings of Endive may be made this month. Eraser's Im- proved Broad-leaved is one of the best sorts for winter use, and a good stock of the Green Curled sown at the same time will come in earlier. Lettuce must also be sown to keep up a supply of this most wholesome salad. We still hold to Hick's Hardy White Cos as being the best for all purposes ; bnt those who prefer the Cabbage variety cannot do better than sow seeds of "All the Year Bound." Admirers of big Lettuce must sow the old Drumhead or Malta. PINERIES. The large importations of foreign Pines make some difference in the time of ripening-off the fruit, especially for those esta- blishments where the surplus stock of fruit is sent to market. It is no use at all to start early to obtain fruit in by the end of May or the beginning of June, for at that time the market is stocked with fine fruit from St. Michaels. One is not only struck by the fine appearance of the fruit, but they evidently have the best stock of Smooth-leaved Cayenne, and good British gar- deners have been sent out to superintend the cultivation of the fruit. About the last week in June the supply ceases, and English-raised fruit may pay for growing all through the remain- ing summer months. The earliest Queens will now be nearly all out, and it will then be necessary to re-arrange the plants; the succession houses become crowded and the plants which are far advanced in growth may be arranged in the fruiting house, from which the old plants have been removed. There are very few houses now where the old deep tan pits are used, about ISinches of plunging material (tan is the best), over the hot-water pipes will retain sufficient heat for the roots until it is time to start the plants, when the tan should be sifted if necessary, retaining the rough part only and adding fresh material, the whole to be well mixed-up tof^ether. When the Pines are started is the best time to add fresh tan, or it may also be added when the suckers are potted. Ciicuvihers. — Those who are growing their plants in houses will not require any further information than may be obtained from previous notes under that heading. A few remarks may not be out of place on tlje culture in frames. It is not absolutely necessary to keep-up bottom heat iu the beds, but the largest quantity and the finest Cucumbers we ever cut from frames were grown in this way. A space 1 foot wider and a foot longer than the frame was marked out, a lot of rough faggots were laid down on which to build the manure heap, and the faggots when pressed down by the weight of the manure still sustained the load 18 inches from the ground. The bed is 2 feet 6 inches high at the hack, and 2 feet in front. The use of the faggots is to allow the heat from the linings that are applied after the heat declines to raise the temperature of the bed. Freshly-cut turf was laid over the bed with the grass side down, and the plants were put out on hills of good loam with a fourth part of rotted manure added. Cucumbers iu frames ought to be watered overhead every afternoon iu hot weather, and every alternate day if the days are dull and cold. Shut the frames up as soon as the water is applied. The best time is between 4 and .5 p.m. The plants must be looked over once a-week, and have all su- perfluous growths removed, for good Cucumbers will not be obtained if the leaves are crowded together. PLANT STOVE .\ND ORCHID HOUSES. A high temperature and moist atmosphere should now prevail in the stove, and also in the house devoted to East Indian Orchids. Plants that require syringing should be thoroughly washed every day at least, even twice a day in hut weather, for thrips and red spider alike prey upon the young growths of many Orchids, Thrips do the most damage, and it is almost impossible to wash them off without great pains is bestowed upon the plants. Den- drobiums with short thick bulb.'J, such as D. Farmeri, D. thrysi- florum, D. densifiorum, &c., suffer most from thrips. They get down into the heart of the growths in the early stages of their development, and can only be dislodged by fumigating. Of course no thrips should be upon the plants, but they will be there even with careful management, and it is as well to know the best way to destroy them. Bed spider attacks the older leaves, and can readily be washed off with soapy water, or by syringing the plants daily. We are now shifting a number of our Orchids into larger pots. Many of them are just making their growth, aud at that time a large number of young rootlets are thrown out from the base cf the young growth. If they are potted now, the plants have the season before them to make their growths. Some Cattleyas andL.Tlias succeed best in pots, others on blocks, and a few in baskets. When pots are used they are filled to quite three parts of their depth with clean pot- sherds; over the drainage we place clean live sphagnum, the potting material being turfy peat, sphagnum, and potsherds in equal proportions. A good block for Cattleyas is inch teak, cut according to the size of the plant. One of the best, perhaps it is the best, Cattleyas of recent introduction is C. gigas. We have a plant now in flower on a block with three flowers on a spike, and the plant in splendid health; another plant in a basket with peat, sphagnum, and potsherds, has not done nearly so well. The beautiful C. Buperba is also flowering well on blocks ; it will do no good in a pot. We also continue to pot any plants that require repotting as speedily as possible. When plants are being repotted the atmosphere should be moist, and the house also be kept close, and the roof shaded. When the plants have rooted into the fresh soil admit air more freely; good growths cannot be pro- duced or matured in a confined atmosphere. If it is necessary to fumigate with tobacco at this season it must be done with great care; better to do it three or four times in succession than to give an overdose. FLOWER GABDEN. This department must now be kept scrupulously clean and neat. AU bedding plants that required pegging-down have been attended to. Verbenas and other low-growing plants that have been put out to form rows in ribbon borders or edgings must be pegged to a uniform width ; if the plants run into the next lines to them the effect is spoiled. Before pegging-down the plants the hoe ought to be run through amongst them. Any weeds that are left must be hand-picked, as the hoe cannot be worked amongst them afterwards. Put iu pipings of Pinks ; this work is always best done on a rainy day, they will then strike roots out of doors if put-in in a shady place where the sun acts upon them for an hour or two only each day. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. SEjRETiRiEs will ob'iga us by iaforaiing us of th? dites on which exhibitions are to he held. Fbome (Rose).— July 8th. Mr. A. R. Daily, Hon.-3ec. KiLSBT.— July £th. Sec, Mi. C- E. Bracel.ridge. Richmond.— July 8th. Mr. A. Chancellor, Hon -Sec. NoTTiNGHAiT. — R0S6 Show, &c., July 8th, 9th aud lOlh. Apply to Alfred Kllk, Municipal Ofiicee, Nottingham. OXFOED (Rosesl.— July 9th. Mr. C. R Ridley, Hon.-Sec. Grange-over-Sands— July 9th. Mr. ThoiBaa Ashley, Pec. Hkworth.— July 14th. Mr. R. H. Feltce, Heworth, York, Hon.-Sec. OCKDLE.—July 14'h. Mr. Alfred King, Sec. ToNBRiDGE.—July 14th. Mr. W. Blair, Free Press Office, Hon.-Sec. Wimbledon.— July 14th and 15th. Mr. P. Appleby, 5, Linden Cottages, Sunuyside, Wimbledon. Hou.-Sec. Darlington.- July 16th. at 8outhend. William Hodgson, Sec. Bramley.— July 19th and 20th. Mr. R. Fox, Sec. Brecon.— July 22nd. Mr. W. J. Roberts, Sec. nELEN.snoEGn, N.B. (liote Show).— July 23rd and 24th. Mr. W. Uro, Waddell, Sec. CLECKnEATON.— July 24th. Mr. S. H. Williamson Hon.-Seo. BliiDOE.- July 27th. Mr. E. Hardeman, Hon. -Sec. Preston.- July 28th aud 29th. Mr. W. Tronghton, 4, Church Street, Hun. -Sec. Bhbewsbdey.- July 29th and 30th. Mr. H. W. Adnitt, Hon.-Sec. Southampton.- July Slsc and August 2nd. Mr. C. S. Fuidge, 32, York Strett, Lower Avenue, Sec. Sedoely (Cottagers).- August 3rd. Mr. W. M. Hughes, Sec. Westun-sciper-Mare — August 4th. Mr. W. B. Frampton, Sec. Ilkeston and Shipley.— August 4th and 5th. Mr. R. Blount, Sec. Newport (Monmodthshirei. — August 5th. Otley. — August 7th. Mr. Jno. Lee, Hon.-Sec. RossENDALE — Newchubch. — August 7th. Mr. M. J. Lousdalc, Newchurch, Sec. Canteeedry. — August 12th. BURNOPFIELD. — August 14tli. Mr. J. Hood, Sec. Dover. — August 18th Northleach. — August 18th. Mr. J. W^alter, Hon -Sec. Eas I BOURNE— in the Devonshire Park. — August 19th. H. A. E. Rumble, Esq., 2(), Hyde Gardens, Sec. Glastonbury. — August 19th. Rev. E. Handley, Hon.-Seo. jQly 8, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 35 HARTLErooL.— Angnet 34th. Mr. Councillor H. Magoi-is, Hon.-Sec. NEwnEiiRY.— Auf^uBt 24th. Mr. H. Seymour- Ilou.-Sec. laLE OF TuANET (SiT. Peters). — August 25tb. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ',• All correspondenGe should be dirocted either to "The Editors," or to " The rublieher." Letters nddressedto Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no ono will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the Rame sheet questions relating to Crardoning and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Books (Gf.).— Thero was a now edition ot the "Garden Manual" ipsued eighteen months a^o, and is now on sale. We do not iocntify the Briar by your description, but the proper one for stocks is the Dog Uose, the prickles (if winch are hooked. (Young Qardemr).— The book you mean is Mr. Thom- son's) "Practical Treatise on the Grape Vine," price 5». Apply to Messrs. Blackwood, Paternoeter Kow. Fnt AND Pine (C. E.).—" Fir" is a popular name including all such cone- bearin:^ trees as are included in the genera Pinua, Larix, Abies, Wcllingtonia, and muuy others. " Piue " is also a popular name applied to many cone- bearing trees so differing that we cannot find spaoe for the distinctions. There are the Amboyna Pine, Weymouth Pioe,Moreton Bay Pine, Screw Piue, and many more. ViNEy NOT Frditinq {Vitis noil l/yi/cra).— We cannot understand the Black Hamburgh not fruiting from the lateral growths; wo believe that you cut back too closely to the main stem at pruning time. Nest year leave two or three eyes instead of one. In your district it will not be necessary to put shutters on the borders ta throw off the rains; place 3 or 4 inches of manure on the surface instead. This is preEuraiug that jours is a late house; for eaily forcing it would be necessary to throw off the cold rains. The rest of your practice i3 correct. China Roses Casting their Bnos (E. C. Laming).— 'We should at- tribute the casting of the buds to an imperfect supply ot sap caused by the drought, which probably mit;ht have been overcome by copious waterings. The plants being only recently planted would not have obtained sufficient root-action to enable them to withstand drought. Tacsonia pinnatistipula (W. J. B.).—lt is probably easting its buds fr^m an insufficiency of moisture at the roots. We cannot otherwise account for it. Water thoroughly with weak liquid manure. BEAUC4BNEA PRorAQATiON (J. B.). — Take off the young stems close to whence they proceed after they have formed two or three leaves, and insert them in sand over sandy loam and peat in pots singly, and place in a gentle bottom heat and keep moist, but avoid making very wet. A temperature of about 10" to ir.° warmer than that in which the plants are growing will answer for striking. They should not be inserted deeper than the base of the leaves. We have no experience of their flowering. Vine Leaves Shading the Bunches— Stopping Vine Shoots (F. L). ^'Xbe leaves wliich shade the bunches of the Grapes should not bo removed, they being the principal leaves, and the Vines being properly stopped you will not have too much shade. The main leaves must not at thi? or any stage be removed to permit of light to the fruit. Remove all the laterals from the showts ftgainpt the wall, except from the two lower leaves and the nppermobt one to which tbe shoot wap first stopped, and stop those at the first kaf, and at each succeeding growth therefrom to one leaf throughout the sc-agon. If by laterals you mean the side shoots upon wood of last year, they should be rubbed off to 12 to 15 inchts apart, as we gave you iustructions some time Bgo ; but if you mean laterals on the ciTie of the present year's growth stop them at the'first leaf, and to one leaf afterwards as succeeding growths are produced. Heating Pit from Kitchen Bopler iH. W.).—lt will answer to take the flow and return pipes fro:« and to the boiler throuch the forcing pit, and also heating a ci&tern for baths, &c , upon a higher level, having a valve upon the flow and return pipe of the cistern, hut you will need au air pipe upon the highest point of the pipes in the forcing pit, and this pipe must ha taken higher than th-^ bath cistern ; in fact it would be well were its end taVen to it so tbat any run or flow of ^ater might be into it. Without a valve upon the return pipe of the cistern the heated water would rise through it. With this complication you will need to be careful, and not expedite a blow-up. Kalmia latifulia N(iT Fldwebing (R. N.). — Your plant only needs vigour. Give it some good turfy loam and cow dung iu equal parts with your peat, and it will make better wood and flower fi'eely. Add sand liberally if the peat be deficient of that substance. Providing Bottom Heat [E. Ji.).— The best means is by a hot-witer tank, and the next best means by hot-water pipes in a chamber, or the same surrounded by rubble. Tan is troublesome, hat gives a long-continned heat — six months or more according to its extent. We could not tell you the expense of a " tan pit," and we do not recommend it for an amateur. The size would iu a measure determine the cost, and if small the heat is not nearly so enduring. We strongly recommend hot water as best for an amateur or anjone not having ready access to fermenting materials. Winter Nelis Pear (C. R1.— It is probably a result of over-blossoming that your trees do not bring their fruit to maturity. We should advise you to mulch the surface with short manure, giving the tree against the south wall a thorough soaking hefiTs applying the mulch, and water liberally in dry weather iu summer. We would farther advise thinning the bloi-som, leaving the largest and most promising, and it is probable you will have as you say " truly one of the best of Pears." Propagating Pentstemons (H.). — Insert tbe cuttinss iu sand in Sep- tember, and keep them mi ist and shaded for a time. They may bo put in pots and be placed in a close cold frame, or have abed prepared on the ground and a frame placed over it after the manner of striking bedding Calceolarias ; indeed they may ho treated throughout the same as are Calceolarias. You can of course strike the cuttings now made from shoots which do not show flower spikes, but the plants would be large and rc'iuire a jjroportionate amount of room in which to winter them. We advise their being struck in September, when you will have fine plants for flowering the following summer. Markchai, Niel and Aimke Vibert (F. IT'.).— Let them have another season's growth; do not prune them too much, only thiu-out weak branches, and most probably they will repay jou another season. With good soil, liberal treatment of manure, and a moist climate, thero will be naturally too great an incliuatiou to wood growth. Seedling Strawberries (TT. B., JTaitfs).— It is impossible to form any estimate of the seedlings. If thin lot them remain, and transplant in the spring; hut if Hkely to be overcrowded transplant a portion as soon as they are large enough to handle. They will not take up much ground, and will require very littio atteutioa, aud it will be interesting to watch the results. Aphides on Apple Thees {W. H.).—Tho leaves are much infested, but no insects accompanied them. It appears to be the common aphis, and may be destroyed by a thorough syringing of softsoap water of a strength of 2 ozs. of soap to each gallon of water, in which is mixed a little tobacco water. If applied at a temperature o( 100= it will kill all the insects it reaches, and will not injure the fruit. Mildew in Roses {H. B.).— This usually arises from defective root action. There must have been some cause other thuia its being grafted on the com- mon one for your Black Oak to have died. Fairy Rings [J. B., Bickh'ij].—1Po.ivy rings on lawns are caused by the spawn of a fungus, which keeps spreading outwards as it exhausts the soil upon which it has gi-own. To get rid of it water the ring with a solution of common salt, 2 ozs. to the gallon. It will cause the grass to become brown for a time, but it will soon grow again. Dveing Flowe&s.— i4 Young Gardener wishes to know how Everlasting Flowers and Grasses are dyed. We shall be glad to receive information from any of our correspondents. Names of Plants (TT. C.).— Every week wo have to repeat our reply that we cannot name the varieties of florists' flowers, which Pelargoniums are. IW. B.).— Loniceraiuvolucrata. (CJm(HS).— Euonymus europseus, or Spindle Tree. (ir. Hilluak).—lt is Lilium purpnreum, but this is only a variety of L. Washingtouiauum. (Freci).— l,Campanulaglomorata; 9,Trolliuseuropffius; 8, HemerocaUis flava; 4, Lupinus polyphyllus ( ? ) ; 5, Muscari monstrosum. (fl. H. C.).—l, Composite, too young to name; 2, HemerocaUis flava; 3, Orchis maculata; 4, Lychnis coronaria; 5, Lychnis diurua flore-pleno; 6, Lavatera. (R. 0.).—l, Geranium sansuineum; 2, G. phceum ; 3, Genista sagittalis. {M. C.).— 1, Lifitera ovata ; 2, No specimen received; 3, Ophrys apifera. Bos all to pieces. (Sonurscii.— 1, Saxifraga umbrosi; 2, Corydalis lutea; 3, Caly- caathus floridus; 4, Veratrum vir^inicum. {W. H.J.— Poa trivialis. (C. B.). — Deutzia crenata. (II. B.).— We cannot make out the Grass, the Bpik© having fallen to pieces. Send ua a perfect specimen. POTJLTEY, BEE, AND PIGEOI OKRONIOLE. LES BASSES-COUES DE L'ANGLETEERB. PROLOGUE. We shall not go ronud the world in any order, for we are erratic in our movements, and rush from poultry-yard to poultry show, up and down, all over the country, just as we have the iuclination or the opportunity. The number of our chapters will consequently he uncertain, aud the date of the epilogue promises to be a long way heuce. The regularity of the num- bers, too, must depend upon circumstances over which we have no control. Having thus much spoken for prologue we com- mence— _ „ Chaptee 1.— WAEMINSTEE. Warminster? Why ever Warminster? Peace-minster we should have said, for everything with which we are here con- cerned seems to enjoy the utmost peace. Certainly there may be troubles ecclesiastical, but our Journal does not go in for that kind of warfare, and the Malayp, the Polands, the Pigeons, the roses, "Angelina" and all, seemed in perfect and happy peace. "Ihe Plovers," did some one say? Well, they found the peace too much for them, and betook themselves, we believe, to far-oS golden climes, and idiots we call them for doing so, leaving that pretty rose garden with such aristocratic com- panions as the Malays must have been. But we must begin at the beginning. When we reached the station we found Mr. Hmton waiting for us, for of course we came to Warminster to see him, and we soon find ourselves in his house. We had been there before, aud now on this our second visit everyone seemed like an old friend. Directly we arrived we were met by two of Mr. Hinton's youngest daughters, little girls of five and sis, such merry joyful little pets who really seemed glad to see one again. They came bouncing in doll iu arms, with Angelina between them (Angelina, is the black cat you kuow), and to see the interest they took in the Pigeons and other live stock around made one feel and wish very strongly that all children might have opportunities of learn- ing to love our interesting dumb animals. We saw the cups and the champion trophies of many a good show, and we saw on the centre table iu the dining room the Oxford piece of plate. It was a small epergne of engraved glass and silver, and was full of the choicest roses, and on the table close by we saw our Journal. Everj thing ou the premises betokened the same love for flowers The days are long now, and the birds go to bed late, so Mr. 36 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1875. Hintou took us first for a drive, when, he said, we might at once see the country round and chat over favourite topics. And we did do both. We chatted on everything connected with the iivcy, and on our hopes and fears for the coming season. There had ijeen heavy showers in the morniug which had freshened np everything, and bathed the trees in glistening gem-iike drops. Mr. Hinton drove us through Lonpleat Park, and we may safely say we never enjoyed a drive so much. The rhodo- dendrons were in full bloom, and every now and then a labur- num hung down its golden branches, and here and there were rare peeps of distant hills with a blue and purple mist upon them. "We looked at them through dark frames of firs, and the effect was beautiful. But we must not linger too long on the way but return to the poultry. Mr. Hinton has three establishments, we call them England and Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. We will speak of them Beparately. Englaud is a rose garden with all the chicken runs round it, and Wales is tacked on at the side in the shape of a block of disused warehouses, where the Polands have state rooms in wet weather. Ireland is quite a lit'.le journey off from England. We had to cross a road and go down it some distance, iind when we arrived there we found a long range of barns and sheds where the grownup Malays live and some of the Polands. And then we went to Scotland, which is a large flower and kitchen garden where are two or three good runs, with a few more Malays in them, sheltered by overhanging trees and bushes. England cer- tainly was rich in roses, but. we could find no thistles in Scotland ; instead of thistles we saw Devoniensis and Madame Willermoz, Madame Victor Verdier and Celine Forestier, and hosts more roses all with a wreath of bloom and buds. But now for a more minute description of this England and its inhabitants. All the midland counties were planted with dwarf roses, and those round the coast were given up to the chickens. There were about 140 Malays and Polands in every stage of growth, all so healthy, all so bright and fresh-looking. Hoses everywhere. Rose bushes planted in the runs made great masses of living shade where the Malay chickens rested and plumed their fast-purpling hackle feathers. Among them W6 saw two Whites. Mr. Hinton told us he bad never bred one before, but these two came from the coloured birds, and very promising they were ; one especially, a cockerel, looked as if he would do great things some day. Quite early some of the chickens were, and looking as if they knew almost what they had to do, so well did they eat and appear to thrive. In one corner of England, somewhere about Land's End, was the Pigeon bonsp, and it was so well arranged that the birds walked out on a platform among honeysuckles and rose bushes. We saw lovely White Fantails and Black Bald pates all in the merriest state of cooing and showing themselves off to perfection. We left England and passed to Wales. We envied those large rooms with their dusty floors. In one we saw the king, he is the won- derful old cock which was first at Birmingham. He has been the glory of many a show pen, and splendid he looked, though he was fast losing his thigh feathers. Here too was a room with the baskets and food, and rose boxes, and moss laid oit to dry to show the blooms on. Passing from here we went upstairs and found a splendid pair of Silver Poland hens in beautiful feather, and a capital match, heroines of many an eshibilion ; and here too were more Black Baldpates and empty spare rooms, only waiting for visitors in the exhibition season. We left Wales and went to Ireland, on our way passing a house where blooms of Marechal Niel quite hid the birds. We are certain the rosea on this house could be counted by almost hundreds. We never saw a tree of even this luxurious rose with such a mass of bloom before. As we said before, Ireland con- sists of a row of barns ; they were divided off by moveable lath lattices, and were a picture of all that poultry houses should be, all clean and covered with road grit and dust, with a copious supply of clean water. We noticed, too, a capital feeding pan, a contrivance of Mr. Hinton's to keep his Polands' crests from being soiled. It was a pan covered over tightly with a piece of large- mesh wire netting, through which the birds could feed without soiling a feather of their topknots. In these pens we saw the cup Dorchester Silver Poland cock, and the bird which won first at Reading and elsewhere last year, and we saw many beautiful hens with them. There were prize Malay cocks and hens there too, all looking ready to go out again aud bring in more grist to the poultry mill, but Mr. Hinton does not go in much for the summer shows. In Scotland we found the pens mostly empty. They were having a rest that the grass might grow and he fresh for the chickens when the time comes for them to leave England and to work for their living. We saw, however, here the first Swindon cock, and he in solitary exile in a large run was comforting himself by pluming his feathers and preparing himself for a fresh encounter in a new suit of armour. We had now inspected the runs, and we could only stop and congratulate the owner on his great successes. Mr. Hintou has no fields and lawns, and free range for his birds— nothing but en- closed runs, aud those not very large. Every inch of space was made the most of, and everything was beautifully kept ; conse- quently success is Mr. Hinton's, and so it can be anyone's who takes trouble to utilise to the utmost the opportunities he has, for it is surpiising on how small a space and in the face of how great difficulties exhibition chickens can be reared. When we arrived at the house our time was drawing to a close, and when we departed presently with a huge bouquet of Mr. Hin- ton's choicest rosea we not only carried away the recollection of a very plea=aut day, but the gratification of feeling we had spent it with one who was not only pleased to show us bis birds and flowers, but also to see us and to welcome us to Warminster. — W. BROODY HENS. " C." WHITES for information how " to limit the time of broodi- ness " in his hens. They are Buff Cochins, Light Brahmas, and White Dorkings, but are continually broody, often for six weeks at a time; and as these bird?, " C." tells us, are kept merely for laying purposes, these long fits of broodiness must be very detri- mental to the egg-supply. These broody hens undergo all kinds of punishment for their natural propensities : " C." tells us he puts them iu baskets, half drowns them, and ties them to the palings, but all to no good. We do not wonder the first resort is fruitless, for we always use baskets to sit our own hens in, and no doubt these broody birds think they are placed in baskets for the same purpose. The cold-water bath is cruel and quite useless. We never heard of a hen being tied to a paling for being broody, it is indeed making a martyr of her. Nevertheless, it seems to supply the cock with recreation, for " C." goes on to tell us " The cock vigorously resents the tying-up of the hecs, and will sometimes try for half an hour to unpeck the knot, occasionally succeeding and triumphantly announcing that fact." On one occasion when the hen was for broodiness incarcerated iu a hamper he was discovered to l)e busily engaged endeavour- ing to force a china egg underneath the hamper which he had obtained from a nest iu the extreme corner for her to sit upon. Vie are half afraid to recommend any treatment for these broody hens, for we fear the cock will be up to the emergency and outdo us ; still we will give our own method. Before a hen becomes broody she always for three or four days gives forth a little incipient cluck, a grunt of imaginary pleasure perhaps. When we hear this, if we do not want the hen to sit we imme- diately move herinto a fresh yard, where with fresh companions and fresh places to explore she generally loses the inclination. If, however, this does not answer, as sometimes happens, we move her into a run where there is no possible place for her to nest — where, in fact, there is nothing but the bare yard, and we find this speedily cures the most obstinate Cochin hen, and in three or four days they may again be restored to their former run Of course where hens are bred for exhibition or for breed- ing exhibition chickens, it is most important that they should be allowed to sit once in the season to give the whole system a rest.— W. DRIFFIELD SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. The annual Show was held at Driffield on June 30th in a meadow just on the borders of the town. The pens were very nicely arrai'ged on two sides of the field, and were supplied by Messrs. Turner. Unfortunately the day was very wet, except for about two hours between eleven and one o'clock, when the birds were judged without having suffered much from the rain. All was well managed, and the best made of the matter under the circumstances ; iiut the take at the gates suffered materially from the inclemency of the weather. Canvas was stretched over the top of the pens, and this served to some extent to pro- tect the birds from the wet. The entries were very considerably in advance of those of any previous year, and the quality was good all through. Dorkings were a good class, but many birds were out of feather. Whites were first. S^ja'n's/i poor, except the winners. Jn Cochins were some good birds, but they were generally poor; as also the Brahmas. Hamhurqhs were very good ; in Spangles first were Silver, and second Gold; and in Pencils, first were Gold, and seconci Silver; the single cocks being first Gold-spangled, and second Black. In Game the first in each class was very good, but the rest poor. Game Bantams good, the first Black Red, and second Duckwing. Blacks very good; and in single cocks the first was a handsome Dackwing, and second Black. Farm- yard cross are generally such as we seldom find at any other show, and this was no exception. In the Selling class the first was a good pen of Malays, and second Spanish. Turkeys were a grand lot; and Geese only two pens of White, the first of rare quality. In chickens of this year the first were capital Dark Dorkings, and second Game ; almost all coming in for a notice. Pigeons were a splendid lot, there being scarcely any but that were well worthy of notice. CarnVrs were mostly yonng, but very good ; the first, a Dun hen, was quickly claimed at i'3 3s. Pouters were a capital lot, the first a very large Black cock; second one of the most stylish White hens we have ever seen; July 8, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37 and extra second a very large White cock. In Jacobins the •wiunora were Reds, the tJrst a hen, and second a cock; the first very small and neat. Fautails were all noticed, the first White, and second Blue. In Tumhhrs an Almond cock and hen were placed tiret and second, both grand in head qualities and well marked. Nuns were a f^ood lot and well shown, and all Blacks. Turhits were a good clnss, the first. Red, and second Blue. In Drnqf07is a capital Yellow was first, and a Grizzle second. Antwcrps were not good as compared with the rest of the classes; the first was, however, a nice Medium-faced Blue Chequer, and the second a Short-faced Blue with pearl eyes. In the Variety ckss the first was a Blue foreign 0 wl of great beauty, but rather dull in the eye; second a Black Barb; and third a Trumpeter, the class being good and many noticed. In the Selling class a White Pouter was first, and a Red Barb second. Very U-vf pens were empty, with the exception of Mr. Harvey's, whose birds did not arrive in either poultry and Pigeons. Rabbits were a good entry, and there was a capital tent pro- vided for their protection. Lopa were first; a Fawn doe was fitandiug first, the measurement being 21.^ by 4i ; second a Tortoiseahell buck, rather small in the eye, 21 by 4J ; and third a TortoiKeshell buck, 2U by A\. Himalayans were a very good class, the prizes beiug won by one exhibitor; the first with a young Rabbit, and second and third very large does. Pen 341 seemed a little worn with the journey. Silver- Greys very good, and placed as at several recent shows. Dutch a capital class, the first Blue and perfect; second Black, as also the third. In the A'ariety class first and third were Belgian Hare, and second an Angora. Point cup for poultry won by C. Young. Dl">FKI^fr,s — ], W. Mnrfitt, Goole. 2, Simpann & Dodds, Bedale. he, H, Picklea, Farbv, Ijgeda ; J. H. Howaitli. Broniiley, Hochdale; W. MorfiU. c, G.,Puunder, KirhvinLioreide ; W. Leason. Driffield. Spanish.— 1. R. Newbitt, Epworth. 2, W. G.Wdters, Elflham, Brigg. fcc.T.P. Carver, Biiroiighbritlge. c, G. Pounder Cocnis —1. BlakcyiBlanchard. Briffleld. 2, W. Santon. Driffield. ufic.T. E. Heaviside, Panniil, liarrouate. he.T Peirnon, Fickering ; H.Gibson, Driffield ; C Yonnt'. Driffield, f, T. Dubsi>n. Kirbjmooraiie. Ej)ahm*s —1. T. P. Carver. 2, Miss Jacques, Easbv Abbey, Ricbmond, Yorli. he J. >• ainshaw. Rotherbam. c, T. Dodaim; W. G. Waters. Hambi RGH3 — ^c»W or Silver spangled.— I.U. Picklfs. 2, J. Eobinson, Gar- stang. vhc, T. P. Carver, he. 0. Young. Gold or Silvrr-pencillcd.— l, T. P. Oflrver. 2, H Pickles, vhc, C. Y'ountr. he, W. HarcUff'-, Hessle, Hull; J, Robinson, c, R. Smith, Norton. Any variety.— Cock.— 1, H. Pjckiea. 2, T. P. Carver, he, 3 Robinson; C. Youns'. G*ME.— B/ncfc-fcrfo-sffd or othf^r Eeds.—\. Webster & Adams, Beverley. 2, G. Carter, Bedaie c, T Hope, Nantwich ; W. G. Waters. Any other variety.— 1. J. A, & H. H. Stavelev. 2, Wf^bster & Af'-ama. vhc. 0. Young. Any variety. Coct.—l. R. Smith. 2, J. A.&H. H. Staveley. c. C Youn^. BasTaiis.— GaT«e —1. W. Adams 2, R. Newbitt. he. H. Butler, Bradford ; C. YouKg c W. G. Waters. Any other unrif/t/. — 1, Milner & Beinland, Keigbley. 2. W. G. Waters, vhc. N. Naylor, Driffie'd; R. A Boisaier, Penshurst, Kent. he. T. P. Carver, c, C. Younpi; T. P. Carver; M. t.'arter. Any varirt>/.— Coek. —J, E. Newbitt. 2, C. Yuung. vhc, G. Bell, Morpetb. he, H. Butler, c, W. Adsmp, Ipawich. Fabmyard Cross— 1, C- Young. 9, J. Ireland, Ftodinaham. he, C. Young; J. Ireland ; T. Akam. Driffield, c. W F. fircwer, Driffi.^td ; G. Ponnder. t-ELiiNo Class.— 1, Lady D Yeoman, WooalandH, Whitby. 2, Mrs. Maynard, Driffield, /ic. G. Biuinby, Cottingham ; T. P. Ciirver; C.Young. c,G. Pounder; W. G Purdun, Driffield. TuKKEYs.- 1, S A. Kirk, Gwendale, Ripon. 2, Miss Jordan, Eastburn. he, R. Smith; T. P. Carver. Gee9«.— 1 and }, C. Young. Dtjcvs.— Ay lesbnry.~l, T. P. Carver. 2, C. Young. Any other variety.— I, C, Young 2, T. P. Carver. Any YARit.TY.- Chickens.— \, 3 H. Howarth. 2, J. A. &H. H. Staveley. vhc. G.Caiter. Bedaie; Mra W. Santon, Driffield /ir, Mrs. Beoket. Watton Abbey ; T. P. Carver, c. D. White. Driffield; Mrs. H. Naylor, Driffield; F. G. Gibson, Middktm.Teesdale; C.Young. ExTHA.— 1 and 2, C. Young, vhc, Lady D Yeoman, he. Master T. & P. Carter, Garton ; J. Robinson; Mrs. Beal. c, Miss Jordan; Mrs. Adamson; G. Atkin, Woodmansey. Beverley. PIGEONS. Carriers.—], H. A. Ayrton, Saltburn. 2, F. Hodgson, Driffield, vhc, H. Crosby, Sale, Cheshire; T, S. Stepbenson. Beverley he, R J. Smith, Yarm- on-Tees ; B. Hudson, Driffield; W. Moore; F. Hodgson; J. Bianshard, Drif- field, c, A. McKenzie, LivetpO'd ; W. Moore. PouTKRS.— 1. E. A. Ihnrnton, Hull. 2. A. Spencer, Driffield. Extra 2, W. Deaini-r, Driffield, r/jc, A. Spencer, /if, W. Destner; A. Roberts; J. Bianshard. c, 3. Murray, Ouseburn ; W. J. Warhurat. Jacobin.s.— 1, 2, and vhc, 3. Bianshard. /ic, D. Maynard ; A. Marshall, Drif- field ; T. S. Stephenson. Fantails— 1,J. F Lovereidge, Newark. 2, W. J. Warhurst. vhc. 3. Walker, NewaTK; W. J. Warhurst. he, J. Walker; T. Peirson ; T. S. Stephenson; F. Lnverhidpe. Tumblers.— 1 and 2, 'Webater & H. Adams, vke, J. B'anahard. he, T. Peirson. Nuns.— 1 and 2, T. S. Stephenson, vhc. F.Joy, Walmgate.Y'ork; J. Bianshard, he, 3. E. Bughee, Hales Vicarage; R. J. tmilh, Yarm ; J. Y'oaog, Bishop Auckland ; A. Leasnn ; W. J, Warhurst. TuRBiTfi —1 and 2, T. S. Stephenson, he, D. Maynard, Driffield ; C. P. Lvthe, Cottinghtim; E. A. Th-imion; Miss Ma\nard. Driffield : J. Bianshard; W. J. Warhurnt c, 3. Bianshard ; B. Hudson, Driffield ; W. Moore, South Waigate ; E. A. Tburnton. Dbagoons.-1,R. Woods. 2, A. McKpnzie. 3, H. Crosby, uftc. C. A. Pearson, Liverpool, hc, J Pavne, Beverley: Miss Maynard. c, Miss Maynard; W. Hyde. Welham,Malton; R.Wood ANTWtKPS.— 1, W. Laycock. Driffield. 2, G. A. Thornton, hc, G. Blakey, Driffield; J. Young. c,3. Leason; K. J, Smith; T. Pierson : B. Hudson; G. Blakey. Any other Variety.-I. T. S. Stephenson. 2, C. Wroot, Hull, vke, R. J. Smith: H.Crossby; J. C. Adams, Rochdale. hc.J. Young; B. Hudson; J. W. Stan.sfieUI, Halifax; E. A. Thornton, c, W. G. Wiirhurst; Rev. J. G. Hughes ; A. McKcLZie; J. Pajne ; C. P. Lythe, Cottingham ; J. Murray, NewcasMe-on- Tyne. SPECIAL SellingClas3.—1, A. Spencer. 2. C. Wroot. 3. J. Bianshard. vhc, J. Murray. Ouseburn. hc, H. A. Ayrton, Saltburn : J. Young ; H. Crussley ; J. C. Adams, Rochdale ; B. Hudbon ; G. Leason. c, W. Moore ; Miss Maynard. RABBITS. Lops.— l.T. & E.J. Fell, Blackburn. 2, J. Murray. 3, W.H. Young, Driffield. he, A. Hudson, HoU. Himalayan.— 1. 2, and 8, J. D. Eames, Driffield, vhc, S. Bucklev, Rochdale ; H. O. Gilbert, Rugby, c, G. Cross, Rochdale; A. Spencer, Dn'ffield; G. D. P.aylor. Driffield. Silver-grey-.— 1, 2, and vhc, A, Hodgson. S, B. Greaves, Grimaby. hc, W. Adams. Ipswieh Dutch.— 1, W. Donkin, Driffield. 2, F. Ostler, Driffield. 3, B. Greaves, vhc, A. Hudson; F. Oatler; S. H. Leeth, Preston. hc,K. Maynard; B. Topham, Bainton; S. H. Lcich. c, J. Kershaw, Ashton. Anv otrfr Varietv.— 1 and 3, B. Greaves. 2, S. Buckley, he, W. Poole, Darlington; A. Hudson. Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton. KIPON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The thirteenth annual meeting of the Kipon Agricultural Society was held on the 30th ult. Although not professing to take charge of the poultry, &c., yet the management and atten- tion (especially as regards food and water) ranks in the first class, the consequence being that thou^jh the prizes are small the entries are good, but we believe we are warranted in saying that a better list will be offered next year. The pens were those of the Northallerton Society, of wood with loose wire fronts, and being placed under the trees with the backs to the sun, the birds were well protected from the scorching heat. Gavie were poor, except the winners; the first Brown and second Black Red. Spanish, only one pen pat in appearance. Dorkings good, and all of the Dark variety. Light Brahinas poor, but Dark a fair lot ; the first a handsome pen. Hoitdans only three pens, and these fair in all points but comb. Cn'ves very good. In Cochins the first cock was a grand one, as also the second-prize hen, the rest being only moderate, except pen 355 (Blacks), which were pretty good for that colour. In Gold- spangled Hamhiirghs fir.st were good and second moderate, these remarks applying to Silvers also. In both Gold and Silver- pencils the winners were very good, the rest only of moderate quality. Two classes for Sebright Bantams produced only three pens, the first in Gold being chickens. If we except the first Black Reda in Game there was nothing of note ; but the Blacks in the following class were good, the hens especially. Turlceijs large, and in splendid trim. Geese large, but bad in colour. Ducks pretty good ; the first in variety Black, and second Call Ducks. Guinea Fowls were very good, but Mr. Young's pens were empty. la the Selling class the first were Dark Brahmas and second Spanish. Pigeons were more uniform in quality than poultry, not one class but contained some good birds. In Carriers the first were Dans and second Blacks. Almond Tumblers were very good in all respects, and every pen noticed. In Tumblers any other the first were Yellow Mottles, very good in head properties and colour; the second common self-coloured Reds, very sound and even, Pouters poor, except the first Blues. Ant'-verps were very good, but two pairs were disqualified as cocks in place of cock and hen. Jacobins good; the first Yellows and second Reds. Fantails were very good, the first being very well shown. Trumpeters only mnderate, but Barhs good, the first Black and second Duns. Turhits were but a weedy lot, in which there was great room for improvement; but Nuns were really good. Dragoons were a fair lot, the winners being as near perfect as can generally be found when shown in pairs ; the first Reds and second Blues. A neat pair of Red Magpies were the recipients of first, and Yellow of second honours, a grand pair of Blacks losing through dirt alone. In Swallows first were Reds and second Blacks. In the Variety class a pair of capital Blue Foreign Owls secured first honours, capital Ice Pigeons of the plain-backed kind being second. In the Selling class the first were Black Carriers and second Dun Barbs. The youth of this neighbourhood seem to have a curions idea of what a Rabbit is, the class producing both Rabbit, Guinea Pigs, and Albino Rats, all very pretty and good in their own way, and consequently noticed, though the prizes as a matter of course went to Rabbits ; the first to an Angora, and second to a Blue-and-white Lop. Game.— 1, W. Bearpark. Ainderhy Steeple. 2, J. Robshaw, Whixley, York. c, 3. lanson, Howe, Thirsk ; T. H. Foden, Givendale Grant'e. Spanish.— 1, T. P. Carver, Langthorpe. Dorkings —1, J. Robahaw. 2, Simpson & Dodds, Bedaie. hc, T. P. Carver ; J, Dalton, Slenintjford Park. BRaniiA Pootra.— Li'/'ii.— I. G. F, Umpleby. Boronehbridge. 2, J. Smith, jun., Ripon. Dark—\, E. Williams & Son, Sharow, Ripon. 2, T. P. Carver, vhc. Holdaworth & Horner, Harrogate, he, G. Manglea, Givendale, Ripon (2). H0CDAN3.— 1 and 2. H. Grant, Bradford, hc. Col. Cathcart, hipon. Crrve-Cceur.— 1, H. Grant. Bradford. Rolands.— 1, C. Walker, Boroughbridge. 2, W. Bearpark. he, W. Bearpark ; C. Walker. Cochin-China — 1, Lowley & England, Borouehbridgc. 2, G. F. Umpleby, Boroughbridge. he. W. Smith, Ripon. c, T. Webster. Bipon. Hamudrohs.— Go/fIen-3j)aRfl/f(i -1 , T. P. Carver, 2, D. Sanderson, Richmond, ^ic. A. Sherwin.Carthorpe. fifirer-spnnpicti.—l, Wells ASherwin, Ripon. 2, W. Bearpark. c. J. Bob»haw. ^ ^^ ^, ,. HAMBDRGHS.— Go/df H-prHCiiietZ —1, T. P. Carver. 2. J. Wetherill, North- allerton, vhc and hc. T. & G. Kidson, Thirak. c, HoMsworth & Homer, Harrogate. SHver-pencilled.-l. W. Bearpark. 2. E. Will'ams & Sou. Bantams.— Goirfcn-(oct'(i.-l and 2, W. Richardson. Silver-laeed.-l, T. P. Game Bantams.— 1 and c. Wells & Sherwin, 2, Holdaworth & Horner. Bantams.— Biacfc, White, or any other variety.— 1, Wells & Sherwin. 2. T. P. Carver, hc. W. Bearpark. Turkeys.- 1, A. Kirk, Givendale, Kipon. 2, G. Mangles, vhc, 3. T. Eenton, Littlethorpe. Geese.— 1, J. Nicholson, Littlethorpe. 2, J. T. Renton. he, G. Mangles. 38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1875. DvcKs.— Aylesbury. ~1, T. P. Carver. 2, Col. Carthcart, Eipon. Rouen.— 1 T. P. Carver. 2, G. Mangles. Any other breed or a cross,— I, G. Sadler. 2, Col. Cathcart. Guinea Fowls.— 1, J. T. Eentoo. 2, A. Pland, Eipon. vhc. G. H. Nicholson. Sflling Cl4S8.— 1. T. S. Mason, Fountaine. 2 and vkc. Wells & Sherwin. he, H. Grant, Bradford; HoIdBworih & Horner, c, J. Cooper, Thirek ; T. S. Ma&OD. PIGEONS. Caeeifbs.— 1, E. Homer, Harewot d. Si, G. F. Urapleby, Boroughbridge. he, EcrEon &aiilnfr, Birbtwitb; G.Sadler; W. Boddy. Eipon. TvuBhEy a. — Almond —1 und vhc, E. Homer. 2, T. HorBinan, inn., Ripon. he. Wells & sherwin ; T. Collinaon. c, E. Bland. Any variety.— 1, E. Horner. 2, T. CoUin&on. c, T. Horsman.jun,. Eipon ; Wella & Sherwin. PorTEBS.— I, E. Horner. 2, T. CoUinson. Antwerps.— ], Wells 4 Shevwin 2 and vhc, E. Homer. .Iacoeins.— he, G. Sadler: Wella & Sherwin. Fantailb.— ], .1. Welherill, Northallerton. 2 and Itc, E Horner. OwL.%.—Engluh.~l,'E Horner. 2. G. Sadler, /ic, T. HorBmiin, jun. ,TRCMPETEEa.— ]. R. Homer. 2, Wella & Sherwin. he, J. Welherill, North- allerton, c. G F Uinpleby. Barbs.— 1 and vhc, E. Horner. 2, T ColUnson. TpBBiTs.— 1 and 2, K. Horner, he, Hold&worih & Homer. Nuns.— 1 and 2, E Horner, Dragooks.— 1, Wells & Sherwin. 2, C. A. PearBOD, Liverpool, he, C. A. Pear- Bon; E. Hornsr. c. G- Brown, Kipon. Magpies.— 1 and 2, E. Homer, he, 3. Wetherill. Swalluws.— 1 and 2. E. Homer, he, Wella & therwin. Anv New or Distinct Vabiety.— 1, E. Homer. 2. Wella & Sherwin. he, WeJlB & feherwin ; G- F. Impltby. c, E. T. Brown, Ripen. Selling Class- ],T Horfcmon. jao. 2, Welle & Sherwin. / 2 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 6 0 0 11 0 0 1 0 2 0 4 0 6 0 4 0 8 0 1 0 1 e 0 4 0 9 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n 3 0 « 3 (1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 1 n 2 0 4 0 July 16, 187G. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 41 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day ol Month Day oj Week, 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 TH F B Son M To W JULY 16— al, 1876. "Wimbledon Show — second day. Darlington Show. Warkwiclishire Ilorticultnral Society— Coventry Show. 8 SONDAY AFTER TRINITY. Bramley Show opens. Koyftl Horticnltoral Society — Zonal Pelargoninm Show I Fruit and Floral Committee. Average Temperature near London. Day. 76 6 76.0 74.8 74.7 73.2 73.2 74.0 50.7 60.1 61.3 50.2 49.9 60.2 60.8 Mean, 68.7 63.0 62.8 62.6 61.1 61.7 62.4 Snn Riaes. m. h. 2af 4 8 4 4 4 6 4 7 4 8 4 10 4 Snn Sets. m. h. 9af 8 8 8 7 8 6 8 6 8 4 8 2 8 Moon Rises. Moon Sets. 37ai6 BOaiO 9 0 8 , 6 9 ' 22 9 I 42 9 1 8 Moon's Age, Days, 12 13 14 • IB 17 18 Clnok before Sun. Day ot Year, 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 60.4''. From observations taken near London dnring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 74.7°; and its night temperature POROUS GARDEN POTS. HIS matter is alluded to on page 416, vol. xxviii., by " G. S.," and subcequently by others, and the experience of cultivators is so- licited. The subject is an important one, as ilower pots hold a primary position amongst the gardener's means and appliances. I have given some attention to the subject both as to growing plants in porous and non-porous pots and tubs, and to a comparison of the condition of plants grown in washed and unwashed pots. My experience convinces me that neither thoroughly glazed nor extremely porous pots are the best for plants generally. I say generally, because particular plants will flourish in glazed pots, while others prosper better in those which are porous. To say that experience has settled the matter that plants thrive as well in glass or slate as in earthenware pots I think requires some quali- fication. In the first place, glass pots have not been in general use sufficient to prove their suitability, and I am not acquainted with a single cultivator who would entrust either a valuable Orchid or a prized Heath in a vessel of glass, because experience has proved that an epiphytal plant thrives best in a porous pot, and tbat in a glazed pot there is much danger tbat plants with hair-like roots, as Heaths, sustain injury by an excess of water which cannot evaporate. But why give an excess of moisture ? There is the point. It requires a very good judge to hit on the exact time that a pot should be soaked with water. Correct water- ing is the very essence of plant-growing. Soil and tempe- rature avails but little if sound judgment is not exercised in applying water. Faulty watering will render inert the best soil ; for if water is given in excess the soil is made sour, and if it is unduly limited its virtues remain in- soluble, and the plant languishes. I once nearly lost a situation by watering a specimen Erica a few hours before the time that the plant really needed the soaking. That plant was in a slate pot. Had it been in an ordinary clay pot the danger would not have been so great, and the gardener, who was one of the best plant-growers of the day, always regarded slate pots as dangerous, not because the plants (Heaths) would not flourish in them, but because an accident of overwatering was ever liable to happen, and when it did occur the consequences were more serious than if a plant were in an earthenware pot. It may be stated without hesitation that for ten men who aspire to take the charge of plants, and who consider themselves proficient, not more than three of them are really competent in the matter of watering. All who have the responsibility of valuable plants know that this statement is correct, and that the greatest trouble a thorough plant-grower has to contend with is the want of knowledge or care on the part of his subordinates in the matter of plant- watering. Plants which are growing in non-porous pots, and espe- cially in peat soil, are more liable to injury by an over- dose of water than if they were growing in earthenware No. 746.-VOL. XXIX., New Sertes. pots of, not extreme, bnt medium porosity, and it is more difficult to determine the precise time at which water should be applied to plants in pots of the kind first men- tioned than in those of the last-named material. That conclusion is arrived at after many years' actual expe- rience in plant-growing. On the other hand, coarse ill- burnt clay pots are not to be trusted to grow fine-rooted hard or softwood plants, for in these there is great danger of them receiving injury by the other extreme of sudden changes from excessive wet to extreme drought consequent on too great evaporation. Not many good plant-growers would prefer a pot of this nature any more than they would one having its pores absolutely closed. For most plants, including fruit trees, pots made of smooth clay and well burnt are the safest and most satis- factory to use, as less skill and attention is necessary in escaping the ever-present liability of hasty watering on- the one hand and tardy applications on the other. Pots- which are excessively porous are suitable under certain circumstances and in certain seasons which under other conditions are quite inimical. Cinerarias and Ferns, for instance, will, if in a pit and towards the autumn months where they stand on a moist bottom and where the pots are never absolutely dry, grow much faster in porous than they will in glazed pots ; but if these porous pots were exposed to the sun and air the Cinerarias would curl and the Ferns would wither. It is the nature of the plant and the position it must occupy that will best determine the nature of pots to use. Taking all things into account the great majority of cultivators wUl, and do, find that the pots which are the most safe and satisfactory are not soft and open clay pots or those which are quite impervious to air and water, but earthenware made of smooth weU-tempered material and thoroughly- burnt pots, to apply a plain test, on which we may write the names of the plants with smoothness and comfort instead of those which grind the lead of the pencil after the manner of a rasp or grindstone. Some plants, as Musk, Myosotis, Spirsea japonica, &o.,. will thrive admirably in smooth glazed pots, as large quantities of water do not injure them. So also will Ferns ; but ordinary hard or softwooded plants do not thrive so well as in earthenware pots, to which their roots cling and become increasingly fleshy, vigorous, and ab- sorbent by contact with the porous sides of the pots. Do not the roots of such plants derive support from the porosity of the pots admitting air to the roots ? If in the pots is placed open material, such as crocks, the roots are more healthy than in the close soil ; so are the sur- face roots of many plants— roots which protrude through the surface. Such roots by an absence of light and a sufficiency of moisture are invariably bristling with fleshy spongioles, which certainly derive considerable nourish- ment from the air. These spongioles are finer around the sides of a clay pot than they are when in contact with a smooth polished surface impervious to air, and this demonstrates the superiority of the earthenware pots. Yet very porous pots are at times injurious, or per- mitted to be, by being placed in the fall rays of the sun No. 1398.— Vol. LTV., Old Sebibs. 42 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( July 13, 1875. in Bummer. Much injury is done by this exposure. Tlae pots in which plants are growing should at all times be shaded when standing in the open air in the summer months, either by plunging, placing one pot within the other, or by other (iBoient means. The roots either of a plant or tree cannot but be injured if the sun has full play on the earthenware pot which contains them ; but preferable to painting is shading. Painting may do no harm in the summer, but at some time and with some plants clean-washed pota are certainly preferable to those sealed against the admission of air. With plants growing to be shifted on, pots are preferable to tubs; but with trees perfected, as Bays, Aloes, Palms, &a., to which it is inconvenient to add more root-room, and where the roots are extremely matted and all the water that can be given is necessary, then stout wooden tubs are advantageous ; they do not, by their comparative non-eonductibility,part with moisture and admit heat as do pots, and hence their adoption on the continental terraces. If these tubs are painted a light colour to repel the sun's rays, instead of a dark one to absorb them, they answer their purpose still better. But while plants generally flonrieh best in earthenware pots, those which are porous should not be exposed to the full sun — indeed very soft pots are not the safest to use, and should never be used, when new, without first being thoroughly soaked in water and then permitted to dry. This is a little matter of considerable im- portance, and should never be neglected. Smooth clay pots washed clean inside and out, and dried before using, are the pots which I have found the most gene- rally satisfactory in dealing with a mixed collection of plants, and in keeping them in the best condition during the different seasons of the year. That a plant may be seen occasionally to iJourish in a dirty pot or a glazed pot is more due to the surrounding circumstances being, what may be termed, locally favourable than to any intrinsic merits of such pots. The practice, I venture to say, of general cultivators is overwhelm- ingly in favour of clean, well-finished earthenware pots as the best for plants generally, and there is little fear of them losing the position they have attained of being almost exclusively used by the best cultivators of plants. — Ex-Exhibitok. CONCERNING EOSES. The first series of Roses here is now over. They began blooming June 7th in the open ground. The blooms have been abundant and magnificent. They are making new wood plentifully for the next series. A gentleman who visited the Crystal Palace Rose Show told my housekeeper in my absence that the Roses there were a joke to them. I cannot, therefore, thick that I am so ignorant on the subject of Roses as some try to make out. If the reader will refer to page 486 he wUl see that I did not recommend Madame C. Joigueaux as a fully expanded Rose for button-hole purposes. Of course, it would be too big for the purpose. My words were, "These should be in bud form, or only partially expanded." On this mistake Mr. Peach founds his merriment. Let us see the opinions of other roearians who may be supposed to know something about it. I refer to three Roses to which Mr. Peach has objected, or called trash — namely. Abbe Bramerel, Maxime de la Rocheterie, and Baron Chaurand, three Roses of choice and excellent colour. Mr. W. Paul in his able work on Rose culture, page C7, names AbV,6 Bramerel with other Roses of 1871, and adds. "These have already taken a piece among our established favourites." Of Barun Chaurand in his catalogue he thus speaks, " Velvety scarlet, centre shaded with blackish purple, large — [It is not large here. — W. F. R ] — full, and of finely cupped form, foliage fine ; one of the best dark Roses ! The following is the opinion and description of Mr. Van Houtte of Maxime de la Roche- terie: — "Beautiful, velvety, blackish purple, large and full. Splendid." If I have erred in respect of these three Roses I have erred in good company. We must, however, make an allowance for difTerenee of tastes. The following are good button-hole Roses in bud form before expansion, and they are beautiful — Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, and Solfaterre. Probably Bouton d'Or would be good for the purpose. I do not keep it. Now a word about Madame Lacharme. I have just bloomed six plants of it. It is very beautiful, but it soils in foul weather, is flimey in its petals, and scentless. I recommend it highly for pots under glass. It casts an abundance of single blooms. Since Louise Magnau's time I think it is the best in the white line, being slightly tinted. These are Cue Roses — Marquise de Castellane, one of the finest of late years; Comtesse d'Oxford, and Etienne Levet. The last is scentless. The next two are, at any rate, success- ful garden Roses — Pierre Seletzski and Hoi tense Mignard. I have had a lot of successful blooms, not one bad one, of Fire- brand. Von Moltke is very beautiful. The plant, however, of it is at present very weak. We cannot fully estimate Roses till they are on strong stocks. The form of Fran<,'oia Michelon is excellent, but my three plants of it do not grow well here. Perhaps the winter injured them. St. George is about to bloom and looks hopeful. We want more dark colours. The crimsons and maroons look well in foul weather, and at all times set off a rosery. We are sick of rose colours. Que word about cut-backs. I quite agree with what Mr. Peach and Mr. Camm have said on that point. Some of the Roses here that I have had for years reach 4 inches in diameter, and some are more than that. Mr. Prince gave me Paul Neron on his seedling Briar, its second year here. At 4 feet from the ground the bloom measured 5J inches ! I am not a great lover of very large Roses, but there is a coarse taste for and love of "whoppers." This is specially the case with garden commodities — Potatoes, Cabbages, Onions, Cucumbers, Melons, Carrots, and Parsnips ! Most people's idea of a show Rose is, that it is a " whopper." Let ns hope that a better taste may arise. The most perfect Roses are the medium-sized varieties — viz., Duchesse de Caylus, Mesdames Rivers and Vidot, Cecile de Chabrillant, William Griffiths, Devoniensis, and Souvenir d'Elise Vardon. I wish the Rose-raisers would produce a Rose of the colour of the Austrian copper, or cross one of our yellow Roses with it. I must now thank Mr. George Paul for three excellent Roses — Lord Clyde, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and the Duke of Edinburgh ; and I must thank Mr. WiUiam Paul for the follow- ing excellent Roses — Lord Macaulay, Lady Suffield, and Fire- brand, and trust that I shall find Queen of 'iValtham and Star of Waltham as fine as their seductive portraits. — W. F. Radclyffe . ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE GREAT SHOW ON THE 2l8T. It is with great pleasure that we are in a position to announce that, by way of showing their approval of the changes that have recently taken place in the Council of the Koyal Horticultural Society, the exhibitors at the shows have combined to make gratuitously the Exhi- bition that is to be held at South Kensington on the 2lBt one of the finest the Society has ever held. Those who have already signified their intention of co-operating are Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Mr. B. S. Williams, Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Mr. Bull, Mr. Charles Turner, Mr. Standish, Messrs. Osborn & Son, Mr. Wills, Mr. Cutbush, Mr. Laing, Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Parker, Mr. W. Paul, Mr. Ley, Mr. Morse, Mr. Wimsett, Mr. Barr, Mr. Burley, Mr. Harrow, gardener to Mr. Bessemer ; Mr. Hudson, gardener to Mr. Im Tlmm ; and we are told there are many others expected whose names have not been received. la reference to this Mr. Turner writes — " Roses will remain good fill the Slst, and I have no doubt you would have a good show not for competition. The bloom will be prolonged on account of the rains." It is to be hoped that this will be the ease, for Roses would be a great acquisition, and they have scarcely been seen at South Kensington this year. No more graceful compliment could be paid to the present Council, and nothing could more show that Horticulture is not dead, but that there is a power in it which only needs the opportunity to have it called forth. Let the Council only have the arrangements favourably completed with the Royal Commissioners, which is the only delay at present, and there is nothing between the Society and perfect success. Cereus oeandiflortis — I enclose you a photograph of one- half of the Night-blooming Cereus which I gave an account of on July 13th, 1871. It has just finished blooming this year. It has had 295 flowers out. It had 108 open the night we had it photographed, which I believe to be the greatest number of flowers that was ever seen on any plant of th« Jnly 15, 1875. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICUIjTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 43 same kind in this conntry. If any of your oorrespondenta know of one having more perhaps tliey will communicate the fact in the Journal. — K. Maitland, The Gardens, Pendri/ffrij/i. KOYAL HORTIOULTUKAL SOCIETY. July 8th. A SPECIAL General Meetiag of tlie Pellowa of this Society was held last Thursday afternoon in the Council room, South Ken- sington, Viscount Bury in the chair. The Meeting was con- vened by the Council of the Society in accordance with the following; requisition, which was signed by more than twelve Fellows: — " We, the undersigned Fellows of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, respectfully request the Council of the said Society to summon a General Meeting of the Fellows with as little delay as possible to consider the conduct of Lord Bury, Sir Contts Lindsay, and Messrs. Bonamy Dobree and Burnley Hume in reference to the non-completion of their resignations, and other matters that it may be deemed necessary to introduce to the notice of the Meeting under the head of acts and doings of the above-mentioned gentlemen during and in connection with their membership of the Council, and also for the purpose of conferring with the Council as to the steps that should be taken to extricate the Society from the difficulties under which it is placed from the obstructive position assumed by Lord Bury, Sir Coutts Lindsay, and Messrs. Bonamy Dobree and Burnley Home in the non-completion of their resignations." The Meeting on Thursday was very largely attended. Amongst the members of Council present were Admiral Hornby, Dr. Denny, Dr. Hogg (Secretary), Mr. W. B. Kellock, Mr. B. Hume, Mr. Bonamy Dobree, Mr. Webb, Mr. Haaghton, Mr. H. Little. Amongst the general body of the Fellows were Lord Alfred Churchill, Sir Alfred Slade, Bart., Mr. W. A. Lindsay, Dr. Masters, Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Pownall, Mr. Shirley Hibberd, Mr. Ball, Mr. H. J. Veitoh, Mr. Quilter, Mr. S. H. Godson, Mr. Godson, jun., Mr. Peter Barr, Mr.Liggins, Mr. Noble, Mr. Wills, Mr. Turner, Mr. Brag?, Mr. Deal, Mr. Murray, Mr. Guedalla, Capt. Mackenzie, Mr. Pinches, &c. The Chairman said : The Assistant Secretary will read the notice calling the Meeting. Mr. Davenport, Assistant Secretary, then read the notice. The Chairman. — Is it yoar pleasure that the minutes of the last meeting be taken as read? Several Fellows. — Let us take them as read. Mr. S. H. Godson. — How can you take these minutes as read when this is a special Meeting? I object to their being taken as read, and I move that they be read [bear, hear]. Mr. Pinches seconded the motion, wtiich was carried. The Assistant Secbetaby was reading the minutes of last meeting when Mr. Bragg, of Birmingham, said he protested against the reading of the minutes, that being a special Meeting called for a special purpose [hear, hearj. The Chairman. — I am of opinion that the minutes ought not to be read, and I think we had better proceed to the business of the Meeting. This Meeting has been convened by the Secretary " to consider the conduct of Lord Bary, Sir Coutts Lindsay, and Messrs. Bonamy Dobree and Bnrnley Hume, in reference to the non-completion of their resignations, and other matters that it may be deemed necessary to introduce to the notice of the Meeting under the head of acts and doings of the above- named gentlemen." Well, I am sure we shall listen patiently, and I hope with profit, to the accusation which it appears is about to be brought against myself and my friends ; and of course I will reserve to myself, and my friends will reserve to themselves, the right of making some reply if we fancy any- thing said against us in this room should be commented upon. At the outset I may say I have been informed that a letter of mine which appeared in the Times has given some pain to my former colleagues. Several members of the Council [here there were cries of " question " and some interruption]. I was simply going to make an explanation which I thought would be acceptable to these gentlemen [hear, hear]. It seemed tome that it was the Council of which I was a member which had formulated the act of accusation, but I beg to say that explana- tions have been offered to me which have removed that impres- sion from my mind. The Council did not promote this Meeting, they did not write the notice, and are no more responsible for it than in being obliged to call the Meeting in accordance with the requisition. I must say that when I saw the name of Dr. Hogg to it I thonght the Council were responsible for it, but I do not assume their responsibility, and am therefore perfectly ready to accept the explanation that they were acting in their ministerial capacity. I should have been sorry if it was my own colleagues who called it, and I am glad it was not. Having listened to all the accusations that may be brought against us, I think a very Jew words will bring the whole matter straight before you. Mr. J. E. Pe.\bson of Chilwell, near Nottingham. — I have come a distance of 120 miles to be present at this Meeting. That to some people may not be a matter of importance, but to a busi- ness man like myself it is, I assure you, a matter of importance [hear, hear]. I have never seen anything to surprise me more than to witness your Lordship occupying the chair to-day. I thought you resigned your position as Chairman of the Council. You received a vote of thanks, and wo of course thought you were gone [laughter and "no, no "]. A Fellow. — I say to that " Certainly not " [hear, hear]. Mr. Pearson. — I am only giving my own opinion. You had resigned, and others of the Council had reBi;„'ned, and I beg leave to say if I am wrong I shall be glad to be corrected. The fact is. Lord Bury'a carriage stops the way; and does Lord Bury think after publicly giving up his office that he is entitled to take that chair again ? In any case the general impression in the country is that for some reason or other it was advisable that Lord Bury should vacate that chair, and that some other individual should take it. If Lord Bury thinks he is still Chair- man after having given up his office of Chairman, I feel that is carrying matters rather too far. Mr. S. H. Godson. — Unless this gentleman concludes with a motion I object to him saying anything farther on this subject [interruption], Mr. Bateman. — I am sorry to anticipate the speech of that gentleman. I signed the requisition in no spirit of animosity to any honourable gentlemen, but with a view to put an end to what was likely to bring about an inevitable crisis [hear, hear]. I thought you were going to speak of the circumstances under which your resignations were brought about, and I thought you were about to explain the circumstances under which those resignations were not completed. I do not know what explana- tion you have to offer, but I know a long-looked-for crisis is coming on which, in the interests of the Royal Horticultural Society, ought to be prevented [cheers]. I am a very old Fellow of the Society, having joined it nearly fifty years ago when crisis No. 1 was brought on thirty years ago by great ex- penditure. It was freed from that crisis by my late lamented friend Dr. Lindley, and from that time the Society had for a period of twenty-five years uninterrupted success and prosperity. But old feeders of the Society fell off, and from competition and other causes they got into financial crisis No. 2. They got out of their difficulties then by the action of the late lamented Prince Consort, who was unfortunately taken away from them too soon, as no sooner had the nuptials been celebrated than the Prince was taken away from them. After him there arose a cruel king, who seized the position, kept them in terrorem, and made them utterly powerless. And with such skill — though not one of us was responsible for the position of the Society no more than the youngest Fellow now in the room — with so much skill, I say, were these things manipulated, that one concession after another was extorted from us. It was perfectly natural that under the circumstances the local Fellows should take alarm, and I trust that by this time they have become disen- chanted with the idea that they had only to try in order to be- come masters of the situation. We know we are now in the agony of a great crisis, and the question is. What are we to do ? I should like the past to be forgotten, and although I may not agree with the Council, still I give them credit for what they have done [hear, hear]. What is the state of our Society in regard to our connection with the Royal Commissioners ? I am sure our Society has lost ground with the public and with horti- culturists, and that with the Commissioners it has also lost ground. We all know and must feel that we have lost ground as to horticulture, and I do think the interests of horticulture have suffered most seriously, my lord, under your administra- tion [loud cheers]. Nothing is more depressing than a walk through your gardens. Tou have nothing before you but the evidences of blighted hopes and neglected opportunities [hear and laughter]. We actually find reeds springing up in the gar- dens, and, of course, I need not speak of the destitution which distinguishes the shows of the Society. Well, now, how much easier it is to destroy than to create [hear, hear]. The Wed- nesday meetings were inaugurated at a great expenditure of time and trouble, and nothing now is so painful as to witness our Wednesday meetings when we compare them with our former Wednesday meetings [applause]. And under these circum- stances I ask these gentlemen who are now come upon the Council, and those of the Council who remain upon it, to come forward and prevent this crisis. I beg to say it is our boundeu duty to give to the Council now the confidence those retiring have forfeited [hear, hear]. The Chairman. — The Meeting seems to be under a great mis- apprehension, and that is that my three friends and myself do not intend to resign. That is, I must say, a very great mistake. There is my resignation, and there are the resignations of my three friends [loud cheers, amid which the noble lord handed the written resignations to the Hon. Secretary]. We are met here to-day to explain why we did not resign before [a laugh]. A Fellow. — Well, then, as you say that, why did you not resign before ? [cheers.] The CHAiRMiN. — When you are done your talk I will tell you [cries of " oh " and some laughter]. u JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ July 15, 1875. A Fellow. — I should like to ask if there ia any resolution before the Meeting. The Chairman. — There are before the Meeting the resignations of myself and my three colleagues [hear, hear]. A Fellow. — I don't really see what ia before the Meeting [interruption. Several Fellows attempting to address the Chair]. Mr. GuEDALLA. — The greatest calamity which can befall the So- ciety is the resignation of you, my lord, and that of your colleagues [cries of "no" and uproar]. You can exercise great influence in dealing with Her Majesty's Commiasioners, and your position must have an influence on the way in which the communica- tions of the Council would be received [much interruption]. I directly tell you that if you do not keep these gentlemen in office yonr Society will be extinctin a very few years [loud cries of *'oh'' and considerable confusion]. I ask you, Are you aware of the letter of the 25th of May ? Are yon aware of the letter from Sir Henry Cole to Lord Granville, with respect to the grounds being devoted to building purpoaea in order to get something from the Government ? ["oh, oh"]. Are you aware that waa done to bolater-up the failure or the fallen fortunes of the International Exhibitions? [cries of "no," uproar, and interruption]. I beg leave to ask you, my lord, and your honourable colleaguea, whether no means can be adopted to have a, vote taken ? because if there was you would have a large majority [loud uproar and hissing, which lasted a couple of minutes]. A Fellow. — We come here, not to hear speeches, but to receive the resignations of Lord Bury and three other members of the Council [renewed uproar]. Mn GuEDALLA.— Then I, sir, or my lord [a laugh], as a very old Fellow of the Society, have come here to ask you to recon- sider your determination to resign. I not only ask you to do that, but I also ask your honourable colleagues to do the same [interruption]. You have all performed your duties, and con- ducted the affairs of the Society with great abiUty [loud and prolonged hiasiug] . I appeal to you, my lord, as a man who has had much practical experience in public life to reconsider your determination as to your reaignation, and to • [The rest of the sentence was lost in the noise resulting from an altercation in the body of the hall, which ia explained as followa]. It ap- pears that Mr. Liggins and Mr. Peter Barr of Covent Garden were sitting in close proximity, and during the course 'of Mr. Guedalla's observations a warm personal altercation between them took place, which, aa far as could be heard, assumed the following shape : — Mr. Babb. — You are a fool, sir, and know nothing about the Society. Mr. LiGoiNs (coming forward towards the platform). — Thia man calls me a fool! Now, my lord, I am not a fool [great laughter]. I appeal to you, my lord, to protect me against this man's violence. [Looking back], you impudent fellow to call me a fool ! [interruption and uproar, during which Mr. Pinches got between and separated the disputants]. The Chairman. — There is really no question before the Meet- ing but the one — to consider the conduct of Lord Bury, Sir Coutta Lindsay, Mr. Bonamy Dobree, and Mr. Burnley Hume with respect to the non-completion of their resignations. These resignations are here, but they are not completed. Lord Alfred Churchill. — When will they be '? The Chairman. — Those who called thia Meeting have to say. I call upon Lord Alfred Churchill who interrupts me to justify this circular which has been issued. If he does so, and any gentleman has anything to add, I will reply. I place these re- signations in the hands of the Assistant Secretary, but they are not yet completed. Lord Alfred Churchill. — I quite admit that I signed the re- quisition referred to by the noble lord. The whole difficulty in which the Society ia placed is one of pounds, shillings, and pence [hear, hear]. At present it ia in debt some £5000 or £0000. I occupied a seat for a abort period at that Council board, and I came there with the wish to help in making terms with Her Majesty's Commissioners. Afterwards there arose great annoyance in the minds of the South Kensington party, and they declined to paaa the Eeport of the Society after terms which we considered beneficial had been made. We assumed that that was a vote of want of confidence, and we retired e?i masse. You then came into the Society, and you were not in it very long until you were made the catspawof the party, and from that hour to thia the Society has been gradually brought into difficulties, and you have failed to do anything with Her Majesty Commissioners. I have also been told that when a certain letter from the Commissioners was read in this room your lordship's conduct was so violent that you had to retire [oh, oh]. I hope it is not true. I signed the requisition be- cause I thought it waa one which I ahould sign [hear, hear]. Mr. H. J. Veitch. — On the 4th of June you said you would retire, my lord. I thought it would be for the benefit of the Royal Horticultural Society that your lordship and the other members of Council referred to should retire. You say your policy has failed and that you could not get the Society along. Well, it has been submitted that the Fellows were not willing to treat with the Commissioners; but, in any case, there can be no doubt we are losing a very great number of Fellows, and that we have alienated from the Society a very great number of ex- hibitors [hear, hear]. The Eoyal Horticultural Society has lost a very great deal through not having provincial shows. Something like i'1800 or i.'2000 has been lost through not having provincial shows. Now, with respect to the four gentlemen whose resignations have been handed in, one of them said he should sooner lose his right hand before he would sign a check to pay the prize money to exhibitors. It was the Treasurer who said that, and while on this subject I may sav they never had a better supporter of the Society than Mr. Wilkins [hear, hear], and, I do not think he is one who ought to have been spoken of aa he has been [hear, hear]. I have heard, too, that the allowance made to Mr. Berkeley, who had worked hard in the interest of the Society, for travelling and other incidental expenses was withdrawn [no, no]. Well, I am glad it was not, for the services of Mr. Berkeley are most valuable. I con- gratulate Mr. Bonamy Dobree that his right hand is saved and the cheques for the prize money signed, and I have no doubt he has found it much easier to eat his own words than cut his right hand off. I am sorry so much should have been said at a previous meeting about the arrangements made between gen- tlemen and their gardeners in reference to exhibitions. I, as a member of the firm of Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, have supplied a very large number of gentlemen with gardeners, and in no instance have I known a gardener having leaa money becauae of receiving prize money ; but I do know cases in which the more prize money a gardener gets the more salary he receives from his master. I do think thia ia a great Society which in the future ought to drop everything save the study and practice of horticulture. Let them all — horticulturists and South Kensing- toniana — pnll together to retrieve the fortunes of the Society [cheers]. Capt. Mackenzie. — I think no one ought to be elected Presi- dent of the Society who has not a perfect knowledge of horti- culture [hear, hear]. I hope that will be borne in mind. With regard to the Royal Commissioners, I am sure they will not put themselves in any way in opposition to the Royal Horticultural Society. I think the gentlemen who signed the requisition ought to get some better man to do the business of the Society [bear, hear]. Mr. Shirley Hibberd. — I rise, my lord, to move . [Here there was a good deal of interruption, and Mr. Hibberd sat down without proceeding with his motion.] Mr. H. G. QuiLTER. — You have placed your resignations on the table. You have stated your wish to resign. You have stated the reasons why you wish to do so, but you really have not resigned because you have not completed your resignations. You said as men of honour you would resign, but you deceived us upon that matter. The Chairman. — Not at all, we did not. Mr. Quilter. — You stated that as men of honour you felt it your duty to resign, but, as men of honour, you have not done so [hear, hear]. I have watched the progress of this concern, and I agree with Lord Alfred Churchill that you have been made the catspaw of a certain party. You neglected the financial means by throwing overboard the Society's provincial shows. I feel it is high time we should do something to plaoe the Society on a sound footing [hear, hear]. The Chairman, — I would ask the Meeting if the accusation is now completed ? If it is, I shall be ready to answer it. Mr. Shirley Hibberd.— I rise to move " That Viscount Bury, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Mr. Bonamy Dobree, and Mr. Burnley Hnme be requested to complete their resignations" [cheers]. It is not a pleasant thing to have to move such a resolution. We have already many intelligent men on the Council, but I feel bound to remind you that the gentlemen named in my resolution from the moment of their accession to office have been loyally supported ["no," and hear]. I do not think it can be truly alleged that anything like party feeling baa entered into the action of the Fellows [hear, hear] in getting up this requisition ; but we took your worda aa the words of gentlemen when you said you would resign [cries of "hear" and "time"]. The gentlemen who have tendered their resignations have no sympathy with horti- culture ["time" and "no"]. I take it they have none of it. We were told about the regulations which it is alleged exist be- tween gardenera and their employers. Mr. Liggins said this was not the question they had before them [hear, hear]. Mr. A. F. Godson. — I will ask whether you, my lord, and those who have given in their resignations are now members of Council or not ? Mr. Hibberd. — I beg to move the resolution I have read. Mr. Braqge (Birmingham). — I will second Mr. Shirley Hib- berd's motion. I believe there is a great future for the Society. A Fellow. — I don't see it [laughter]. Mr. Braqge. — I have no animus in the matter — all I have at Jnl7 15, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 45 heart ia the welfare of the Society, and I can only say that if the Council only inaugurates a certain state of things hy which the Society could gain the co-operation of large towns like Bir- mingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Derby, they will acquire for themselves the best wishes of the horticultural world [hear, hear]. I do hope, my lord, that when you and your colleagues have placed your resignations in the hands of the Council that yon will remain in the Society. I believe that hundreds of Fellows in the midland counties will accede to the Society. I beg to second the resolution. The Chairman, having stated that Sir Coutta Lindsay was in Scotland, said :— The Meeting will please grant me three words of explanation 'hear, bear] . It is true that three of my colleagues and myself said we would resign, and we proposed to resign. At the end of the Meeting Sir Alfred Slide remarked— and I quote from a verbatim report of the Meeting published in the Journal of Horticulture— tb&t, according to the IGth bye-law, no busi- ness except that for which the adjournment was made could take place. This was what occurred. [He read from the Jour- nal of Horticulture of June the 10th of this year;— " Sir Alfred Slaiie remarked that, according to the sixteenth bye-law, no bnsinesa except that for which the adjournment was made could talio place. Therefore the Meeting was incapablo of accepting the resignation of the members of the Council or to appoint their feuccessors. He regretted very much that there bhould be any reason for the resignation of tho members of the Board who had tendered it. " The Chairman said Sir Alfred Slade was right. Another Meeting would have to be called to deal with the resignalions. That was strictly in accord- ance with the bye-law which he had quoted. The simple fact was they would have to call another Meeting."] "Well, they did not think it right to resign except at a General Meeting. That General Meeting is now called, and our resig- nations go in. Why did I say our resignations ought not to be taken except at a General Meeting? Because half of the mem- bers shall be flUed up by the Council and half by the General Meeting. We only announced our intention of resigning at the General Meeting, but when we got to the Council-room we found a list had been prepared in which the four vacancies were to be filled up by certain gentlemen irreproachable in themselves, but not returnable because we thought the whole thing ought to have been referred to a General Meeting. At the Council Meeting of the 7th we had the list, which we refused to vote upon because we felt that the matter should be brought before a General Meeting. When the list of Fellows was proposed I moved the following amendment :— " That although the names submitted are unexceptionable, it is desirable to submit the whole matter for the general discussion of the Society." Lord Alfred Chorchlll. — It was perfectly competent for any twelve members to sign a requisition. The Chairman. — No doubt, but I am afraid there was a certain apathy amongst the members of the Society. You cannot expect men to devote their whole attention to the affairs of this Society, and Mr. W. A. Lindsay. — Will you allow me to call your attention to the fact that The Chairman (emphatically). — No, do you sit down, sir. If you want to make a speech you can do so afterwards. Now, I will tell the Meeting why we would not resign to the Council. It is because we found it a clique composed of horticulturists [loud cries of " oh," and some uproar]. It may be possible that all sections in the Council will be flUed-up by the horticultural section [cries of "hear" and "no "J. I am perfectly willing that every member of the Council shall be a horticulturist, but what we contend is that that shall not be done until the general body of the Fellows shall have carried that into effect. I do not believe that the South Kensingtonians will have confidence in Bnch a Council [cries of "no" and "hear"]. Well, there is a difference of opinion on that point. I deprecate as much as anyone the difference of opinion arising in its extremest form, but in my opinion if some arrangement with the Royal Com- missioners is not come to your Society will fall to pieces [" no, no"]. That is my opinion, and I do believe it is my duty to say so. I wash my hands out of the concern with the greatest possible satisfaction. I never attended a Meeting convened in response to a requisition couched in such terms [hear, hear] ; and although I am willing to refer it to the clumsiness of those who drew it up, I may say if you get men to serve you on such terms you are extremely lucky [laughter and "oh"]. I see a great many good old friends amongst us, and I should be sorry to part with them except on the best of terms [cheers]. I hope all bygones will be bygones [hear, hear], but I do speak my mind when I say you had better take the concern into your own hands instead of having it governed as it now stands. I now place my resignation and that of Sir Coutts Lindsay in the hands of the Secretary in the best good humour, and I take leave of yon in harmony and with best good wishes [cheers]. Admiral Hornby. — I came upon the Council knowing nobody in it, and finding no cliqueism in it. I have been an active horticulturist for many years ; but I believe among the South Kensingtonians there are many good men who have nothing to do with the jealousies and heart-burnings which nnhappily existed, but who have been willing to place the Society on a sure footing without any party feeling whatever. I joined the Council, and it becomes my business to allude with great regret to the relations existing between the horticulturists and the Kensingtonians. It is fair to say what I have already said, that I have not found any feeling of clique on the Council, and I feel certain that members of Council did not say one word they did not firmly believe [hear, hear]. I have come here without any party feeling. I have come upon the Council without having any resolution in my mind, except that of doing the best I could for the Society [hear, hear]. In spite of all that has been said, I believe there is a bright future for the Society, and that we have no reason whatever to despair. I heard at the last Meeting words uttered as to the Royal Commissioners, and I don't know by what authority the word "shuffling" was used towards gentlemen admittedly high-minded. I feel perfectly assured of the good feeling of the Commissioners towards the Society, and I am sure they will meet us in a right and proper spirit [hear, hearl. Notwithstanding many things I have heard as to the condition of the Society, there is not the least reason why this Society should not do well and be really prosperous and well-doing. My only policy is a policy of consolidation. I would point out to the South Kensingtonians how necessary it is to keep these gardens for their own enjoyment, and to the horticulturists how necessary it is to keep those gardens for their own pleasure [hear, hear]. I cannot conceive why, if a wet sponge is rubbed over what is past, we could not resume a position honourable to ourselves and beneficial to the Eoyal Horticultural Society of England [applause]. Mr. BoNAMY DoBREE. — As to what Mr. Veitoh said about the gardeners, I believe the system referred to ia very much adopted. Mr. Wilkins wrote to me to say his gardener would sooner lose ilOOO than lose his prizes. This gardener has received about tVO a-yearfor the last four years in prizes, and when the Society was short of funds this very man took an action against us. ^ Rather than that the Society should be placed in such a position, I signed a cheque for the amount claimed [hear, hear]. When I said I should resign it was to the Fellows generally I in- tended to resign, and not to a clique of the Council. With aU respect for the South Kensingtonians, we ought not to be bound hand and foot to those gentlemen who had joined the Society for their own interests. Mr. Bdrnley Hume. — I undertook the position of a member of the Council, not as the nominee of the horticultural or any other party in the Society. I came upon it as the represent- ative of the general Society. I beg to repudiate the idea of being the nominee of any party in the Society. We are charged with being " obstructives," but instead of that being the case we have done what we could to forward the interests of the Society ; and we have been called this name because we have failed in our miaaiou and been unable to come to terms with Her Majesty's Commissioners. I think under the circumstances we were justified in saying we would tender our resignations [hear, hear]. We never intended not to pay the prize money, but we were pressed, and the result was we received a back- handed blow, which forced the Council into the County Court. I should like to ask how we can be called " obstructives " when our exertions on the Council have been continually obstructed by matters out of doors ? [hear, and " no "] . It was other gentle- men who prevented us from doing what should have been done. Although, technically, I know very well we might tender our resignations to the Council, I think that is better and more satisfactorily done through the medium of a public meeting. I am bound to say the Council has been most loyal to me in every way, and during the time I have served with them I have found every member ready to sacrifice time for the interests of the Society [hear, hear]. Mr. W. B. Kellock. — ^We have elected upon the Council Lord Lawrence, Mr. Grote, Admiral Hornby, and Dr. Hogg. Thus yon will find that the horticultural party will be well repre- sented on the Council [hear, hear]. The Council consists of fifteen members, and of these eight belong to horticulture [applause]. Mr. Henry Little, — I cannot sit down and hear Lord Bury's accusation without saying a few words. I have attended to the duties of a member of Council, but my feelings have never gone entirely with the horticultural party, but in the direction of the general good of the Society. When I was asked to take a seat at the Council I was told I could be useful. I have sat on the Council, and I say that Lord Bury's policy has been that the South Kensington Gardens should be kept for the South Ken- singtonians, and that so far as the horticultural world went it should know nothing about them [" hear " and " no "]. That is not a policy I like. I say it is a policy which is utterly wrong [bear. hear']. What has Lord Bury done ? He has nominated four Vice-Presidenta. Who are they ? Are they not all resi- dents of South Kensington? [hear, hear]. Where the policy of Lord Bury failed has been in giving-up the gardens to the South Kensingtonians, and so long as Lord Btuy and the South Kensington element was upon the Council, the Society would 46 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 15, 1875. have no chance of being extricated from its difficultieE. Less than this I do not think I could say. Mr. PowNALL. — I rise in order to ask this question : — Are we going to rip-up all the proceedings of the Council and discuss what brought about the resignations of these gentlemen ? I submit our business now is to deal with the resignations. We onght rather throw oil than oil and vinegar upon the troubled waters [hear and laughter]. Lord Alfred Churchill, — I beg to move a vote of thanks to Lord Bury and the other gentlemen who have tendered their resignations. A Fellow. — You thank them for doing their best, and then deal with them harshly [cries of " no "]. The Chairman. — All I can say as to a vote of thanks, that I will not accept a vote of thanks in the shape of an insult [" no, no," and "hear, hear]. Mr. Pinches.— When Lord Alfred Churchill rose I thought it was upon a point on which we might agree. It is not the fault of those gentlemen who are retiring that they have not been euccessfal. Lord Bury and his colleagues had given a great deal of valuable time to the work of the Society, and for this his lordship had been insulted and abused in the public papers. I think our groteful thanks are due to Lord Bury, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Mr. Dobree, and Mr. Hume for their efforts to promote the prosperity of the Society [hear, hear]. Mr. GuEDALLA seconded the resolution, which was carried, and the protracted proceedings were then brought to a close. BICHMOND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July 8th. As the first Show of a new Society we are glad to note the Exhibition a great success. The district is good, the patronage distinguished and influential, the Committee practical, and the Hon. Sec, Mr. Chancellor, indefatigable. The site — the old Deer Park — is also admirably suited for a horticultural gathering. These are elements that can hardly fail to ensure the continued success of a Society which is now thoroughly established. The schedule was well arranged, the prizes liberal, and the classes were well filled. Messrs. Jackson & Sons were successful with their fine specimen plants ; Mr. Legge, Clapham Park, with his splendidly grown fine-foliaged plants; and Mr. Murrell, Cam- berwell Park, with Ferns and Caladiums. The groups of plants arranged for effect were an attractive feature of the Show. Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Mr. Kinghorn, and Mr. Atrill, gardener to C. J. Freake, Esq., were the successful competitors. Fuchsias and Pelargoniums were very fine from Mr. James and Mr. Atrill. In the miscellaneous classes Messrs. Veitch & Sons had an extra award for a beautiful collection of plants, as had also Messrs. Jackson S: Sons, Mr. Dean, Mr. Kinghorn, Mr. Chambers, and Mr. Herbst. Mr. Young, East Sheen, had a special award for splendidly grown Cockscombs. Mr. Turner, Slough, was to the front with Roses. Mr. James, Mr. Moorman, Mr. Crafter, and Mr. Ellis were also successful exhibitors of Roses. For glasses of flowers and bouquets Miss Kinghorn, Miss Letheam, Miss Mackinnon, and Messrs. Dobson & Sons were successful exhibitors. Of Fruit there was a good display, especially the collections from Mr. Wagstaff, gardener to T. H. Fairsleigh, Esq., and Mr. Cornhill, gardener to J. S. Virtue, Esq. Mr. Pepper, Mr. Fan- ning, and Mr. James were also successful exhibitors. Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Cherries, and Strawberries were all well re- presented. Vegetables were also very good, the principal prize being a silver cup offered by Messrs. James Carter & Co., and won by Mr. James, gardener to G. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth. Altogether the Exhibition was such as to afford gratification to the visitors and encouragement to the promoters. A LEASH OF FLOWER SHOWS. WISBEACH, SPALDING, AND TUNBRIDOE WELLS. What a time for flower shows we have had lately, and how it must have tried the nerves, and pockets too, of many a Society. The Royal Botanic, Birmingham, Hereford, Chislfthnrst, Wis- beach, Spalding, Tunbridge Wells, and many others selected it fortheir annual gathering ; and as morning after morning opened with its portentous-looking black clouds, and as the rain, some- times in drizzling mist, at other times in perfect torrents, de- scended, how many must have felt that the fate of the Societies they were interested in was trembling in the balance ! It re- quired courage of no mean order to bear up under these trying circumstances, but in the two instances at which I was present I saw no symptoms of despair, but a steady determination to make the best of bad circumstances and to put a good face on the matter. It was so at Wisbeach and at Spalding. Tunbridge Wells was favoured with a perfect day and a large gathering of people, and a great success must have been the result. Let me now record a few notes in connection with the three Shows above named, at which I was present. Wisbeach ought to be dear to all lovers of the Rose, for here first were those large prizes offered which have been followed in other places, and which have tended in no slight degree to make more popular still tbe queen of flowers. It is favoured, too, in possessing in Mr. Baker of Coiville House one of those public-spirited men whom nothing will daunt, and who carries out all he undertakes with the energy and pluck which are the distinguishing characteristics of the Englishman. He throws open his grounds for the purpose of holding the Show, and indeed I may say throws open bis house also, where a large- handed hospitality is shown. Notwithstanding the counter- attraction of Birmingham, which doubtless carried off such competitors as Paul & Son, Turner, and Cranston, the All-Eng- land prizes of MO, £7, and A'5 were ably contested for by Messrs. Keynes, Cant, and Prince, and taken in the order named. I begin to think that it is quite useless to enumerate the varieties in each winning stand. I daresay I could name beforehand without much difficulty thirty-six out of the forty-eight which were to be seen in each stand, for what stand can do without Charles Lefebvre, John Hopper, Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumann, and other well-known Roses ? Suffice it to say, then, that Mr. Keynes's stand exhibited that finish for which his flowers are always remarkable, and they combined size with finish, which is not often the case. Mr. Cant's flowers were also very fine, especially his Teas and Noisettes. Who can exhibit La Boule d'Or as he does ? while Mr. Prince's from the seedling Briar were very fine. Indeed these three stands ran very closely one on the other. Prizes of £7 for twenty-four Roses and i'5 for twelve will show the liberal character of the schedule, and I have no doubt but for the Birmingham and Royal Botanic being on the same day there would have been a larger competition. The class for twelve blooms of any one Rose and that for twelve new Roses did not bring out any remarkable competition, Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild being set up by two exhibitors, but with inferior blooms. Liberal prizes for stove and greenhouse plants and exotio Ferns brought together some fine collections, of which the most noticeable were those of Mr. Cypher of Cheltenham, Mr. House of Peterborough, and Mr. Dixon of Beverley. There were amongst them some really grand plants, which would not have been out of place in any of our metropolitan shows. Table Decorations were pretty, showing that the correct taste in such matters is rapidly extending, and that we have nearly left behind those heavy monstrosities which used at one time to be considered en regie. I shall have, however, more to say on this subject in my notes on the Tunbridge Wells Exhibition, where they were largely shown. The only classes which were indifferently filled were those for Pelargoniums, and I cannot but think that an alteration in the schedule as to these would be desirable. The cottagers' classes were well filled, and showed that there is in these dis- tricts a strong spirit of emulation which cannot but be helpful to the well-being of the labouring poor. Spalding. — As this was held the day after Wisbeach many o£ the fine plants exhibited there, notably the specimens of Messrs. Cypher, House, and Dixon, found their way here, while to them were superadded a large number of most excellent plants from the neighbourhood. The Pelargoniums and other plants exhi- bited by Mr. G. F. Barrell showed that good culture may be as confidently looked for in the provinces as around the metropolis. And let me say that I have never seen near London a finer col- lection of herbaceous plants than those exLibited by Dr. Stiles; and as they were to my mind one of the most distinguishing fea- tures of the Show I shall dwell a little on them, more especially as I had the opportunity of seeing their home. Dr. Stiles's garden is an instance of how ainor vincit omnia; for in a small piece at the back of his house, no way different in size or character from those " bricklayers' gardens " which abound in all towns, he has managed to collect some of the rarest and best of hardy plants ; and those who maintain that an herbaceous garden must always be rubbishy would find how erroneous this was, for Dr. Stiles's garden is a model of neatness. The twelve plants which took first prize comprised excellent examples of the fol- lowing— Equisetum sylvaticum (nothing could be more graceful than this common British plant ; grown as it had been, standing in water and shaded, it would make an admirable table plant); Bupthalmum salicifolium with large yellow flowers, Campanula pcreicifniia alba, Campanula cordata, Lychnis Haageana (admir- ably done), Spirwa tihpendula, Delphiuinm Beauty of Peronne, Campanula Van Houttei, Dianthus barbatus magnificus (Mr. Ware's very beautiful double Sweet William). In the other collections and in the boxes of cut blooms I noticed Campanula carpatica bicolor, Spiriea arenaria, Epilobium angustifolium album, Geum lancastriense, Catananche crerulea, Geum cocci- neum flore-pleno, Aquilegia chrysantha (very beautiful), Gladi- olus Colvilh, &c. Altogether the herbaceous plants were a great feature of the Show. Referring again to the plants, Mr. Cypher had Ixora amabilis, Clerodendron Balfourianum, Allamanda prandiflora, Pboenocoma prolifera, Dipladenia insignis. In Ferns Mr. Cypher had fine examples of Adiantum Farleyense, Gleichenia dicarpa and epeluncffi, Davallia Mooreana, Cibotium July 15, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 47 princepB, Gymnogramma peruviana argyrophylla. Mr. House and Mr. Dixon had also fine collections. I see many flower shows and know a good deal of their man- agement, but I know no place where a more perfect method of management is adopted. Gentlemen are told off for the various duties, even to the minutest details. " What's everybody's business is nobody's business" fjuds no place here, and the result is all goes without a hitch. No one who knows Spalding will need to be told that a kind and genial hospitality is one of their characteristics. To this I at least can bear witness. TnNDKiDQE Wells. — Unlike the two preceding Shows, The Wells (as it is locally called) was favoured with a lovely day. The Show ground is close to the station ; and on such a day as this the tents pitched in the rising ground, and the crowds which throng this fashionable watering place, made a gay and brilliant scene. There were many plants of rare excellence. I do not think, for example, I ever saw so fine a collection of Crotons as those exhibited here. They were old kinds, but grandly grown. The Achimenes, Gloxinias, and Lycopods were exceedingly well done, but in my opinion the chief features of the Exhibition were the cottagers' productions and the table decorations. Of the former it is impossible to speak too highly. The very best stand of twelve Roses in the whole Exhibition was to be found here, while the Strawberries were marvellously fine. In the table decorations Mrs. Seale of Sevenoaks displayed great taste in her arrangement, the white Water Lilies, Forget- me-nots, and Anthurium forming a beautiful combination, al- though perhaps there was a little too much of the latter. Many very beautiful vases of wild flowers were shown, and the large room in which they were shown was the centre of attraction, to ladies especially, throughout the day. The arrangements here, onder the able direction of Mr. Sorby, seemed admirable. And so ends my week of flower shows. — D., Deal, "A SCARBOROUGH WARNING." Very few of your Bouth-connty readers will know what mean- ing is in that Yorkshire proverb, nor did I until a slap on the Bhonlder, accompanied by " There's a Scarborough warning for you," made me seek for its explanation. During Wyatt's insurrection in 155.3 some of his partisans disguised as country- men were admitted into the castle, and its garrison was over- powered first, and then told who were their captors. So " A Scarborough warning " is synonymoas to the more widely- known proverb expressive of a surprise — " A word and a blow, but the blow came first." Now, the first " Scarborough warning " I had was at York, where I was conveyed to the most comfortable hostel — com- fortable from the first greeting until at the end of three days I bade farewell to my host. That hostel and host were the Black Swan and John Penrose. The first of that name of whom I have met a record was Simon de Penrhos — that is, Simon living on the hill meadow, and like my host delighting in country occupations. Penrose de C.ygno Nigro, or of the Black Swan, is a lover of gardening, and he evinces that love worthily. I marvelled to see all passers-by stop and look in at one of the windows, but I ceased marvelling when I passed that window and saw its tasteful decoration with flowers. They were arranged in a row of small bouquets, surmounted by a larger and high central group, arched over by a wreath, and the whole was as demonstrative of good taste in which the colours of the flowers and the foliage were harmonised as that good taste was shown in the form of the arrangement. Then Mr. Penrose has a large garden, and is one of the Directors of the Garden and Museum of the Philosophical Society. The floral planting of that garden savour of the same guiding, and aided by the very striking variations of the surface, and its intermixing with the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, a beauty has been attained scarcely attainable elsewhere. Those monks well understood how to combine the beautiful with the useful. The site of the Abbot's garden, like that of the Abbey, is near the river, and thus were fish and some vegetable food provided. I say " some," because every mo- nastic establishment had farms paying their rents, in part or entire, in provisions. Thus, the Cistercian Monastery at Scarborough from its farm in the manor of Peaseholm received poultry, butter, milk, and other provisions, among which would be ducks that monks occasionally are said to have eaten on days when meat was forbidden, assigning as their justification that ducks live partly in the water, and therefore partake of the nature of fish. Let monks be condemned and ridiculed as they are, yet were they the greatest benefactors of their age ; they read and wrote in the times when no noble- man could sign his name, and they were the only school- masters of those days ; and one of the, to me, most interest- ing reliques in the Museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society are two glazed tiles found in the quadrangle where the monks of St. Mary held their school, on which tiles are painted the alphabet in capital letters of the fifteenth century. Those Cistercians had eighty-five religious establishments in England, the Dominicans had forty-three, and the Carmelites forty ; the Franciscans had probably as many, so that there were about two hundred of these institutions imparting and encouraging learning and the culture of the soil throughout our country. This is no mere surmise, for Dr. Walker describes the remains of an orchard in one of the Hebrides that belonged to the monastery of St. Colomb as early as the sixth century. One note more about this neighbourhood, and then I will away to another " warning." Who that ever read in childhood that best of childhood's books " Evenings at Home " forgets the tale of " Eyes and No Eyes ?" On the sands before me is an illustration of that tale. Down to 1620 Scarborough was noted for nothing but being a nest of fishermen ; but in that year a Mrs. Fowler, to whom the Scarburghians ought to erect a memorial, observed when walking along the shore a streamlet which imparted a reddish tinge to the pebbles over which it trickled. She tasted the water ; it was slightly acid ; she dropped it into tincture of galls, which it purpled; she drank of it ; found it was medicinal ; and in a few years it became a fashionable resort. Mrs. Fowler was one of that section of the community who have "eyes" and use them thoughtfully. Beneath a cloudless sky, and with a fresh breeze keeping me cool, I passed by Carnelian Bay and Gristhorp without staying to search for the pebbles of the first, or to examine the tumuli of the other. In the latter were found the remains of a warrior, adding strength to the evidence that Filey, whither I was journeying, was the Roman station and " well-havened bay " noted by Ptolemy. ' ■ A Scarborough warning " at length brought me to a stand- still, for beside a gateway was raised a board inscribed " Bell- wood's Fruit Gardens." Their proprietor and cultivator was in view, so I hailed him with, " Have you any British Queens ?" " No, but I have a better kind." " Then I will buy your whole stock of plants." This led to the explanation that the variety he lauded was President, and what Mr. Bellwood meant was that they are "better" on his ground, for on it neither British Queen nor Dr. Hogg, nor some others, are good croppers. The berries of President were certainly fine both in size and flavour, and the bushes of Gooseberries and the canes of Raspberries were loaded with fruit. The Potatoes of all kinds were perfectly healthy, and above all in vigour was the Lapstone, which Mr. Bellwood briefly and justly charac- terised as " the best of all the Potatoes." He has two gar- dens, each of about two acres, and I recommend every so- journdr in this neighbourhood to visit them if they covet a quart of first-rate Strawberries for a shilling, and a large bouquet of Roses for sixpence. — G. BUTTON-HOLE ROSES. I AM surprised that no mention has been made of Safrano and Madame Melanie Willermoz ; the latter is most perfect. In the article on Tea Roses (page 2), the latter is surely not correctly described. With me it is of an extremely beautiful shade of pale lemon, darker in the centre. It is most beau- tiful when in bud, and still beautiful when open from its exquisite shading. How anyone can recommend Gloire de Dijon and Mar^ehal Niel for button-holes I cannot understand, for, as your corre- spondent " P." says of some other Roses, you might as well wear a full-expanded Paul Neron. Might I suggest to your numerous correspondents that in giving their experience on different plants they should at least give the county from which they write ? otherwise their expe- rience is apt to mislead many others who live in a completely different climate. — H., Ayrshire. A WILD GARDEN. In one of my rambles in an upland district some 700 feet above the sea, turning aside into what had been at some time a quarry, and passing by it, I came to a bank on the hillside, and to my surprise I found one of the most beautiful native gardens that I ever looked on, and what interested me was, it was purely natural, no art had laid a tool upon it. I noted down what plants were in bloom in this charming spot. The 48 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ July 15, 1875. space was some 70 or 80 yards long ; and as some of our readers may be interested in onr native flowers, many of which are worthy of cultivation, though we often pass them by without any concern, I mention the following as what I noted in the space above named : — Sedum acre, Centaurea nigra, Draba verna, Daotylia glo- merata, Fedia olitoria, Poa trivialis, Pimpinella Saxifraga, Thymus serpyllum, Galium pusillnm, Plantago lanceolata, Arenaria serpyllifolinm, Galium rubrum, Capsella Bnrsa-paa- toris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avena pubescens, Hieracium pilosella, Arabis hirautus, Crataigus Oxycantha, Tenorium Scorodonia, Polygala vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus. Geranium Bobertianum, Eumex Acetoaella, Bellia perennis, Epilobium montannm. Geranium lucidum, Galium aparine, Plantago major, Rosa canina, Cnicus lanoeolatus. Ranunculus acris, Trifolium pratense, Leontodon Taraxacum, Holcua lanatus, Trifolium repens, Festuca pratensis, Antbrisous vulgaris, Veronica arvense, Clinopodium vulgare, Alohemilla alpina, Poa annua, Trifolium medium, Bromus mollis, Galium crucia- tnm, Vicia sepium, Phleum pratense, Myosotis arvensis, Ve- ronica chamaidrys, Hieracium boreale, Rumex pratenais, Reseda luteola. Sisymbrium officinalis, Soncbus oleraeeus, Achillea Millefolium, Urtica dioica. Geranium molle, Rumex acetoaa, Crepis tectorum, Briza media, Scabiosa Columbaria, Heracleum Sphondylium, Campanula rotundifolia, Cardamine hirsuta, As- plenium Ruta-muraria, Lathyrus pratensis, Lamium album, Scabiosa succisa, Glyceria rigida, Vaccinium Vitis-Ida;a, Heli- anthemum vulgare, Cynosnrus cristatus, and Vicia sepium. — Oebekveb. AMEBICAN BUG OB BLIGHT. Havino derived some little experience in trying to exter- minate or even reduce the above pest from over a score of standard Apples I found in my garden on coming here three years ago, I shall be very glad if these remarks may lead to further ventilation of the subject with a view to elicit, if possible, through the columns of your valuable Journal some surer mode than I think now exists to eradicate this pest from this class of fruit trees. I found my trees almost white over with the bug; and being much overgrown from neglect, I commenced heavy pruning in August with a view to develope fruit and form, burning all the cuttings, following this by thoroughly washing each tree with warm soft soap and water, and later in the winter dreaeing all the old wood with paraffin oil. Last year on the first appear- ance of the enemy in spring I applied the soap solution mixed with Gishurst compound sufficiently frequent to keep the bug moderately in check, repeating the oil again towards winter. So far this year I have adopted the same plan, though still with all the attention I can afford I consider myself far from having succeeded, since, though I have a very fair showing of fruit, were the trees left to themselvea one month they would most certainly be as I found them at the begirming. — Agbicola, Liverpool. OUR BORDER FLOWERS— DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLETS. In our eager pursuit of the more gorgeous forms that the floral world affords us for decorative purposes do we not sometimes overlook some of the lowly flowers of hardy nature ? Two hnndred and more years, if report be true, has been added to the world's history since Erythronium Dens-canis found its way to our shores. How in those days it might be treated I have no means to ascertain ; at all events we know that it has remained with us, and now enjoya a very prominent place in the spring garden and borders where those kind of plants are cared for. Sometimes we see them thrust into a corner or more than half hid by some intruding evergreen or shrub, and, what is worse, in some instances left to chance, even- tually disappear, and then we wonder why they do not flourish with us. I fear there are very few species found in general cultivation. There is something very attractive about their beautifully spotted leaves, to say nothing of their charming flowers in early spring, when of all times during the year flowers are looked on with such delight. They will thrive in most places if they have light and air, and they can be turned to good account in many ways: they are equally interesting in bed, border, rockery, or pot. They like a moderate share of mois- ture, but should have thorough drainage ; they do well in a compost of good friable loam and sandy peat in equal parts, a little leaf mould , with a little sand or charcoal dust added. When established the less they are disturbed the better. When left in the ground the place should be well marked, or they are liable to be destroyed. They are increaaed by diviaion, which ia beet done when growth has been matured. There are three or four shades of colour. When grown together they have a very pleasing effect in early spring. Erythronium americanum ia very desirable, its yellow flowers contrasting with E. Dens- canis and E. Dens-canis album and purpureum. The foregoing are most commonly met with in cultivation. There are other kinda — aa E. giganteum and E. longifolium — that ought to be more frequently met with, and which only require to be known and seen to be appreciated. This is one of the most interesting families of early spring- blooming plants we posseas, and worthy of very extenaive cultivation. — Veritas. THE POTATO DISEASE. The following interesting paper by Mr. Worthington G. Smith, on the disease affecting the Potato, was read at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Wednesday, the 7th inst. : — THE EESTINO-SPORES OF THE POTATO DISEASE. The Potato disease in this country is rarely seen before the month of July, but this year I received aome infected leaves for examination from the Editors of the Journal of Horticulture at the beginning of June, and my reply to the correspondent was printed on June 10th. The leaves were hadly diseased, and I detected the Peronospora in very small quantities here and there, emerging from the breathing pores. This was a week or ten days before Mr. Berkeley brought the matter before the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society (see ante, vol. i., 1875, p. 795), and when I heard Mr. Berkeley's re- marka about the Protomyces, I immediately accuaed myself of great carelessness in possibly overlooking it ; but I was equally certain of the presence of the Peronospora in the specimens I examined. On receiving authentic specimens of diseased plants from Mr. Barron of Chiswick, the brown spots on the Potato leaves at once reminded me of the fungus of some species of Protomyces, and the dimensions agreed tolerably well with aome described plants of that genus, but the spots when seen under a high power appeared very unlike any fiingus, and they were very sparingly mixed with other bodies much smaller in diameter, and with a greater external resemblance to true fungus spores. These latter spore-like bodies were of two sizes — one transparent and of exactly the same size as the cells of the leaf (and there- fore very easily overlooked), and the other dark, reticulated, and much smaller. A few mycelial threads might be seen winding amongst the cellular tissue, and these threads led me to the conclusion that the thickened and discoloured spots were caused by the corrosive action of the mycelium, in the same way as Peach, Almond, Walnut, and other leaves are thickened, blis- tered, and discoloured by the spawn of the Ascomyces, as illus- trated at the last meeting of the Society. My opinion, therefore, was soon formed that the " new " Potato disease (aa it has been called) was no other than the old enemy in disguise, or, in other words, that it was the old Pero- nospora infestans in an unusual and excited condition. That climatic conditions had thrown the growth of this fungus for- ward and out of season was probable; but the idea that the pest would not at length attack all and every sort of Potato was to me most unreasonable, though the more tender sorts might be the first to suffer. Suspecting the two-sized small bodies before mentioned to be of the nature of spores, and remembering my experiments during last autumn with ketchup, in which I observed that the spores of the common Mushroom might be boiled several times, and for lengthened periods, without their collapsing or bursting, I thought I would try to set free the presumed spores of the Potato leaves by macerating the foliage, stems, and tubers in cold water. This maceration was necessary because the tissue of the diseased leaves was so opaque and corroded, and the cell- walls were so thickened, that it was difficult to distinguish the threads and suspected spores from the cellular tissue. I did not treat the leaves with boiling water, because I wished to keep the threads and spores alive. From day to day I kept the diseased leaves and stems and tubers wet between pieces of very wet calico, in plates under glass, and I immediately noticed that the continued moisture greatly excited the growth of the mycelial threads ; this to me was quite unexpected, as I had merely wished to set the spore- like bodies free. So rapid was now the growth of this mycelium that after a week had elapsed some decayed parts of the lamina of the leaf were traversed in every direction by the spawn. Thinking the close observation of this mycelium in the now thoroughly rotten and decomposed leaves might end in some O'aly 15, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 49 addition to our knowledge of Peronospora infestane, to which fungus I had no doubt from the beginning that the threads be- longed, I kept it under close observation, and in about ten days the mycelium produced a tolerably abundant crop, especially in the abortive tubers of the two-sized bodies I had previously seen and measured in the fresh leaves. The reason why these objects, which undoubtedly occur in and about the spots, are so extremely few in number in those positions is, I imagiue, be- cause they require a different set of conditions for their normal growth, and these conditions are found in abundant and con- tinued moisture. The larger of these bodies, the measurements of which I shall give, with a woodcut illustration, in an early number of the Gardeners' Chronicle, I am disposed to consider the "oospore" of the Potato fungus, and the smaller bodies I look upon as the "antheridia" of the same fungus, which are often terminal in position. The filaments of the latter are commonly much arti- culated, and sometimes more or less moniliform or necklace- like. Both oospore and antheridium are very similar in nature and size to those described as belonging to Peronospora alsi- nearum and P. umbelliferum, and this is another reason (beyond my seeing undoubted P. infestans on Potato leaves at the be- ginning of June) why I am disposed to look upon these bodies as the oospore and antheridium of the Potato fungus. The larger bodies are at iirst transparent, thin, pale brown, furnished with a thick dark outer wall, and filled with granules ; at length a number (usually three) of vacuities or nuclei appear. The smaller bodies are darker in colour, and the external coat is marked with a few reticulations, possibly owing to the col- lapsing of the outer wall. At present I have been unable to detect any fecundating tube (described as belonging to the antheridium of other species of Peronospora), but I have ob- served the two bodies in contact in several instances. After fertilisation has taken place the outer coat of the oospore en- larges, and appears to be cast off. Both antheridium and rest- ing-spore are so slightly articulated to the threads on which they are borne, that they are detached by the slightest touch, but with a little care it is not really difficult to see both bodies in situ, and my observations lead me to think that conjugation frequently takes place after both organs are quite free. The antheridia and oospores are best seen in the wettest and most thoroughly decomposed portions of the tissue of the decom- posing tuber, but they occur also in both the stem and leaf. I consider Mr. Alexander Dean's remark, as reported in Gar- deners' Chronicle for June 19th last, page 79.3, to have a distinct bearing on this point, where he says, " In all cases where the seed tubers were cut they were quite rotten.'' Before I referred to De Bary's measurements of similar organs in otlier species of Peronospora I was disappointed with the results of my observations, and felt disposed to refer the bodies and threads in the Potato leaves to Saprolegnia, but a glance at the figures which I shall shortly publish, and the similar figures copied from De Bary to the same scale, will show that if the bodies observed by me are Saprolegnia-like, the oospores and antheridia figured by De Bary show an exactly similar alliance. Still, as the Saprolegniese are at present defined, I am by no means inclined to describe the bodies observed by me as really belonging to that tribe of plants. The Saprolegnieas have the habit of moulds and the fructifica- tion of AlgfE, and they live on organic matter, animal and vege- table, in a state of putrefaction in water. One of the best known of these plants is Botrytis Bassiana, the parasite which causes the disease of silkworms. Now the genus Botrytis amongst fungi is almost or quite the same with Peronospora, to which the Potato disease belongs ; and I consider it a strong argument in favour of my Saprolegnia-like bodies being the oospores and antheridia of the Peronospora when such an authority as Mr. Berkeley (" Micrographio Dictionary," p. C) considers one of the Saprolegnieas (Achlya) "may be an aquatic form of Botrytis Bassiana " — the silkworm disease. The common fungus which attacks fiies (so frequently seen on our window-panes in autumn), Sporendonema muscos, Fr,, is said to be a terrestrial condition of Saprolegnia ferax, Kutz., which latter only grows in water ; and if a fly infected with the fungus be submerged the growth of the Saprolegnia is the result. It would now seem to be somewhat the same with the Potato when diseased, in the fact that when submerged a second form of fruit is produced. Between the two moulds Botrytis and Peronospora there is little or no difference ; the characters of Corda, founded upon the continuous or articulate filaments, cannot be relied upon, and even De Bary himself figures P. infestans with articulate filaments Like a true Botrytis. The intimate connection, how- ever, between the Saprolegnieae and some moulds cannot be denied, as the instances above cited clearly show ; and I am therefore disposed to think that the fungus which produces the Potato disease is aquatic in one stage of its existence, and in that stage the resting-spores are formed. Reference should here be made to the bodies found germinat- ing in the intercellular passages of spent Potatoes by Dr. Mon- tague (Artotrogus), and referred by Mr. Berkeley to the Sepe- douiei. Ever since Mr. Berkeley first saw these bodies he has had an unswerving faith in the probability of their being the secondary form of fruit of Peronospora infestans, but, unfor- tunately, as far as I know, no one has ever found a specimen of Artotrogus since Montagne. The question may, therefore, be naturally asked in conclusion —How does Artotrogus agree with the presumed resting-spores here figured and described ? And has Mr. Berkeley been right or wrong in clinging so tenaciously to his first idea ? Fortunately for the investigation of the Potato disease (which can never be cured till it is understood), Mr. Berkeley has given in thfi Journal of the Royal Horlicultiiral Societij the number of diameters his figures are magnified to, and I have here farther enlarged those figures so as to correspond in scale with my own drawings, which latter are sketched with a camera lucida. It will be seen that they are the same with each other both in size ami habit, with the exception of the processes on the mature spore of Artotrogus — which processes may possibly be mere mycelial threads, or due to the collapsing of the inflated epispore. The reason these resting-spores have evaded previous search is that no one has thought of finding them amongst leaves which had been macerated for a long period in water. There is, however, nothing unreasonable in fruit being perfected in water or very damp places, as it is common in the Saprolegniete, and amongst Algse in general. To sum up, there are four reasons why the bodies here described belong to the old Potato disease : — 1. Because they are found associated with the Peronospora and upon the Potato plant itself. 2. ISecause they agree in size and character with the known resting-spores of other species of Peronospora. 3. Because some other moulds are aquatic in one stage of their existence. i. Because they agree in size with Artotrogus. I will only say in conclusion that it affords me great pleasure to lay these additional notes on the Potato disease before the Society which thirty years ago published Mr. Berkeley's original and excellent memoir on the same subject. THE QUALITY OF PEAS. How is it that with a fine Pea season like the present one, and the market overflowing, and hard small Peas almost going a-begging, that it is so difficult to purchase a dish of reaUy delicious Peas ? Is it that raisers of Peas are paying too much regard to mere colour of pod and size ? Colour is very tempt- ing, and growers like to treat the public to a deep green-podded Pea ; but such are not the best. Prizetaker, for instance, is fine to look at, but not good to eat. When varieties of Peas were less numerous the market quality was better than now. Where is the old Early May ? None of the early round Peas are equal to it, and none of them a week earlier. When that. Champion of England, and Hair's Dwarf Marrow were the staple sorts, we were certain of good Peas at every dealer's, but it is not so now. Such Peas always com- manded a sale, and in my opinion would do so now. Being neither a grower nor a seller, but a consumer, I am, perhaps, somewhat behind the fashion of the day in asking, not for grand Peas to look at, but sweet and delicious Peas to eat. Am I singular and alone ?— A City Man. FICUS BEPENS MINIMUS. Foe clothing the wall of a stove or intermediate house with close green foliage the above plant is particularly suitable. It is brighter in colour than P. repens, and its foliage is not more than half the size of the old species, the separate leaves not being more than a quarter to half an inch in diameter. It is impossible to imagine anything clinging more closely to a wall than does this plant ; in fact, it covers completely any surface and still takes up scarcely any room. It clings with the persistency of Ivy, and yet does not project from the wall half an inch. I saw it the other day in Mr. Kinghorn's nursery at East Sheen, covering the brickwork of the ends of a plant stove. For rockeries under glass, or the covering of walls of any kind, this plant is pre-eminently suitable, and can be turned to good account in surfacing knolls, boulders, and other adjuncts of the fernery. It will possibly flourish in a green- house temperature, for we observed where the plant had pushed itself through the seams of the brickwork that it was as healthy on the outer wall as within the house, but that of course was only the growth of the current summer. This is a distinct plant for a distinct purpose, and for that purpose— the impart- ing to surfaces a living green covering as close as if glued there— it is unequalled. Those seeking for a carpet plant to completely hide bare walls or other surfaces, and which re- so JOUENAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( July 15, 1875. quires no tacking nor tying, cannot do better than try thia Ficus, which ia probably a miniature and distinct form of F. repens, — W. SOLANDEA GRANDIFLORA. This belongs to a splendid genus of plants named in honour of Daniel Charles Solander, LL.D., a Swedish botanist of great celebrity. He was the companion of the re- nowned Sir Joseph Banks in the memor- able voyage of disco- very round the world, and was the collector of the botanical notes made during that expe- dition, and which are now preserved in the British Museum. The plant, a bloom of which we figure, is by no means commonly to be met with in cultiva- tion. This is not, how- ever, because it is not beautiful, but rather that it is somewhat shy in producing Its flowers. Besides the flowers being striking- ly attractive by their Brugmansia-like form and pale yellow colour, the foliage is also agree- able, and the plant ia worthy of being culti- vated in our stoves. For a number of years after its introduction In 1781 this plant did not bloom. It was pro- pagated and grew lux- uriantly. The treat- ment necessary for the production of flowers was found out by acci- dent, a plant being overlooked and left in a dry stove at Kew. This plant produced foliage of only mode- rate luxuriance, and produced a flower at the extremity of every shoot. This suggested that a period of rest was necessary, and on its being afforded the difliculty in blooming this plant vanished. The plant is propagat- ed from cuttings, which should be grown on in loam and peat in a brisk heat and with li- beral supplies of water until it has attained a good size. Water should then be gradually withheld until the leaves wither and drop off by droughty and the plant will seldom refuse to flower profusely. It is a free-growing plant and a native of Jamaica, thus requiring heat to grow it, yet a distmct season of drought and rest to induce the production of its beautiful flowers. remedy is in checking the sap by an incision of the stem of the fruit. Pears crack, first as the result of spring frosts injuring the fruit in its infancy, and is then incurable and mostly unpre- yentible ; and second by drought. Thia is preventible if water is provided, and time to apply it freely. With a pair of Citron des Carmes Pear trees I have tried experiments with watering — soaking one tree thoroughly, and not giving a drop to the other. I have done this for some years, first with one and then with the other. Ex- cept when spring frosts have injured both by superinducing crack- ing, the watered tree has invariably given the largest, most juicy, and smooth fruit, that on the other tree being more or less cracked. The power of free wa- tering in preventing the cracking of the fruit has been very striking. Do not many of our fruit trees on a sub- stratum of chalk, gra- vel, or limestone suffer by lack of a sufficient water supply in the hot summer months? — A New Subscriber. Fig. 7.— SoLiNDF.A GEANDIFLORA, THE CBACKING OF FRUITS. This arises from different causes. In Grapes and Melons it is generally the result of an excessive influx of sap after a period of comparative drought — that is, when the autumn rains set-in in the one ease, and when the roots penetrate into the rotted dung of the hotbed in the other. In both cases the Flower-seed Farsi- ING. — The large acre- age devoted to this pur- pose by Messrs. Carter of High Holborn, in connection with their vegetable and farm- seed crops, at the pre- sent time afford a de- lightful sight. A pass- ing glimpse is obtained just after leaving Man- ningtree station on the Great Eastern Rail- way ; but it is only the visitor to the Dedham and St. Osyth farms that can fully realise the beauties presented by the broad acres in every possible shade of colour of Convolvu- luses, Lupinus, Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums, Lo- belias, Clarkias, Lark- spurs (Delphiniums), and the like blazing under a July sun — cultivated under the skilful management of Mr. Dunnett, one of the principals. This is a rich and extensive display, and is well worthy of a visit by all lovers of popular flowers. KNOTT'S GREEN, LEYTON, THE RESIDENCE OF .1. G. BARCLAY, ESQ. This is one of the largest and best-kept places in the neigh- bourhood of London, and it is quite suburban, being situated in the Lea Bridge Eoad, about a mile from Lea Bridge station on the Great Eastern Railway — just outside the dust and tur- moil of the great city. The bead gardener is Mr. D. Donald, well known to fame as an exhibitor at the metropolitan exhi- bitions. At the time when the fine collection of stove and greenhouse plants formed by the late Mrs. Lawrence of Ealing July 13, 1876. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBB. 51 Park was dispersed, and when Mr. John Fraser of the Lea Bridge Boad Nurseries also had a collection that invariably placed his name at the head of the prize list, Mr. Donald was working steadily in the same direction, and his stove and greenhouse flowering plants were always in a high position. I well remember — it must be more than a dozen years ago — admiring for the first time a splendid plant of Clerodendron ThomsoniiB in his collection at Regent's Park, a well-flowered Stephanotis floribunda, and other masterly-trained plants, which placed his name first on the list on that occasion. Mr. Donald still exhibits flowering and fohage plants with great success. Indeed his foliage plants were awarded first prize at the last great exhibition in Regent's Park ; but he has found that the claims of a large establishment which he has to supply with fruit, vegetables, and flowers, besides the requirements of a large flower garden (and spring and summer bedding is no joke now-a-days), admits of but little time for majjipulating exhibition plants. It does not require much ingenuity to dis- cover that the exhibition tent is not the true test of the abihty of the gardener ; and the way in which the schedules have been compiled to allow plants ready for exhibition to be brought the day before the show, or on the same morning if you like, gives a further advantage to the longest purse. However, this is straying from the point, and may be the text of an article some other day. Mr. Donald has been a servant in the family for twenty-four years, and during the whole of that time he has been modelling and remodelling the grounds and gardens, the whole having been laid out at dift'erent times under his direction. On first walking through the grounds you are reminded of the Regent's Park Botanic Gardens ; not that there is much resemblance between them but this — anyone not knowing the extent of the Fig. 8.— Knott's geeen. Botanic Gardens would think them much larger than they really are, and the same impression is conveyed here. All gardens and grounds near large cities are necessarily small, and the highest art of the landscape gardener is displayed in making them appear as large as he possibly can, and this is no easy matter where there are but very few natural advan- tages. Here there are none, the whole district being so flat and uninteresting. There is a small piece of water in the grounds which has been made the most of, and is a great aid to the effect of the grounds ; and Mr. Donald no doubt finds it useful for irrigating purposes during the summer months, as the rainfall is much below the average of the United Kingdom. In the grounds are some noble trees. A grand Plaae is 32 yards in the spread of its branches ; Crattegus latifolia, a handsome specimen of which was loaded with its clusters of white flowers in June. A large specimen of a species of Mespilua is an at- tractive object in front of the large conservatory. FLOWEE GARDEN. This consists of a number of plain beds on each side of the principal walk in the grounds, and a series of long borders running along the outside of the boundary wall of the kitchen garden. One or two noticeable features in the flower garden is that the summer and spring bedding work into each other. In one or two beds the summer occupants had been put out before the others were removed. Further, very nearly all the beds and borders were filled with plants that could be easily propagated in the spring or wintered in cold frames. The long border is very effective, and is filled-iu with the following plants. The edging nearest the walk is Cerastium tomentosum, the inside edging Silver-variegated Thyme. The space .3 feet wide between the two edgings is of scrollwork, the following plants being used : A very dwarf double yellow French Mari- gold, the old Saponaria calabrica, Echeveria secunda glauca, Viola cornuta var. Perfection, Golden Chickweed, Iresine Liu- deni, and Pelargonium Harry Hieover. It will be observed that with the exception of the last two plants all the others were raised from seeds in the spring, wintered out of doors or in cold frames. Two oval beds were very pretty ; they were edged with Sempervivum californicum, next Alternanthera ama?na, with centre of Pyrethrum and Amaranthus melan- oholicus ruber dotted down the centre. Viola oornuta var. Perfection is much used. CONSEEV.ITOKY. This is a very large building, and has just been erected in the centre of a long corridor which used to be considered the conservatory, but it was too narrow and confined for pleasant exercise for tho family during inclement weather. The new building forms a pleasant promenade, and a purer healthier 52 ;fOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 15, 1875. atmosphere can be maintained in it. In the passage leading to the conservatory a border has been formed which is planted with Lapngeria rosea and L. alba, with Tea Rose Mareohal Niel to be trained overhead. The internal arrangement is unique in its way. There is a background of artificial rock and water falling over it ; this has been planted with Filmy Ferns, such as Todea superba and pellucida. The Killarney Fern also luxuriates in quiet nooks. On prominent positions on the rockwork Yuccas, Ferns, Palms, Cordylines, Dasylirions, &c., have been planted, and in a few years they will cover the rugged rock, and the effect may be imagined. The plants in the centre are arranged in two large beds, and you can walk round and examine the plants in detail. The side stages are formed of ornamental ironwork and slates covered with broken shells. Passing out of the conservatory into the arcade we reach a warmer house, wliere are some handsome foliage plants. Cycas circinalis is magnificent, which, by the way, formed one in the first-prize collection exhibited at Regent's Park last month. Mr. Donald also grows the Fountain Plant of India (Croton angustifolium), better than most gardeners; it requires plenty of light, and to be kept free from red spider. Another house devoted to Ferns, and then we pass into the kitchen garden, which contains, besides the usual forcing houses, vineries, Peach houses, pineries. Cucumber houses, &c., a plant Btove and a cool house with a north aspect for retarding plants. This last is a lean-to, and without such a house it is difiicult to preserve plants in bloom for a length of time. The stove is a large span-roofod structure in two compartments, contain- ing the usual selection of stove plants. Stephanotis flori- bunda and Dipladenia boliviense are cultivated in pots, but the growths are trained to the roof to be trained round a trellis to form specimens when the flowers begin to open. The Dipladouia is a very pretty species, quite distinct in the colour of its flowers, which are white with a pale yellow throat ; they are also very freely produced. TEACH HODSE. This is a Isan-to, and the trees are trained in the old- fashioned way to a trellis of horizontal wires fixed to the rafters ; they were in good health and bearing a very heavy crop of fruit. Royal George, Teton de V^nus, and Noblesse are the eorte Mr. Donald considers best for forcing. VINEKIES. The first is a house devoted to Black Hamburgh, the Vines trained on the short-spur system, and bearing a heavy crop of fruit. There is also a large crop in the Muscat house. The next is'a late house planted with Lady Downe's, but the fruit had not set very well. Lady Downe's requires a little attention when the bunches are in flower, and a temperature of 70' at night. There is a remarkable plant of Chasselas Musquu in this house. Although on its own roots it grows as freely as a Ham- burgh ; the bunches and berries are more like those of the Royal Vineyard than the FrontignanB,to which class Chaseelas Musque belongs. Peaches and Apricots on the wall are a heavy crop, and the trees are in good health. THE KITCHEN GARDEN Is well cropped, but there is only space to notice the Lettuce, which attracts attention as you stand in front of the vineries ; the variety is All the Year Round. President, Mr. Donald considers the best Strawberry. At the time of our visit it was the great local flower show. Mr. Barclay very kindly allows the Committee of the Leyton, Woodford, &c., flower and fruit Show to hold their Exhibition in his grounds, and his kindness and consideration are also shown to the gardeners and visitors from a distance by substantially providing for their comfort, an act of kindness which is duly appreciated by them. — J. Douglas, CANTEKBUKY BELLS. Amongst the most telling and beautiful border flowers are these gay Campanulas. The white is pure, the blue rich, and the rosy pink-tinted varieties are particularly attractive. The strain, the flowers of which possess coloured calyxes, is a great acquisition, as affording a greater mass of colour and also of longer continuance than the normal varieties. This is admirably adapted for conservatory decoration, as affording a mass of colour which is always welcome in glass structures; indeed, than fine plants of Campanula media ealycauthema nothing can well be more distinct and attractive. Seed should be sown at once, and be encouraged to germinate quickly. It is best sown thinly in pans, to be placed in a frame, and have shade and water. If sown in the open garden, and dry weather sets in, the plants may not attain a size sufficient to bloom well. The seedlings should be transplanted in good soil in the open garden where they may remain all the winter, but it is as well to pot in the autumn those required for indoor decoration, and winter them in cold frames, when a somewhat earlier bloom will be obtained. It is only recommended that the seed be sown in pans be- cause of the late period of the year. It should properly have been sown a month ago in the open ground. Experience, however, has proved that if sown at the present time as above directed, beautiful plants will be produced which will contri- bute a rich efl'ect in either the conservatory or garden. The extended culture of these Campanulas is strongly re- commended, and those who procure seed at once will eventually have a return more than commensurate with the trifling out- lay and little care required to produce a supply of plants. But time is on the wing, and there must be no delay in sowing the seed. — Amateur. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. In reference to the Fruit Crop of this season, Mr. Francis Dancer of Little Sutton, one of the largest growers in the neighbourhood of London, says, "We are propping up our trees in all directions." An important discovery has been made by Mr. Worth- ington G. Smith in connection with the Potato disease. That gentleman has found that the same fungus which produces the murrain from which the Potato has been suffering during the last forty years is the same as that which produces the " curl " or "new disease" with which we are at present threatened with a recurrence. The only difference is that in tubers affected by the curl Mr. Smith has found the " resting- spore" which he never before detected in those aft'ected by the murrain. The difference between the two diseases is the Mur- rain is the result of the fungus attacking the leaves and haulm after the tubers have been fully, or nearly so, grown ; and the Curl is the efl'ect of its attack on the collar of the plant before it has made much growth, and before the tubers have attained any size. In consideration of this discovery the Royal Horti- cultural Society at the Scientific Committee, of which Mr. Smith first announced the result of his investigations, have through the Council awarded him a Gold Medal as a reward of merit. At a Committee Meeting held at the Horticultural Club House on Wednesday the 7th inst., T. E. Barlett, Esq., of Penneil Court, Aylesbury, and Wentworth Buller, Esq., of Exeter and Clifford Street, were elected members of the Com- mittee ; and the following gentlemen balloted for and admitted as members of the Club : Professor Dyer, Dr. James H. Bennet, Dr. Denny, Dr. Stiles, Messrs. W. E. Dixon, Wm. Marshall, J. T. McCullum, J. A. Anderson, Burnaby Atkins, G. F. Barrell, Robert Veitch, and E. R. Cutler. ■ We understand that Messrs. Sutton & Sons' extensive Royal Museum of Agricultural Products is being exhibited at the Great Agricultural Show at Taunton. The Horticultural Show in Bukghlby Park in con- nection with the Northamptonshire Agricultural Society's Meeting on the 15th and 16th September next, bids fair to be on an extensive scale. The schedules of prizes, and also those for cottagers, are issued, and may be had on application to the Secretaries. P. McKinlay, Esq., of Woodbine House, Becken- ham, Kent, has presented four prizes of £1 10a., £1, 10s., and 53. for six varieties of Potatoes, six of each sort, to be grown and exhibited by cottagers. Y'ou have informed the readers of the Journal of Hor- ticulture that a special Rose Show would be held at Lyons on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of June. Rose-growers and amateurs who know that the best Roses in their collections have been raised at Lyons must have been waiting with anxiety the report of that Exhibition, particularly on account of the new seedlings. Unfortunately the Rose Show required the authorisa- tion of our Prefect, which was refused. — Jean Sisley, Lyons. We have received from Mr. Murray Mr. Darwin's aew work on "Insectivorous Plants," a subject which has of late engaged the attention of scientific observers and excited the curiosity of the public generally. In such hands as Mr. Dar- win's we expect to find the subject treated in the masterly manner in which that great naturalist always does whatever JoJy 15, 1876. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 53 comes within his grasp, and in this we are not disappointed. We will shortly return to the subject and give it a more length- ened notice. In the meantime it is suflicieut to say that those who have not seen the book will do well to procure it withou t delay. We are requested to invite the attention of persons interested in Pelargoniums to the fact that the Exhibition of the PELiBQONioM SOCIETY wiU take place in the gardens of the Koyal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, on Wednesday next, July 2l8t. It may, perhaps, prevent some confusion as to the entries if it is pointed out that the Show, being held subject to the regulations of the Royal Horticultural Society, notice of entries should be sent in to Mr. Barron at South Kensington in the usual way. The annual meeting of the Pelargonium Society will take place at Chiswick, by permission of the Council, on the afternoon of the 2'2ad inst., the day following the Show ; and as it has been suggested that the members should dine together after the Meeting, it would be well that those who may be able or desirous to do so should notify this to the Hon. Secretary not later than Tuesday, in order that arrangements may be made for their comfort and convenience. On Tuesday the 6th inst. the Employes at the Waltham Cross Nuksebies were entertained at supper by Mr. Arthur W. Paul, son of the proprietor of the nurseries. The supper was served in one of the greenhouses, having been preceded by a holiday. Subsequently the main walks of the nurseries were illuminated with oil lamps and Chinese lanterns, about a mile of chains being used to support them. The band of the West Essex Yeomanry was stationed in the nurseries, and played during the evening. At 0 p.m. the nurseries were thrown open to the public, and between five and six thousand visitors availed themselves of a most agreeable promenade. A handsome inkstand was presented to Mr. Paul, jun., by the employes. THE OLD MARKET GARDENS and NURSERIES OP LONDON.— No. 2. I DO not know whether any reader will dispute my right to speak of the old gardens of the City of London under the heading of " market gardens," yet it may be as well to give proof that they may be lawfully so designated in some sense. London citizens have always been famous for their skill in trading ; and at an early period citizens and gentlemen too — nay, the very clergy also — did not hesitate to make their gardens in the City or its outskirts a source of profit. They might have given away the surplus above their own require- ments to the poor, especially the Church dignitaries, but they did not in the general way do so ; let us hope they did so sometimes. As, however, in onr own day amateurs see nothing nnbeooming in the act of sending their fruit and vegetables into the market, we need not pass a vote of censure on London citizens in the days of the Henries or the Tudors, at least not on this ground. But it would seem from some of the old chroniclers that these citizens, or their servants, were not un- frequently to blame for the way in which they disposed of the refuse of their gardens, which, instead of being properly decom- posed and then utilised, was allowed to remain to vitiate the air and offend the noses of residents in the neighbourhood. We gain a Uttle inkling into the way in which City produce was sold a few hundreds of years ago by an old petition dated 1345, which stiU survives amongst London's records, and which was addressed by the gardeners of several earls, barons, bishops, and of sundry citizens of London also, to the Mayor. The burden of it is a complaint that they were not then allowed to stand in peace, as had been their privilege heretofore, in front of the church of St. Austin, there to vend the garden produce of their said masters, but were ordered off by some officials or other persons, representing the functions of our modern pohce, I suppose. There are always two sides to a story, and a de- claration was made on the other hand by the clergy that these gardeners were a nuisance to the priests singing matins and mass, and to many, both clerks and laymen, who were pas- sengers, by reason of the scurrility and clamour in which these and their assistants indulged themselves while selling pulse. Cherries, vegetables, cfec. Pulse, we may presume, stood for Peas and Beans : we have here incidentally another proof that London City and its suburbs were once famous for Cherries. However, the Mayor found himself obliged to give orders that they should no longer vend garden stuff in that spot, and the gardeners had assigned to them a new place between the south gate of the churchyard and the garden wall of the Black Friars of Barnard's Castle. Of course, as London gardens became quite insufficient to supply the City with vegetables and fruit, country folks miugled with these City gardeners, and in fact, as it might be supposed, at last drove them out of the field. Various chroniclers have references to the early coster, or costard-mongers, who made the streets echo with cries that would now indeed seem extra- ordinary. " Ripe young Beans !" would not attract us, for we do not prefer Beans for the table that are " ripe," if we under- stand by the word Beans with the pods fully matured. " Ripe Cowcumbers !" with an emphasis on the cow, is not so unlike the nineteenth century, but we have not persons who make it their sole business to sell Artichokes, that vegetable being formerly in high favour. " White St. Thomas's Onions !" and " White Radishes !" are cries which indicate that an absence of colour was appreciated by our ancestors. A large trade waa done in herbs which were used, not merely in soups and pies but were also employed in decoctions and infusions for medicinal purposes, seeing that foreign and more potent drugs were scarce. A proclamation of the reign of Charles I. denounced pretty strongly oyster-wives, herb-wives, tripe-wives, and others of the street- vending class, on account of the noise they made; thus proving that these folks in Stuart-London understood and acted on the principle that if you want business you must call it, and not wait for it to come to you. London was then progressing marvellously, and the garden ground in the City limits had greatly diminished, but in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries there was much of the land under cultivation for culinary purposes, while orchards and pleasure gardens well shaded with trees gave a semi-rural aspect to the vicinity of some of the bustling thoroughfares. To nearly all of the respective Halls of the Companies was attached a plot of open ground, and then there were besides the domains of nobles resident in the City and those of the weU-to-do citizens ; yet it would seem that the largest part of the garden land or vacant space belonged to the different monasteries and convents, then excessively numerous. And in many cases, besides the ground held by the Church in connec- tion with some building, there was a separate residence belong- ing to the abbot or prior at a distance from it. What the monks grew I suspect they rarely gave away, as the conventual life does not usually affect men's appetites unfavourably ; at least, if we are to believe history, it certainly did not in thoso A mention of a few of these will show how much land was formerly at the disposal of ecclesiastics, and makes us more indignant to think that these establishments, as Rymer tells ns, were exempt from all rates and taxes — they had not even to pay highway tolls. — J. R. S. C. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. The Stbawberky for forcing and general culture ought of necessity to claim considerable attention at this season, for as the fruiting season is now about over it will be the most con- venient time for raising young plants for future crops. The fashion of allowing a Strawberry bed to exhaust itself in one spot for a number of years is fast dying out, for by such a plan of culture where the plants young and old are allowed to become mixed together as if it were a grass plot, it cannot be so satis- factory in its returns as by the new plan of growing every sort separate, and every row, and every plant in the row, has its space to itself. By this plan high cultivation can be more easily practised, and the returns are therefore greater and the fruit finer and of better flavour than in the case where old stools and young runners are mixed together in the same beds. When I first went in a garden to work it appeared to be a question of pride as to who could keep a Strawberry iDed in bearing the longest ; the palm generally falling to those whose soil was of a rich and rather tenacious character, for this is the kind of soil the generality of sorts will best thrive ia ; but in these days three or four years is considered a fair time for the duration of a Strawberry bed. During this time the plants should be well attended to, and no useless runners should be allowed to remain attached to the plants to draw the vigour from the fruiting plant. The ground should be well prepared by deep trenching and rich manuring before planting, and after that the soil around the plants should be kept as clean as that of a flower bed, and by surface-dressing with manure while the plants are in a bear- ing condition, together with ample waterings in dry weather, will make up the principal conditions under which heavy crops of fine fruit are produced. By this plan the sorts can be kept true. Every plant that proves unhealthy or unfruitful Si JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { JnJy 15, 1875. can be weeded out, and the process of gathering and otherwise attending to the plants and fruit can be done much more con- veniently. Those who contemplate making new beds shonld raise the plants at once. There are several ways of doing this ; but if for forcing purposes a capital plan is to select the best young plants, and fasten them into small OU-pots, full of a good mixture of soil, without detaching them from the parent plant; here the pots are soon filled with roots, and the young plants may then be cut off, and be placed together on a bed ot ashes or soil, for say a fortnight; they will here make a lot of roots in that time, and ehould then be potted into larger pots, in which they are to fruit. Some nse 24's or 8-inch pots, but for my part I consider them too large. Those called 32'8, or 6-inch pots, are plenty large enough, and even in pots a size smaller the Strawberry plant fruits well. Why large pots are not so suitable is because the plants have little time to do their work before winter sets in, and at that time the pots ought to be full of roots; but if the pots are too large they cannot be so, and moreover for forcing in a small way witi little room to spare, large pots would not do. A very suitable soil for them is a strong loam, say two-thirds to one-third of rotten dung. They should be potted rather firmly, and let the pots have a broad piece of broken pot at the bottom, with rough turf or rotten dung over it. Now there is not a doubt that the above method is as good as any for raising plants for outdoor plantations also, because the object should be to have the plants well established and strong before winter sets in, and besides, if well grown now, they will produce a fair crop of fruit next year ; and although there are other ways when many are required to be raised, such as cutting the little plants off and pricking them out thickly on a bed of nicely-prepared soil, or by letting the plants root in the place where they grow, and taking them up carefully with a trowel, and finally planting them out; but they require much extra care that way, and do not do so well the first year, neither would they be so likely to withstand the severity of the weather. By the pot system almost, if not quite, a season is gained, because the plants raised in a less substantial manner would not be much more forward at the end of nest season than these will be at the end of this present one. Always take runners from the most healthy and fruitful plants. A word as to sorts, of which there are now many in cultiva- tion ; and I am of opinion that few, if any, excel the Keen's Seedling for either early forcing or for general plantations. There are many larger sorts. Sir Joseph Paxton is a large good-flavoured Strawberry, so is President, La Constante, British Queen, and Dr. Hogg. The last-named is more uncertain than the others, for it does not do well in all places. For forcing they may be carried into the forcing pit in the order they are named; and for outdoor plantations Keen's Seedling will come in first. Sir J. Paxton and President nearly together, but the latter keeps in bearing the longest, then comes La Constante, and next British Queen, and last of all is Dr. Hogg. When this variety does well it is good in all qualities either for pot culture or garden cultivation. — Thos. Record. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HiBDY FRniT GABDEN. We have finished layering the Strawberries except in the case of one or two scarce varieties of which the runners were not ready. It may be as well to mention that all our plants are layered as soon as we can obtain runners, both for planting out and for pot culture. It is best to use small pegs to keep the runners in their places ; some growers recommend a stone placed on the bine to hold it in position, but the stone does not hold the runner firmly if careless feet are treading amongst the plants to gather fruit or to apply water to the pots. The runners are generally established in two weeks, and ought to be cut away from the parent plant, as the pots are generally crowded together on the beds and the leaves become drawn. In another fortnight from the time of cutting away the runners from the parents they may either be planted out or potted, for if they remain too long in the small pots these become too much crowded with roots, and the growth of the plants is checked. Our ground is not prepared as yet, but it will be deeply trenched immediately, working some good manure into the bottom of the trenches and some nearer the surface. The Strawberry beds will be made on the ground which has just been cleared of early Peas and early Cauliflowers. White or Sprouting Broccoli may be grown on the ground occupied by the Strawberry beds, and for this crop it is not necessary to do more to the ground than to hoe off the Straw- berry plants and to put out the Broccoli plants at once. Digging or trenching the ground sometimes does harm, and applying manure to the ground enriched the previous year causes a gross succulent growth, with which the frost plays sad havoc during the winter months; whereas the firm stocky growth made on the solid ground gives compact firm heads, and there is not half the risk of winter frosts doing damage to the plants. Planted out Coleworts for use late in autumn and early in winter ; it is desirable to plant again a month hence. Sprouting Broc- coli has also been planted out. Having finished summer-pruning all dwarf and pyramid- trained fruit trees, nothing remains now to be done but to keep the ground clear of weeds by occasional hoeing, and if time permits, to look over the trees, removing all fruit attacked by the Apple-boring maggot. Now is the best time to destroy this pest, which often becomes a serious hindrance to fruit-culture, when, as was the case once with us, quite three parts of our choicest Apples were destroyed and a large proportion of the Pears. Nothing is better than hand-picking, and all the fruit should be taken away and be destroyed. Ixi fact, it was once taken into serious consideration to destroy all our fruit for one season as soon as it was set ; the entire crop would have been lost for one year, but the maggot would not have been able to breed, and we might have got rid of it entirely. Certainly this plan wonld have been the best one if no other fruit trees had been in the immediate neighbourhood. Many persons will not thin their wall fruits until after the stoning period : this will now have been effected. Peaches and Nectarines ought to be thinned out to the required number at once. It is a great mistake to allow wall trees to bear too much fruit. One Peach to a square foot is quite thick enough. Nec- tarines may be a little closer, but it has been proved again and again that not only the finest fruit but the heaviest crop has been produced when the fruit has been judiciously thinned out. The finer varieties of Pears on the walls must also be weU re- duced in numbers according to the size of the fruit. It has not been necessary to water the wall trees as yet, but this ought not to be neglected if a dry period sets in. vineries. We have cleared off the fruit from the Vines in the earliest houses ; and the leaves, though considerably damaged by the attacks of red spider, have not suffered so much that the Vines will be injured. One gardener we heard of, who had some very well-ripened Muscats, stated that he had not a leaf left on his Vines. The fruit would no doubt colour well under such cir- cumstances, but it would be wanting in flavour, and the Vines will certainly start into growth, which will weaken their chances of producing good fruit next year. Our aim now is to keep the leaves on the plants as long as we can, and it is possible to do this by washing the leaves well with a good garden engine ; the houses are also aired freely night and day. The old gardeners advocated taking off the lights from the roof altogether. This is not necessary, unless they are required to place in the front of walls to ripen the crops of Peaches or the finer Pears. We have never taken the lights off during the summer and autumn months, but all the air is admitted that it is possible to give the Vines, and all the attention required now is to see that they are kept clean, and have all decaying leaves removed. The Grapes are commencing to colour in the late houses, consequently the supply of atmospheric moisture is diminished, and a circulation of air kept up night and day. At this season a high night tem- perature is to be avoided, but the weather has been so dull and cold during the past week that it has been necessary to have fires in all the forcing houses. OKCHAED HOVSE. The fruit has received a final thinning on all the trees, and both Plums and Pears have required to be thinned out this year. The trees are making rapid growth, and it has been necessary to stop the growths, and where these are too thickly placed fo thin them out. At frequent intervals a portion of the surface- dressing is applied, and this is better than putting too much on at one time. A high temperature is kept up by keeping the house moderately close by day and shutting up early in the afternoon. OKEENHOnSE AND CONSERVATORY. Pelargoniums that have done flowering are removed out of doors. Some persons lay the pots on their sides to "dry the plants off." It is a serious mistake this system of drying every- thing off as soon as the flowering period is over, and it is most unreasonable. The wood is not always ripe, and if this is not matured drying-off will not do it. When the wood appears ripe we water only moderately, but always giving sufficient to prevent the young rootlets from being destroyed. If a heavy fall of rain should take place, or continuous wet, the pots are laid on their sides, but are placed upright iu dry weather. Of course some will say this is a deal of trouble ; well, it is so to those who have little heart in their work, but success in garden- ing is only attained by taking great pains with even the minutest details of the work. When it is time to cut the plants over, the mould in the pots ought then to be quite dry, which will prevent bleeding. In a very few days after cutting the plants over the buds will start into growth, and then water may be applied to the roots. We have removed the A/saleas from the greenhouse to a honse Jnly 15, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 55 where they can have more heat. The plants are well syrioged twice daily, and besides artificial heat, the honee ia shut up early, say at 4 p.m. It is necessary to shade when the sun acts directly upon the tilass. Small plants have been repotted ; good turfy peat without any other mixture is the best potting material for Azaleas. The pots mast al>-o be drained well, and some fibry material be placed over the drainage to prevent the finer particles from mixiug with it. Azaleas when making their growth require considerable supplies of water, and if it cannot pass through the pot freely the peat becomes soured, the foliage assumes an unhealthy tint, and the chances are that the plant is dead before the cultivator knows it, unless he has large experi- ence in plant-culture. A few Carnations and Picotees arranged amongst the plants have a very good effect, and the run flowers of Carnations are quite as attractive to the uninitiated as are the pure flowers, and they are very useful for cutting; indeed, some that run to selfs of the scarlet and purple shades are even more useful for this purpose. The pendant drops of the Fuchsia ought not to be dispensed with in the greenhouse all through the summer. It is thought to be a common flower, and therefore not aristocratic enough for some. Those who would like to see this old favourite trained to the best advantage should visit Mr. Fraser's nursery in the Lea Bridge Road, London. They are trained to the rafters of his show house, and the effect of the crimson and white drops pendant overhead is charming. Not all the varieties are adapted for this mode of culture. Those grown and recommended by Mr. Fraser are Arabella, white tube and rose-coloured corolla; Delight, crimson tube and sepals, white corolla; Hugh Miller, tube and sepals pink, purple corolla ; Noblesse, crimson sepals, dark violet corolla ; Suowdrop, scarlet sepals, white corolla. These are all single varieties. Amongst the double sorts are foand the following: Alpha, tube and sepals red, corolla blue; Avalanche, carmine tube and sepals, violet corolla; Diadem, tube and sepals red, dark violet corolla; Empress, tube and sepals white, red corolla ; La Neige, tube and sepals red, pure white corolla; MarC-chal McMahon, tube and sepals bright red, plum corolla. Fuchsias require to be potted in rich turfy loam, and when growing freely they require plenty of water. Training the young growths of Lapageria. The white-flowered sort is even more robust iu its growth than the older red variety. They are now growing freely, and the young shoots require to be carefully handled, as they are easily bruised. The best trellis to train them to is one of iron wires placed a foot apart, the intermediate spaces to be filled with string. The shoots may be allowed to twine round this, but not round the wires. The plants ought now to be syringed daily.— J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Seobetaries will oblige us by informing U3 of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Darlington.— July 16th, at Southend, William Hodgson, Sec. Coventry {at Coombe Abbey).— August 17th. Mr. T. Wigston, 3, Portland Terrace, Sec. Bbamley.— July 19th and 20th. Mr. R. Foi, Sec. Brecon.— July 22nd. Mr. W. J. Roberts, Sec. Helensburgh, N.B. (Rose Show).— July 23rd and 24th. Mr. W. Ure, Waddell, Sec. Cleckheaton.— July 24th. Mr. S. H. Williamson Hon.-Sec. Bridge.- July 27th. Mr. E. Hardeman, Hon.-Sec. Preston.- July 28th and 29th. Mr. W. Troughton, 4, Churdh Street, Hon.-Sec. Shrewsbory.— July 29th and 30th. Mr. H. W. Adnitt, Hon.-Sec. SoDTHAMPTON.—July Slsc and August 2nd. Mr. C. S. Fuidge, 82, York Street, Lower Avenue, Sec. Sedgely (Cottagers).- August 3rd. Mr. W. M. Hughes, Sec. Weston-super-Mare. —August 4th. Mr. W. B. Frampton, Sec. Ilkeston and Shipley.— August 4th and 5th. Mr. E. Blount, Sec. Newport (Monmouthshire).— August 5th. Otley.— August 7th. Mr. Jno. Lee, Hon.-Sec. Eossendale—Newchubch.— August 7th. Mr. M. J. Lonsdale, Newchurch, Sec. Canterbury.- Angust 12th. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *^* All correspondonce should be directed either to " The Editors," or to " The Publisher," Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion Bhould be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Wild Rose in Ireland —Rev. S. A. Erenan, Pomeroy Eectory, Co. Ty- one, writes, " In your issue of Jaly the 1st, answering the query in regard to a Eose which I sent to be named, you mention that you would wish to know the cireumstances of the Eose which you state is apparently ' Eosa Gallica.' It is very common in the Co. Tyrone, Monaghno, and Fermanagh, growing in hedges and by riversides away from houbee, seemingly in a wild state, which has puzzled mo, as no notice seems to have been taken of it by botanists." Eose for Wall of Vinery U. L. C.1. — No Eose that we know would give satisfaction trained to the back wall of a vinery, the position being too dark from being shaded by the Vines; but if, of course, it were cnly mode- rately shaded Miss Gray (Noisette) or Mari-chal Niel (Tea-scentedJ would answer. We do not remember having overlooked your query. Evergreen for North Aspect ililcm). — Cntoneahter microphylla would suit, and for a north wall nothing ia finer than Jasmiuum nudiflurum, which fliiwers in winter, but it ia not evergreen. Berberis Darwini might aleo probably succeed. For a north aspect nothing is comparable to Ivy in its greeu and variegated varieties. Large Fungtts iC. B.]. — The large fnngua of which you have sent ft portion is the " Giant Puff Ball," and is edible. You may conk them thus : — "Slice them an innh thick; have ready some chopped herbs, pepper, and salt; dip the slices of Puff Ball into yolk of epg, and sprinkle the herbs upon them ; fry in fresh butter, and eat immediately. They are lighter and more wholesome than egg omelettes, and resemble brain fritters," so eays Mrs. Hussey. Dahlias (Delia Rocca). — The cause of your Dahlias making roots hut no top-growth is, we imagine, the results of overdrying the roots during the winter. If kept too dry the crowns shrivel and the buds are killed, while the more fleshy part of the tubers remain sound and emit roots. CATERPiLLAJt iBiccps}.— The caterpillar crawled out of the box and dis- appeared. Could you send us another ? CoNOPHALLUS BDLBiFERUS (H. G. W.). — This is quite a different plant from " Lords and Ladies," though it belongs to the same natural order. Seedling Pansy (Viola).— The flower was completely shrivelled up, bat we could see that the colour is good. Green Eose (H. W. Lowe). — The green Boae is n^t at all uncommon. You will see it figured and many notices of it in our twenty-third volume. Chequer oh, Cheke Thee (J. P.). — This is Pyrus torminalis. Herba-Riom Specimens (G. B.}.— Apply to Mr. F. Y. Brocas, 4, MiU Street, Hanover Square, W. He may also be able to inform you where the seeds are to be had. Hybridisation (P. Stubbs). — There is no work on "artificial hybridisa- tion " that we know of. There is no difficulty in performing the operation iu an ordinary way, which may be done thu8:^\Vheu yon have chosen the two plants which you intend to hybridise, and decided which of them is to ba the seed- bearer, remove from this all the stamens as soon as the flower is suffi- ciently expanded to enable you to do so. See that the anthers have not yet burst and distributed their pollen on the pistil. Then take from the other plant some of its pollen on the point of a camel's-hair pencil, and apply it to the tip of the pistil, which is called the stigma, of the other, and that ia all that is needful for you to do, Nature will do the rest. Plants for Spring Bedding (Paul). — Excepting annuals you have put off until too late the sowing of seed of some plants which are useful for spring bedding. We name a few for autumn sowing — Collinsia verna, Lasthenia cahfornica, Linnanthes Dou^lasi, Nemophila insignis and its white variety, N. maculata purpurea. Pyrethrum Golden Feather may be sown for its foliage, also Dell's Crimson Beet, Saponaria calabrica and its white variety, Silene pendula alba, S. pendula compacta and its white variety, and Silene pendula ruberrima. Propagating Gooseberry and Currants (Serjeant). — Take cuttings ot the current year's growth iu the autumn when the leaves have fallen, and cufc into lengths of about a foot, removing all the eyes except the four uppermost, removing the weaker part of the cuttings—viz., the points, and cut trans- versely below the lowest eye or joint, and insert in rows a foot apart, and the cuttings about 3 inches asunder, putting them in the soil about 6 inches, and make the soil firm about them. They will be fit to transplant the autumn following. What other fruit is it you wish to know how to propagate ? The Apple tree "broken off" at IS inches from the ground we should securely stake it there is any portion of bark left unbroken, and then bind the stem over the broken part, and so as to bring close any splinters, with soft rope, bringing it above and below tho broken part as far at least as the rent ex- tends, and cover this with a pigment of cow dung aud clay well worked into a stifiish mortar-like consistence, and cover the wounded part as in grafting^ adding a little moss on the surface to keep from cracking. It may be sprinkled every day with water, which besides keeping the pigment from cracking will assist the flow of tbc sap. If there is no live bark your only plan will be to wait until spring and then graft. Soil for Scarlet Geraniums (B. L. B.). — For the pot plants we advise an admixture of three parts turfy loam, enriched with a part each of leaf soil and well rotted manure, with a sixth of silver sand, and good drainage. Those in the beds we should mulch with short manure, and point it in with a fork if you can do so without injtuy to the plants, but do not disturb the roots. The mulch may be put on an inch thick, watering freely during i.lry weather. Do not remove the plants for the adding of fresh soil, but give the beds a liberal dressing in the autumn of turfy loam, rather strong in texture as jour soil ia light, and manure freely, digging it deeply in before winter. This will make the soil more retentive of muisture, and will not cauee gross- ness in growth, as would probably be the case were the manuring deferred until spring. Pelargonium Show {A Weekly Subscriber). — Anybody may compete at the Pelargonium Show, whether a member or not. Seedling Geranium (fl. it S.).— We cannot call to mind anything that tallies with the description you give of your sport, but the varieties of all kinds of the Pelargonium are so numerous now that it ia difficult to speak positively. Send it up to the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. Zonal Pelargoniums (Subscriber),— The names of the raisers are given in parenthesis— Hector, scarlet (Bull), Hector, rose (G. Smith), Warrior (G- Smith), Clipper iBuU), La Grande (G. Smith). We have no record ot the raisers of the contiuental varieties which you name. Camellia Leaves Scorched (F. O. ,1/.).— We do not think the scorching is due to deficient ventilation, but to a lens in the glass. You can easily by examination ascertain if this is so. It is easily preventible by applying » thin covering of whiting mixed with milk to the glass, and thos secure a partial shade, which is essential to the health of Camellias. 5& JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C July 15, 1875. GuziNG Hardy Fern-ert (Q.).— You will find 21-oz. glass quite strong enough, and if it is shaded a portion of the day jou need not go to the ex- pense of rolled plate. Peaches Spotted (Subscriber]. — The spofe tou allude to is, we suspect, mildew. Dust with sulphur, and give the trees on the back wall a soaking of water in which guano and common salt is dissolved at the rate of half an ounce of each to each gallon of water. This with a pure air will, we think, effect an improvement in your trees. Prize Schedule (J. C. 3/.).— Certainly black and white Grares can be ehown in a collection of fruit of six distinct varietieo. If it had been Bis distinct kUids they could not. Trees Shading Border {A Working Lady). — Tou can cut the trees over now, and grab the roots in the winter. Strawberries (L. £.).— Viscomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Dr. Hogg are the varieties we recommend. You give ns no data whereon to advise you as to the size of the beds. On cultoral points you cannot do better than follow the advice of Mr. Record and Mr. Douglas which is given in another column. Vises Raised from Seed {Walter).— The Vines will fruit, bat not in smaUpots; they should at once be shifted into 13-inch pots, and the canes be trained about a foot from the glass. They require free watering and Bprinkling with water overhead twice daily. They should have a compost of bght turfy loam three parts, well rotted manure a part, and a sixth of half- inch bones well raised, and the pots well drained. We should not, unless yon have heat, give the plants larger pots this season than 9-inch, and in spring turn them out of the pots when they begin to grow, shake all the soil from the roots, and repot in the same size, shifting into larger when those are filled with roots. "We do not consider you have a chance of fruiting them until the year after next. Mauve- COLOURED Viola (Idem). — "We do not know of a better than Mauve Qaeen. There is some mauve even in Perfection, but Ihe seedling you describe as large as Perfection of a mauve colour may or may not be an acquisition. You should submit it to some authority, as most raisers do not care to trust their own judgment in determining the value of their seedlings. Vines Unhealthy (H. B.).— Red spider— which we note is this year very prevalent— is the main cause of your Vines losing their foliage. The insects appear to be dead now, and your Vines with careful attention will recover. "We should, however, give the Vines a thorough washing with the syringe — that is, apply the water forcibly to every part, avoiding aa much as possible directly etriking the bunches. We are aware this will wash off the bloom from the Grapes, but still we advise it a^ the les&er of two evils. That must not be a common fyringing, but a heavy drenching. Afterwards paint the hot-water pipes with sulphur, and heat them sufficiently to cause a strong smell, ventilating in proportion so that the night temperature does not exceed 65% and the day temperature with sun 85^. Leave a little air on at the top of the house all night, and especially increase it in the morning as soon as the thermometer begins to rise. Early closing— so long as the temperature does not exceed 65— and early opening of the ventilators, are vital conditions in Grape culture. It is just possible the night temperature may have been kept too high and the house too close by not admitting air sufficiently early ill ihe morning. That, however, is only conjecture. It is very common for a hitch to occur in some way on a change of gardeners, though no real fault of either. Time is necessary for a man to thoronghly comprehend not only the resources of a place, bat its peculiarities and liabilities, and an able man will profit by any untoward and unexpected results. Write to ns again in a month, and tell us the exact state of your Vines at that time, when we shall be glad to give you further advice on the matter. Insects on Vines (H.). — Famigation with tobacco on two successive nights will destroy the green fly, following the fumigation by syringing. Clear water is the best antidote against red spider. By regular sj ringings and sufficient atmospheric moisture this insidious pest may be prevented doing injury. ^Sliere it is established thoroughly drenching the foliage, and subsequently creating a strong smell of sulphur by painting the pipes when they are heated, at the same time securing a pure atmosphere by a ccn- tinuons current of fresh air night and day, is the best practice to adopt. Fumigation will not injure the Grapes, but syringing will di^figore them, but better submit to have the bloom partially washed off this year than to have DO Grapes the neit year. If the Grapes are nearly ripe, and the Vines not seriously infested by the red spider, the fruit may perhaps be cut before applying the remedial measures. Constructing Range of Houses {An Irish Subscriber). — With so ex- tensive a raoEe for gla^s yon should aim at more than a vinery, Peach house, and orchard house. We should have at least two vineries, or with three you might have Grapes very nearly the year round— viz., an early vinery to give fruit in May; a second vinery to come in at the close of Jaly; and a late vinery which would afford fruit np to May— say 35 feet of early, 48 feet of second, and the same of late vinery, which will take up 132 feet. Then 36 feet of early Peach house, and 48 feet of second Peach house, and this will leave you 84 feet for orchard house. It may be that you do not wish to heat the range or reduce the heating to a minimum ; in that case we should have 72 feet vinpry, 86 feet Peach house, and 132 feet orchard house, bat unless you have ether houses the former anangement wonld be infinitely better. The wall being up will be a considerable saving. The vinery or vineries we should have in the centre, and IS feet wide; in fact, all that width, and a lean-to or with a abort half-span at back if you object to a high back wall. The front we should have 5 feet 6 inches high, 3 feet of it glass, and have all the front lights to open as well as 2 feet 6 inches the whole length the upper part of the house. The depth of border you would need would be 3 feet 6 inches, and of this 9 inches should be drainage, and not less in width than half the extent of the house in width, as well as the inside. If you have trees against the walls then you will need borders the full width inside in addition to two- thirds the width of the house of outside border. We could not give an estimate of the cost, but that you may obtain by writing, stating what you require, to an horticultural builder. Names op Plants (S. B. T.).- The yellow flower is Sedum refleium, the other Drosera rotnndifolia. (D.).— Galium cruciatnm. (J. B. C.).— Lisso- chilus speciosuB, Br. (G. £}.— 1, Philadelphua coronarius; 2, Castanea vesca. The leaves are those of Stachys lanata. (Constant ^arffr).— Speci- nens very bad. 1, Begonia sp.; 4, Veronica incana; 5, Gilia lutea; 6, Santo- Una sp. ( W. r.).— Apparently a species of Iiora. (B.).— Agrostis sp. ? The specimen is poor. (G. B., 2t.— Your plants are Crepis virens, and (ap- parently) Anthemis inodora. Yon would find a British Flora useful in such cases. [Lady King).— Yon were answered in the Journal for July Ist. We can only repeat what is there said; it may be Geranium pratense POTJLTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEOinOLE. KETTERING POULTRY, Ac, SHOW. This Show was held on July 6th and 7th daring the Ketter- ing Feast, when the little town was alive with visitors, and in many respects was a great success. We wonld strongly advise the Committee another year to have the pens strewed with coarse sand or road grit in preference to chaff, and above all to have it done before the birds are penned. In this case it was delayed until the morning of the Show, and many of the birds having come long distances without food shoald have been fed with meal dough and water on the Monday evening. No- thing is so beneficial to highly-bred specimens which are called upon to undergo much fatigne and privation in journeying to the various shows as good easily- digested food and the very necessary water, with a little green meat if possible. They then return to their owners as fresh as ever, and prevent those re- criminations which frequently pass between exhibitor and Secretary when birds are knocked-up or die. The Committee, who, we understani!, are more in the Pigeon and Rabbit than poultry fancy, would do well another year to revise their schedule. The single-bird system we admire, but it should not be made to crush certain breeds. Where all colours compete together one class is not sniBcient either for Dorking, Cochin, Brahma, or Game, as the less perfect colours either put in a poor appearance or go to the wall; and it is a great mistake to leave out classes for French and Spanish, these four high-class varieties being cramped into a two-prize Selling class with Po- lish, Malay, and all the customary variety specimens. Game Bantams, which almost always fill, had only one class ; we say one class, for although there was throughout the Show a class each for cocks and hens, yet as the whole of the sub-vaiietiea competed together in those which we have named it is sub- stantially one. In Dncks again — only imagine ! Bouen and Aylesbury and Mandarins and Bast Indians being compressed into one class. In the Pigeons the birds were more liberally treated, the classes being very fair, and three prizes to each class. In Dorkings Mr. Burnell took both firsts with very fine birds, the cock, however, having one bad toe ; the second cock was a neat Dark bird in good order. In Cochins the first cock was a fine Partridge, in fine trim for the time of year, with good style and nice colour, though rather high on his legs ; second a good rich even-coloured Buff with good feet and comb. No 14 (Mrs. Tlndal) was a very fine White, but rather yellow from the sun. This bird is one of the late Mrs. Williamson's celebrated stock, which we may mention has passed entirely into the hands of Mrs. Acton Tindal, adding a notable feature to her already fine stud. In hens first was the well-known Partridge, in nice order; second a pretty Buff. 20 (L. Wright) was a neat Par- tridge ; 23 (Mrs. Tindal) a superb White, her comb throwing her for second honours; 23b (Harvey) a fine Buff, a little out of feather. In Brakmas first was a big Dark cock, rather long in leg and white in ear, otherwise good ; second was one of the beat Lights we know, grand in shape, style, tail, feet, and comb, but not a good white, or he would have won ; a lovely-shaped young Light was very highly commended, but he is too small. In hens Mr. Lewis Wright won with a well-marked Dark hen ; second a neat Light ; highly commended Mrs. Peat, a nicely- shaped hen indeed ; highly commended Mrs. Tindal. a superb bird but deep in moult. Game were very poor as a lot. First cock was a Brown Eed of rich colour and in fine trim, but his tail puzzled ns immensely; it was carried in an almost straight line with the back, and appeared to hang as though powerless. Second a fair Black Red. In hens the first was a good Brown Bed; rest poor. Hamburghs were a strong lot. In Pencil cocks first was a bird of fair colour, nice tail, and neat comb ; second a fair old cock, but we should almost have gone to 47 (Pickles), good in colour, comb, and ear, though dark in tail ; 53 (Tickner), a fair bird, but too bronzy in tail, and poor in head. In hens the prizes wentto a couple of very good Silvers, the first better in breast ; 56 waa another neat Silver, not so fine in marking ; 60 (HaUam) was a neat Gold. In Spangle cocks first was grand in wing and head, but not quite darkly marked enough ; second a fine old Gold ; highly commended a nicely-marked Silver. In hens first went to a Gold, good in colour, but though well marked too small in spangling ; second was a Silver, which we preferred ; very highly commended was a heavily-marked Silver. In Blacks first was a cock of rare quality, in nice trim ; second a very smart bird indeed, but not so rich in shape. In hens the first excelled in colour, but was too dark in face ; second a fine hen, good in head and ear, but not so rich; 84 (Foster), very rich in colonr, but too pale in face. In the Variety class first was a neat Spanish cock, good in face and comb ; second a fine Gold Poland, large in crest, but not so well laced as could be wished ; very highly commended July 15, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 57 (Pickles), another, bat bad in coloar ; very highly commended (Cutlack), a superb Grove, to which we should have given honours. In hens first a superb Spanish, grand in comb, condition, and face; second a beautifully crested Poland, but failing in lacing. Messrs. Cutlack and Boothby also showed capital specimens, the latter gentleman's Polish hen really deserving honours. In the SeUing class first was a fair Dark Brahma, the same ex- hibitor winning in hens. Mrs. Pryor's pens were empty. In Game Bantajns first was a rich-coloured cock, in nice trim ; second too short in head. The noticed birds were all good. Hens were very moderate. In the Variety class first was a beautiful Black cock, in grand trim ; second a good Silver-laced ; highly commended (Rev. F. Tearle), a capital White, only priced at a guinea, and not claimed when we left. In hens first was a beautiful Silver-laced, second a good Black, very highly com- mesded a good Black, and the two highly-commended pens excellent Whites. In Ducks first were fair Aylesbury, a better pair losing for want of better colour in the drake's bill ; second very good Viduatas ; highly commended Ronens and Mandarins. In Pigeons Pouters were a great feature, the White cock being one of the best we have seen in girth, symmetry, and length. The winning hen was also beautiful in shape. Mr. Harvey won both firsts with Blues, Red and Yellow winning the other first honours. In Carriers Mr. Tardley's hen ran away from the lot. The winning Tumbler was a neat Agate. In Owls, first was a good foreign Blue, second and third Anglo- African Whites, both failing in beak. Dragoons were a grand class of nineteen entries. First, Mr. Graham's grand Grizzle, about the best we ever saw, and simply perfection ; second and third also good. In Jacks, first a good Yellow, second and third sound Reds. In Fantails, first was a sweet bird in head and tail, second and third neat birds also. In the Variety class a grand Mottled Trumpeter was an easy first, a rich Red Priest second, and a good Yellow Barb third. In the Selling class were some good Carriers quickly claimed. Babbits were a great feature in the Show, and mustered strongly. The first Lop, a Black-and-white, measured 225 by .5J, and the second, a Grey, 22^ by 5}. Angoras were very good indeed, the winners and Messrs. Hancock it Martin's noticed pens being superb. Himalayas were also excellent, there being little to choose between the winners. In Dutch, first was a neat Black-and-white, but we preferred the second, a lovely Blue; third was a nice Grey, which was not level in the collar. There were several young ones which we think will make future winners. Silver-Grey mustered fourteen, the prizes going to the lightest Rabbits, all of which were very good. We were glad to see this shade of colour winning, and the dark-bodied and darker-headed animals thrown out. In the Variety class Belgian Hares took all the prizes, a good Siberian being highly commended. It struck us that many of the Hares smacked somewhat of the Patagonian. {From another Correspondent.) This pretty little Show was held on Tuesday, July 6th, and following day. We were pleased to find the birds were pro- tected from the weather in a large airy tent. The management was good, the only exception being that the bottom of the Pigeon pens were bare. We would suggest for the consideration of this and other committees that dry sand or sawdust be used, either of which would keep the birds clean and comfortable. First on the list are Pout its, the classification of these being good. White cocks produce nine entries, mostly good birds, the first and second especially so. White hens, eight entries, first very good and in capital condition ; second and third were not far behind. Black or Blue cocks, five entries. — All the winners were Blue. The first a grand bird, which, if we remember rightly, was first also at T'horne ; second another good Blue ; third only fair. Black or Blue hens, only four entries. — First Mr. Harvey's grand hen. The only fault we find with this bird is, that it is rather gay in crop. Second (Nottage), very good ; third we did not care for. Pouter cock, any other colour, five entries. — First, Mr. Yardley's Red, a large and coarse bird; second a better bird; third indifferent. Hen, any other colour, six entries. — First and second Mr. Pratt with two very good Yellows that fully deserved their position. Carrier cocks, seven entries. — First, Mr. Miller with a stent Black in good condition. This bird only requires a little more time to make a good one. Second a good Black of great length ; third also a Black. Carrier hens, six entries. — First, Mr. Yard- ley's well-known Black, a grand bird; second another good Black ; third only fair. Tmnblers, any variety. — First a very good Yellow Agate, but not in the condition we like; second a Kite belonging to the same exhibitor; third Almond, which we should have placed higher. Pen 213b (Silvester), a very good Almond that should have been in the list. Only five entries in this class. Owls, any variety, five entries again. — First, fair Blue foreign ; second and third good White ditto. We particularly admired Mr. Allen's third-prize bird. J>ragoon3, any coloar. — A large and good class, in fact the largest in the Show. Nineteen entries. First a Grizzle that we did not like ; second, one of Mr. Richard Woods' grand Yellows, sound to the very roots of its feathers. This bird we should have placed first. Third a beautiful Blue in capital con- dition. Pens 218 (Woods), 220 (Yardley), and 221 (Woods), all good Blues of the true Dragoon type. Mr. Foster's pen, 2.31, contained a poor Dun Carrier. Jacobins, seven entries. — First Yellow, and second and third Reds. All good, as was also Mr. Harvey's 212a. Fantaih, six entries.— Mr. Walker to the front as usual, with Mr. Loveridge close behind his heels. Pen 248 (Blohm) con- tained a fair Black. Any other Variety. — First, Mr. Harvey's magnificent Russian Trumpeter; second a Red Priest ; third a Yellow Barb that we should Like to have been second. Mr. Silvester exhibited a very good Black Turbit in this class. The Selling classes were only moderate in quality, though the birds were numerous. — Nottinghamshire Rectob. The following are the awards : — DOEEISGS.— CocJ;.— 1. T. C. Buruell, Micheldever. 2, W. Harrey, Sheffield. he, J. Holme, Loddinpton. Kettering. Ht:n.—\, T. C. BoraeU. 2, W. Harvey, he, 3. Holme, c, s. W. Hallam, Whitwick. Leicester. Oochik-Chinas.— Cocfc.— 1, A. Tindale, Aylesbury. 2, Mrs. E. AJlsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester, vhc, A. Tindale. he, E. NVinwood, Worcester, c. AI. Leno. Dunstable: H. W.KeTille.Ealine Hfn.— I, 4. Tindale. 2, M. Leno. vhc.Vr. Harvey, he, L. Wright, Cronch End, London ; A. Tindale. c, R. G. Boissier, Peoshnrst. Brahsia PooTRAa.—Cocit.—l, W. Harvey. 2 and rfur, A. Tindale. hc.J. Gann, Coalville, Leicester. Hen.— I, L. Wright. 2, .4. Tindale. he, A. Tindale ; Mrs. Peet. Sharobrook. GiiiE.— CocJ:.— 1. E. Winwood. 2, J. Mee, Ashby-de-Ia-Zouch. he. W. F. Everard, Ashby-de-la-Zoach. Htm.— L F,. Winwood. 2, G. Gamer, Welling- borongh. he. Kev F. Tearle. Gazeley Vicarage. Newmarket. HiilBCBGHS. — tfoW or 8ilver-peneiUed.—Coek.—\, J. Eobinson, Garstang. 2. J. Ward. Ashby-de-la-Zouch. vhc, H. Pickles, Earby, Leeda. he, 3. Long, Bromley Common; W. K. Tickner, Ipswich. Hf-n.— 1, J. Kobinaon. 2. J. Long. he, E. Snell. Barrowden ; H. Pickles ; S. W. HaUam. UtyisuBGHA.— Gold or Silvir^spangled.— Cock.— 1,3. Robinson. 2, H. Pickles. he, 3. Long. e. 3. Gnnn. Hen.— 1, U. Pickles. 2, J. Robinson, i-he, 3. Long. he, Hon, Mrs- Vernon. Kettering ; J. Ward. HAMBrBGHS-- B(acfc.- Cocfc.— 1, J. Long. 2, J. Robinson. Hen.— 1, J. Robinson. 2, J. Long, e, J. Foster, Kettering. Any VABiuTr— Cock —1, Mrs. E. AUsopp. 2, A. i W. H. Silvester. Sheffield, rlic. H. Pickles: W. Cutlack. Jan.. Littleporl. Isle ot Elr. he, 3. T. Parker, Northampton. Hen— 1. Mrs. E. Allsopp. 2, A. A" W. H. Silvester, vhe, W. Cntlack, jun. ; J. Palmer, Acton, London; J. T. Parker. he,Ci. H. Boothby, Louth. , .„ „ Speciai, Seixing Class.— CocJ.-.— I. L. Wren. Lowestoft. ». A. 4 W. H. Silvester, he, E. Snell: Hon. Mrs. Vernon; J Gunn; J. T. Parker. Ben.— 1. L. Wren. 2, Mrs. Peet. he, 3. Holme ; Rev. R, L. Story, Lockington Vicarage, Derby, he, 3. Holme; G. B. C. Breeze, Easneyne, Ware. c. J. T. Parker ; A. 4 W. H. Silvester. , ^ „ BiMAMs.— Gam-.— Coct.—L G. Bell, Morpeth. 2, A. Snuth, HalifaT. he, W. Shenton, Lancaster; J. Long: Capt. T. Welheiall, Loddington, Kettering. Ben.—\, A. Smith. 2 and he. Capt. T. Wetherall. Bantams.- 4n« other variety.— Coek.— I, 3. Mayo. Gloucester. 2, M. Leno. I he. Rev. F. Tearle; D. C. Wingfield, Worcester. Hen.- 1, M. Leno. 2, Miss Carter. Highgate, Birmingham, vhe, D. C. Wingfield. he. Rev. F. Tearle ; i J. Robinson. , „ , c c „ Dgcks.— 1, S. Gulliver, Aylesbnry. 2, M. Leno. he, 3. Holme: b,, bneu ; A. i W. H. Silvester. PIGEONS. PonTEBS.— White.— Coek.—l and he, H. Pratt, Hampton-in.Arden. 2 and 3, L. 4 A. Watfein, Northampton. Hen.— I and 2. L. ,s W. Watkin. 3, J. Stiles, jun., Kettering. /i«, H. Yardlev, Birmingham ; H. Pratt. PoclEES.-glue or BtaclL-.-focJ;.- I.W.Harvey. Sheffield. 2. H. Pratt. 3,C. :Martin, Kettering. Hen — 1. W. Harvey. 2, W. Nottage, Northampton. 3, C. PocTEBS.— ^ni/ other colour.— Coek.-l, H. Tardley. 2. H. Pratt 3, W. Nottage. Hen.— 1 and 2, H. Pratt. 3- C. Martin, (le, L. i W. Watkin. „ „ .. CiBBiEBS.-Cocl.-.— 1. W. H. A. MUler, WalsaU. 2. H. Y ardley. S, W. Nottage. *c.G. Gamer; G.C.Mann, Fmedon. Hen.— I, H. Yardley. 2. W. H. A. MlUer. 3, W. Nottage. _ ,, ^ TrMBLEBa.-CoeJt or Hen.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3. W. Nottage. OwLS.-Coeit or Hen.— 1, L. Horner, Crayiord. 2, H. Yardley. 3. L. Allen, London Road, London. • ,„,„««. j Dbagooss.— Coefe or Hen.-l, F. Graham, Birkenhead. 2 and 3. R. Woods, Mansfield, he, R. Woods (>); H. Y'ardley; J. G. Dunn, Rjton-on-Tyne; W. Smith, Liverpool (2). „,,, ^ a , n ^f •«„ Jacobbs.— Coct or Hen.- 1. T. Homes, Lower Sydenham. 2 and 3, C. Martin, he. W. Nottage. ^ „ , ». t -j FAKTilLS.-icocil.- or Hen.— 1. J. Walker. Newark. 2 and 3, J. F. Loversidge, Newark, fte, Q. Blnhm, Manchester. „ — .. j, AvToiHEKVAEiETr.-Coc»: or Hen.— I.W.Harvey. 2,L.Allen. 3,H.Yardley. fie, H. Yardley; L.Allen; H. vv. Webb, Lower Sydenham. Selling Class.— Pouferi. Carriers, and Dragoons— 1, W. Nottage. 2, t. Robmson. Kettering. 3, G. C. Mann, he, H. Yardley : W. Nottage. SELLlXGCLASS.-.ln!/o()ierrariet!/.— 1. H. W. Webb. 2, H.Yardley. 3, A.J. Barnes, Gloucester, he, W. Nottage ; W. Harvey. RABBITS. ^ „ _ Lop-EABED.-Buefc or Doe.— 1, J. Cranch, St. John's Wood, London. 3, T. Lnmath. Wellingborough. 3. Mrs. H. Pickworth, Spalding, vhe, 3. Abbott. Wellingborough : T. Schofield, Manchester. , „ „ , ,. t ->. ^• A\GoEAS.-Buck or Doe.-l, H. Sweetman, Fnlford. 2, 3, and ?ie, J. Martin, Kettering, rhe, H. Hancock, Northampton. ^. _,, . . „ r™.«= HilLALAYiS.— Buck or Doe.-l, G. W. Cave, Northampton. 2. B. Greaves, Cleethorpe. 3, B. Robinson. Rugby, he, J. M. Atkinson, Alford. ^ .- .^ Dutch -Buk- or Doe.-l. S. H. Leech. Pieston 2. W Donkm. Dnffield. 3, Mrs. H. Pick-worth, rfte. W. C. YortKettenng. Ae, C. Martm ; B. Greaves , G. Johnson, Wadcrolt, Kettering, e, B. Greaves. o.i,„,.b„m SiLVER-GkET3--Buclt or Coe.-l. F. Purser Bedford. 3, T. Scholefield. jun 3, B. Greaves, c, E. SneU ; S. T. Ridley, Brighton (2). he. H. F. Henson, "^A'T'^fHEE VAEIETT.-Buck or Doc.-l, G. C. Uvett, Soham. 2, G. H. RoMLon.^lenh,S-strSeveuoaks- 3, Rev'T. C Beesley. Northampton »^. G. H. Robinson ; A. J. Roberts, Hereford ; J. E. Pilgnm, Hmckley ; B. Greaves ; ^sS.°ll''oCuiT-^Buel- or Doe,-l, J. W.Ward. 2, C. Martin. he.O^ompson. KfiS": "Martin; E. Robinson; J. Martin. e,J. Foster; W. S. Ward. Cambridge ; C. Manin (2); J. Martin. CATS. Long Haie.—L Capt. T. WetheraU. 3, M.' Robins. Northampton. fki.B.Mills, Kettering, c, Mrs. Clarke, Hartford. JOURNAL OP HOBTICDLTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. t July 15, 1876. Aky other Vabiety.— 1, MiB8 F. Rains, Kettering. 2 and e, F. Cotes, North- ampton. The Jadges were for poultry Mr. E. Teebay; Pigeons, Mr. F. Esquilant ; and Babbits, Mr. King. WINTERTON POULTRY, &c., SHOW. The third annual Show of the Wiuterton Society was held on the 7th and 8th inst. in a meadow in the centre of the village. The weather was all that could be desired, and the site chosen was a suitable one. A capital marquee was pro- vided for the poultry, and Turner's pens were used. The schedule was a pretty good one, but not such as to draw a great number of entries, considering that the Show was of two days' continuance (a mistake which we think will not be repeated), and the occurrence in this case of two other shows at the same time served to further curtail the returns in that respect, al- though under the circumstances the entries may be pronounced good. Dorkings headed the list, and were a fair class of the Dark variety. The Cochins very good; first Whites, to which was awarded the section cup and also the cap for the best pen in the Show ; the second and third were Buffs. Brahmas were a very good class in Dark, and of fair quality in Light birds. In jFre^ic/i the whole were noticed; the first and second being Creves, and third Houdans. Game were not of great note, except one pen of Brown Reds and one of Duckwings. In Hamburglis were some real good pens, but in both classes the third prizes were withheld. Spanish were good ; the first a good cock with a wonderful hen, and second a very good cook with a moderate ben ; the first-named taking the cup for the second section. Polands but one pen of fair good quality of the Golden variety. In single cocks the first was a Black Hamburgh, and second Malays, both very good. In hens first was a Spanish, second Brahma, and third Dorking, and a very good class. Bantams^ Game, were a large class, but only five pens were worth notice ; the first Piles, and the rest Black- breasted Reds. The cup for the third section was awarded here. Bantams any other were a fair lot only ; first and second Blacks, and second the old style of Silver Sebrights. Barndoor fowls were pretty good as regards the winners. In the Selling class the winners were Brahmas and Creve-Coeurs. Two classes were provided for Brahmas of Lincolnshire, the Light poor, but Dark very good in all respects. Turkeys, Geese, and Ducks were not numerous, and but moderate in quality. The quality of Pigeons stood high, although in some classes the entries were not numerous. In Carriers the winners were Blacks. In Pouters the first Black, which also won the cup for Pigeons ; second Blue, as also the third. Dragoons were all noticed, being a grand lot; the first Yellow, second Blue, and third a White nestling of great promise. In Antwerps the first and second were Blue, and third Dun, all Short-faces. In 'Tumblers the first a grand Almond cock, second a Yellow Agate of grand head properties. In Owls a White was first, and Blue second. Barbs were very good, a Black cock placed first, and Dun second; the third, a Bed hen, was not in good order, and must be cared for, or will be lost. Turbits very good, the first a Blue cock, second Silver, and third Bed. In Fantails a Blue was placed first; the size, style, and carriage very grand, but not so good in tail as the second and third, which were, how- ever, coarser birds. Jacobins good; the first-prize Nun such a bird as is rarely seen ; the second, a Yellow, was a little faded. In the Variety, first was a nice Ice Pigeon of the spangled variety, second a Blondinette, and third a Magpie. Bed Barbs were first in the Selling class, the second being Magpies. In Babbits, for which only poor provision was made, the first in bucks was a capital Blue-smut Lnp, 22 by 43, second a neat Silver-Grey, and third a Fawn Lop, 21 by 4}. In does a Silver- Grey had an easy win, this being a very good Babbit, a Lop, 21} by 4g ; the third being Dutch. A class for Belgian Hare brought five entries of capital Babbits ; the otherwise best, a buck, highly commended, had a white nose, but should be good for stock purposes. The stock entrusted to the care of the Committee was well attended to, and all were conveyed to and from the station (a distance of five miles) free of charge. D0RKING9. — 1, W. H. Crabtrec, Levpnehalme. 2, H. Pickles, Earby. 3, Simpson and DoddB, Bedaie. c, T. Saw>er. Winterton. Cochin-Chinas.— Cup and 1. W. Whilworth, Longaiaht. 2, W. H. Grabtree, 3, J. Smith, Lir^coln. /ic, — HeRselune, Karton-on-Huniber. Brimsia—Li(iki.—'i and 2, W H. Grabtree. S, W. Whitley. Sheffield, c, T. Newham. Bartnn-on-Humber. Dark.~l, W, H. Grabtree. 2, Dr. .1. Holmep, Chesterfield. 3. \V. Hesseltine. he. G. S. Pearson. Southtown. Great Yarmonth. e.G. Thompsiin, South Ferriby; W. J. Waters, Elaham, Brigg; W. T. Millet, Fairfield, Liverpool. FfEKCH.— 1. W. H. Crabtree. 2, Mrs. J. Wicks, Appleby. 3, G. W. Hibbert, Godley. ftc, J Grantham: W. Wiiitwortb. Game ^Blark-breaated lied—I. K. B- Avre, Winterton. Am/ other variety — 1 and 3. W. G. Waters. 3, Miller & Darley, Brigg. c, C. Meggilt, Barton-on- Bumber. Hambubghs,— ^(i?(i or Siiver ^pRn(iUd.~l,H. Pickles. 2, G. Holmea, Great Driffield. 3. B WiDiinson. Alkborough, Brigg. Gold or Silver-pcncilted.—l.H. Pickles. 2, R. Newbilt, Epworth. 3, J. Gilding. Winterton. Spanish.— Cno and 1, K. Newbitt. 2, J. Boulton, Bristol. 3, W. G. Waters, e, J. Gllyard, Winterton. Polands.— 1. G. W. Boothby, Louth. Any Varietv.-CocJ: -1, T. A. Wright. Great Yarmouth. 2, R. Newbitt. ht, W. Sparrowhawk, Barton-on-Humber. Hen.~l, R. Newbitt. 2 and vhc. Dr. J. Holmes. Bantams.- Game.— Cup, 1, and 2. Mrs. E. Newbitt, EpwortU. 3, W. Hesseltine. uftc.G. Holmes, /u:. W. Smith. Any otiier variety.— I. W. G. Waters. 2, W. J. Warhurst, staleybridge. 3, W. Bygott, jun., Rye Hill, Ulceby Junction, he. Dr. Holmes. Babndoor.—I, G. Robinson, North Frodingham. 2. G. Johaaon, Winterton. 8, W. Sawyer, he. W. Blanshard, Whitton 121. Sellino Class.-I. W. G. Waters. 2, G. Thompson. 3, Mrs. Cross, Brigg. ftCMrs. Gross; R Newbitt. LociL Class.— Lig/it ifra/iiTio^.— Cup and 1, J. G. Constable, Brigg. 2, A. Bray, Winterton. Local CLASS.-Darfc BraliTrtas— Cup and I.Mrs. J. Wells, Winterton. 2, E.J. Wells, he, Mrs. Cross ; — Hesseltine. Tdbkets.— 1, W. Sawyer. 2, T. Parkinson, Winterton. Geese.— 1 and 2. F. Walker, Winterton. Docks.- 1, W. Bygott, jun. 2 and 3, W. Sparrowhawk. PIGEONS. CAltRiERS.— Coc^ or Hen.~l, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, J. E. Crofts, Blyth, Worksop. Pouters —Cock or Hen.— Cup, 1. and 2, Hairsine & Thornton, Hull. 8, J. E. Crofts, he, H. Yardley. Dragoons— Coc/c or Serp.—l and 2, R. Woods, Mansfield. 8, E. A. Thornton, Hull. Whole class highly commended. Antwerps.- C'ocA: or Hen.—l and vhc, H. Holroyd, HuU. 2, Hairsine and Thornton. 3. H. Yardley. he, F. Bray, Burton-on-Statber. Tdmblers — Coct or Hen —1, H. Yardley. 2, J. E. Crofts. 3, A. W. Canty, Barton-on-Humber. Owls.— C'ocfe or Hen.—l, H. Yardley. 2, Gantv & Kirk, Barton-on-Humber. Barbs,— C'ocfc or Hen—\, H. Yardley. 2, J. E. Crofts. 3, W. J. Warhurst, Staleybridge. f/ic, C. Wroot, Hull, /tc, Hairsine & Thornton, c, S. Stabbins, Winterton. ToRBiTS— Cocfc or H^u.—l, Hairsine & Thompson. 2. H. Yardley. 8, J. E. Crofts, vhc. J. Warhurst; Hairsine & Thompson; G. iJartle, Brigg. he, Hairsine & Thompson. Fantails.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, J. Warhurst. 2 and S. J. Walker, Newark. he and e, J. F Loversidge, Newark. Jacobins.— c'ocfc or Hen.—l, J. E. Crofts. 2, Canty & Kirk. 8, A. S. Johnson, Scawby, Brigg. NoNs-Cocl-orHeil.— I.J. W. Warhurst. 2, J. E. Crofts. 3, H. Yardley. Any Variety.- Coc/c or Hen.—l, J. K. Crofts. 2, H. Yardley. 8, A. Canty, Barton-on-Hnmber. Selling Class.— 1, C. Wroot. 2, J. E. Croits. 8, A. Canty, vhc, Hairsine and Thornton. RABBITS. Any Variety.— Buct.—l. G. Conyera, Hull. 2. A. Canty. 8, A. Hudson, HulL Doe.—i. F. & E. J. Fell. Blackburn. 3, A. Hudson. BELGIAN Hare.— fiiicfc or Doe.—l, 2, and 3, B. Greaves. Cleethorpes. he, M, C . Bray, Winterton. Judges. — Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey; Mr. F. Sales, Crowle. BRENTWOOD SHOW OP POULTRY. This Show, as in comparison to that held last year at Stratford, was a great success. The management was different, and it was quite distinct from the general show close by. Mr. Tegetmeier was Judge, and except in a few cases we agree with his awards. We hope that another year the Committee will display a little more practical knowledge of their subject as exemplified in the schedule, which was poor and badly drawn. There were four cups : one for Dorkings, which brought five entries; Cochins bringing six entries; Game bringing eleven entries; and Brahmas. Now, why these classes should be favoured in this way we do not know, more especially as the same entry was charged throughout. Again, the classes were lumped together in a most unwise manner. Cochins should be divided; Ham- burghs want at the very least two classes, and should have four or five to give any satisfaction ; French should have classes, also Polands; and the Duck class sadly needs division, or the beautiful little Mandarin, &g., are hardly to be expected. The pens and feeding were commendable ; but the entries small, mustering only 110 pens, although in almost every class there were birds of the verv highest type. In Darlings Mr. Parlett secured cup and second with two fine pairs, which are old friends with us. They were good in feet, size, and condition. The Whites could stand no chance, although very fair birds. Mr. Henry Lingwood seems out of form this season. In Spanish the hens were better than the cocks, the latter beginning to look anything but " aristocrats." In Game Mr. S. Matthew showed three lovely pens. The Bed class contained four grand pens, the best being Mr. Matthew's commended Black Beds ; but the Judge preferred larger birds belonging to the same owner. These were Brown Beds in grand trim indeed, good in eye, feet, and style. Second con- tained we think the Croydon winner, a fine strapping bird he is ; but the hen was not so good. The commended Brown Beds (Martin) were a lovely colour, but too square in tail. In Duck- wings, first, which took the cup also, were a lovely-coloured pair of Duckwings in nice order, but not so shapely as the Beds. The rest were only moderate. Cochins, a poor lot, were headed by a well-known pen of Buffs, the cock being the same which was disqualified at Croydon. This pen has had a pretty fair spell of exhibiting lately and needs rest. The rest were all poor. Dark Brahmas were a larger class, first going to Mr. Lingwood's Croydon cup cock, with a moderate hen ; the second being very moderate, in fact with one exception a pen we would have placed second. The whole class remaining was poor. Lights were a much better lot, the winning pens being first-rate, good in body, colour, comb, and feather. 'The commended pens each contained good individual specimens. The Hamburghs, any variety, were eleven pens ; first were Gold-pencils, the hen a July 15, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ^em, but the cock fair only; secontl were Silver-spangles, cock first-rate and in fine trim, the hen only moderate. Pen (J2 (Tickner) were nice Gold-spangles; and OiJ (Harris) Silver- spangles. In Game Bantams first were richly-coloured stylish little Piles; they would be better with less tail. _ This applies also to the second Black Reds, which were stylish, but heavy in the caudal appendage. In the fancy Bantam class Blacks of rare quality were first and fair Japanese second. It is some- thing novel to see Blacks beat Silver Sebrights such as Mr. Leno'B crack pen, but we can scarcely understand Japanese thrashing them. In the Variety class first and second were Crrves and Houdaus, the latter with Crcve combs. Mr. Hewitt insists upon the Houdan comb on the Houdan. Which is it to be ? The highly commended pair were Black Malays, which we much admired. Turkeys and Geese were fair classes only. Dorkings.— 1 and 2, F. Parlett, Galleywood, Chelmsford, vhc, — Everett* e, — Stratford. Spanish.— 1, — Chilcott. 2, — Waller, he, ~ Thomas. Gi^E..— Black-breasted and other Redii.—l. S. Matthew, Stowmarket. 2, J* Jekjn, Eltbam. c, S. Matthew ; — Martin. Any other colour.— l^ — Matthew. 2, — Fitcb. Cochins.—]. — Harris. 2, H. Linfrwood. BRiHMAs.— DarA;.— 1, H. Lingwood. 2. J. Hill, he. Rev. G. W. Joyce ; J. R. Way. ^, M. Holland. Ligftf.— 1, H. Lingwood. 2, — Haines, /ic, H. Lingwood ; — Haines, c, — Kennis ; — Hawkins ; H. Dowsett, Pleshy. Basihurghs. — 1, J. Judaon. 2, — Long, he, — Harris, c, — Schreiber; W. K. Tickner, Ipswich. Bantams.— Game.— 1, E. W. Southwood. 2, W. Adams, he, G Garrod. Any other variety,— \, — Francis. 2. — Allen, c, M. Leno, Dunstable. Any otheb Breed.— 1 and 2, W. Dring, Faversham. he, — Harris, c, J. Jadson; — Brent. Tdrkeys.- 1, Mrs. Mayhew. 2, — Everett, he, W. Tippler, c, — Gunnell. Geese.- 1. — Snell. i, — W. Tippler, he, — Fitzherbert. DucKH. — 1,— Everett. 2,— Harris, he, Mrs. Bemers. Selling Class.- 1 and 2, Dr. Campbell, Brentwood, vhc, — Norris. he, Dr. Campbell; — Simpson. FULFOKD (YOBK) SHOW. The annual Show of poultry and Cage Birds took place on the 12th inst. The poultry, &o., were arranged in the open field in pens belonging to the Society, which we, however, recommend to be changed for some of a more modern kind. Spanish were first, and only poor ; but the Dorkings were fit to grace the beat of shows. Brahmas^ Cochins, and Game only of a poor quality, with the exception of the first-prize pens. Hamhurghs had but two classes, and in that for Golden Pencils won both prizes ; a pen of Spangles highly commended were good, but the cock's breast was very much laced. Silvers were poor. In chickens of Any breed the first were three very promising Black Spanish cockerels, and second a pen of Light Brahmas of fair quality, a pen of Brown Red Game — too young however — being very highly commended. In Bantams first were Black, and second Silver Sebrights. Turkeys were very good, but the pens were too small. In Ducks a pretty pair of Teal were first, and Aylesburys second. Pigeons were well shown, the best four Carriers taking first, and a mixed lot second, two of the latter being also Carriers, a Priest, and an Owl. In Babbits, as might be expected, were good representatives. In Lops a very large Fawn doe was first, a Fawn-and-white buck second, and a ISlack doe third. In the Variety class first was a capital Angora, second a handsome Silver-Grey, and very highly commended a Belgian hare, the rest of the class being good. The great feature of the Show was the Cage Birds, which were shown in the floral tent, and a nice display they were, fifty-six in all. In the Clear Tellow of 187.3 the winners were nice promis- ing Norwich, which were putting-out here and there a stray shoot of high colour. No. 1 was left out being ticked, and No. 4 as presenting the appearance of too rapid a moult in one particular place. In Buffs were also some nice specimens, and all were noticed. The rest of the classes were for birds of any age. In Evenly-marked Buff or Yellow the first was a good Tellow four-pointed bird, rather heavy in eye marks ; second also Tellow, was not perfectly even. No. 16 (Petty & Cuss) was disqualified, the secondaries of the left wing having been coloured to match the other, and we must admit it looked well ; but we would advise that it be shown in the Extra stock as a specimen of the artistic skill of the exhibitor. Cinnamons won both prizes in the Variety class, a young Lizard with a slightly irregular cap being very highly commended. The Crested were a fair class, the first a Tellow with very even crest, though not large. Cage of four Canaries were mostly young birds of this year, and were not of high merit. Goldfinches were good, very good indeed for the time of year. In Goldfinch Mules a good Mealy four-pointed bird was placed first, a Dark Mule of very high colour being second; two other highly commendeda were light variegated. Bullfinches were very good and in fine bloom, and Linnets showed great care and nursing, the two winners being in faiiltless condition and feather. In Extra stock were two of the circular cages attached to musical boxes, the birds, which were powerfol-bnilt Greenfinches, plying their calling very actively, Spanish.— I, J. T. Hlngston, York. 2, T. P. Carrer, Boronghbridge. he, G. Fotmder. D0HK1NG8.— 1, J. T. Hingston, York. 3, J. Newall, York, he, G. Pounder, Kirbymuorside. e, J. Kobshaw, Wbixley. Brahmas.— 1 and 2, T. P. Carver, Cochin-China.— 1, MesBrs. Umpleby. 2, J. Nortb, Fartown. he, Lowley and England, Boroughbridge. c, A. S. Perfect, Fulford. Game —1, G. Carter, Bedale. 2, J. Robbbaw, Wbixlev. he, C. Auton, York. Jii.Mux]Ra3s.— Goldfn-si}ait{iled anil l'rnrilled.—\ and he, T. P. Carver. 2, J. Newall. tiilver-siianfileti or PinciUed.—l,J. Robsbaw. 2, J. Newall. Barndoor.— 1, G. Pounder. 2, T. P. Carver, he, J. Robsbaw. ANy Bheed.— C/n- A-fn»,— 1, J. T. Hingston. 2, T. P. Carver, he, G.Carter, Bedale. c, W. Linton. Bantams.- 1 and 2, T. P. Carver, he, J. T. Hingaton. Selling Class.- 1, G. Pounder. 2, J. Robsbasv. c, G. Carter; G. Hutchin- son, York. Geese.— 1. R Garbutt, Amplefortb. 2, A, S. Perfect, he, — Balderson, Beilby, TopKEYS.— 1, Miss Kirk, Kipon. 2, Miaa Hart, Dunnington. /ic,A. S. Perfect. Ducks.- 1 and 2, T. P. Carver. Pigeons.— 1, G. Sadler, Borougbbridge. 2, Messrs. Umpleby, he, C. Auton. c,C, R. Dixon, York ; E. Mawdesley, York ; C. Auton. CAGE BIRDS. Canaries —Ciear Yellow, bred (h1875.— 1, T, Humphrey, York. 2, Harland and Son, York, he, J. E. Barr, York ; W. Triflitt, York. C(eor Bug, bred in 1S75.— 1. Petty* Cu88, York. 2. Barland & Son. he, J. Baines. York; B. J. Smith, York; T. Humphreys. Erejihj-tuarki'd /ii/i?" or IVi?ou'.—l, Harland and Son. 2, J. Baines, York. c,H. Baines. ^hi/ ufii r rarjcty.— ], W. H Batchelor, Whitby. 2, Petty & Cnsa. /ic, J. E. Barr. York ; K. Pearson, Whitby ; Harland and Son. Crested.— \, J. Balnea. 2 and he, K. .f. Smith, e, H. Baines ; Petty and Cuas : W. Treatt. Cage of Four— \, Velly & Caaa. 2,K.J. Smith, he,}. Baines ; Harland & Son. c, G. H. Campbell. York. Goldfinch Mule —1, Harland & Son. 'i, T. Humphrey, he, J. Baines. Goldfinch.— 1, J. Rookledge, York. 2, J. Baines. he, T. Humphrey. BoLLFiNCH.— 1, Harland & Son. 2, T. Bramley, York, he, R. Pearson ; J. Baines; G. Hilton, Y'ork. Linnet.— 1, R Pearson, Whitby. 2, J. Giles, York, he, W. H. Batchelor, Whitby ; R. J. Smith ; T. Humphreys. RABBITS. Lop-EARED.— 1, T. Myton, York. 2, H. Myton, York. Any other Variety.- 1, W. Glaiabv, York. 2, H. Myton. ^c, G. T. Linf oot, York, c, D. Empaler ; W. Myton ; T. Wanutord ; N. Suggitt, York. Juvenile Class.— 1, W. H. Dempster, Fulford. 2, B. Dawson, he. Master Thompson, Fulford. JoDGE.— Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey. SNAITH POULTRY, &c., SHOW. The twenty-first annual meeting of the Snaith Agricultural Society was held on July 8th in the beautiful grounds kindly lent by Mr. J. H. Rocket. For the accommodation of the poultry and Pigeons a spacious marquee was provided, and Turner's pens completed the arrangement, these being well placed for the purpose. The list was a great improvement upon any previous one offered by the Society, and the results fully bore out the wisdom of this step, the entries being in all respects satisfactory. Game fowl were not good, if we except the winners in the Variety class, which were Duckwings, while Spanish were very good, and for the time of year in nice feather. In Cochins the first were Whites, the hen a grand bird; the second Buffs, the hen also good, but both cocks poor ; the third a fair pen of Par- tridge, though the cock had too much hock. Both classes of Spangle Hamburghs were very good, and the Pencils as far as regards the winners, the remainder being poor. Both White and Coloured Dorkings were good ; in the latter class Silver- Grey were second. Dark Greys taking the other prizes. Of Black Hamburghs there were but three pens, but these were very good. Bantams were well provided for but badly classed, and a revision of this section would be of great use. A class for Duckwing Game was first with three pens of fair quality ; next was one for Any other variety of Game Bantams, in which a smart pen of Piles were first. Brown Keds second, and Piles third. In cock and hen not Game the winners were Black and very good. After these came Black Red cocks, in which the first was a grand stylish bird ; the second had a better tail, but lost in colour, limb, and carriage, and was minus one sickle; the third was good, but the wings were a little drooping. Hens of that variety were the best of the Bantam classes, the first going to a most perfect pullet, and second to a hen perfect in colour and in nice order, two other excellent hens receiving high commendations ; one of these, a very old bird, had such a head as is rarely seen. Of Brahmas there were only four pens, the first only being good. Cock and hen of Any other variety pro- duced Silver and Gold Poland and Black Cochins, the Polands being very fine. In both Selling classes Creve-Cosurs were first, Spanish, Black Bantams, and Game dividing the other prizes. In Turkeys the best were Blacks, and in Geese Grey ; the Ducks, which were Rouens, being good, but out of feather. Guinea Fowls were one of the best classes we have seen of late. The whole class was highly commended. Pigeons were a very even lot. Carriers were divided into two classes. In cocks the first was Dun and second Black, both good. In hens the first was Black, and second Dun ; a grand Black was highly commended. In Tumblers the winners were Almonds, the first a cock and second hen, the latter good in head proper- ties, but only moderate in colour. .Jacobins were a grand class, every pen being noticed ; the first and second Red. Pouters also all noticed ; the first Blue, but not in the condition we have seen him ; second Black ; and a third was awarded to a capital White. Turbits were very good. The first-prize Red was about perfect, the second was a Shell-crowned Silver, and all the rest noticed. Fantails were very good, but in Owls only the winners were of any use, the first Silver and second Blue. 60 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. I Jnly IS, 187B. Barbs were a good class. A Black cock of good properties was first ; and second a Dan very short in beak, but not equal in eye to the highly-commended Black. Magpies were very good; both the winners Reds. In Dragoons the first was a most per- fect Blue cock, and second a Bed, a capital Yellow being also noticed. Antwerps were a good class, the first the style of bird which has been long looked for — Silver, Dun, and Short-faced in reality ; the second was a medium-faced Red-chequer hen; a good Short-faced Red-chequer was very highly commended. In Any breed not before named the first were a pair of Pigmy Pooters, second Nuns ; both very good. Two Selling classes wound np this section, some of the pens being very cheap lots. Of Babbits there were not many entries, the prizes being poor, but the winners were well worthy of better competition. Cage Birds were shown in the floral tent, and looked well among the flowers. The first class was for " English Canary," whatever that may be. A very good Variegated high-coloured Norwich was placed first, the second going to a good four-pointed Yorkshire, a very well-made Dark Variegated Yorkshire being very highly commended, other commoner-colonred birds coming in for high commendations. Belgians were very poor. Bull- finches and Goldfinches good for the time of year, and the Linnets in nice order. In the Variety class the first was a capital King Parrot, and second a five-pointed Goldfinch Mule, a Snow Banting in nice order being very highly commended. The whole Show was very well managed, and we congratulate the Secretary upon the success of this section particularly. GiSE.— Black or other Eed.—l. J. B. Hepworlh. HneKin Carr, HatfleH. 2, — Julian. BeverJey- 3, F. Sales, Crowle, Any otker variety— hF. Ssiles. 2,3. A. 4 H. H. Stareley. Tibthorpe, Driffield. S. M. White, Stapleton Park, SpiNisH.— Blacfc.— 1 and 2. H. Beldon. Goitstock. Bingley. 2, J. Powell. Coobin-Chin*.— I, H. Beldon. 2. J. White. 3, W. P. Fletcher, Ackworth. he, T. Addey, Askern ; — Bleasby, Hambleton. c, — Turton, Ackworth ; — Bleasby. BiytBXjBGBB.—Silvertpanghd.—l and 2. H. Beldon. 3, Wells cS; Sherwiu. aolden-spangted.—\ and 2. H. Beldon, S. J. & W. Kellitt, Osset. Hambdrohs.— Go/(i«?n-penci/Icrf.— 1 and 2. H. Beldon. S, W. HarcUff, Hessle. Baner-pencUled—l and 2, H. Beliton. 3. W. Harclifl. HiMBOROHs.-BtecA;.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. S, J. & W. Kellitt. DoHKiNos —WMte.—\ and 2, W. Morlitt. Goole. 3, W. H. King, Stanfleld, Rochdale. Coloured.— \ and vhc, W. Morlitt. 2, W. Rowe. 3, W. H. Kmg. he. 3. H. Eockett. „ _ Bantjms.— Game Jluekxcing.—l, C. 4 F. Newbitt 2. W. F. Entwisle, West- field Wyke, Bradford. 3, E. Dawson. Epworth. Any other variety Game Diu:kui'ng.—\. E. Dawson. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 3, F. Holt. Any variety not Game.—l. Wells & Sherwin. 2 and 3, H. Beldon. c, T. C. Newbitt. Bejhmas.— 1. W. Whitely, Sheffield. 2. Mrs. B. Frank. 3. J. VoUans, Selby. Any other Variety.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. 3, Mrs. B. Frank. Game BASTAMS.-Bfacfc Red.—Cock.-l, W. F. Entwisle. 2. A. Sngden, Cleckheaton. 3. Masler R. D. R. Plamlree, Epworth. he, Wells & Sherwin ; E. Dawson. Hen.— 1 and 3. W. F. Entwisle. 2. A. Sngden. he, 3. Crosland, j on. ; W. Ewbank, Carlton; W. W. Hudson, Epworth. c, Mrs. Dale; — Jabez, Clilton ; T. Sales. Any Breed -Cocit.—l, H. Beldon. 2, F. Sales. 3, J. B. Hepworth. ftc, Mrs. B. Frank ; T. Addey. Selling Class.— A'o( (i cxccfii 4 ».—1, T. Addey. 2, J. Powell, Bradford. 3. Birch & Boulter, c, W. Morfitt ; H. Beldon. Not to exceed 2l)s.— 1, Wells and Sherwin. 2. — Jabez. 3. Birch & Boulter, lie, T. Morfltt; T. Addey (2). TcRKEYS.— 1, Mrs. J. Braithwaite, Haddlesey. 2 and c, 3. H. Rockett. 3, 3. Mrs. Lambert. Sherwood. Geese.— 1, J. White, Netherton. 2, J. B. Hepworth. 3, C. Young. D0CS8.— I, B. Parkinson, Dewsbury. 2. J. White. 3, C. Youne. hc,J. Oliyer. Guinea Fowls.- 1, J. H. Rockett. 2, G. Cooke, jnn. 3, C. Young. PIGEONS. Carriers.— Cocfc.~l and 2. E. Horner, Harewood. he. J. E. Crofts, Blyth, Worksop, e, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Hen.— 1, J. E. Crofts. 2, E. Homer. he, H. Yardley; E. Horner. Tumblers.- Cocfc or Eeh.—\, H. Yardley. 2, E. Homer, he. Wells and Sherwin. _ „ JAOOBINS.-I. T. Holt. 2. E. Homer, vhc, J. E. Crofts ; T. Holt ; E. Horner. e. Wells & Sherwin ; J. Shillock, Oulton, Hossingham. Podters.— I, J. E.Crofts. 2, Miss F. Seanor. 3, A. Spencer, Driffield. Whole class highly commended. Tdrbits.— 1. Miss F. Seanor. 2, J. E. Crofts, he, W. Fowler ; E. Homer (2). Fantails.- 1. J. F. Liversidge, Newark. 2, J. Walker, Newark. }ic, 3. Walker ; J. F. Liversidge ; W. i owler ; E. Homer. Owls.— 1, Miss F. Seanor. 2. H. Yardley. c. F. Tomlinson. Barbs.- 1, E Horner. 2, J. E. Crofts, he, W. Fowler. Maopies.—I, E. Homer. 2, J. E. Crofts, /ic, F. Tomlinaon; Miss F. Seanor. Draoooss.— I and he, R. Woods, Mansfield. 2 and e. Wells &. Sherwin. Antwerps.- 1 and vhc, W. F. Entwisle. 2, Miss F. Seanor. he, 3. Crosland, jun. c, J. Crosland, jun. (2); E.Horner. Any other Variety.— 1, Miss F. Seanor. 2, E. Homer, /tc, H. Yardley. c. Wells & Sherwin, Selling CLASS.-Pair— Price 7io( to exceed 428.— 1. H. Y'ardley. 2. J E. Crofts, ftc. E. Horner, c, J. I'rosland, jun. ; Wells & Sherwin. Coek or Hen, — Price not to exceed2is.— I.E. Homer. 2, A. Spencer, c, W. Fowler. FANCY BIRDS. Canabies.— Eni7lw?i.— 1. R, Lesson. Middlesborough. 2, T. Ballance. vhc,W. Tasker, Goole : G. Morris, Todmorden. he, 3. Meggit, Snaitb ; W. Gravill, Thorne; W. Cawthorne, Oowick: J. Widdop, Snaiih: J. Wright, Snaith. Belgian or Foreion.—l, Master U. Back. Goole. 2. T. Ballance. Bullfinch.— 1, R. Lesson. 2. J. W. Walker, c, — Mitchell. Gowdall. Goldfinch.— 1, A. Ross, Selby. 2, J. W. Walker, he, R. Lesson, c, G. Morley, Barlow. Linnet— 1, R. Lesson. 2. J. Coultas, Snaith. /w, H. Mitchell, Gowdall. c, J. W. Walker. Any VARiftTY.— 1. W. Clarke (King Lavril). 2, G. Trimmingham. Wormley HilL vhc, W. Clarke (King Parrot), he, E. Nelson, Camblesforth ; T. Ballance. RABBITS. Lop-eared.— Bucfc.—l, J. M. Mander, Wakefield. Doe.— 1, J. M. Mander. ANY OTHER Variety.— 1 and 2, J. Hallas. Jddoes. — Mr. W. Oannan, Bradford ; Mr. G. Hatton, Padsey, Leeds. a considerable number of entries, and a good exhibition is an- ticipated. JACOBINS. For many years Jacobins have been a,% far beneath the standard of the old fanciers as either Trumpeters or Owls. What " Wilt- SHiKE Rector " so happily terms the " Baldhead style " has been in the ascendant — a poor thing, with an apology for a hood on the back of its head, or rather on the upper end of its neck, and then laid flat, and if it did not lie flat enough it was assisted by cutting away the feathers beneath. This made the bird look BO like a Baldpate that at a short distance I have actually mistaken the one for the other in a badly lighted loft. Then they have the mane — one of the greatest faults a Jacobin could have ; birds with it look as if the feathers on each side of the neck had been blown aside and remained so, with the so-called mane running up between those holes. This mane had also another bad effect, as of course it runs up and joins the hood in a point, and so cansing an angular appearance in the hood which has again to be touched up to make it circular. The birds were beside coarse in head and beak, and large in body, with thick shoulders, so that many could not be handled easily unless both hands were used. They were also short in flights and tail, and of course short in the feathers of the hood and chain as well. This is one of the greatest faults a Jacobin can have. But all these defects seem to have been overlooked, or rather tamed into beauties, provided the bird had pearl eyes, as if this was the chief property of a Jacobin. This eye is no doubt desirable, and adds to the beauty of a bird if fine in other properties, but ought not for a moment to come into competition with fine head, hood, and chain, thin shoulders, and length of feather ; obtain these, and then the proper eye will follow. It will be much easier to secure than the other points. The best specimens of the old Jacobin were very slim in girth, with long flights and tails, and fine heads and beaks, and the feathers of a soft silky texture all over. Birds of this style had the hood and chain much better developed than in the modem show Jacobin. The hood was upon the head and thrown well forward, so that it really formed a hood. I have seen a Red Jacobin so good in this respect that when looked at in a side or profile view only her back was visible. She could not be flown until part of her hood opposite each eye was cut away in order that she might see her way. Of course even then such birds were not common, but this was not wanted. Such birds had no mane — an abomination, but of course it came; in fact was too easy to obtain. It looks as if the new school had decided to make it a property, as well as the flat hood. Instead of the mane the feathers round the back of the head were nicely divided all round, and so forming the hood into the proper circular shape. How the show Jacobins of the present day have come to be believed in can only be accounted for by the fact that fanciers for many years have not had it in their power to see many of the best style of birds, or, if they saw them, were told by those who professed to be judges that they were not show birds, and therefore not to be thought of a second time. But the tide will tarn, and has indeed shown signs of so doing from what 1 have observed at shows within the last year or two. That this will continue I fully believe, as every experienced thinking fancier will agree with me in saying that such a bird as the old Jacobin is much more difiicult to breed than the other, and much more preferable in every respect when bred. The great distinction is, the old Jacobin had a genuine hood and wore it. The modern bird has a poor hood thrown down to the back of the neck as if they were ashamed of it, or perhaps to give a better view of their faces — not so pretty certainly as to court inspection in such a barefaced manner. I know that I shall have a host of Jacobin fanciers down upon me for such heresy as they will deem it ; but this I do not mind, I am sure there are yet a few fanciers in the flesh who recollect such birds as I describe, and who could if they chose bear me out in all I have said. As to colour, I think Reds have been the best. Whites are pretty, but are always short in the feathers of the hood and chain. — G. Uke. The Rochdale Agricdltubal Show, including Poultry, Pigeons, &o., is announced to be held on August 18th in the grounds of C. M. Koyd, Esq. There are already, we understand, BELGIAN CANARIES.— No. 2. In continuing my remarks respecting Belgian Canaries I might enumerate instances where birds of exceptional merit have been exhibited — one in particular, a noted Buff cock, well remembered by some of the Belgian fancy as having been shown in the youthful days of the Crystal Palace bird show. If I mistake not the bird was exhibited three or four years in succession, the last time at the Palace Show being in the year 1863, when the bird had attained the age of five years. On each occasion the bird was awarded first honours. The repetition of the performance year after year, and the age of the bird (for Belgian Canaries rarely live to the age of five years as exhi- bition birds), may be considered a very exceptional instance, and worth recording. The famous Buff cook was the property Jaly 15, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 61 of a gentleman in the city of Durham, who also prided himself iu exhibiting (about the Bame period) some exceedingly line specimens of the Goldfinch and Canary Mules. Sixteen or eighteen years ago All-England Bird Shows were not known much of, but still at the earliest of them the Belgian Canary always held a prominent position; but of late years tho Norwich Canary having come so much into favour, and being generally cheaper than Belgian birds, breeders of the latter kind have become few and far between. Most of the choicest Belgian Canaries are annually imported by dealers and others into this country from Belgium. The high prices asked place them beyond the reach of most fanciers. The consequence is they are more scarce than other kinds, are less robust in constitution, and even when some enthusiastic specu- lator with " Belgian on the brain " loosens his purse strings and sets himself up with a pair of high-class birds, ten to one he may at the end of the breeding season have nothing to gratify him beyond a solitary specimen to recoup him for his outlay, and he may think himself fortunate if he succeeds in nursing the old or parent birds through the moulting sickness. The expense and trouble of breeding and rearing is a drawback to the Belgian fancy, but I have always considered that there is more credit to the fancier who can breed, exhibit, and win, than to those who have to purchase stock year after year for ex- hibition purposes. The best breeders iu Belgium promote principally the breed- ing of clear birds, not favouring so much those marked or variegated, which are produced through crossing-in with dark- feathered birds of inferior blood. It is only occasionally that even-marked or variegated birds are found to possess the essen- tial Belgian points which characterise clear birds. Not so, how- ever, with those dubbed or known as ticked Belgians, many of which are equally as good in points as clear birds ; in fact, the ticked birds are invariably bred from clear stock. As with Norwich birds, ticked or marked specimens will now and then crop up ; but in breeding Norwich birds the practice of crossing- in with the green is very common. It is done chiefly for up- holding colour. Were it not that at many shows the classes for Belgian birds are much less patronised than other kinds there would, as for the Norwich breeds, be six classes wherein the birds could be entered — viz., two for clear, two for ticked, and two for even- marked. In some instances the clear and ticked classes are combined; and in other cases, where committees have to "cut according to the cloth," the Belgian birds are included in one class — thus, " For the best Belgian bird." No intending bird-breeder should commence the Belgian fancy without having made himself master of the ins and outs of the practical management of other kinds of Canaries. Having so fortified himself he will be more competent to manage them. Belgian birds, being of a delicate breed, should not be handled more than is absolutely necessary — such, for instance, as clip- ping their claws, which should not be allowed to grow into a sickle shape, and also for otherwise keeping them from becoming crippled through being clog-footed. The compartments or cages in which they should be kept should be of good size. Belgian Canaries are very easily taught to run from one cage to another by the aid of a small wand or cane, which should be held over their heads, ever directing them to the doorplace through which it is intended they should make their exit. Such lessons should, if possible, be taught them during their youth, and always during the daytime. Yellow Belgian birds generally are more racy in appearance than Buff birds, but they are apt to be a little more faulty ; for although possessing smaller heads, thinner necks, and being better braced-up in feathers, still they show more hoUowness betwixt the shoulders, and are often disfigured with tails in- clined to project outwards instead of dropping in close proximity to the perch, and the half-circle being continued from the shoulders down the back to the end of the tail. I look at the above defect as a grave one in a Belgian bird, and the heavy shoulders somewhat lose effect unless thorough Belgian position and form predominate. The mere fact of a heavy-backed bird balancing itself upon its stilts is not good enough for the eyes of a thoroughly qualified judge of Belgians. — Geo. J. Barnesby. the nest in which she had deposited her own egg, having crept into a faggot for the purpose from which she could not return. While on natural history, I may just mention that I have seen it stated with authority that Starlings do not eat fruit. I have known a large Cherry tree with at least a hundredweight of Cherries upon it, cleared in a single morning before I had taken my breakfast by flocks of Starlings. They attack the Cherry trees in countless thousands for their fruit. — J. Gabb, M.B.C.S.E. THE CUCKOO. With regard to " our friend the Cuckoo," without question- ing his friendship or utility, allow me to inform you and your readers who are desirous of information on the subject that he does eat birds' eggs ; that whilst birds' eggs are to be found they are his main food ; that as these become scarce he takes to less dainty diet ; that I have when a lad, fond of birds'-nesting, found him more than once in the act of eating the eggs; and that he is not over-particular as to their freshness, having no objection to the chickens in them. It is a curious fact that the female Cuckoo does not eat the eggs from the nest in which she deposits her own. I never found more than one Cuckoo's egg in a nest with other eggs, bat I once found a female Cuckoo dead upon DARI. A QUESTION was asked a week or two ago by one of your cor- respondents. What is dari, and where can it be procured ? I have anxiously looked for a reply, but all I have seen — i.e., Mr. Elgar's letter, only tells as to its value and effect. Will someone say where it can be bought ? No corn-chandler about here knows anything of it. — H. G. W. [This is Indian millet, and ought to be procurable of any corn merchant.] BEES IN lEELAND. I, IN compliance with request from "B. &W." in your last week's number, forward a report of my bees for this season up to 1st July, and you will see that word for word it agrees with "B. &W.'s" experience. I may be permitted to say that anything signed with the above initials I have a high appreciation for, as the matter comes from an experienced apiarian, at least so I judge, without in the least knowing who " B. & W." may be. REPORT OF BEES. Locality, Co. Wicklow. Pasturage, grazing land, with abundance of white clover and splendid lime trees. Stocks, all unusually strong in ten frame hives. Weather, cold and wet during May and June, with bright daya at intervals. Honey, not an ounce in the supers, and hives as a rule light. By same date last year I had over 100 lbs. weight in supers, and hives all full. I find that an early and dry summer is the best for honey- gathering, as although the fields are now white with clover, the bees either do not gather it with the same industry, or else it is not so plentiful in showery weather as during a long spell of hot dry weather. — E. Walpole, jun. THE BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION Will hold their second great Exhibition of bees and their produce, hives, and bee furniture, and honey fair, at the Crystal Palace, Sept. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 1875. The schedule is com- prehensive and the prizes are liberal. There are classes for hives, bees, honey, cottagers, comestibles, &c. Honey F-ur. — In addition to the prize exhibition, a distinct counter will be appropriated for the exhibition and sale of honey in comb and in glasses, and in this department sales will be permitted and goods delivered at all times during the Show. The Association will provide salesmen. All money must be paid through the hands of the clerk in attendance, and will be afterwards accounted for, less Id. in each shilling for commis- sion. Every exhibit at the sale counter must have distinctly marked on it the weight and the price, which must include the package which contains it. The Association wUl not undertake to break bulk. No exhibit entered for competition will be allowed to be re- moved until the close of the Show. Every intending exhibitor must register his name with a fee of one shilling (which shall be the entry-fee for one exhibit iu any class) by September Ist; any additional number of entries may be afterwards made on or before September 15th on pay- ment of an additional fee of one shilling each. The amount of counter space that will be required for the exhibits must also be stated. Each exhibitor and member may have a ticket of free entry to the Show on application to the Hon. Sec. prior thereto. Donations in aid of the prize fund will be thankfully received. — John Hunter, Hon. Sl'c, Eaton Mise, Ealinr/, Middlesex. ITALIAN SWITZERLAND. In my rambles last summer I visited the Lago Maggiore, and made a short stay in the Canton of Tessin. I hoped to hava gained much information relative to bees, but not understand- ing Italian I could do but little among the natives. I found out, however, that the demand for Italian bees was a good thing for the bee merchants. " Mercanti d'api," as they are called, who, I soon learnt, carried sharp stings. I do not know that this pro- pensity is confined altogether to that part of the world, for even here in England the rival authorities on bees like to sting each other at times. 62 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 15, 1875. At Bellinzona I met with a bee merchant named Chevalley, who told me that he sent colonies of bees as well as queens to various parts of England and Scotland. He has a large stock of bees in various parts kept principally for exportation. Those which I Baw were all in rudely-constructed wooden boxes on the bar-frame principle, packed one upon the other like a wall with a ronnd hole in front, but no landing-board ; each box opened by a door at the back, the frames ranging from side to Hide ; being in a shed access to them was from behind. In ex- amining the bees Chevalley opened the door and puffed in a little tobacco smoke from a short pipe, then took out frame after frame until he found the queen, his wife assisting him so that they overhauled them with as much indifference as if they were looking over so many Pigeons' nests, which highly amused my wife, who could not understand why they were not stung; and when asked the reason Chevalley said, " My bees are good, very good." We spent a very pleasant day with this gentleman and his wife, and left them with much regret so soon. I still have to learn how people at a distance think so much of Italian bees, for in other parts of Switzerland they seem to prefer the black bees. Being on a voyage of discovery I learnt many things about the people which puzzled me not a little. The principal beast of burden seems to be the woman. Go where you will in highways or footpaths you meet the women and even young girls carrying the hotte. This hotte is like a large tub strapped on the back in which they carry everything ; manure to the field and the pro- duce home all is done by the women. It is not uncommon to see them carrying live pigs to market and again loaded home with what they require, not only for themselves but for their neighbours, also the husband walking by their side carrying nothing but a large umbrella. I asked. Do the men do nothing ? I am told very little besides smoking and chatting to each other at the public houses. The higher classes also live an indolent life. The men will turn out of bed at ten in the morning, go to the ca/t' or gossip about, backbiting each other, returning home, perhaps, at two in the morning. Many of them never see their children for weeks together. They are very fond of litigation, so that there is plenty of work for the lawyers ; so much is this the case that a stranger might think there was not an honest man in the country. I inquired further how it was there was no game to be found anywhere, neither for sport nor diversion ; on the other hand, they take care that a small bird shall not live. Every kind from the Swallow to the Nightingale can be purchased in the markets for 6d. per dozen, so that two small birds and 2 lbs. of polenta costing 3(Z. will make a meal for a family. Even in this they do not kill the birds for sport — powder and shot is too dear, but take them in nets and traps. Thousands of innocent song birds are taken every year on the margins of the Italian lakes. The principle which seems to guide these people is to make the most of everything, while that which requires care in keeping is neglected. Poultry, Pigeons, Babbits, Turkeys, Ducks, and Geese are hardly known. Horses, asses, and mules are only kept for travellers, few keep them for pleasure or even for labour. As to cats and dogs, they are hunted for sport, the former eaten, which they prefer to Rabbit. In fact, they seem to abhor every kind of animal. When asked why it is so, they say they do not know, except they have not been accustomed to keep them. A farmyard Buch as we have in England is unknown here ; the incessant noise made by every species of animals, as the barking of the dog, the neighing of the horse, the braying of the ass, the crowing of the cock, the hen's call to the chicken, the cooing of the Pigeons, &c., is heard nowhere. All this merriment is not heard anywhere in the Canton of Tessin. I forbear to enlarge on this subject, but should like the opinion of other travellers if all this be true. — John Cakpenter, Brentford. Goat Show.- — The Crystal Palace Company intend'Ihaving a show of Goats, to commence on the 2-Jth inst., and being the first exhibition of the kind they hope to have a large entry. There are twelve classes, and liberal prizes are offered. OUR LETTER BOX. Taking a Large Super {W. J. Hebblet}maite).—'We find no difficnUy with Aeton's bee trap, but can imagine a very large super sach as youra requiring diflEerent treatment. We should have driven out the bees en masac lir.st, and then used the trap to get rid of the remainder. It is not improbable that the queen was in your super, in which case there would be a difficulty in dislodging the bees. Tobacco is a bad fumi^^ator, and, indeed, all fumi- gating of bees is to be avoided ; it makes them sicfr, and afflicts them with diarrhcea, which is not agreeable in a fine super of honey. WooDLiCE IN Supers, &c. iF. M. M.).—l. You can get rid of the woodlice by closing the space hy which they enter. A little clay or other plastic sub- stance plastered ronnd will keep them out. 2. We hardly advi^;e your sug- gested method of joining the bees, after taking the super, to the swarm in the rough bar-frame hive. You had better wait till a few days before you leave home, then drive the bees of both hives, and unite them by dashing both of the populations down together in front of the bar-framed hive placed at band on the ground. They will enter it together peaceably enough, one of the queens, ot course, being eaorificed. Should there be any brood worth saving yoa can Beparate it from the rest of the comb, arrange it in a super, and place it over the bar-frame hive for the bees to hatch out. Some of the bees will doubtless fly back to their old stand for some days, but will mostly return to the bar-framed hive. Ligurianising a Hive (G. W. Jessop). — We fear you have cut out for yourself a treatment of your bees beyond the powers of a beginner in bee- keeping. You can easily procure a pure-bred queen from any advertising salesmen, as the Messrs. Neighbour & Sons. She will be, or ought to be, a fruitful mother, and can dispense with drones till swarming time next sum- mer ; but you will have to drive your colt to catch its queen. Then the Italian queen must be introduced by means of a queen cage or in some other way; and then comes the greatest difficulty of all— namely, the transferring of the whole to a Woodbury hive. We strongly advise you to wait till next year, as it is too late now to do it. Canary Hen Sitttno (Blue Bell). — We shoold imagine by this that your Canai'y hen is again about to commence sitting ; it will not hurt her to let her do so, provided she remains healthy. Jud^dng from your remarks we presume she is in robust health, and will maintain her " good condition " for another fortnight or three weeks ere she commences to moult, although at this particular juncture many Canaries are commencing to cast their feathers. If such had been the case with the pair you are breeding from, we should have said, At once remove the nesting materials. All Canaries do not fall into moult at one time, for much depends upon constitution and the even temperature and way they are treated. You have done well towards the birdB there is little doubt, and in return for your kind attention to them they have presented you so far with a goodly number of young birds. May they afford you still further pleasure with their harmony. If in the two earlier nests a chick was reared from each of the five ege^s laid, with an additioDEd couple reared from the third nest, you may consider yoorseU somewhat fortunate, for the rearing of a dozen young one^ by one pair of birds over three ueets is beyond the average. It is so far satisfactory for you to be able to account for the loss of three of the birds out of the five in the third nest. It is very often the case that young birds will die in the nests without the means of arriving at the true cause of death. Evidently the parent birds are kind and attentive, and if you continue your attention to them during the moulting sickness, and betwixt that and next April, moat probably you will be equally t^uccessful with them next breeding season. We will assist you with our advice if needed. The chaufjeable weather we have experienced during the past few days will very much affect Canaries and other cage pets, and epeedily throw them into the moulting sickuess. This becomes a natural consequence when following a period of heat. At the time we vrrite our thermometer in the open air records 53'' of heat only, with a strong breeze blowing from the north-west — cool enough certainly for July, and reminding us of our own feathers or covering. METEOROLOaiCAL OBSERVATIONS, Cauden Square, London. Lat. 61° 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet. DiTE. 9 A.U. In the Day. A2,- Hygrome- s« °3 Shade Tem- Radia tion .9 1876. Barom ter at 8 asd Se Level. ter. ■s3 ^" perature. Temperature. » July. In On Dry. Wet. So H Max. Min. sun. grass Inches. deg. deg. deg. deg deg. deg. deg. In. We. 7 30.269 63.1 59 0 N.E. 610 72.2 .W.S 102.6 61.6 — Th. 8 SO 015 60 3 56.6 N. 61,3 660 .561 77.0 55.7 0 010 Fri. 9 29.687 68 9 67.1 W. 60.0 62.6 50.6 81.7 46.2 0.383 Sat. 10 29 6!5 59.7 54.1 w. 69.1 68.3 507 118 4 483 0.065 Snn.ll 29.519 61.0 53 8 s.w. 57.6 61.2 47-0 114.9 46 1 0 218 Mo. 12 30.002 69 0 50 2 w. 67.5 66.2 48.4 118 6 46.2 — Tu. IS 30.215 60.6 63.1 N. 67.4 70 4<5 123.1 36 6 — Means 29.905 60.4 51.8 69.1 67.1 49.8 105.2 17.1 0.67S REMARKS. 7th. — A very pleasant thougli rather cloudy day ; storm-like at 5 p.m., bat fine afterwards. 8th.— Rather cloudy all day till the evening, then very bright. i)th. — Fine early, but soon clouding over, and then rain more or less all day, and at times very heavy rain. 10th.— Till noon cloudy and cold ; very fine afternoon and evening, but rain before midnight. 11th. — Fair early, but rain-like and windy; showers in the alterpart of the day ; a fine rainbow about 6 P.M. 12th. — Fine all day ; at times very bright but windy, and cold for the time of the year. ISth. — Very bright till noon, after that time cloudy; a few drops of rain about 7 P.M. The nights much colder than last week, the days have many of them been cloudy with frequent showers, so that it has been far from a pleasant week. — G. J. SyMONs. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 14. Very heavy supply of but-h and standard fruit. Cherries especially, whic'i are making very low prices, the bulk having been much injured by the late stoimy wet weather. The quantity of English Pines sent in now is far in excess of the demand. West India fruit being very good and cheap this season. Hothouse Grapes ample, inferior fruit selling at Is. to 2». per pound. An average amount of business is current among the dealers. French goods being in fair request. FHOIT. 8. d. B. d. Apples ^ sieve 0 OtoO 0 Apricots box 1 B 4 0 Cherries lb. 0 6 16 Ohpstnuts bushel 0 0 0 0 Currants 4 sieve 2 0 3 0 Black do. li 6 S G Figs., . dozen 8 0 12 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 0 0 Cobs lb. 0 0 0 0 Gooeeberries quart 0 4 0 6 ( Trapes, hothouse lb. 2 0 6 0 Lpmona ¥^ lOO 8 0 12 0 Melons each 2 0 5 0 s. d. B. d. Mulberries lb. 0 OtoO 0 Nectarines dozen 6 0 15 0 Oranges T;>^ 100 8 0 14 0 Peaches dozen 6 0 18 0 0 0 4 0 Pears, kitchen.. .. dozen 0 0 dessert dozen Pine Apples lb. Plums i sieve 0 0 0 0 Qoincea dozen 0 0 " " Kasi'berriea lb. 0 4 Strawberries lb. 0 3 Wahmts bushel 8 0 la « ditto ::viooii 0 1 " 0 0 6 1 6 July 22, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 63 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day o( 3Ionth Day of Week. 22 23 21 25 26 27 28 Th P s Sdn M To W JULY 23—28, 1875. Brecon Show. West of Scotland Eose Show at Helensburgh opens. Eoj-al Botanic Society, 3.45 P.M.— Cieoliheaton Show. 0 SCNDAT- AFTER TKINIIV. Bridge Show. Preston Show opens. Average Temperature near London. Day. 72.2 74.0 72.6 73.9 73.7 74.9 76.4 Nlsht. 51.4 51.4 61.7 49.4 50.3 60.7 60.8 Mean. 61.8 62 7 62.1 61.9 62.0 62.8 Son Eises. m. h. llaf 4 12 4 Son Seta. m. b. la{8 0 8 m. h. 58 at 9 10 10 22 10 86 10 04 10 20 11 60 11 Moon Sets. m. h. 24af 8 44 9 5 11 after. 5S 1 26 S 61 4 Moon'E Age. Days. 19 20 21 IL 28 21 25 Clock before San. 6 12 6 18 6 13 6 13 6 12 Day of Year. 203 204 205 206 207 Wi 209 50.8'. From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperatore of the week is 73.9'; and its night temperatoie "WHEN TO PLANT. ■ EBHAPS I had better begin by telling my readers when not to plant — viz., when there is little or no root-action, as in midwinter ; secondly, when evaporation is excessive, as at midsummer, unless means can be found to check evaporation till such time as the wounded roots are healed sufficiently to absorb an ample supply of moiature. If I were obliged to choose between these two extremes I should certainly for most plants prefer operating at midsummer ; for then, if the worli is carefully and quickly done on a day when the atmosphere is not deficient of moisture, root-action recommences in a few hours, I think I might say minutes, and our suspense is very short iodeed, for then if a blank should occur we can for certain fill it up in October. Those who Lave not been obliged by circumstances to try midsummer planting would be astonished to see the amount of torture a healthy plant will bear at that time. When making new walks, &c., in ornamental grounds I have had good- sized trees out of the ground two or three weeks during June and .July with merely a bit of grass wrapped round their roots, and they suffered very little from it : of course they bad good balls, and they were well planted. If there are young immature growths they should be cut back when this can be done without disfigurement. Another plan is to check evaporation by syringing whiting-and- water, or even dirty water, over the foliage. Whiting is best, as it reflects the sun's rays. I have no faith whatever in syringing outdoor plants with clear water in hot weather, unless it is for the purpose of knocking off insects, and these can be kept off easier, better, and with less injury to the trees in other ways. My own way is to syringe all wall trees subject to insect attacks with soft-soap water, about 2 ozs. to the gallon, once or twice during the growing season. Let those who wish to be fashionable use the celebrated compounds, I am content to be old-fashioned and use soft soap, which is unpalateable to every insect with which a gardener is tormented, including mealy bug. As this last-mentioned formidable enemy has not yet taken up his abode here, I make it a practice of keeping all newly-arrived plants in quarantine for two months, and giving them an occa- sional soapy bath. When they look at all suspicious, roots as well as leaves are washed. I have had several importations of thia detested enemy, but so far, thanks to soft soap and my own clear eyesight (I would not trust any other pair of eyes besides my own), I have been able to kill the animal without materially injuring the vegetable life. Soft soap will also kill mildew on Peach trees much more speedily than sulphur will. The mildew on Koses is harder to kill, but even it will succumb to a tolerably strong dose. It should be apphed in the evening after the sun is off the plants. But my test is " When to plant," and I have not yet said anything about it. Well, the time to plant is as soon as the leaf-growth is fairly matured in autumn, and be- No. 717.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeies. fore the roots have ceased to grow, while the ground is warm and sweet and in a fit state to be properly worked. Those who recommend spring in preference to autumn planting probably never tried the latter ; they are among those who are always two or three months behind in such work as can possibly be delayed, and consequently their autumn planting was done about the same time as their Christmas decorations. Of course that was quite a con- clusive trial. Spring planters have had a glorious time of it this year, and of course I am arguing against great odds; but before beginners make up their minds about the proper time to plant, I would ask them to look back two or three years, and compare plants which have been shifted in October and the beginning of November with such as have been planted at any other time. My advice is, now that the bedding-out is done. Straw- berry-forcing over, the forced French Beans with their hosts of red-spider pest out of the way, the Grapes thinned, and we have comparatively nothing to do but keep the bu-ds off and take note of the fruits they peck at first — for these are the best flavoured — lest our minds and brains should get rusty ; for the old proverb says, " It is better to wear out than to rust out," that we should at once turn our attention to the trees, and make up our minds as far as possible what we are going to plant, and have it all in black and white. There is no time to do this in large private establishments in the autumn, for generally there are hosts of the clifc from all parts of the country at our employers' tables, and our personal supervision is requu-ed daily for the dessert and floral displays ; for we know we are then surrounded by critics, some competent and some of the other sort, and it is always well on these occasions to try at least and satisfy oneself. Last September I planted over half a mile of ornamental Box-edging ; it took less than a third of the time it would take to do in the winter or early spring, because the weather was good, the days not too short, and the soil worked beautifully. My man said, " Narra good to plant un now, measter, the vrost uU haave it out ;" but, how- ever, with a little forcible persuasion, it was planted, and the surface of the ground close to the Box was kept loosened instead of remaining firm as it. was made up; consequently the frost, of which we had rather more than a sufficiency, did it no injury, and when examined in the spring it had roots 2 inches long, and the top commenced growth as early as that which had not been shifted. Many people are afraid to move fruit trees before the leaves have fallen, this is quite a mistake. It is best for the growths to be matured, but immature growths can always be cut off, and if the leaves are so numerous as to cause excessive evaporation, and consequent shrivelling of the bark, it is a good plan to thin with the scissors, but not too much, for the more leaves the jjlant will bear with- out shrivelling the quicker will root-action commence. It does not injure a tree a tenth part as much to move it before its leaves are fallen as it does to move it in the spring when its buds are beginning imperceptibly to swell, and its circulation, owing to the absence of vigorous root- action, is sluggish. I moved many fruit trees last October, No. 1S99.— Vol. LIV., Old Ssbiba. 64 JOUKNAL OF HOETICOIiTUaE ANO COTTAGE GAIIDENER. [ July 22, 1875. including Pears of a good eize on the Pear Btock, and they can hardly be distingaished now. Such i3 never the case with spring-planted fruit trees in the first season, and very often they do not really recover at all. Another reason for amateurs planting early la that the nurserymen cannot plant till amateurs have finished, and consequently the later we defer our planticg the lees likely are we in future to obtain healthy yonug trees from the vendors.— William Tatlob. STRAWBERRIES AND THEIR CULTURE. Is it merely a coincidence, or is a good season for Boses always a good Strawberry year ? Our Eoaes have seldom been better ; and both from reports in the gardening papers, and from personal observation at the exhibitions of Koses, the quality of the queen of flowers has been much above the average at other places as well. One cannot say much about Strawberries by noting the exhibitions of this fruit at the London shows, for both the royal societies are paring down the prizes, and the principal exhibitors find it more to their interest to go to some of the provincial towns if the shows happen to be on the same day as those advertised by the metropolitan societies. However, good prizes were offered at the Royal Botanic Society on the 30th of June, and sis exhibitors came forward to claim them. In all twenty-four dishes were exhibited. The best was one of Due de Magenta — that is, best as far as appearance went. It is one of the sorts raised by Dr. Nicaise, but, like all the others by the same raiser, the quality is not first-rate. I have grown a large number of continental sorts, but not one of them can compare in flavour with those raised in Eng- land. La Constante, Lucas, and Alexander II. have been grown at Loxford for several years in succession ; they have been tried under many different circumstances, both out of doors and in pots forced and unforced, but under no circum- stances is the flavour anything like so rich as Sir J. Paxton, President, British Queen, or Frogmore Late Pine. It is very likely that the difference of climate has very much to do with this. In the drier and hotter climate of France, ■where Grapes ripen on Vines trained as we do Easpberries, the fruit of the Strawberry would in all probability be richer and more sugary as well as firmer in flesh than it would be under our more cloudy sky and moister atmosphere. I must say that the two new sorts selected this year — Due de Magenta and Augnste Nicaise, are superior to those sent out previously. Although the flavour is not so good as the best of cur own sorts, still they are better than some. For instance, Admiral Dundas is very much grown by exhibitors, but it has not one good quality to recommend it except size. The same may be said of Empress Eugunie, Sir Charles Napier, &o. This has not been a good season for bringing out the flavour of Strawberries. A soaking rain does good just before the fruit colours if it is followed by hot weather ; but it has not been so this year. We had to water before the flowers opened, and also after the fruit was set. Then, just as it ripened we had rain ; much of the best fruit was spoiled, and none of the sorts came up to the mark as regards flavour. Even British Queen was sadly wanting in its peculiar rich flavour ; and the worst of this old sort with us is that it does not bear half a crop. I am sure that five plants of Auguste Nicaise or Due de Magenta carried more fruit than twenty plants of British Queen or Mr. Eadcljffe. I name these two together, because they are so much aliko that the keenest observer cannot distinguish the one from the other either by leaf or fruit. Like many others it is necessary for us to make the most of our ground ; and if British Queen alias Mr. Eadcljffe does not behave better in the future, it will be necessary to dethrone them and exalt others more worthy in their place. I have a number of seedlings from British Queen crossed with La Constante and other free-bearing sorts. They are all wonderfully prolific and the fruit is of large size. Many of them are also Queen-flavoured. One sort of very dwarf habit baa been much admired by visitors. As a pot Strawberry the yield of large even-sized fruit ia marveliou?. A gentleman well known in the horticultural world carried off a pot with ripe fruit to have it photographed. I gained the first prize with it at the Eoyal Botanic Gardens last year as a single dish. It was also one of the sorts in the collection of four which was also placed first. This year I again showed it, and it had the highest award. The plant and shape of the leaf is La Con- stante, and the fruit is the colour and shape of the Queen. I am truly glad to report well of Bradley's Amateur this year. It was so bad with mildew both in pots and in the open garden last year that the crop was worthless. If I remember rightly it received a first-class certificate from the Fruit Com- mittee at South Kensington, because the fruit was firm and of good quality in a wet season. My experience confirms this. There were scores of fine fruit on each of the plants, perhaps not one less than a hundred on some of them, and yet I picked a dish from about a score of plants that gained the first prize. I may say here that none of our fruits were thinned out. Some persons fancy that exhibition Strawberries are gathered from plants that have only produced three or four fruit. Indeed one gentleman of large 'experience once made this remark to me, " I suppose only two fruits were allowed on a plant." This is quite a mistake, and I do not think that there is much gained by thinning the fruit from Strawberry plants. Let me sum-up the culture in a few words so that busy readers may remember it : Plant annually, trench deep and manure well, and give plenty of water if the season ia dry. It may be as well to just notice the different varieties. Due de Magenta and Auguste Nicaise ought to have a fair trial. I do not know if they are much known in the trade yet, and it may save trouble if I state here that I cannot supply anyone with plants ; we only grow a few, and when a new sort has been exhibited people send for " just a few runners," and they might think I am wanting in courtesy if I do not send them. I beheve Messrs. Veiteh of the Eoyal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, can supply plants, as their foreman told me they were growing both sorts, or had grown them. James Veiteh I have seen in good condition. I am told that it is one of the best sorts to bear conveyance. It is of large size and fair flavour. Not having proved it under cultivation I cannot say more than this. Preeident and La Constante are still trustworthy under all circumstances. Frogmore Late Pine is one of the best late sorts. Mr. Laxton of Stamford seems to be raising new sorts, and if he becomes as successful with this fruit as he has been with Peas he cannot desire more. There is still room for improvement in this as well as aU other fruits, but it is working in the wrong direction when size and productiveness are gained at the expense of flavour. It is now time that all the runners are layered, and as soon as they are established in small pots they should be planted out for next season's crop, the strong-growing sorts 2 feet apart, those of more dwarf habit 20 inches. — J. Douglas. CUT-BACK ROSES. I HAVE been intending to write for a long time on the subject of the numerous letters that have appeared in answer to my article on cut-back Eoses, but the period of Eose shows is so busy a one that I have not had a moment to spare. In- deed (as most Eose exhibitors will understand), I can truth- fully say I have hardly had a good night's rest since the Exeter Show. The Alexandra and Crystal Palace Shows this year were on succeeding days, as also Hereford and Birming- ham; indeed, all the Shows were crowded into about twenty days, and the work and care required of exhibitors has been incessant. In my letter I prophesied how the cut-back Roses would sweep all before them, and I also predicted the great success Mr. Baker would have. Now, he showed entirely from cut-backs, and up to Birmingbam was never beaten except for twenty- four distinct varieties at the Alexandra, and there his stand was put in a very unfavourable position, where it had the hot sun blazing down on its unprotected beauties all the day. He was first for forty-eight, thirty-six, and twelve at the Alex- andra, and all the amateur classes at the Crystal Palace, and Exeter, and Hereford. In all he has had nineteen first prizes, and would have been grand at Birmingham (where, indeed, he was a very good second for the cup) if the rain had not done him so much damage the day before. Such is the result, so far as amateurs are concerned, of the Eose shows ; and now is it not wonderfully in favour of my dictum, " Slick to cut-backs?" But more than this, as it may be said that in all probabiUty the great majority of amateurs who showed were exhibiting for the most part from cut-back Eoses, and so the real issue was not tried. To this I answer that this is a doubtful question, and one difficult to arrive at a correct answer ; but be that as it may, I venture to assert that at Exeter the universal opinion was that Mr. Baker's Ecses were by far the finest in the Show; and I have been in- Jnly 22, 1875. J JOUENA.L OF HORTIOOLTOBE AND OOTTAQB GABDENEB. 65 formed that at the Crystal Palace they were much finer than at Exeter, and equal it not superior to those of the nursery- men, whose trees are numbered, not by thousands or tens of thousands only, but by hundreds of thousands. My friend Mr. Peaoh, in his capital article in the issue of July 8th, asking for results, wishes to know whether the greater amount of Roses in the amateur stands at the Crystal Palace were not from out-back Roses. The above will show him that the first prizes in every instance were so awarded, with the exception above named of the class for twenty-four Eoses at the Alexandra. '• Experlentia docct." I was in a large Rose nursery the other day, and I asked the proprietor what he thought of my article on cut-backs, and ho answered, " I agree with every word of it, and have proved it over and oyer again." I quite agree with Mr. Baker's advice as to growing both maidens and cut-backs in order to have a succession, and I can, alas ! bear startling testimony to the value of this rule. This year I have relied entirely upon maidens, and have been nowhere till last Friday, when I secured a first prize at Oxford, and it was not till yesterday (July IJSth) that my Eoses were fairly in bloom. All the shows were over before I had Roses in bloom. My trees were growing in most wretched soil in a very exposed situation, and the high winds and heavy rains of the first part of June completely devastated them. If it had not been for my Teas and a very few cut-backs I could not have even cut blooms enough for a stand in any class. This was a most fatal mistake on my part, and one I would advise all to beware of. " Never put all your eggs in one basket" is a good rule in Rose-growing; but if you cannot help doing this — if from any cause you cannot find room for both, then stick to the cut-backs. Remember Mr. Baker's success in 1875 — nineteen first prizes at five shows. — John B. M. Camu. SUMMER PBUNING.— No. 2. Apsicots are the first to require attention, and the wood of these trees, it is hardly necessary to say, is, as far as the state of the previous wood will permit, laid-in thicker than is prac- tised with any other wall fruit ; but even this may be over- done, 80 that we do not advise the shoots to be laid-in nearer than 2 to 3 inches apart, and only those which have very short joints are to be laid-in at that distance. The stronger shoots ought to be at least 9 Laches apart, and between these the Bhoi't-jointed and weaker wood, as also the spurs, which should not be more than an inch or two long, but from continued growth may have extended considerably. Those must be pre- served, also securing the slender shoots to the wall so far as can conveniently be done without crowding. If the shoots of some standing are considerably extended, long and bare, with only a tuft of leaves at their extremities, and not carrying fruit, they may be cut out and others be laid-in in their place. Any shoots required for extension should be laid-in, not having them nearer than 9 inches, and they should be of the strongest description, and nailed-in their full length. Shoots which are not required should be cut back to two or three leaves. This operation is best done with a pair of 4-iuch pruning scissors ; they are handy, and may be easily carried in the waistcoat pocket. Stronger scissors will be required for strong shoots, they may be carried in the leathern nail- and-shred bag. From the middle to the end of June, or the early part of July in the north, is about the time Apricots require their first Bummer pruning. After this the trees should be gone over again at the end of July or early in August, cutting any laterals back to one leaf, and if the strong shoots laid-in for covering spae?, or the extension shoots have pushed laterals, they should be cut to one leaf, any extension of growth being secured to the wall. About every month or six weeks from commencing to summer-prune, the trees should be gone over, and attended to in stopping and training. It is no use allow- ing the trees after the first stopping to become crowded with laterals ; a few leaves of each successive growth are sufficient to attract the sap and maintain the roots in a healthy, active state, whilst their removal admits light and air to the fruit, and secures in the highest possible manner the maturity of the buds and wood upon which we are dependant for next year's crop. Cherries will, next to Apricots, demand the attention of the summer pruner. The operator will first see to the extension shoots, and what are required for furnishing: and these being secured at the requisite distance apart — 1 foot for the strong growers, and 9 inches for the moderate growers — and securing them to the wall, will proceed to cut back all other shoots of over 2 inches in length of the current year's growth to three leaves, but not shorten the leading shoots or in anywise in- terfere with the spurs. It is usual to lay-in the shoots much closer than is named above, and it may be done upon the understanding that they are to be removed when they interfere with the spurs upon the principal branches. If the trees cover their allotted space no shoots will be required to be laid-in, unless, of course, there be vacant space, but they are to be cut back to three leaves, and otherwise treated as foreright or side shoots. The Morello Cherry is treated in a manner similar to Apricots: All the side shoots available are laid-in, the foreright shoots only being cut back to throe leaves, and all shoots not exceeding 2 inches long being left entire. It is a mistake to conclude that the Morello is not amenable to spur-prun- ing. It bears as well upon close spur-praniug as in the laying- in of the annual growths, which only tends to crowd the trees with wood, and a quantity of it bare, without affording any corresponding advantage over those which are spur-pruned. Being of weaker growth than most sorts, the branches, spur- pruning being practised, should not be more than 6 inches apart. No tree is so prolific as a pyramid as the Morello Cherry. In fact, all Cherries bear abundantly, especially the Duk-i and Kentish kinds, in this form on the Mahaleb stock. The ope- ration in pruning bush and pyramid Cherry trees consists in the extension of the shoots suitable for filling up space and form- ing symmetrical specimens, stopping them to 9 inches; but if only a moderate extension be required stop them to 6 inches, whilst if they be as large as required stop to three leaves — the extremities as well as the shoots upon the main branches. All shoots upon the branches to be cut back to three leaves, but those not over an inch or two long are not to be stopped. If the side shoots are not over '6 inches long they need not be shortened, but left their full length; and the ex- tremity and furnishing shoots not being more than an inch or so longer than the lengths to which the stopping is advised, do not for the sake of removing the extra inch apply the scissors. Always be sure that the extremity bud in each case is formed, for to take off the point of a shoot 10 inches long when we only require it 9 inches, or shorten a 7-inoh shoot to 6 inches, is to cut away its, perhaps, only wood-bud, leaving only fruit-buds below, and which after blossoming will drop the fruit in a yeung state from there being no shoot above or near to support it. Trees of this description need little or no pruning, needing only irregularities corrected, and instead of curtailing the growth they require feeding at the roots. The main branches should be 9 inches to 1 foot distance apart. Very vigorous trees are to be kept well stopped, but not more than above described. It will to some extent limit root- action, and it will tend to the ripening of the wood ; but no amount of summer pruning will bring a very vigorous tree into fruitfulness ; its roots must be acted on, for which the stopping is a good preparative. — G. Abbey. SILENE PENDULA. Autumn-sown annuals for spring decoration play an import- ant part in the decoration of many gardens. This is the best of the spring annuals, but, as is often the case with Myosotis, the seed is frequently sown too late to produce plants to give a satisfactory display. Too often are the Silenes sown in September with the Nemophilas and other annuals, but that is altogether too late. Sown at that period the plants have not sufficient time to become stout before winter, which they should be to flower early and profusely. The seed should be sown thinly in drills towards the end of July, the seedlings eventually to be thinned out to 6 inches apart. By the time the beds are cleared of the summer plants the Silenes will be touching each other, and will take up with large balls after the manner of Sweet WiUiams and other biennials. Such plants planted closely together in the beds bloom early and profusely, and give such masses of pink that few plants can equal. "These stout plants are seldom injured by frost, wet, or slugs, and are as certain to bloom as are the Snowdrops. By directing timely attention to sowing the seed of this the best of spring annuals I shall be doing a service to some who CDvet a rich spring display, but who, through mis- apprehension or forgetfulness, would fnU into the common 66 JODBNAL OP HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ JiUy 23, 1876. error of delaying to sow the seed until the autumn, and thus invite failure, or at the most only partial success. S. pendula alba is a nice companion plant to the ahove, and S. pendula compacta is very valuable for a front row or for small beds. The Silenes are the most certain, effective, and easily produced of all early spring-flowering annuals. Sow at once. — J., Battersea. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July 21st. For a length of time the light of the Society has been fading, and was in fact all but extinguished. We had little to do be- yond watching the dying embers and to note them one by one mouldering away. At the last Show there was a flickering of Life by a special and successful trade effort, otherwise what should have been one of the brightest displays of the year would have been a dreary and dismal blank. It was no wonder that energetic measures were determined on by our representative horticulturists, for to have remained any longer passive they would have invited a verdict of disloyalty to an honourable yet severely stricken cause. But action was taken in an effective manner and to a profitable purpose, of which yesterday we noted the first-fruits. It is a magical transformation from the point of vacuity to complete fulness, from famine to plenty, from death to life. The wet blanket is removed, the horti- cultural flame is fanned, latent enterprise is kindled into action, confidence is restored, and the first conditions of future success are provided. We trust that now is laid the founda- tion of national horticultural prosperity, and which will cul- minate in the Society achieving a position of the first rank, to be honoured and respected at home and abroad. Neither will this be a success of a mere section, but a success which will obliterate sections, and show that the advantages of what are known as the local and horticultural interests are more nearly identical than class-partisans dream of. We would merge all classes and unite all resources, bury the past and look only to the future — know nothing, indeed, but the elevation of horticulture to its legitimate position as having a broad scope and illimitable sympathies, and seek to place the Society in a position worthy of its name and nation. But to the Show, for this time it is a Show, as may be expected when such an influential body of contributors offer spontane- ously the aid of their rich collections. Of those who so promptly notified their intention to exhibit were Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Mr. B. S. Williams, Mr. Bull, Mr. Turner, Messrs. Paul & Son, Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Messrs. Osborn it Sons, Mr. Standish, Mr. Wills, Mr. Cntbusb, Mr. Laing, Mr. W. Paul, Mr. Wimsett, Mr. Morse, Mr. Barr, and a number of other florists and private gentlemen. An offering such as this commanded success — a success un- equivocal and complete. The last summer show of the season was not only the greatest, but greater than all the previous shows combined. Hitherto we had half-filled corridors, but on this occasion the spacious marquees were not only brought into requisition, but they were crowded to repletion. For this grand Exhibition the nurserymen have covered themselves with honour, and have proved unmistakeably what English hor- ticulturists can do when the craft they represent has due ofiicial recognition and encouragement. We were mot at the outset by the remark of an experienced exhibitor, " Where are you going to begin ?" Well might he have asked the question, for the aspect of the great plant marquee presented a bewildering array of beauty. But as we happened to be standing near the collec- tion of Messrs. Veitch & Sons we will begin there in our glance at the commemorative section of this great Show. It was an extensive and magnificent bank, rich, varied, and admirably arranged. The Tree Ferns and Palms towered aloft from a base of ornamental-foliaged plants. The margin was fringed with flowering plants, surmounted with Nepenthes laden with huge pitchers. Striking amongst the flowering plants were Begonias Vesuvius, Model, &c ; Liliums in variety. Orchids rich and rare, Hydrangea paniculatum grandiflorum, and a grand selection of Gloxinias. The basket Ferns Asple- ninm longissimum contributed a nice feature to the group, and the Sarracenias were curiously attractive. It was a collection worthy of the efforts of the firm by which it was exhibited, and more need not be said. At the opposite end of the tent Mr. B. S. Williams's noble contribution was arranged. This was a bold and massive bank of plants, which for size, quality, and arrangement have pro- bably never been surpassed and seldom equalled. Tree Ferns, Palms, Cycads, Crotons, Dracienas, itc, were conspicuous amongst the fine-foliaged plants, the flowering section consist- ing of Liliums, Anthuriums, Dipladenias, Stephanotes, Alla- mandas, &c. This noble collection of plants was a central point of attraction, and well they might be, for their intrinsic excel- lence commanded attention. Contiguous to these, and distinct in appearance, was the valu- able group of Mr. C. Turner. They consisted mainly of splendid specimens of Ivies, relieved by Liliums and fringed with Palms and cut Roses. Everything in the collection was good, and the effect was very striking. The decorative force of these Ivies must be admitted when seen in the condition in which these were shown. Facing these were the collections of Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Mr. Wimsett and Mr. Aldous. Messrs. Lee's group was extensive, and in remarkably good condition, and consisted of Aloes, Ferns, Palms, Heaths, Liliums, &c., Mr. Wimsett'8 being of the same character; Mr. Aldous's bank comprising smaller decorative plants, bright and fresh, as his plants in- variably are. Flanking the centre of the tent and arranged on terraced mounds were the imposing groups of Mr. Bull and Mr. Wills. Mr. Bull's was so good that to particularise the meritorious- plants were to name nearly all ; yet we note the massive Palm Pritcharia grandis, the most distinct of all Dracienas — Goldieana, the richness of colouring of Croton majesticum, the ram's-horn- like form of C. volutum, and the fine character and finish ofi C. spirale. The group also embraced a grand Phyllotfenium Lindeni, Cycads, ]?alms, Lihums. Orchids, &c. It was a great and valuable collection. Mr. Wills's plants were not quite so large, but were equally healthy and attractive, and were bright by a choice fringe of flowering plants. Noticeable were the Orchids, Lilium longiflorum. Begonias in variety. Gloxinias, Nerium splendens variegatum. Yuccas, Pandanuses, Palms, Ferns, &c. Altogether this was a valuable contribution, and Mr. Wills is to be complimented on his products. The central bed was occupied by Lord Londesborough on the one side with Orchids, and on the other by J. Peacock, Esq., with Succulents. The collection of one was exceedingly brilliant, and the other extraordinarily curious. The OrchidB were represented by Saccolabium Blumei with eight racemes, Dendrochilum filiforme, Epidendrums vitellinum major and nemorale majus ; Vandas Batemani and Bensonii, Oncidiums lanceanum, &o., and a beautiful Disa from South Africa, similar to one exhibited in the Council-room by Mr. Bull. These Or- chids were not large, but very beautiful. A specimen Orchid from Mr. Bates, gardener to W. H. Punchard, Esq., Twicken- ham, deserves honourable mention; it is 4 feet through, with over twenty spikes and a hundred blooms. Of the curiosities of Mr. Peacock's it is impossible to select the most striking, but we notice Echinopsia Wilkinsi in flower. E. scopa Candida, Mam- millarias in variety, Agaves, Yuccas, Pandanuses, &c. — a very valuable and interesting group. We now come to the outer circle of the marquee, and note well-bloomed Ericas from Messrs. J. & C. Lee ; splendidly coloured tricolor Pelargoniums, and very fine Liliums from Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Sons ; admirably grown Caladiuma from Mr. Clark, gardener to W. Shuter, Esq., Hampstead; im,- mense Dicksonias from Mr. Wills ; a glowing collection of Zonal Pelargoniums from Mr. W. Paul in nearly every imaginable colour; clean, bright, and effective decorative plants from Messrs. James Carter & Co. ; a rich and valuable collection of ornamental plants from Messrs. liollisson & Sons, including an immense Todea and brilliant pans of the lowly Nertera depressa spangled with berries. Nepenthes, and fine baskets of Eeedia glaucescens and Phyllanthus mimosiefolius. We now take breath and note effective and glowing Clematis, with Ivies, Palms, etc., from Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Hydrangeas from Mr. .\ldous, and beautiful Succulents from Mr. Dean and E. G. Henderson A' Sons. For these plants good prizes were offered ; the awards are in onr advertising columns. Ferns and Fuchsias were exhibited by Mr. R. Parker, and a rich and effective group of fine-foliaged plants by Messrs. Osborne & Sons. Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bart., set up a highly creditable collection of flowering plants; and well-bloomed and healthy Heaths came from Mr. Morse, Epsom. Messrs. Ivery & Sons exhibited a very complete col- lection of hardy Ferns; and Messrs. J. & C. Lee choice Conifers, remarkable Quercuses, and Roses ; and Messrs. J. Jackson and Sons brought twelve exceedingly fine and fresh Heaths. We complete our notice of these groups by noticing a splendid col- lection of specimen fine-foliaged plants from Mr. Harrow, gar- dener to H. Bessemer, Esq., Camberwell, the Crotons being in admirable colour, and the whole healthy ; and a collection of well-bloomed Orchids from Mr. Stevens, gardener to the Duke of Sutherland. PEL.iKoosunis. — These plants were arranged down the centre of a tent 200 feet in longtb, and, as may as expected, they made a brilliant display. Still on examination we could not fail to be struck with the inferiority of a great number of the plants. They lacked the refreshing freedom which we should like to see, or at any rate the art of staking and tying should be more hidden. In the nurserymen's class for eighteen Zonals, distmct, in C-inch pots (open), Mr. Laing had the first place, Mr. Roser July 22, 1875. J JOURNAL OF HORTIOOLTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 67 Beoond, and Mr. Meadmore third. Noue of these plants were of superior merit. For six Zonala, florists' varieties, iu S-inch pots (amateurs), Mr. Catlin had healthy and good plants, and easily won the first place, the second-priza collection being too flat, formal, and overdone in training. Six floriata' varieties Bent out in 1873, or not in commerce (open), Mr. Brise was first with Mr. Pearson's Lady Byron, John Fellows, Bev. J. Atkinson, John Gibbons, Ethel, and Sir H. S. Stanhope; Mr. Laing being second with Laing's Mrs. Standring, Rev. T. Downie, W. K. McNab, Pearson's Rose of AUandale and Charles Burrows, and Dr. Denny's Richard Co'ur de Lion. These contained some very fine blooms. Doable varieties were not largely exhibited, and the plants generally do not call for comment. The awards are given in another column. Mr. Laxton, however, exhibited cut blooms of some fine seedlings. In the class for eighteen Golden Tricolor varieties in 8-inch pots (open), Mr. Pestridge was first with dazzling plants ; Mr. Meadmore being second with better foliage, but not so bright in colour. The best varieties were Peter Griere, Prince of Wales, Florence, Princess of Wales, Miss Goring, Achievement, Wm. Sanday, and Mrs. Headly. In the amateurs' class Mr. Lambert had the first place with nice specimens, Mr. Hinnell being second with small but well-coloured plants. For six Silver Tricolors (open), Mr. Pestridge was again first with good plants of Mrs. J. Marshall, Lass o' Gowrie, Miss Burdett Coutts, Mrs. Col. Williinson, Miss Pond, and Charming Bride ; Mr. Mead- more and Mr. Hinnell having second and third place respectively with nearly the same varieties. For six Gold Bicolors (open), Mr. Laing secured the first place with very effective plants, Mr. Pestridge being placed second, and Mr. Meadmore third. The best were The Czar, Emperor of Brazil, Mrs. H. Weir, W. E. Gr'imbleton, Earl of Rosslyn, and Mrs. Quilter. Cut blooms were very effective and good, and noticeable were some single pips from Dr. Denny of great quality and substance. PRIZES OFFEKED BY THE PELABGONIUM SOCIETY. These were very liberal, and cannot fail to give an impetus to the cultivation of this exceedingly useful family of plants. For twelve florist's varieties first honours went to Mr. Catlin for good plants in perfect bloom from 2 to 4 feet in diameter, Mr. Roser being second with loose plants. In some of the plants too many sticks were used, which spoiled their effect. For twelve plants of the " decorative " class (open), Mr. Catlin again secured the first place with dwarf, sturdy, massively-bloomed plants from 2 to 3 feet iu diameter; Mr. Roser, gardener to M. T. Shaw, Esq., Wimbledon, being second with good yet looser plants. For a collection of thirty varieties, irrespective of class, in pots not exceeding 6 inches in diameter (open), there was good com- petition, the first award going to Mr. Catlin for vigorous plants with massive blooms ; second to Mr. Brise for nice plants, but with a superabundance of white sticks. In the class for six Fuchsias (amateurs), some excellent plants competed. Mr. Herrington's plants were slender and elegant pyramids, Mr. Lambert's and Mr. Weston's being more bulky and massive. Cdt Blooms. — Carnations and Picotees were a grand show, Mr. Turner and Mr. Hooper having the principal places amongst the nurserymen, while in the amateurs' claeees Mr. Douglas was pre-eminent, followed by Mr. Burnaby Atkins and other exhibi- tors whose names will be found in the prize list. Mr. Turner also exhibited special collections. The boxes of these flowers were so fine as almost to take one's breath away, and crowds clustered round them to criticise and to admire. Mr. Turner also staged twenty-four trusses of Verbenas of great merit. In hardy cut flowers Mr. Parker had splendid collections of eighteen and twelve varieties which showed to great advantage in contrast with the overpowering effect of the Pelargoniums. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshimt, staged an admirable collection of table plants and cut Roses of superior quality. Roses were also admirably exhibited by Messrs. Cranston it Mayos, and Mr. Prince, and contributed an important and attractive feature to the Show. Glasses of cut flowers for table decoration were contributed by Mrs. Hudson, Dulwioh, and their arrangement evinced considerable taste. FRUIT. For the liberal prizes offered by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons was a grand and gratifying response. The first prize for ten dishes was worthily won by Mr. Coleman with grand Black Hamburgh and excellent Bowood Muscat Grapes, a good Pine and Melon, splendid Royal George Peaches and Oxonian Straw- berries, Golden Gage and Early Proliiio Plums, Figs, and Nec- tarines; Mr. Miles being second with a capital Pine and Melon, very good Grapes, splendid Cherries, Peaches, and Figs, and good Plums and Nectarines. Mr. Sage was placed third for a very nice collection, in which were noticeable a good Colston Basset Seedling Melon, and a fine but unripe bunch of Bananas. For six dishes Mr. Bannerman had the first place with Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes, Trentham Hybrid Melon, and Peaches and Nectarines, all alike of superior quality and finish ; second honours going to Mr. Jones, gardener to the Marquis of Londonderry, in which the Grapes were remarkably fine and the other dishes very good. Mr. Cornhill, gardener to J. S. Virtue, Esq., was third with a nice collection. Two others competed. For the best three Pine Apples nine competed. The first-prize fruits were really fine from Mr. H. Scammell, gardener to C. Reilly, Esq,, The Priory, Neville Park, Tunbridge Wells ; he had Charlotte Rothschild and two Queens, all highly coloured and weighing 18 lbs. Mr. H. Chamberlain, gardener to H. Thompson, Esq , The Warren, Bushey Hoath, had the second award witti fruit of even size and in capital condition. Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, being third with fruits weighing 1.5 lbs. 2 ozs. Grapes. In the class for three bunches of any kind except Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh there were seven exhibitors, the first prize going to Mr. .T. Loudon, gardener to T. Barnes, Esq , The Qiiinta, Salop, for a bunch each of Madres- field Court, Golden Champion, and Seacliffe Black ; Mr. W. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp, Madresfield Court, being second for three bunches of Buckland Sweetwater; and Mr. Deaville, Wyaston Lays, Monmouth, third for the same variety. The quality cf the fruit iu these collections was of high average merit. For three bunches of Black Hamburgh there were fourteen competitors. The first-prize lot, which were exceed- ingly fine and well finished in colour and even in berry, fell to Mr. Coleman of Eastnor Castle ; second honours for nearly equal produce going to Mr. Coomber, The Gardens, Hendre Park, near Monmouth ; Mr. W. Jones, gardener to the Marquis of Londonderry, being placed third with fine large bunches. In nearly all cases these Grapes were remarkable for large bunches and berries, and were well finished. F'or three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, the first prize was gained by Mr. Banner- man, gardener to Lord Bagot, Blithfield, Rugeley, with first- rate coloured berries and large bunches. Mr. J. Loudon, The Quinta, Salop, being second with bunches of excellent colour, but rather looser. Mr. J. Woodbridge, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland, having the third place with fine bunches but not fully ripe. The Grapes generally were of great excellence, and were highly creditable to the different growers. Peaches were a grand show. For the best six fruits there were about thirty competitors, first honours going to Mr. Rich- ards, gardener to Baron L. de Rothschild, for a splendid dish of Bellegarde; second to Mr. Finnell, gardener to E. Cazalet, Esq, for a beautiful dish of Noblesse; and third to Mr. Ed- monds, gardener to the Duke of St. Albans, for unnamed fruit of high quality. For the Ijest six Nectarines twenty dishes were staged, first honours going to Mr. Edmonds for a handsome dish of unnamed fruit ; second to Mr. Jack, gardener to the Duke of Cleveland, for a highly-coloured dish of Elruge ; and third to Mr. Brise, gardener to J. H. Lermitte, Esq., Finchley, for Violette Hative of superior quality. Gooseberries in great variety were exhibited by Mr. Walker, Thame; and Apples by Mr. Earley, Valentines. Six Little Heath Melons, weighing 39 lbs. and beautifully netted, were exhibited by Mr. Bennett, Rabley, Herts. Mr. Jones of the Royal Gar- dens staged remarkably fine Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums; and Mr. Morris, Potter's Bar, Peaches and Nectarines. Cucumbers were a poor show, the awards going first to Mr. Bennett, and second to C. B. Bingley, Esq., both with good fruit of Duke of Edinburgh. Thus is concluded our necessarily hurried report of this great Show. As an exhibition it was one of the best of recent years, and all connected are to be congratulated ou the success of their efforts. Unfortunately the rain poured down in torrents, and it was wisely proposed by the Council, a proposal which met a generous acquiescence on the part cf the exhibitors, to continue the Show another day, that the public may have an opportunity to enjoy a treat which is eminently worthy of their patronage, and which cannot fail to afford them both pleasure and instruc- tion. ■ Fruit Cojijiittee.— Henry Webb, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Barron's report on the Early Snowball Cauliflower was read; he stated that he had inspected the plants growing at Bedfont, and they did not appear to have been subjected to any exceptional treatment. The Committee decided that it be submitted to a trial with a general collection of Cauliflowers at Chiswick next year. Mr. Perkins, Thornham Hall, Eye, sent a dish of Dan's Mistake Gooseberry. He also sent a fine fruit of Bar- rington Peach, which was sent under the name of Bellegarde. A dish of Red Tomatoes shown by Mr. Perkins were pronounced by some members to be " the best they ever saw," and were awarded a cultural commendation. Mr. Gilbert of the Gardens, Burghley, Stamford, showed a dish of Jackson's Seedling Tomato, which is very similar to Hathaway's Excelsior and Carter's Green Gagt ; they were finely grown and received a cultural commendation. He also sent a seedling scarlet-flesh Melon which was not in condition. Mr. Freeman, the Gardens, Beech- wood, sent a brace of Duke of Edinburgh Cucimber, and Mr. S. Owen, gardener to G. S. Schwabe, Esq., Brougbton, Liver- pool, sent a seedling Cucumber similar in character to Tele- graph ; it was a very fine frait, and received the commendalion €8 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 23, 1875. of the Committee. Mr. J. Maher, Stoke Court, Slongh, sent a brace of Cucumbers called Sultan, which though fine fruit, were not (liatinct or superior to others in cultivation. Mr. E. Bennett, Rabley Nurseries, Shenley, sent a Cucumber called Rabley Hero. He also exhibited a fasciated branch of Duke of Edioburgh Cucumber ; the fasciation, which was 3} to 4 inches wide, was like a broad band with the leaves and Cucumbers stitched on it. Mr. Charles Turner, SlouRh, sent a quantity of his new Pea Dr. Maclean, a fine larpe full-podded Pea containing eleven Peas. It was much admired, but before making any award on its merits it was decided to have it grown at Chiswick. Mr. Woodbridge, the Gardens, Syon House, Isleworth, sent a branch of Bigarreau Napoleon Cherry, studded with fine large highly- coloured fruit. A vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Wood- bridge. G. F. Wilson, Esq., Heatherbank, Weybridge, sent a ■dish of Beurre Giffard Pear from a tree grown in a pot, the fruit set in an orchard house and ripened out of doors. They were ■qnite ripe and of excellent flavour. Mr. Tillery of Welbeck sent a dish of very fine Galande Peaches and Violette H.-Uive Nectarines, which received ft cultural commendation. Mr. Jones of the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, sent a seedling Apricot called Frogmore Early, a small Apricot the size of Breda, quite ripe, and was grown against a wall in the open air. Mr. Jones stated that he had been gathering the fruit since the 12th of July (nine days ago). In consideration of its high merit and earliness in a season which is proverbially a late one, the Committee awarded it a first class certificate. Mr. Stevens, ftardener to G. Simpson, Esq., Wray Park, Reigate, sent a seed- ling Melon, Stevens's Seediing Green-flesh, but it was not in condition. Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Bversley, Heckfield, sent a seedling Melon, but it had not much flavour, but it was BO thin in the skin and so promising the Committee expressed a wish to see it agnin. Mr. Raynham, Stradeshall Place, Newmarket, sent a seedling scarlet-flesh Melon of very promising character, which the Committee asked to see again. It is to be remarked in justice to the reputation of these new Melons, that the late heavy and continuous rains and sunless skies have operated very much against their successful culti- vation. Floual CoMJnTTEE. — B. S. Williams, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Robert Fleming, gardener to R. Houghton, Esq., Sandheye, Liverpool, sent a very fine form of Adiantum coicinnum var. Flemiugii. It is far superior to A. c. latum. The fronds are finely divided, and arch over more gracefully. This had a first- class certificate. Polystichum angulare var. graudidens pumilum from Messrs. Tvery tt Sons, Dorking, also received a first-class certificate. The fronds are narrow and sword-shaped. Other fine forms of the species were sent by the same exhibitors. They had also a very fine form of the Lady P'ern, Atbyriam Filix-foemina cristata Iveryana, and another A. F.-f. Vernonia? criepa, and Scolopendrium vulgare Droveri, A group of single am} double Zonal Pelargoniums were sent by Mr. W. Paul of Waltham CroES. They were mostly conti- nental seedlings, and comprised some very distinct flowers. Talabot, a purplish crimson double, is very distinct, and had a second-class certificate. Ernest Faivre, white, salmon centre, is very dwarf and distinct ; and Madame Thibaut, bright rose, very distinct, double, of good habit. Mr. G. Smith. ToUington "Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, sent a very fine Zonal, white with salmon centre, named Evening Star; and Challenger, a variety of the Nosegay type with an immense truss of crimson flowers ; also abasket of a remarkable double Zonal Pelargonium, a sport from Vesuvius. The flowers are semi-double, and the petals have the quality of hanging to the trusses more firmly than in any other sort. It deservedly received a first-class cer- tificate. It will doubtless be a fine bedding plant. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son of St. John's Wood sent a very fine group of new plants, comprising Sonerilas, of which S. Hendersonii flrgenteaand S. Hendersonii marmorata are very fine. Begonias Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales of the linear-leaved group are quite distinct in character. Pelltea Bridgesii, a neat Fern with glaucous fronds, had a second-class certificate. They also pent a collection of Begonias of the B. Veitchii type. Mr. C. Green, Botanical Nursery, Holmesdale Road, Reigate, sent a new Aloe mottled like the old partridge-breasted species, with elongated spiny-curved leaves. It received a first-claas certifi- cate. From the gardens of Sir G. Macleay, Pendell Court, Bletch- ingly, were sent cut flowers of Begonia Vesuvius from the open ground. Its large bright vermilion flowers were splendid. A new Rose with the foliage splashed conspicuously with yellow was sent by Mr. J. Perkins of Thornham Hall, Eye, Suffolk. The flowers are not of very good quality. A collection of cut leaves with pitchers of six different species of Nepenthes sent by Mr. D. Thomson of Drumlanrig Castle Gardens, Damfriea were much admired for their extreme beauty. N. distillatoria was represented by a growth with seven very large pitchers. N. Rafflesiana was also very grand. A basket of a good type of Zonal and seedling Pelargoniums was sent by Mr. Young, gardener to H. Webb, Esq., of EedhiU. Mr. W. Bull of King's Road, Chelsea, also received first-class certificates for Draciena triumphana, a species with bronzy metallic linear recurved foliage ; KentiaMoorei, a splendid Palm with noble foliage like K. Fosteriana ; Disa Barelii, a very fine species, which might be designated a major form of D. grandi- flora, but much superior to any of the forms of that fine species ; Lomaria dobrodyensis and Martinezia nobilis, a very fine decorative Palm. Mr. Bull also exhibited a large number of new Palms, Ferns, and other plants. Messrs. J. it C. Lee sent Juniperus virginiana, " Triomphe d'Angers," which received a first-class certificate ; Taxodium sempervirens alba spica, and other coniferous trees and shrubs. A first-class award was voted to the Juniper. Rev. J. B. Nor- man, Whitchurch Rectory, Edgeware, had botanical certificates for Masdevallia species, supposed to be elephanticeps, of a bright greenish yellow externally, the lip a purplish brown — a curious and interesting species; and M. Normanii, the back of the flower a reddish purple, and internally a greenish ivory white with yellow tails — a very pretty species. Other plants may be omitted owing to their removal from the Council-room before our notes were completed. THE EOYAL NURSERIES, SLOUGH. Onn main object in visiting these nurseries was to see tbe Pea° now growing in the grounds, and especially to note the condition of a new variety bearing an honourable name — Dr. Maclean. It is very easy and very eommon, also natural, on seeing an exhibition of plants, fruits, or vegetables, to fancy that we have examples as good or better at home. Such opinions are frequently and honestly formed, but in nine cases out of ten if that which in the solitude of home looks bo meritorious is placed in position with the best products of others, our idol is robbed of a portion of its glory, and it is only then that we really and accurately obtain a just measure of its merit. No one is more alive to this fact than Mr. Turner, and no one could less afford to attach his name to a commodity of doubtful merit or fictitious fame ; hence his new Pea must undergo the test of a fall and fair trial with the first and best varieties of the day, and must stand or fall on its merits in comparison with those of its peers. This parliament of Peas now in session at Slough consists of twenty-five representatives of the great Pea constituency. All the famous Peas are here, from AJpha to Omega. There are fat and full G. F. Wilsons, dwarf and sturdy Uniques, gigantic Superlatives, and all sorts of big marrows. Best of All is in ruddy garb, and James's Prolific is heavily laden. There is a row each of Quality and Quantity, tbe tempting Connoisseur, the new and good Supplanter, and of course the Premier. Such are a sample of the varieties which have proved their worth and calibre ; and fine as these rows are, and worthily as they have won their fame, yet we say it — because we cannot by seeking find a shade of doubt on the point — that if the new member had been named Alpha or Omega, Best of AU, or Premier, or any other title which fit the others so well, that it were worthy of that title, for it is the first in appearance — a veritable " Alpha," tbe last in age — an " Omega," and a splendid finish ; it is the " Best of AU" the gathering, and a veritable "Premier" amongst its peers. We are aware that is saying a great deal, but we have not a word of qualification to append. We say it because it would not be justice to say anything less, and because we have no fear of our verdict being challenged by other competent judges. The rows of Dr. Maclean are nothing short of a grand sight. Not in one point alone does this Pea excel, but in every quality its merits are apparent. In productiveness it is unequalled, iu size of pod unsurpassed by any save Superlative, in fulness it is replete, in colour all that can be wished, and iu sturdi- ness and vigour it satisfies an exacting criticism. We have only to add that it is 3 feet iu height, and is — for on this point we have tested it — of high table quality. Mr. Turner has sent from his nursery many things of which he may be proud, but nothing in either plant, fruit, or vege- table for which he is responsible will better uphold his reputa- tion than Dr. Maclean Pea. We almost venture to hope that with his success he will be generous, and enable all Pea lovers to afford to possess a supply of this fine variety ; and if it flourishes equal to its present doings at Slough, they will have an acquisition in the shape of Peas which will enrich their vegetable collections, rich as they may have been before. We take leave of this Pea by saying it is the finest variety we have ever seen growing, and iu quality we cannot name a better sort. July 23, 1875. ] JOUaN'AIi OP HOBriCULTURB AND COTTAQii GARDENBB. 69 Bat wbile at this nursery we mast give a passing glance at some other of its occapants. Pre-eminent just now ore the Carnations and Picotees, of which perhaps Mr. Turner holds the lineet collection of the day. Through all the varying phases of fashion these fine garden flowers have been cherished, preserved, and improved. And glad we are to note that they are rising iu pnhlic estimation, and that the demand for them is every year increasing. No flowers of the garden are more intrinsically beautiful than are these, and with their beauty is blended sweetness. They are hardy, and of easy culture. When in bloom they are exceedingly handsome, and even when out of bloom the plants neither look seedy nor weedy. No wonder that their' cultivation should spread, and it is surprising that they should be affected by any decorative fashion of the hour. For the benelit of those who cannot choose for themselves we name a few in each section — the cream of an exceedingly valuable collection — as possessing ondoubted merit, and which may be grown with confidence. Caknaiions. — Scarlet Lizarrrs : Campanini, Dreadnought, Fanny Gardener, G-uardsman, Mars, Mercury, Eccentric Jack, Marshal Ney, Kiflemau, Purity, Albion's Pride, and John of Gaunt. Purple Flakes : Dr. Poster, Earl of Stamford, Ajax, Mayor of Nottingham, Florence, and Ascendant. Scarlet Flakes : Mars, Superb, Annibilator, Mr. Battersby, Sportsman, and Splendour. Rose Flakes: John Eeet, Christigala, James Merryweather, Sybil, Pha'bus, and Mrs. F. Barnaby. Cloves : Hindoo, Prince Arthur, Bride, Albert, Cremorne, Maiden's Blnsh, King of Yellows, and GOant des Batailles. Picotees. — Red-edi/ed : Mrs. Norman, Princess of Wales, Mrs. Hornby, Leonora, Miss Small, J. B. Bryant, Peeress, and Mrs. Keynes. Purple-edijed : Cynthia, Venus, Chanticleer, Alliance, Mary, Mrs. Little, and Admiration. Hose and Scarlet- edged: Mrs. Fordham, Edith Dombrain, Mrs. Allcroft, Miss Sewell, Juliana, Miss Wood, Ethel, and Regina. This is a short but select list of the flowers as seen in per- fection, and if justice is done them in culture they cannot dis- appoint. Pelaegoniums of the Show and Fancy section are another speciality of this nursery. For a time the Zonal section ab- sorbed primary attention, and there was a subsidence in the demand for the class we are noticing. The two sections are so thoroughly distinct that it is almost absurd to think of one being in any way a rival to the other. Neither is it so now, for the demand for both is rapidly increasing. Than the Show and Fancy Pelargoaiums no more beautilul greenhouse plants are to be found in cultivation. It is superfluous to say that no one grows them better than does Mr. Turner ; that is admitted, and we can better utilise space by noting a few of the very best for the ioformation of others who are contem- plating the culture of these plants. The bloomiug period is now over, and the plants are being cut down and placed in a light house to break. The cuttings are being struck in sandy Boil also in the same house. The varieties have been seen at the principal exhibitions, and we note a few of the best of them. The new sorts are an exceedingly fine group. Crown Prince being perhaps the best, followed by Constance, Archduchess, Isabella, Queen Victoria, Presbyter, Sultan, Dauntless, Alice, Duchess of Cambridge, and Sybil. Those are all varieties of high merit. From the general collection we select Euth, Favourite, Duke of Cambridge, Claribel, Highland Lassie, Iron Duke, Blue Boy, Coronet, Conquest, Great Mogul, Lord Byron, Mabel, Prince Leopold, Protector, Scottish Chieftain, States- man, Prince Arthur, Purple Gem, Viptory, and Pompey. The newest Fancies — Atlantic, Henry Bailey, Jewess, La3y Mayoress, Mrs. Hart, and The Shah — are all of very superior merit; and amongst the best of the older varieties may be noted Ellen Beck, Agrippa, Fanny Gair, Vivandicre, Princess Teck, Marmion, Mrs. Alfred Wigau, Victor Hugo, and Excel- sior. Triomphe de St. Maude and Queen Victoria are the most striking of the French section, the variety last named being remarkably bright. The above list is a very choice and reliable one. EosEs. — These are only noticed to say that the majestic plants which have achieved so many triumphs have just been repotted, and are kept under glass to make their growth. So many growers of pot Roses do not repot until the autumn that we note the practice which is adopted in the culture of some of the finest plants which have ever been perfected. We also note as bearing on the soundness of Mr. Camm's views that the whole of the Roses which Mr. Turner has this year ex- hibited are the produce of cut-back plants. Up to this date, Joly the 17th, Mr. Turner has not commenced to cut from his maidens ; fine blooms are ready, but are being injured by the incessant rains. We cannot detail the condition of the extensive and fine col- lection of pot Vines and the collections of plants generally ; it must suffice to say that they are in the first order of health, and that the entire establishment is in a high state of keeping. NOVELTIES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. EuRYANOirsi SuMBUL is flowering in the Herbaceous ground for the first time in this country, and a more important plant from a scientific point of view has not flowered since the Rheum oflioinale of last year. It yields the drug known as " Radix Sumbul," which about the year 18:^.5 was first intro- duced to Russia as a substitute for Musk, and then recom- mended as a medicine against cholera. It was first known in England about twenty-five years ago, was included in the British pharmacopajia in 1867, and is now prescribed in tinc- ture form as a stimulating tonic. The species yielding this drug was not known till ISG'.t, when a plant flowered at Moscow, received from the mountains of Maghian eastward of Samar- oand, which proving new was named and described by Kauff- mann. Its root only appears iu commercs, cut into transverse slices an inch thick. 'The musky smeU of the resin is strong and agreeable, but is not fuUy developed until after contact with water. The root of this spacimen is fusiform in shape, ?A inches in diameter near the top, with a floweriag stem nearly 8i feet high. The leaves are now dead; they were much-divided and similar to some species of Ferula, to which genus this is closely allied. Its cultivation is not diflioult, though in pots it will apparently not succeed, as the leaves die off on the slightest check. In the open ground, however, where the roots are free it does well. Sandy loam should be prepared, intermixed with stones, and the plant should be placed on a small mound so as to be a little above the ground level. It is evidently accustomed to a dry season of rest, it is therefore necessary to cover with a handglass during winter. A mulching of litter is beneficial in summer. The roots do- not branch, and when at rest may be sent to a distance iu th& same way as a bulb. In the Orchid-house porch, near the Carnivorous plants, we observe the very rare and pretty Sarmienta repeas, which though small is covered with flowers. It is much like a di- minutive ^Eschynanthus, and has the same habit. The flowers, it has been aptly observed, are like Mitraria cocci oea; they are, however, a little reduced in size. We know of no one cul- tivating this plant but Mr. Wheeler of Warminster, who is very successful iu its culture. It is a native of Chili and Peru, and does best on a shelf near the glass. In the choicest col- lection of greenhouse plants this should be included. It would be especially useful for baskets, and perhaps rockwork. We believe that a greater number of Chilian plants are hardy, or nearly so, than is supposed, and therefore we should recom- mend a trial of this plant out of doors in a sheltered position. , It has been included among stove plants, but there it is cer- tainly not in its proper place. On the Piockwork some Orchidaceje appear to do well. Orchis latifolia var. speciosa, a largo form from Morocco, is very handsome. Orchis latifolia var. sesquipedalis and 0. foliosa are also good. The Man Orchis (Aceras anthropophora), a rare British plant, has been in flower for the last two months. Here we are glad to see healthy plants of the blue Meconopsis Wallichi, of which we gave a figure last year, and another species M. simpUcifoiia. Noteworthy as a rarity, though not now in flower, is Arnebia echioides, which we believe is the only plant now in the country. It is of neat habit, and has scorpioid spikes of yellow flowers with five purple spots at the throat. It belongs to the Boraginacea;, and is native of the Caucasian Alps and Armenia. Among other interesting plants in flower may be mentioned Swertia perennis with peculiar purplish blue flowers ; Sedum obtusatum with foliage much like Echeveria pumila, but with yellow flowers — it is quite a distinct species and is yet rare; Saxifraga mutata ; and a hybrid of which it is one of the parents, the other parent being S. aizoides. THE NEW DISEASE OP POTATOES. Now that the subject of the new disease (not new with me, having noticed it here for four years) is being discussed, every hint and observation leading to the discovery of the root of the evil is of value, for aa physicians say, " knowing the disease is 70 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ July 22, 1875. half the cure," bo with onr hortienltural diseases. Now, my own observations respecting these Yankee Potatoes are, that the nearer we can bring their cultivation to that of their native country the less liable they are to disease, in proof of which I have here eight rows of American Early Eofe and one of Snow- flake planted in a warm and sheltered kitchen garden, soil deeply trenched and heavUy manured ; they have made very robust growth and formed good tubers, with no signs of disease. In a field I have one acre of Early Rose ; this land also received a fair coat of manure last autumn, but the soil is very shallow, and here about one-twelfth is gone off. In a field not far from mine a still more striking example may be found. About half an acre is planted with Early Rose ; one part of this half acre was manured, the other half received none. The part manured have grown well, and are looking healthy and strong, with very little signs of disease ; the part not manured came up weak, grew slow, and I do not think one root will escape ; so from these facts I consider they want to be grown quick, for which they require a good soil and warm situation. In regard to Sutton's Flourball Potatoes, my experience goes to prove that they are not subject to the disease. I have grown them in quantity four years, and this year I have about one acre of them, but I have failed to discover any trace of dis- ease upon them, and they have also proved themselves with me to be more proof against the old disease than any other variety I cultivate, and I find it also the best-keeping variety, having it now in fit condition for the table. — John Ubeen, Norwich. My crop of Potatoes is ruined and is quite worthless, so I for one have good reason to believe that the disease, be it new or old, is a serious visitation. As soon as the tubers commenced to form the sterna commenced to wither, eventu- ally blackening to complete decay. They are about the size of rifle balls, and have not moved for the past month, and will evidently not become any larger. In some cases the old sets are sound, and in others they are rotten. The failure is complete, and the total value of the crop will not equal the value of the seed Potatoes which were planted. They are American varieties. I send you a sample, and perhaps you will be able to say whether it is the "new" disease or not. It is idle to ask for a remedy, for the evil is done, and is manifestly irremediable. — S. H., Essex. [The disease is identical with that which is so extensive at Chiswick. — Eds.] INFORMATION ABOUT PEAES. I ENTiKELY agree with Mr. Taylor as to the importance of this matter, for there is no hardy fruit equal to the Pear in value or utility — value for the varied and delicious flavour of so many kinds, and utility for the length of time which a good selection will afford a succession of choice fruit for the table. It is precisely the want of local information that proves such a stumbling-block to one in planting Pear trees in a new place, especially when space is an object or when it is a commercial speculation. There is no fruit so diflicult to " hit oS " as the Pear, fruit of the same sort being very different in two gardens a slight distance apart, and even from a couple of trees in the same garden ; and therefore for any information to be really useful it must embrace the most minute details of soil, situation, and culture. Tables similar to the example given by Mr. Taylor would prove of the greatest value, and I should be happy to assist in so useful an undertaking so far as a collection of young trees would enable me to do so ; but the work should not stop at such a point, which is in reality only the beginning. All who can should deal with the subject more at length, and by enriching the pages of the Journal with fruit lore strive to render it the best guide in this as in all other branches of horticulture. One of the best aids towards the accumulation of such facts is a fruit book, in which every tree is entered, with a suitable space left after each name for brief annual notes. The memory is treacherous, and if trusted to entirely many little points of considerable importance are apt to be forgotten. Of course when the trees number only a few dozen a book would hardly be required, but when the collection amounts to several hun- dreds it is really indispensable. Mr. Taylor is doubtless fully aware that the weeding process of "eccentricities of taste" which he contemplates would prove a difficult affair. By what standard does he propose to try them? Surely the decisions, or rather excisions, must be ruled by weight of numbers and not by mere individual opinion, than which nothing differs so widely. For example, I cannot agree with him in his estimate of Duchesse d'Angoubime and BeurrL- Clairgeau. The Duchesse is certainly sometimes in- sipid, but I would not condemn a really excellent kind for a failing which is only developed under circumstances preventing a better state of things. Beurre Clairgeau has proved so good with me from trees upon free stocks that I planted a dozen more of it last season, and I have it now trained to walls of east and west aspects, horizontally and as oblique cordons, as well as in the pyramidal form in an orchard. It is an un- doubted fact that the fruit of this Pear is frequently deficient in richness, and is therefore comparatively worthless in many gardens, notably in cold heavy soils, but in light soil it answers better, and is often as excellent in flavour as it is ornamental in appearance. Both kinds would probably be classed as doubtful and uncertain, and I much fear that the sorts which must be so classed will always prove greatly in the majority. However this may be, there can be no doubt that an immense amount of good would result from such an inquiry, and a mass of reliable information be accumulated, which would not only prove of the greatest assistance to the regular practitioner, but would also impart confidence to the amateur upon a matter concerning which he has so long been beset with hesitation and doubt. In a word, it would tend to render Pear culture far more popular than it is at present, and we should find that space would gladly be aiJorded to many highly meri- torious varieties hitherto comparatively unknown as well as the Jargonelles, Bon Chutiens, and half a dozen other kinds which have so long reigned pre-eminent in many small gardens. Information is also much wanted about the effect of the difierent stocks, especially upon the fruit, in its quality, quan- tity, and how soon after planting it is freely produced, so as to ascertain which sorts may be depended upon for coming quickly into bearing while the trees are young — a matter of considerable importance, especially in a new garden, where it is desirable to secure some return as quickly as possible for the heavy outlay that is usually incurred in the planting. — Edwakd Luckhuesi. LATE PEAS. I HAVE nothing to add except that my district is a dry one, the average rainfall being 20 inches. In latJS I gathered ripened Peas of Carter's First Crop, and sowed them the same day in trenches, and gathered green Peas from them in October, but they were not so good as were those from old seed sown on the same day. The old seed came up the first and the most regular. Neither of these were half so good as was Ne Plus Ultra, gathered throughout November of that year. Ne Plus Ultra and Auvergne are the best dry- weather mildew- resisting Peas we have. Sown in trenches and deluged once a week, using salt in the water at the rate of half an ounce per gallon, I have not failed to have frequent dishes of Peas throughout November for the past seven years. It is not a question of Peas versus Scarlet Runner Beans. Supply a dish of Peas two or three times a week in the autumn, and the Beans will be the more relished for the change. As Mr. Robson is interested, I will, on a future occasion, give my experience of growing other vegetables in trenches, beginning with Potatoes. I may add that if in this northern latitude our summers are dry, our autumns are generally wet, and perhaps the rains may set in earlier than they do in the south, and herein we may have an advantage. — A NOETUERN GaEDENER. THE EESTING-SPORES OF THE POTATO DISEASE. Mb. a. F. Barron of Chiswick, to whom I am indebted for many specimens of diseased Potatoes, in recently writing to me as to the present aspect of the murrain described the attack as the most virulent of all he had seen. In some plants at the present time the leafstalks suddenly lose their hold, the leaves tumble off, and the plant rapidly disappears. The disease put in its unwelcome appearance a month or six weeks earlier than usual, and the first diseased foliage which came under my notice for examination was received from one of the correspondents of the Journal of Horticulture at the beginning July 23. 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEli. 71 . of June. In those leaves I detected the mj'celium and a few fertile threads of the obnoxious fungus which always accom- pauies, and probab'y causes (judging from its effects) the Potato disease. The reason why competent observers believe the fungus to cause the disease is simply this : If the spores are allowed to fall artificially upon the leaves, or even stem or tuber, they burst and grow, and wherever they burst (their contents being extremely potent and corrosive) they immedi- ately bore a hole through the skin and enter the plant. Of course the spores eat their way into the plant in the same unceremonious manner when they fall naturally upon it ; and if leaves are kept under observation it is invariably seen that wherever the damaging mycelium of the Potato fungus runs, there, and there only, the Potato plant is discoloured, burnt up, and corroded as if some poisououB acid had been iutrodnced into its system. Soon after I had thus early detected the true Potato fungus in the specimens sent from the ofBce of this .Journal, Mr. Berkeley, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society held on .Tune liUh last, directed the special attention of the gardening public to the early and extremely virulent nature of the disease. At the same time he said ho had detected a fungus new to him in the tissues of the Potato leaves, which he referred to n dubious class of fungi always found growing within the tissues of plants, and named Protomyces. In my search for the latter body I met not only with the presumed Protomyces — really the mature resting-spore — but also the male and female organisms which gave it birth. How this arose was detailed in the paper read before the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and printed in last week's number of the Journal of Horticulture. I am disposed to entirely account for the excessive virulence of the disease this year from the fact of these rcsting-spores being prematurely formed in the substance of the young plants. They are embedded like cancers in the tuber, haulm, and foliage ; and in whatever part they are seen, there the cells of which the Potato is built up are corroded and destroyed. On the application of moisture to the plant, as supplied naturally by the atmosphere or arti- ficially by watering, this spawn within the plant starts into renewed life to further poison the tissues, produce fresh spores for the present season and resting-spores for the next. With a little attention it is quite easy for any person of ordinary ability to understand the nature of the Potato fungus and how it aljfects and destroys the plant it lives upon. From the smallness of the parasite it is almost invisible, but its smallness is compensated for by the habit it has of so rapidly increasing, that one infected plant on a given spot will in a day or two cause the fungus to appear on every plant in the neighbourhood. Because it is small it must not be considered impotent or disbelieved in. The aphis is small, but none the less destructive ; and it is quite as unreasonable to refer the Potato disease to wireworms and other insects, as for some dim-sighted person to deny the damaging effects of the aphis because he could not see the insects, and charge rats with the damage because he happened to see a rat — an animal he coxild see — wallowing about amongst dead plants. A word may here be said about certain words and terms used in the dcecription of various organs and structures of plants. It is really melancholy to find writers who ought to know better attempting to cast ridicule on the things they cannot understand. One writer strong in wireworms and rats may be found laughing at the pest which for good reasons is supposed to cause the murrain, simply because he cannot understand or see it, but the most short-sighted person can of course see a big insect or a four-footed animal. Insects are always attacking Cabbages, Turnips, and other kitchen- garden plants, but no one has ever yet seen a Cabbage or Turnip with the Potato disease, although it is common to see both and all similar plants with the wireworm. A friend of mine, too, has recently acknowledged in print that " ordinary capacities are staggered on the very threshold " of the paper you printed last week by such words (amongst others) as " cellular tissue " and " mycelial threads." Now, surely, this is a libel on the gardening fraternity at large, for if there are any men of "ordinary capacity" who buy and read the horticultural papers and don't know that the spawn of a fungus is composed of " mycelial threads," and that a plant is entirely built up of " cells " packed together and called cellular tissue (and tubes called "vessels"), then I venture to say the time is fast approaching when such men wUl have to retire from the honoured ranks. I have engraved the accompanying figure of the Potato fungus in its new aspect, so that all readers of the Journal of Horticulture may, if they try, thoroughly understand its nature and effects. First of all it must be remembered that the Potato plant (like all other plants) is principally built up of cells, called " cellular tissue." The present figure is a greatly enlarged view of a small piece of Potato stem. Now, I have little doubt every reader of this paper well knows that a Potato stem is not like a solid piece of iron, or marble, or glass, but that it is principally built up of a number of cells filled with fluid, which when enlarged in size look like the cells of a honeycomb. These honeycomb like cells are almost invisible to the unaided sight, but when they are greatly en- larged by a good microscope they are seen exactly as at A on the accompanying engraving. The Potato fungus is prin- cipally seen on the other side of the illustration, and everyone who looks on the figure will observe that if the cells are next to invisible without a glass, how much more so must be the threads and spores of the fungus, which are drawn to the same scale. The Potato fungus is principally composed of threads, called " mycelial threads " or spawn, b b. These threadd are poison- ous to the Potato plant, and wherever they go they scorch and dry up the cells of which the Potato plant is composed. The tLieads branch in various directions, iind the branches bear " simple spores," or seeds, at their tips, c o c. These spores when ripe fall from the threads, burst, enter the platjt through the skin or breathing pores, aud make fresh corrosive threads, which soon produce a new generation of spores. At the ends of some of the branches it is common to see spores of a different nature, n n. These are called " swarm spores" because they are many times bigger than the simple spores, aud contain within themselves a swarm of spores. On the application of moisture the skin of this large spore bursts and sets free, instead of one, a " swarm " of nearly twenty spores. These fall again on the plant, burst, enter the skin, and send out corrosive threads into the tissues just like the last-mentioned ; but they differ from the simple spores in a remarkable way, inasmuch as each individual of the swarm is furnished with two lash-like taUs, e e. With these tails they whirl themselves about in moisture, spin round and round, and dart about in different directions with the greatest rapidity like animalcules (for this reason they are called zoospores, because they are partly animal-like). It will be seen from this that when in moist weather the wind cannot carry the infection by the simple spores, the moisture supplied to the Potato by dew or showers enables these animalcula-like zoo- spores to propel themselves in different directions from one plant to another. The above contains the pith of all that was known about the damaging Potato fungus till this year, although it has from the first been suspected that the parasite had some means of living during the winter, or how could it appear with such regularity every summer ? This winter life is now understood, and it may possibly prove one step towards the extirpation of the pest. The two sorts of spores above described are very fragile and short-lived. If they do not fall upon the Potato plant or some close ally they speedily perish, but if they do fall upon the Potato plant they speedily kill it, and they and their mycelial threads perish with the victim. The Potato fungus lives through the winter in the ground, and resides during this period in a state of sleep or hybernation within a " rcsling-spore," as it is called, because this sort of spore when mature does not burst and enter the plant, but it surrounds itself with a hard coat (at the Potato plant's expense), and falling to the ground with the dead haulm, leaves, and tuber, quietly rests in the ground till the follow- ing summer. This resting -spore is brought into being in a different manner from the simple spores and zoospores, and this is how it is done : Instead of spores, two difftrent-sized bodies arise from the threads, one a globular semi-transparent organism, similar in nature to the ovule of a flower, f r ; aud another much smaller and similar in nature with an anther and its pollen, GO. In a somewhat similar manner to the anther coming in contact with the stigma of a flower, these two bodies come together, and the material contained in the smaller body is discharged through a minute tube into the matter contained in the larger one. This action causes the larger body to secrete a new coating as at h, and afterwards become a fertile resting- spore. As it grows it speedily disengages itself from the thread which has borne it, j j, and it falls to the ground wi*h ihe dying plant, and rests in the earth Kke a Eeed. 72 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GASDENER. [ JoJy 23, 1875. Judging from the nature of other resting-spores, the resting- sporo of the Potato disease at first germinates in the earth like Dodder, and if (again like Dodder) it cannot find a fit plant to grow npon it speedily perishes ; but should a Potato plant be in the -vicinity, the poiseuone threads of the resting- epore roach it, find their fitting food in it, and doubtless at once enter the skin, as the threads from the more fragile simple spores and zoospores are able to do. When these threads W.CS.AD.NATJEL, Fig. 9.— The potato ftjnocs and its ebstinq-spoees. Taken from the Stem of one of the Ohiawick plants, once get in or on the plant they speedily produce tho simple pporoB just described, and these get blown amongst the Potatoes in every direction, and the regular recurrence of the disease is the result. The conclusion of the sad history is this, that when the plants are prostrate and on tbe point of death they beoomn tho prey to insects, as Mr. Berke'ey thirty Tears ago pointed out. Iti the same way the noble lion is preyed upon by baser animals when weak and dying ; but Potatoes are not July 22, 1875. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. vaaquislied in fair fight with wireworms any more than the king of beasta is beaten by a jackal. Any suggeetiouB as to the cure of the disease may well be reserved for another time. It does not, however, follow that becanso a man knows the nature of a disease he can cure it. The complete knowledge of a disease often only assures the doctor of its perfectly incurable character, although it would be premature to say that nothing can be done to mitigate the Potato mnrrain. — Woethington G. Smith. DRYN ARIAS. Beactiful and elegant stovo Ferns are the Drynariaa. They are by their distinct features worthy of cultivation wherever graceful plants of chaste form and quiet colour are cherished. They are of a class which possess a sober airy beauty and are at- tractive in themselves, and they also, by con- trast, bring out the charms of other plants to greater advantage. Plants whose principal beauty rests in the form or colour oi their fo- liage rather than the mere brilliancy of their flowers, are now sought for with considerable zeal. It is commend- able, too, for the beau- ty of buch plants is not transient, but is ever growing, and is continually refreshing and lastingly attrac- tive. Of this nature are Ferns, and of these the genus Dry n aria possesses claims to cul- tivation. The Drynariaa are not to be seen in every collection of Ferns, yet for the various pur- poses to which this class oi plants are de- voted some of the spe- cies might fitly play a part. If a pendulous basket Fern is required D. diversifolia is par- ticularly suitable, its beautiful green pinnate fronds, from 2 to 3 feet long, being very orna- mental. D. coronans is a plant of more no- ble aspect, its fronds being large and spread- ing; it is worthy a place in all ferneries of any extent, and makes a nice specimen for ex- hibition. D. quercifolia is a distinct and attractive species. Most of the Drynarias are suitable for planting on rock- work, their creeping rhizomes clinging to rocks or roots in a natural manner, from which the fronds spring freely. When grown in pots they should be potted liigh, and the rhizomes merely be pegged on the surface. They require a stove heat and moist atmosphere. The fronds of some of the species are contracted and fertile in the upper part, the lower fronds being distinct and barren, which gives to the plant a pecu- liar yet agreeable appearance, and adds a feature to their interest. This is weU shown in our illustration, which is of one of the best species. free the trees from mosses, which favour the woolly aphia. — W. F. Radclyffe. '^^^^^ Fig. 10.— DKTNAKIA C0E0NAN3. THE POTATO CROP IN THE NORTH-WEST OF ENGLAND. In the Potato districts of north-west Lancashire, Cumber- land, and Westmoreland the present prospects of the crop are very cheering. Last year the disease in those districts was almost nil, so much so that in all the principal markets good sound tubers were sold at Gtl. per atone of 11 Iba. This year a diseased Potato is scarcely to be found amongst the garden sorts, and field Potatoes up to the present time look very pro- mising. Although we have had rather more than an average of rain, yet it has not been accompanied by intense heat, which usually, following upon liberal rains and aided by rich manures, pro- duces rot or disease in the Potato. My old opinion, some time ago enunciated in the co- lumns of the Journal, remains still the same, that the disease in Po- tatoes may be arrested and overcome by sim- ple and natural means — namely, by the use of moderate quanti- ties of manure and the avoidance of rich stim- ulating manures, the following-up of the use of which have rendered both the soil and the tubers rotten. Up to this time we have fortunately been free from the curl spoken of in the south- ern districts, and new Potatoes are selling in our markets at 10^2. per 14 lbs., and it must be remembered that the season for them is with us only fairly com- menced. By breaking up new Potato land, and allowing the old rich soils to exhaust their rottenness and regain their original state — by the use of almost dry farmyard manure, and by es- chewing rich manures, which induce rotten- ness of both sou and Potato sets — a very few seasons would enable this useful esculent to regain its former health. In all the ve- garden and the farm we have American Blight. — If " Agricola " will mix in water quick- lime and salt, and apply it with a brush, rubbing it well into the cracks, it will completely free his trees. It will, moreover. getable products of the garden and tlie larm we nave a very plentiful season ; and though some gardeners may re- pine that we have not had a sufficiency of warm sunshine to fully ripen fruit, yet we have more than compensating advantages in the enormous crops of both fruit and vege- tables of every description, and the work of giving support to overladen trees has to be performed in every garden and orchard. From the commencement of April np to the present time we have had constantly recurring showers alternated by days of sunshine, whilst ever and anon a day or two of winter- like severity would arrest too free growth. On the evening of Wednesday, the 14th inst., a cold east wind prevailed, which reminded us strongly of October. It continued through- out the night, but was banished by the next day's bright sun- shine. The hay crop, a good breadth of which is now under cover, is the heaviest known for many years. Up to this 74 JOURNAL OF EOETICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. f July 23, 187S. time the food prospects for both man and beast are eapeoially promising. — Beta. CHIPPING NORTON ROSE SHOW. CmrriNO NonTos had never been associated in my mind with anything horticultural save James Betteridge and his Asters. It will henceforth be associated with the recollection of as pretty a little Rose Show as I have seen this season, with as enthusi- astic a sot of florists as I have met with for some time, and with people as hospitable aud genial as, even amongst horticulturists, anyone might wish to be thrown into contact with. In order to prove my position let me, then, endeavour to describe their Rose Show, bearing in mind that it is a quiet inland town with about four thousand inhabitants. Now I do not call to mind any town of a similar size which, in addition to its ordinary horticultural show, goes in for a Rose show exclusively. Wis- beach adds stove and greenhouse plants to its list of exhibits. Exeter is a city, and so is Hereford, and therefore do not stand in comparison with it ; and this, I think, is a proof that it has an enthusiastic set of florists. The Committee offered upwards of ;£10 in prizes, and of sufficient vabie to tempt such growers as Messrs. Cranston & Mayos of Hereford and Mr. Prince of Oxford to come forward, while the amateurs of the neighbour- hood mustered in considerable strength. The Show was held in the charming grounds of The Mount, the residence of Mr. Wilkins the Mayor of Chipping Norton ; and the tent in which the Roses were placed was well fiUed with excellent stands of blooms. Messrs. Cranston & Mayos's lot of forty-eight was remarkably fresh, and the blooms in it were largo without being coarse. The usual fine Roses which one looks for in every stand were of course to be seen here, as were also Ferdinand de Lesseps, good ; Madame Laoharme, clear and fine; and Sir Garnet Wolseley, rich and good in form. Mr. Prince's Roses were fine but coarse. It would seem from what I have seen that the seedling Briar has the tendency to foster coarseness, and will probably require less manure and less strength than the Manetti. There were some grand blooms of Claude Levet in Mr. Prince's stands. Mr. Corp of Oxford was a good third. The keenest point of interest about the Show was evidently the contest for the cup given for twenty-four blooms in the amateurs' class, and which was awarded after a very close con- test to Mr. Julius Sladden, the son of as staunch a florist as ever lived, well known to the horticulturists of the past as " A. S. H." the editor for many years of " Gossip for the Garden," and one of the earliest and most successful amateur cultivators of the Gladiolus in England. It is a pleasant thing to see the son treading in his father's footsteps, and it was no small pleasure to mo as his old friend to award him the cup. His stand was a very even and creditable one, but he was run very close by Mr. H. Wilkins, in whose stand were some blooms much finer, but mnre than counterbalanced by those two wretches Henri Pages and Reine du Midi, which are well nigh sure always to deceive an exbibitor ; their colour so soon flies, and they so soon become flaccid. In Teas a very beautiful box of smallish blooms was exhibited by Mr. Prince of Oxford, amongst which Comtesse de Nadaillac and Marie Van Houtte were conspicuous. The pre- mier prize for the best single Rose in the amateurs' class of twenty-four was awarded to Mr. Wilkins for a very beautiful bloom of General Jacqueminot. How these old Roses are coming to the front this year ! There were some pretty baskets and bouquets of Roses shown, but the rigid rule which proscribes any other foliage but that of the Rose might well be modified. Mrs. Betteridge exhibited a beautiful stand of blooms of hardy herbaceous plants, but of these more anon. In the evening a dinner took place at the Crown Hotel, and after it Mr. Pryer the Treasurer announced his intention of giving a cup next year of the value of five guineas, to be com- peted.for by amateurs. This announcement is another proof of the enthusiasm that exists amongst the horticulturists of Chip- ping Norton. After the Show I went to visit the nursery grounds of Mr. James Bettekldqe. I ought to have done so under any cir- camstances, if only to apologise for having so deliberately killed him off last year; but I was anxious to see the home of tho quilled Asters which bear his name and which he has made so famous. They were not, of course, in bloom, but they gave good promise of an excellent bloom next month, and they must really form a beautiful sight when these large patches of various colours are in flower, on the side of one of those hills which form Chip- ping Norton. Mrs. Betteridge, the worthy wife of a worthy man, is passionately fond of herbaceous plants, and has gathered together a very nice collection. Amongst those in flower were several fine Delphiniums, especially a seedling from Belladonna hut move vigorous ; Pentstemon Torreyi, Campanula salicifolia, Veronica spicata and spieata alba., and a dwarf variety of the same ; Campanula Van Houttei, nobilis alba, and Henderson! ; Spirsea venusta, Scabicsa caucasica coronata, and Myosotis Impera- tiice Elizabeth, valuable not only for its colour, but as c^njirg into bloom when all others are over. She had also some very nice specimens of British Ferns, and I was glad to find herba- ceous plants so well done and so appreciated, and right glad to make the acquaintance of an honest man and a self-taught florist and his good wife. I am sorry to say I saw here unmistakeable proofs of the existence of the Potato disease, of which after this wet July I fear we shall hear much. Being an early bird I took the opportunity of paying a visit before starting on my home journey to see Mr. Sabine, who is mad enough to prefer hardy herbaceous plants to flaunting Geraniums and carpet bedding. Here I found many choice and valuable plants thoroughly at home, and I am not surprised at the favour with which this class of plants seems now to be regarded. I think, then, that I have proved my position as to the enthu- siasm of the Chipping Norton people about flowers ; it behoves me to speak but little of the kindness which I experienced both from my kind host the Mayor and his family, and the various officers of the Society ; from all with whom I came into contact I experienced the utmost cordiality, and rejoice that amidst this very dripping season they had a lovely day for their Show, and I trust that they may go on still prospering in the adventurous and spirited course they have taken for the encouragement of the queen of flowers. — D., Deal. CELERY IN WIDE TRENCHES. Me. Douglas being a cultivator of such acknowledged ability, everything he says justly carries considerable weight. On page .S4 he says, in treating on Celery, that " where quantity is of more importance than quality it is better to plant in wide trenches;" but for Celery of "splendid quality" he recommends the single-row system. Now, I cannot see how a difference in the size of a trench can affect the quality of Celery, but I can easily understand its having an influence on size. For a number of years I have grown Celery having for the main object quality, and, leaving undoubtedly good judges to decide on its merits, I have had a fair share of success. Now, the Celery which, for table use, has been so highly appreciated has been grown in wide trenches of four rows in each, and the sort Turner's Incomparable. With this sort, and by that mode, I could obtain a greater table quantity of high quality than I could by any other sort or plan. I could grow a larger quan- tity, using other sorts, but it was quantity to trim away and go to the rot-heap. Clean, sweet, crisp heads a foot in length are sufficient for a gentleman's table, and big Celery I hold to be as great a mis- take as is the aim at big Cucumbers. It is devoting labour, space, and manure to not a profitable end. For exhibition and market purposes the case is different, but for home table use I hold that the best quality of Celery is found in small and not large heads. The secret of having good Celery is in an abundant supply of water and not earthing-up by dribblets. Celery wiH blanch in one month as well as in three, and the longer it is earthed the more liable it is to become cankered. Dwarf Celery is more productive of suckers than is the taU-growing Celery, and special care is necessary to pick-out these sucker eyes at the time of planting, and, above all, not to plant deeply. The blister fly cannot be killed except by hand-picking, but it may be prevented. Watch for the first bhster and then keep the plants dusted with soot for three weeks. I have had one row which was not sooted ruined, and those on each side of it almost uninjured. That was to test the effect of soot and to prove its worth. Salt and soot form a capital mixture for Celery — the one conveys food and the other retains moisture. I advise as the most economical mode of growing Celery for table use the dwarf-growing sorts on the wide-trench system. — A Surrey Gardenek. POROUS GARDEN POTS. As the author of the article entitled " Clean versus Dirty Pots," which I communicated to " The Gardener," and which has occafioned the present discussion, perhaps yen will allow me to say a few words in reference to an " Ex-Exhibitoe's " remarks in last week's issue on the same subject. In the first place, I may state that I quoted Dr. Lindley, and the adapt- ability of glazed or glass pots, Ac, for plants, to dispose of the common argument that dirty or unwashed pots were unsuitable for plants, becauEe the dirt choked the pores of the earthenware, not thinking of discUEsing the question of porous yerf'is ncn-pcrous pctp, beh'tvipg that qnestion to have Jaly 22, X876. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 75 been already settled. Dr. Lindley's words are as follows: — " Experiment has, however, settled the '. Citron des Carmes, Jargonelle, Wifliams's Bon ChrL-tien, Beurre d'Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Comte de Lamy. Jersey GratioH, Red Doyennt, Thompson's, JIarie Louise, Beurre Diel, Knight's Monarch, Dr Trousseau, and Bergamo: ta Esperen. Plums: July Green Gage, De Montfort, Green Gage. OuUin's Golden, Transparent Gage, Huling's Superb, Kirke's, Coe's Golden Drop. Culinary Plums: Early Rivers, Gisbome's, Orleans, Victoria, Prince Englebert, and Damscn. Cherries : Early Jaboulay, Werder's Early Black, Black Tartarian, May Duke, Cleveland Bigarreau. Elton, Mary, Late Duke, and Coe's Lace Carnation. Culinary : Kentish, Belle de Magniflque, and Morello. Potatoes {Subscriber).— Yonr Potatoes will probably be none the worse for the soaking they have received. Allow them to remain in the ground to mature. Winter Lettuce (St. Edmund). — The Lettuce you mean is the Bath Co»- 80 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1875. 1 Tank fob Bottom Heat (E. A".).— Our "Heating? Manual" gives ful iDstructiona for the formation of tanks for affording bottom heat. We could not give you auv deliuite inf-irmation, as yon do not enli;,'hten ua as to what you wish, and yet we may hint that without a house or pit in which to plsce the tank for bottnm h*at you can do nothing, nor can we iu ignorance thereof advise. Glad, indeed, shall we be to criticise any plan yon may propose. A good book for an amateur upon outdoor gardening la the " Garden Manual," published at our ofllce, and it may be bad if you send Is. 8d. with your address, and Keane'e "Indoor Gardening " for la. 7H. Ihe "Heating Manual" may be bad free by post for &ld. Name op Fbtjit (Rev. C. Mar^tZt-n).— We believe your Cherry to be Early Purple Gean. Names of Plants (Jennie). — 1, Cynosnrus cristatus; 2, Agroatis vulgaris > 3, HolcuB mollis; 4, Alopecurus asreBtis; 5, Holcus lanatus; 6, Alopecurua pratensifl. {Subscriber). — 1, Pennisetum longiHtylum ; 2, Stipa pennata; 8, Spiraea Eeeveeiana ; 4, Spirjva filipeiidula fl.-pleno. {H. B.). — Briza maxima. fS. E. T.). — We have examined the plant, and it is really Sasi- fraga aizoides. POULTEY, BEE, AJSTD PIGEON OHEOIHOLE. PREVENTING HENS SITTING. As everyone who keeps poultry has not several runs, I write for the benefit of those who lihe myself keep a few hens in their yard. The quickest way to make them give up sittinfr is to put them in some place done round with wire netting with no dark comers anywhere, and far enough from their usual haunts to be strange to them. Ton may keep a hen for weeks shut up if it is where it is iu the habit of being, but in a fresh scene I usually find three or four days quite long enough, and my hens are Dorkings. In short, anything that " changes the current of the hen's ideas," is the great point to aim at ; therefore the more public the place the hen is put in the better. DAEI OR INDIAN MILLET. In answer to the query of " H. G. W." contained in the Journal of HorticuJture as to where dari can be procured, I can inform him that a quantity has arrived at the port of Gloucester, and can easily be obtained about this neighbourhood. Mr. Phelps, corn merchant, Ross, Herefordshire, can supply it. I believe it is largely grown in the West Indies and Egypt. — H. W. Ma. E. BracH says, "I have had dari from Mr. T. Day, 196, High Holbom, at 2I5. the sack of 240 lbs." DEIGHLINGTON AND ADWALTON POULTRY SHOW. The twenty-first annual Show of the above-named Society was held at DrighUngtou on the 10th inst. The pens are about the worst used by any society, being of wood with wire fronts, and entirely worn out, and so bad, in fact, that unless the ex- hibitor attends the Show it is not wise to send the birds ; we would fldviee them to be discarded for those of Turner's or some others of more modern kind, and this we put so pointedly on account of hearing complaints on this head so loud and fre- quent, and in the interest of the Society itself. In poultry Mr. Beldon won most of the prizes — and had that gentleman's exhibits not been there the Show would not have been worth a visit in this section — the quality of the winners throughout being good. In Game were some very good birds, Messrs. Mason's Duckwing cock was superli in colour, the Piles also being good. In cock and hen of any breed a capital Silver Poland was first, and Gold second ; and in cocks first was a Gold Poland, and second Black Red Game. In Game Bantams Black Reds won, and Black Rose-comb in the Variety class. Geese were a poor lot, while Rouen Duels were very good. In the Variety class for Ducks first were White Call and second Black East Indian. In Pigeons^ both Carriers and Pouters were pretty good. In Tumblers, any other variety, first were Black Mottles and second Wholefeathers, red. Barbs were good. Blacks winning; and Antwerps a fair lot, the first Blue and second Red-cheqners. In Turbits, first were about the best pair of birds in the Show, Reds of the peak-headed variety, the second Silvers. Eantails good, but Jacobins poor, and Owls neat; White Africans were first, and a capital pair of Bhie English second. In the Variety class first were a nice pair of Spangled Ice, and second White Dragoons, Blue Dragoons being highly commended. Of Babbits there were nine entries, three of Himalayan only poor, and in the Variety class first was a SUver-Grey buck, and second also young Silver-Greys. Spanish.— 1 and 2. H. Beldon, Bingley. DORKiNos— 1. U. Buldon. CocniN-CinNA.— 1, H. Beldiin. 2, W. Mitchell, Birkonshaw. Braiuia Pootra.— 1 and he, W. Selmfield, Birkeuehaw, t, H. Beldon. GkviK.—IHackbrcafftrd or otkrr Ucd.—\, J. R. Thornton, Itralford. 0. H. Walker, Gomcrsal. Duckxvinoefl.—\, H. C. Mason, Biratnl. 2, H. W. Mason, DriRhlinston. he, L. Fell, Adwalton. Any other variety,—!, R. Walktr, Gomersal. 2, H. C. Mason, vhc, G. S. Mason, HiMBCHOHs.— GoWen-jpansIci or BilveT-pencilUd.—l and 2, H. Beldon Stlrer-spangled or Silver-pencilled,— \ and 2, H. Beldon, Black.— I and 2, H. Beldon. Any othee Variety.—! and 2. H. Beldon. Any Bjiked —Cock.—l, H. Beldon. 2, R. Heminsfway, Halifax. Bantams.- fjfimf.- 1, R. Heminirway, Shelf. 2. J. Simpson. GildefBome. Any other variety.—] and 2, U. Beldon. he. C. & F. Illineworth, Hiahtown. GEE9E.— Medal. 1, aud 2. .J. Ward. Adwalt'-n Moor, he J Francti, Bradford. DccKS. -Ayleshury.-l. J. H. Pollard, Wibsey. Bradford l!oaen.—J, .1. E; Pollard. 2. H. Beldun. lie, W. Mitchell, Bradford; W. Mitchell, Birkenshaw; J. Fell. Adwalton ; D. Denby, Drighlington. Any other variety, — 1, H. Beldon. 2, N. Moore, Drighlinglon. PIGEONS. Carriers.- 1 and he, .7. H. Sykes, Huddersfield. 2. H. Beldon. Pouters.— 1. A. Hawley, Girlinpton. 2. J. H. Svkes Tumblers.— /4?mo?irf —1, H. Beldon. Any other variety.— 1, Botdt & Stair- mand. Great Horton. 2. A. Hawlev. Barbs.- 1, J. Threwh, Bradford. '2 and he, J. H. Sykee. Antwerps.- 1. T. ^hackleton, Bradford. 2, T. Scott, BruntclifEe. he, A. Empsall, Gomersall : H. Beldon ; W. Hardcaatle. Bingley. Turbits.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, J. F. Crowther, Mirlield. Fantaies.- 1. H. Beldon. 'j, J. H. Sykes. Jacobins.- 1 and 2. Mrs. H. Dovcnor, Westgate Hill. Trumpeters.- 1, J. H. Sykes. Magpie oa Swallow.— 1, H. Beldon. Wild.— 1, W. Uardeastle, Bingley. 2, H. Beldon. Owls.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, T. E. Haiusworth, Greenside, Padaey. he, J. Thresh, Bradford. Any other Variety.- 1, H. Beldon. 2, Boult & Stairmand. he, W. Hard- castle ; J. Hardeaty, BruntcUffe ; G. S. Burton, Leeds. Rabbits.— Hima'ai/a?i.—l, G. S. Burton. 2, .1. J. Mason, Drighlington. Any other variety.— 1, Found & Chappel. 2, G. S. Burton. Judge. — Mr. James Dixon. EARLSEA.TON AND CHICKERLET SHOW. The annual Show of this Society was held on the 10l;h inst. in the cricket field at Chickerley, Turner's pens being used and well arranged for the inspection of the specimens. From some irre- gularities which were not tally explained the Society seems to have suffered in a financial point, but the weather proved such that we think the Treasurer will feel less anxious as to the position of the Society ; and with a real hardworking Committee we think it has a good prospect before it. Poultry were not numerous, but as a rule the winners were good. In the two classes of Game we noticed one capital pen of Piles and one of Duckwings, but in Brahmas only the first-prize Dark deserves mention. Cochins were good as a class, the first-prize pen wincing the cup for the best pen in the Show. All were Buffs. Spanish, only one pen was good ; and Polish, three pens, all Golden, wer*^ a grand lot. Maiyiburghs were good; the first-prize Silver-spangle and Gold-pencil cocks were very good, the second iu Pencils being a good pen of chickens (Silvers). Game Bantams were two good classes, and in Reds the first took the extra prize also. TJ)e following class were all Piles, chickens taking the prizes. Any other Bantams were Silver Sebrights. In single cocks first was a Buff Cochin, and second a Brown Red Game. In Any other variety first were a fair pen of Black Hamburghs, and second Dark Grey Dorkings. Ducks were a very good class ; and the prizes having been withheld in one class an extra was awarded, the first being Kasarkas, and the others Rouen. Pigeons were more numerous than poultry. Carriers, Dun were first and Blacks second ; and in Pouters Blues and Whites won respectively. Barbs, only one pen of Duns, the ben being first-rate. Tumblers gootl, a pair of Yellow Agates winning first and also the cup for best pen in the Show, second being Almonds. Owls were poor, and in Fantails the prizes were withheld. Antwerps were a grand class, the first short-headed Silver Dans; second also and an extra third awarded to a handsome pair of young medium-faced not half through the moult, and one to a third pair of Short-faced Silvers. Any other variety was a good class, the first Trumpeters, second Pigmy Pouters; while Dragoons, Starlings, and Jacobins were highly commended. Babbits were the best section in the Show. In Lops the first was a very pretty young Fawn doe, 21 by 4.^; this Babbit also securing the cup. Second, also a doe of that colour, was 21^ by ii, but not equal in other points ; a third g"ing to a Tortoise- shell 22 by 4, not a nice Rabbit, however. S'ery highly com- mended, a young Tortoiseshell 21 by 4J, but not in good bloom. Silver-Greys were an almost uniform class, every Rabbit being good, a slight difference in the silvering only making the differ- ence. In the Variety class the first was a real good Himalayan doe, second a large Angora of fair average coat ; an extra second going to a very small Angora with a C3at of very fine texture, many others being noticed. Game —Blaek or Brown Red.— I, A. Sagden. Any other variety,— I, W. C. and W. J. Mason. 2. E. Holland. BRAnMAB.—l. W. Harvey. 2. H.Digby. he, W. Scbofield CocuiNs—l and Cup, W. Harvey, a, W. Mitchell. Extra 2, J. North, he, J. Mann. Spanish —1, J. Thresh. Polands.— i and 2. — Silvester, vhc. J. Mann. HAMiiiTaiiiis.— Ootd or Sitversiiangled-l, S. Arnold. 2, W. Kellslt. Gold or Sitver-peneitled.-] and 2. H. Dighy. Game Bantams.— Btacfc or Brown Ked.—l, Cup, and vhc, W. F. Entwiele. 2, A. Sugdea. Any other eoloiLr.—\ and 2, W. F. Entwiale. /K, F. Holt, c, G. Noble. Bantams.— ^ny other variety.— \. W. H. Silvester. Any Vabiety.—Coc/c-I.J. S. Wilson. 2, C. Fearnley. hc,J.M&nn. Any Variety.- 1, D. Milnes. 2, W. Harvey. July 22, 1875- 1 JODRNAIi OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 81 Selling Cuss.— 1, — Silvester. 2, H. C. &. W. J. Mason, he, W. Mitchell ; J. Thresh. Ducks,— 1 and vhc, — Silveater. ?, G. MdrBha'l. 3. C Parkinson, he, J, Mitchell ; H. Digby. r. C. Ualias. PIGEONS. Cahhiees.— 1, W. Harvey. 2. H. Yartlley. /^c,|J. Littlewood. c. Found and Cbappell. PoDTERS.— ], W. Harvey. 2, U. Yardley. Babbs.— l.W. Harvev. ToaiBLBBs.— 1, i, and extra cap for beat i>en, — Silvester. lie'H. Yardley. C, J. Wrtlker. Owls —1, H. Yardlev. 3 anl c. L. Bries. AxTWEBPs— 1. VV. ^. P.u^wislf! 2, H. i'ardloy. 3, D. N. Grarside ; W. F. Entwible. he, F, Holt; W. Harvev- Ant othb-b Variety.— 1. W. Harvev. 2, — Silv<>ster. vhc, \V. Smith, he, L. Bries; H. Yardley; K. W.mda. Mansiield. c, -T Walker. SBU.iNa Class.— 1, W. Smitti. 2 auil 3, W. !•'. Eoiwisle. RABBITS. Lopa.— Bitcte or Doe.— I and Cup, J. >I. .\Iander. 2 and ohc, A. Atkinson. 3, F. Downs, c. F. Uarrop. SiLVER-tiREV.— I ati.l 3, Fuund & Chappoll. 3, J. Hallas. he, F. Holt; Found and ChappelL Anv Vakxet?.— Oiif^fc or Z>,>y.— I. J. Hallas. 2, A. Atkioson. Extra 2. J. Ualm- Bhaw. vhc. A Atkinson ; F. Downs ; J. UalmatiAW. lie, L. Barrett ; Dr. Green- wood ; W. Brook. Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. OUNDLE SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This Show was held on the loth inst. Most unfortunately the rain came down before dinner and continued throuj^h the day, which mast have caused a severe diminution in the receipts. Mr. Hewitt, who looked well, judged the whole- The whole arrangements were carried out by Mr. Turner of Sheffield, who was present with hia pens. la Dorkings fir.-it was a very fine bird, second not ao large bat better in feet. Cockerels were fair, the winner a Dark bird of promise. The pair of hens were splendid, Mr. Wood's being of fine size but bad feet. Mr. Bartram's pullets were large and good. In Game the winner was a very stylish rich Brown Red, second a good-coloured Black Red. Cockerels were poor. In hens the best were all hard Brown Reds, though becoming rather dampy in body. The winning pullets showed beautiful style and quality. In Spn)iish first was good in face and fairly open iu lobe, second larger aud narrower in face. The first and second pairs of hens were fine in quality and size, third too coarse. The first chickens were far forwarder than the rest, having the face and lobe well formed. Cnchln cocks were very numerous ; first a grand White of fine quality and shape, second a rich large Buff too full in tail. 71 (WinwoOLl) out of feather; 62 (Woodgate) a fair White ; 59 (Snell) was a good bird, but he could not stand up. In hens Mrs. Tindall repeated the dose, first with superb Partridge, and second with grand Whites ; third being also White, but not so good. Neat Blacks were commended. In chickens, first aud second, Mrs. Tindall a third time with wonderful Partridge and stylish Buffs, the former pen bidding fair to reach a high standard of perfection; third were neat but smaller Whites. 82 (Derry) were capital Partridge, promising well. In Dark Brahmas first was a neat but small cock, the rest a poor lot. Hens were better in quality, the first being well pencilled, but bare-legged; second large stylish birds ; the rest all nicely marked and all noticed. There were seven pens of chickens, the winner being the only worthy one. This cockerel showed much quality both in colour and shape. In Light cocks first was a lovely shape and all but perfect; second good iu colour and size, but not a Brahma in shape. Mr. Haines's was a capital bird, far before him, in our opinion. In hens first aud second were nicely-matched birds with dark hackles, the largest pair beiner 131 (Long), but not well feathered, the prettiest in shape 130 (Savile). In chickens the first were laaky and very bad in colour, aud the second similar; far the best pens being Mr. Haines's for first, and Mrs. Peet second, so most fanciers had placed their judg- ment the birds being so superior; but we believe Mr. Hewitt threw them out on account of the heavy hocks in the cockerels. In other respects these birds were all beautiful. In Pencilled Hamburghs the first were a good pair, the cock, perhaps, too coarse in head ; second, however, we could not agree with, there being much better Golden than there were Silver, the cock was yellow in plumage and white in face. 150 (Robinson) contained a nice cock ; 114 (Judson) a grand hen, in fact she was far superior to any female in the class ; cock bad in comb. 145 (Long) a very rich old cock wi:li beautiful sickles ; 150a (Pickles) Silvers, the cock with a good tail but white face. The rest were only moderate. In Spangles first went to very moderate Goldens, second to nice Silvers ; 154a was another pen of Golden, much better than the winners in every point. In Ban- tams first were the Boston cup Sebrights, placed in their old position after their treatment at Brentwood ; second neat little Pile Game. Mr. Mayo's were fair Blacks. In the Variety class first were Silver Polands, the cock of bad colour and marking, the hen coarse aud heavy in lacing; the second, Black Ham- burghs, were generally preferred ; third were White Yokohamas ; 167 (Cutlack), fine Cn-ves not iu condition. The first aud second Geese were very fine, and far away from the rest. Aylesbury and Rouen Ducks were decidedly poor. In fancy Ducks Mr. Leno was placed first with Kasarkas and second with Viduatas, although we hear he was disqualified, the rules requiring a drake and two Ducks, whereas he only showed one Duck. The highly commended pens contained Teal and Carolinas. Turkeys were very fair for the time of year. In liabbits the best were the Silver-Grey, the Yellow-and- white Lop, and the Grey Dutch. Pigeons were very poor indeed, the Carriers being nothing to deserve notice ; Pouters similar, and the Variety class contain- ing nice Barbs first, aud fair Trumpeters and Almonds. DoRKisos.— Cock.— I and 3, R. Wood, Jan.. Claptjn. 2, J. C. BurnpU, Michel- dever. c, W. A. Howes, Easton Mandit, HeiiS- -I, .T. C. Bamell. 2 and he, R. WtMid, jun. 3, H. Yardley, Birinini^'liam. c. W. A. Howes. DoHKifHis.— Cockerel.— I, J . Studdart, Culue. 2, Mrs. A. Tindall, Aylesbury, he, K. WoKl, jun. C.Mrs. Bnvard, Owemydd, Berriew. Piill'-ta —\, Rev. F, liartrmn, Berkhampstead. 2, O. E. Cresawell, Karly Wood, Bat,'bhL)t. fic. Rev, E Bartruni; H. Lolan Ouudlo. Game.— C'ocA:.— 1. E. Winwood, Worcester. 2. Mrs. Deacon. P^debrook Hall. S, H. E Martin, SciiUhorpe. c. H. Lotan. Oundle: F. Hawkins, New Charlton. Hen.—l, Mrs. Deacon. 2, H. Lotan. 3. P. H. Davies, Jan., March, he, E. Win- wood, c, H. E. Martin. Gt.iiE.— Cockerel— I, Mrs. Deacon. 2, B. Mollett. Balham. fee, H. Lotan ; B- Mollet. Pullets —1, H. Lotan. 2, Mrs. Deacon, he, H. Lotan ; B. Mollet. Spashh.— C^icfc.— Cocfc.— 1. R. Ncwbttt, Epworth. 2, D. Mills. Newpjrt Paff- neli. he. M. Brown, Ab-Kettleby ; H. Yardlev: J. Weston, Aylesbury. HiTis. —I, D. Mills 2. R. Newbitt. 3. J. T. Parker, Northampton. h'Z. M- Brown ; H. YartUey; J- Weston. Chickens— 1. D. MUln. 2 and 9i, J. Palmer, Acton. Cocais-Cnis A3.— Cock.— \ and 2, Mrs A. Tin lall. he, J. Holton, Whitchurch ; R. S. S. Wot>iJt?ate, Pembarv ; F. Hawkins, New Charlton; J. House, Peter- borough, c, H. Feast. Pantvffynnon. Hem.— I and 2, Mrs. A. Tindall. 3, R. S, S. Woodsate. he, A. Checkley, Wellinfiborouiih ; E. s^inwo^d, W.ircester. c, H. Feast (2) Chickens —I and 2, Mrs. A. Tindall. 3. R. 3 Wu^d^ate. he. Rev. R. P'lelden, MuKffington, Derby ; J. M. Derry, Gedney; H. Yardlev: H. Feast. Bbahmas.— Dar/c.— Cocte.— 1. H- Foait. 2, Mrs. F. R. Life, Old Maiden, he, E. Ayre, Heddington; H. Wyman. Cjnniu^^n Betis—l, E. Kendrick, jun, Licbtield. 2, L. Norris, Trampinf^ton. he. Mrs. F. R. Life. Old Maiden; J. S. Clarke. Oundle. c, H. Wyman. Ooanin^ton ; H. Feast, C/ut-'/^cn-s.— 1, Mrs. A, TiudaH. 2, Rtw. R. Storev, Lockin^loQ. kc, E. Kendrick, inn. HaA.K:aA9. - Light.— Cock.— I, Mrs A. Tindall. 2, P. Hawkins, he. T. Smith, Charlburv; S. Lucas. Hitcbin ; P, Haines. Palffrave ; II. Feast. Hfrt.?.— 1, Mrs. A. Tindill. 2, Mrs. Peet. Sharnbrook. he, T. Smith, Charlburv; Capt. Savile, Wye; .f. Lou?. Chickens.— I, H. Yardley. 2, G. B. C. Breeze, Easodyne, Ware. he, P. Haines, Pal^rave, Diss ; H. Feast. HiMtiURGHs.— CfjM and SiUwr-pcnciHed -1, W. Driver. Heii^hley. 2, H. Feast, he. H. H. Thomps'>n. Coleshill. Fartns^don ; W. Bearpark, Ainderby Steeple; C. W. Gibbs, dutton Bridjje; J. Rjbiuson, Garstaag. e, J. Long, Bromley Common. Hamburghs. — Gold and SHver-apanyled.—l, J. Robinson, Garstang, 2, H. Feast, he, J. Lon??; J. Siuidart, Colne ; H. Picltle?, Earby. B*NTAils — 1, M. Leno, Markyate Street. 2. K. W. Suntbwoofl, Fakenham. he, Mrs. Deac m, Polebrook [i) ; H. Feast ; J. Mayo, Gloucester, c, H. Yardley ; F. Hawkins. Any other Varietv— 1, W. Bearpark. 2. J. Lone. 3, H. Yardley. he, W. Cutlack. jim . Littleport : H. Feast, c, R. Coney, Alford ; C. W. Gibbs. SEr.Li.vti CLiSs. — Cockt-Not to exceed 30».~i, Mrs. Deacon. 2. -(- T. Parker, N<.rthampton. he, H. J. Gunuell. Milton ; Biii-cb & B luUer. Sbeffisld. c. Mrs. Pe'_-t. Sharnbrook; -T. House. Hem.— Not to exceed £2.-1. T. Love, Kings- thorpe. 2. J. T. Parker, he. H J. Gunuell; E. KendricK jnn.; Mrs. Deacon; Burch & Boulter; R. Wot>d, jun, Clapton; L. Norris, Trumpiugton ; A, F. Faulkner, Thrapstone. Gersk.— 1. Mrs. Deacon. 2, J. M. Derry. 7tc, H. Wyman, Connington. C, J. F. Codling, Whaplode. Spalding Ducks.— .-Ii/Iesbun/.—t, Mrs. Deacon. 2. S Gulliver, Aylesbiry. he, E. V. Snell. Barrowden : il. Wvmao.CoQnin^ton. iJoiten — I, E.Kendiick.jau. 2, R. Wood.juQ. fee, Mrs F. R Life, ^/ly oifeer uariffy.- 1 and 2, M. Leno. fee, H. Y'ardiev (2); J. Driver. Chesterton ; H. Wyman. Turkeys. —1,]H. J. Gunnell. 2, E. V. Sneil. fee, W. Wykea, Wolvey, Htnokley. PIGEONS. Careieks.— 1, W. Nottage. Northampton. 2 and he. H. Yardley, PoOTBRs.— 1, L. & W. Watkin, Northampton. 2. W. Nottage. '•, H. Yardley (2). ANv OTHER Varietv—I and 2, H. Yardley. fee, J. F.Loveraidge, Newark; R. Wood, jun., Clap on ; W. Nottage. RABBITS, HE4YIE3T —1, W Smith, Oand'e. 2, J. W. Gann, Oundle. Lop-BiRED.- 1. Mrs. H. Pickworth. Moultou Marsh. 2, F. Sabbage. North- ampton, he, Mrs. H. Pickworth; W. Nottage, Northampton, c, A. E. Stop- ford. Peterborough. Silver-Grev.— 1, F. Sabbage. 2, W. Smith, jua., Oundle. c, E. V. SnelL Fancv.- 1, G. P. & R. Hackett, Beleixe Park. 2, F- Sabbage. fee, E. V. Snell F. W. H. Axten, Oundle ; Mrs. H. Pickworth. c, H. Smith. HEWORTH SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This Show was held on the 14th inst., and comprised the Horticulttiral, Poultry, Pigeon, aud Rabbit Show, and was for birds bred in 1875. The entries for birds were large, and the finality of the birds really good, many being winners at North- ampton, Yorkshire Gala, and other shows. The Babbits shown were far above the average of what wo usually see at a local show. The Lops were a grand lot ; Mr. Myton'a fine old Fawn doe first at Fulford could only just get among the commendeds. In the Variety class Mr. Giaisby'a beautiful Angora, first at Fulford and winner of several first prizes, had to give way to Mr. Lund's handsome and well-marked little Dutch. In the Selling class the first was a very haudeomo Black Lop doe; the second a very nice young Grey. There was not an inferior Rabbit in the Show. In Lops the first was a good young Tortoiseshell, close on 23 by 5 inches; the second prize being carried off by a very graceful young Fawn doe, 22 by 5{ inches. This being the first show at Heworth it was iu every respect a success. DoBKiXGS.- 1, J. Newall, Clifton. 2. R. H. Feltoe, Heworth. 3, Dr. HingBton, Bristol SPANisn.~l, T. P. Carver. Boroughbridge. 2, Dr. Hinsston. Any Pure Breed. -Cfejefcejis.-l, W. Santon, Driffield. 2, T. P. Carver, 3, Mrs. .J. Carver, Heworth. „ „ . „ , , .^ COCHIN'S.— 1, W. Santon. 2, R. H. Feltoe. 3, Lowley & England, Boroagh bridge. Brahma Pootras.— 1, T. P. Carver. 2, Miss Barber, Osbaldwick. 3, W. F Quarton, Heworth. 82 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. I July 22, 1875. HiiiiBDROH3,—GoMen-j)eni!iiIeti.—l,T. P. Carver. 2, J. Newall. S, T. Allen, York. Si tver-iiencilled.—S, J. Newall. Bantams.— I and 2. T. P. Carver, 8, Dr. Hin^aton. Any variety.—l, C. Aaton, York. 2, J. Mansfield. Heworth. 3, A. Robertson, Heworth. Cross Bheed.— Cfticfcc/w.— 1, T. P. Carver. 2, L. Wright. S, T. Porteus, Mnrton. SELLiN-a Class.— 1, J. Atkinson, Heworth. 2, J. Whoatley, Heworth. S, T. AUen. Ducks,— Aylesbury.— 1, T. P. Carver. 2. T. Watson, Heworth. It'men.— 1. T. P. Carver. 3, Mrs. J. Carver. Any other variety.— \, T. P. Carver. 2, C. Bear. PIOEONS. PoDTEB, Carrier, Barb.ob Shobt-facrd Tdmblee.— 1,1. W. Robinson, York. 2, A. Spencer, Duffield. Fantail, Thoiipeter, or Torbit.— 1, I. W. Robinson. 2. F. Joy, York. Dragoon, Owl, Antiverp. or Flying Tumbler.- 1, A. C. Allaway,)Nortb Shields. 2, 1 Harrison, Aldwark. Any other Variety. — 1, F. Joy. 2, C. Auton. Sellixg Cuss.- 1, T. Wood. 2, F.Joy. RABBITS. Lop-EABED.— Bucft or Doe.—l. C Wharton, York. 2, T. & E. Fell, Blackburn. vJic. R. Dobson, York, lie, H. Rowntree, York, c, T. Myton, York ; H. Myton. Any Variety except Lop-eahed.— BucA: or Doc— 1, A. Lund. York. 2, W. Glai3by, York. I'/jc, G. T. Linfoot, i'ork. lie. G. T. Lintoot; T. Mylon. Selling Class —Buck or Doe.—l, T. Myton. 2, J. Heppell, York, vhc, — Jackson, he, T. Myton ; J. Wheatley, CAGE BIRDS. Canaries— Cicar Telloiv —1, Martin & Gnffin, Northampton. 2, E. Todd, York. Clear Biiff.— 1, T. Cleminson, Darlington. 2, J. Calvert. Been marked. — 1. — Cleminson. 2. J. Ciilvert. CANABIE3 -Crested. with Clear or Qrey Breasl— 1 and 2. Mrs. TritBlt. York Crested, with Dark Breast.— \, — Baioes. York. 2, S. StralTord, Northampton. Canaries.— ^i;/ other variety.— 1, J. Calvert. 2, J. Dickinson, Whitby. Canaries.- Crt^i? of Four Yellow. Clear or in variety.— I. R J. Smith, York. 2, — Baines. Caje of Four Buff, Clear or in variety.— i, J. Baines. Selli-jg Class. — 1, Master H. Dossor. 2, — Cleminson. BOLLFINCH.— 1, Harland & Son. York, 2, J. Baines. Goldfinch.— 1, J. Rookledge. York. 2, W. & C. Barniston. Linnet. — 1, Miss 3. J. Ainsworlh, Heworth. 2. R. Pearson. PiRBOT.— Orev.- 1. W. Reed. York. 2. Miss Felloe. Any variety.— 2, J. Calvert. Foreign Birds.— 1, J. Calvert. 2, W. Reed. Judges. — PoifZiri/; Mr. Gaorge Clark, Searboroagh. Babbits: Mr. J. Hame, York. BR.IMLET SHOW OP POULTBY, &c. The fourth annual Show was held at Bramley on the 19 th and 20th inst. Unfortunately the day was very wet, the rain ■falling in torrents, and consequently the receipts at the gates were not what might have been expected under more favourable circumstances. An immense marquee was devoted to the ■feathered bipeds and Babbits, and Turner's pens were used and well arranged, and an able staff of attendants looked well to the comfort of the stock. Several of those useful articles of cote and aviary furniture (mauufactured by Mr. Battye of Bramley, and Babbit boxes by Mr. Miichell, in addition to two cups by Messrs. Beldou and Horner), being offered, the entries were uu- commouly good, in fact it is long since we saw such a turn-out at a summer show. These remarks apply most forcibly to the Pigeons, Babbits, and cage birds. In poultry the cup was wou by Mr. Beldon with a grand pen of Spanish. In Cochins the winners were Buffs and Whites, the first a capital pair. Brahmas were good, and the winners Dark. In Game first were Brown Reds, and second Piles, the third being Duckwings. In single cocks the first were Pile, and second Brown Bed. Hamburghs were very good in all classes. In Bantams the winners were Black Beds in the first class, and Piles in the second. In single cocks a capital Pile stood first, Black Reds being second and third. In the next Blacks won all ; and in the Variety class for this section the first were Silvers and second Gold Sebrights, the extra for Bantams going to a Pile. In Ducks the winners were Bouens and very good. Chickens were good classes and forward for this season. In the Variety class first were Silvers and second Gold Polands, the third being Turkeys. Pigeons were a very large entry, and the competition very close in some of the clssses. In Carriers the first was Black and a well-developed bird, the second Black but young, the third Blue, a very good bird but neediag to be shampooed ere it appear in the show-pen again. Pouters were very good, the first a Blue cock of large size, splendid shape and carriage ; second Blue, not so long but very fine in shape ; the third Black and good in all points. A capital pen a little too gay very highly commended. In Trumpeters, Mr. Harvey carried off the lot. Tumblers, Short-faced, a very large class, the first an Almond, second a Yellow, and third a Bed Agate. Barbs were also numerous and good, the winners Black and all cocks, the first leading at a good pace, being a bird good all round ; second also fine. English Owls a heavy class, the first a Blue cook we have never seen equalled, second Stiver, and third a grand Blue but somewhat faulty in the carriage of his wings, which are too low. Most of the others well worthy of notice. Of Dragoons there were ten entries, but some birds show a sign of the continual strain upon them. First was a perfect Yellow cock, second a Blue cock, and third (no name), was a grand Yellow hen ; several very highly commendeds being made. Jacobins were a good lot, and the winners Beds, the com- petition close. In Fayitails Newark divided the spoil with good birds of excellent carriage. In Balds and Beards the first was a perfect Black Bald with no name iu the catalogue, second a hand- some Blue Beard rather soiled with handling, and third a neat Yellow Bald hen. In the next class a capital Eed Mottle was first. Black Mottle second, and Black Muffed third. Turbits were a splendid lot, the winners Red spike crowned. Silver shell- crowned, and Silver spike-crowned respectively. Magpies and Nutis were very good, a most perfect Nan first, Yellow and Red Magpies taking the second and third. The Variety was a strong class, and an extra prize was awarded, the first to a Blue Foreign Owl, second to a Swiss, third to a Spangled Ice, and extra third to a Blondinette. Antwerps were one of the heaviest sections, there being almost ninety entries. In Long-faced the first went to a most powerfully built Eed Chequer cock, this bird taking the extra also. Second also Bed Chequer, better in style but not so good in head; the third a handsome Blue Chequer, but a little too light in the build, although most beautiful in marking. Antwerps, Short-faced, were not as even a lot as the first named. First a Silver Dun without fault; second a Red Chequer better in head but a little smaller and not so good in colour; and third a Silver Dun, rather old and rough but a good bird. In Antwerps, Medium-faced were a fair lot, the first a Silver Dun, second a Blud, and third a Silver Dun. In hens, Long-faced, Bed Chequers won all the prizes: this being a good class. Some very good birds were shown in the Flying class. In the Selling class there were some un- commonly cheap birds, and these being sold by auction realised much more than the amount put on them. The entries in Rabbits were a marked compliment to the Judge, whose name was advertised, and after the controversy of last year we take this opportunity of thanking the fancy for this result. Mr. Hudson, however, did not send an entry. In this section we, however, noticed some rough handling of the Rabbits by a reporter, against which we at once enter our protest, for the representatives of the press being so numerous, it is scarcely likely that exhibitors will like their valued specimens dragged out of their pens by every would-be critic, and we would warn committees generally against this practice. Lop-eared, Self colour, were a fair lot, the first going to Sooty Fawn buck, 22 J by •ij, but not in the beat bloom ; second being a Fawn buck, 21 by 45 ; the third also a Fawn, 21} by 4}. Lops, broken colour, were — first Fawn-and-white, quite young, 21 by 43 ; second a Tortoiseshell doe, 21 by ih; and third a Tortoiseshell buck, 22 by 4}. In Silver-Greys the first was avery young Babbit, but one of the most evenly and perfectly silvered Babbits yet pro- duced ; the second a buck a little darker, but even and very good ; third going to a very large buck, but a little too light iu shade, the extra going to the first-named. Angoras were a splendid class, some of the best young Babbits showing-up we have seen of late, though the prizes were awarded to the large champion Babbits of the season, Mr. Sweetman again coming to the fore. Dutch were pretty good as a class, but the winners were perfectly marked ; first a Blue, second a Grey Fawn. Himalayans were very good, the first going to a very young Babbit, but one not to be easily beaten in points ; second a large good doe, but rather moulty ; and third a good even Babbit. The Variety was a poor class, in which Belgian Hares won. In the Selling class Lops and Angora divided the prizes. Cage Birds were a grand entry, and added greatly to the attraction of the Show. Norwich were first on the list ; the first a most perfect marked four-pointed Jonque cock, and this also wou the cage for the best bird in the Show. The second in that class being a Variegated Jonque of high colour, and third a clear bird, all in the pink of condition : the class very good. York- shire birds were very good, the first even four-pointed, second clear Yellow, and third even four-pointed Yellow. Several birds, however, showed the relationship of the Coppy or Belgian. Belgians were good for the time of year, the first and second leaving the rest in point of style and carriage. All were clear birds. In Mules first was a Buff four-pointed Goldfinch, and second a well-peppered dark Linnet Mule, the third a Variegated Jonque Goldfinch Mule. In Parrots first was a bird in the highest order and grand plumage, second a good Cockatoo, and third a Grey Parrot. In British birds the awards were made to a Linnet, Goldfinch, and Bullfinch, all in nice bloom. In the Variety class first was a Jonque Cinnamon, second a Coppy, and third a Paraquat. In the Selling class the first was a very cheap Silver Lizard, second a Jonque Norwich, and third a Coppy ; and here we have to record a trick which, however, would not pass, a Variegated bird having been made even in eye marks with artificial colour, which was, however, detected by the Judge and disqualified. Spanish.— Cup and 1, H. Beldon, Goitstock, Bingley. 2, J. Powell, Bradford. 8, J. Gaunt, Moorside, Eramlev Cochins.— 1, W. Harvey. Sheffield. 2. H. Beldon. 8, W.Mitchell, Birkenshaw; Br>hmas.— 1, W. Scholelield, Birkenshaw. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Homer, c, W. Whiteley. Game— 1. J. W.Thornton, Bradford. 2, H. C. i W. J. Mason. S.E.Holland. c. H. Beldon. Cock.—\, H. C. & W. J. Mason. 2, H. E. Martin. 3, J. W. Thornton. Hamuuhghs.— GoMcn-8j)a7i3?c(f.— 1 and 2,H. Beldon. Silver-spangled.— 1 8,nA 2, H. Beidon. 3. S. Arnold, Huddersfleld. Hamburghs.— Bine/:.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. 8, Popplewell Bros., Brainlej. he, P. G. Hebblewaite. Nonnanton. ilk-niiiVUQUi.-liolden-iiencii.—l and 2, H. Beldon. 8, H. Digby. C.J.Hart, Great Horton. Bradford. Sllver-pen^il.—l and 8, H. Beldon, 2, J. Smith, ' Gilstead, Bingley. July 22, 1875. J JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 8.? BxsTATia.— Black or Brown Iieds.~~l and 2, W. F. EntTCisle. 3, E. Newbitt, Epworth. c, J. Horner. i>iM:fcK'(r({7s or Pi/(?,i.— 1 and 2. W. F. Entwisle. Black or While. -2 and S, H. Beldon, Itc, Wells & Sberwin; R. H. Ashton. Any other variety ~U A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, W. Ricbiirdaon. Game Bantams.— Cocfc.—l, E. Newbitt. 2, E. Jcniiinga. 3 and he, W. F. EntwiHle. Ducks.— ilow^n or Aylesbury.— \, H. Beldon. 2, J. R. Pollard. 3. G. Marshall. he, W. Mitchell : B. Parkinson. Any other varicty.^l and 2, A. & W. H. Sil Tester. 3, W. Binns. Pudsey. /ic, T. M. (redney. Any OTHER Vabiett.—I and 2, H. Beldon. 3, Mias Kirk. ;ic, J. Homer, c, A. 4 W. H. Silvester ; L. Dyson ; T. M. Gedney. Chickens —1, C. Carr. 2, U. Beldon. 3, E. Holland, he. C. Goodson. CmcitENB.-J, H. Digby. 2. J. Smith. 3, W. F. Entwisle. e, W. Riley ; E. Gill. Sellino Class.— I, J. Powell. 2. Wells & Sherwin. 3, J. Tkreah. c, A. 4 W. H, Silvester ; Popplewell Bros, ; W. F. Entwisle. PIGEONS. Caeriehs.— 1, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, E. Mawson. 3, W. Harvey, he, Mrs. Cooper; Miss Seanor. PouTEBS.— Extra l.W. Harvey. 2, J.E. Crofts. 3, J. Hairslne. he, Miss Seanor ; J. Hairaine: W. Harvey. TBUitpETEBS.— 1, 2, and 3, W. Harvey, he, J. F. Liversidge. Tdmbleks —Shorf /iiccrf.—l, H. Yardley. 2. A. & W. H. Silvester. 3, J. E. Crofts, he, T. Horsman ; S. Lawson ; E. Mawson ; J. Grimehaw, c, C. R. Moore. Barbs.— 1, E. Mawson. 2, H. Yardley. 3, J. Thresh, he, C. Wroot; W. Harvey (2). c. J. & W. Harding. Owls.- EH(7f/s/i,— 2. Miss Seanor. 3. J. Thresh, he, J. W. Stansfleld (2) : "Ward & Rhodes ; Coekett & Sunderland ; H. Jennings ; Mias Seanor ; W. Ellis ; J. Orimshaw. r. S. Lawson: W. Ellis. Draooons.- Extralandi-, R.Woods. 2. W. Ellis, li'ic, Ward i- Rhodes ; Wells and Sherwin : G. Binns. he. Ward & Rhodes: R.Woods (2): H. Jennings (2). JiCoBi.vs —1. T. Holt. 2, W. Harvey. 3, G. Richardson, he, W. Harvey : T. Holt (2): G. Richardson (2); J. E. Crofts. Fantails.— 1, J. Walker. 2 and 3, J. F. Liveraidge. he, Miss Seanor; J. Walker ; T. S. Stephenson. BAI.DS or Beards.- Loiii7-/iii;e(i.— 2, Miss Seanor. 3, W. Ellis, vhc, A. & W. H. Silvester; Miss Seanor. lu-, S. Lawson; W. EUis. Any variety.— 1 and 2, W. ElUs. he, W. Todd (2). e, D. Watson. TuRBiTS.— 1, Miss Seanor. 2, J. E. Crofts. 3, H. Yardloy. vhe, T. S. Stephenson, he, A. & W. H. Silvester. Mac.pies or Nons.— E.\tra I, 2, and 8, Miss Seanor. rhe, W. Tedd. c, G. S. Burton ; J. E. Crofts. Anv other Varietv.- I,T. s. Stephenson. 2, Miss Seanor. 3, A. & W. H. Silvester. Extra 3, Rev. J. E. Hughes. t>/ic. Miss Seanor (i): A. Simpson, he, J. 4 W. Hardinu : WeUs & Sherwin ; G. S. Burton ; J. E. Crofts, e, Rev. J. E. Hughes (2); Wella 4 Sherwin; W. Tedd (2) : Miss Seanor. ANTWERPs.—Xon£/./(irf(/.— Extra 1, W. Elhs. 2 and 3, H. Jennings, vhe, W. F. Fntwisle. he, ,1. Lister; H. Jennings. Short-faeed.—l, W. F. Entwiale 2. Miss Seamr. 3, W. Harvey, he, M. Patcbett; W. F. Entwisle (2). c, .T. Lia'er. Mediujitficed —i, 3. B-cAden. 2, W. Kaye. S.H.Jennings. vhe.K. Within, he. N. Becba ; J. Barnes; J. Holden ; J. Crossland; H. Jennings (21; W, Laycock; W. F. Entwisle. e, W. G. Cross. Ami variety.— Hen.—l, W. F. Entivisle. 2, J. Lister. 3, W.Ellis, ulw, W. Harvey, flc, Cockett & Sunderland ; H. Jennings (2) ; W. Ellis, e, E. Mawson. Likeliest Bird for Flying Purposes.— 1, W. Kington. 2, W. Machell. 3, E. Dickinson, he, 3. Lister; Cockett & Sunderland: Miss Seanor; W. Ellis (8) ; W. Sutcliffe. c, T. Shacklcton. Selling Class.— Si71<7(c Birrf.— I, J. E. Crofts. 2, W. Harvey. 3, Boult and Stiiirmand. he. Miss Seanor ; W. Ellis (2). Selling Class.— Pair.— 1, S. Lawson. 2, C. Wroot. 3. W. F. Entwisle. he, T. E. Hainsworth; E. Mawson; Misa Seanor; W. Ellis; J. E. Crofts, c, J. and W. Harding. RABBITS. Lop-eared. — Sc//.cofo«r^rf, all properties -1, T. Schofield. 2, Mrs. H. Pickworth. 8. J. M. Mander. he, T. Myton. Broken-coloured, all properties — Extra 1, A. Aikinson. 2, Mra. H. Pickworth. 3, A. Kobaon. vltc, '£. bchvQeld. he. J. M. Mander. Silver-Grev.- Extra 1, J. Firth. 2, Misa Mortimer. 8. T. Schofield. he, B. Greaves; Miss Cautley. c, H. Swetnam ; Found 4 Chappell. Angora.— land 3. H. Swetman. 2, A. Atkinson. /iC.M. Firth ; J. White- R. H. Swain ; A. Berry ; S. Varlev; S. Buckley, c, A. Sharp. Dctch— 1,K. Donkin. 2, Mra. H. Pickworth. 3, B. Greaves. c,C.G. Mason; T. Myton ; E. Donkin (2). Himalayan. -Extra 1, T. P. Pearaon. 2, C. G. Mason : S. BaU. 3. S. Buckley. vhc, A. Atkinson ; J. Gelder. he, J. G. Meadowcroft ; J, D. Eames ; H. Swet- man ; G. S. Burton, c, R. Mnreatroyd ; J. Gelder. Any other Variety.- 1 and 2. B. Greaves. 3, T. Schofield. Selling Class.— I, T.Myton. 2, G. Atkinson. 3. W. White, he, S. L. Firth ; T. Schofield; T. My ton. c, J. Chaffer (21; H. E. Gilbert. CAGE BIRDS. NoEWlcn.— 1. Brown & Gayton. 2 and S, R. J. Pope, vhe, 3, Bcxaon. he, S. Hainsworth ; J. Horn, c, J. Horn. Yobeshire. -Extra 1, J. Hainsworth. 3, vlic, and e. J- Horn. he. J. Stevens. Belgia.\.— 1 and 2, J. Horn. 3 and he, E. Holland. uhe,H. Davies ; Mrs. W T Simonds. MuLE.-l, J. Horn. 2, J. Stevens. 3, J. Moore, he, .1. Stevens; J. Horn. c, J. Bexson. Parrot or Cockatoo —1. A. Hardaker. 2, W. Maxwell. 3, J. Aakey. c W Clege; Miss Cautley; W. Stubby; J. Have. British Bird —1 and 3, K. Pearson 2". J. Horn. he. J. Stevens. AnvotherVariety.-I, J. Bexson. 2, J.Horn. 3 and )ie, Misa Cautley. vlic, J. W. Topham. Selling Class. -1. H. Davies. 2, J. Bexson. 3, J- Horn, he, S. Hainsworth ; K. Pearson, e, t:. Holland. Judges.— Mr. W. Cannan and Mr. E. Hutton. GOATS. I EEJTEMBEE reacling some time since a paragraph from Lady Eurdett Coutts on the use to which Goats might be pat to Bupply families with milk. Now I should like to try the ex- periment, but I am utterly unused to their habits. I will thank you to give me the information as to what quantity of milk they give, how long they go with young, and how long a time the milk supply is continued ? Also if there are various breeds in the country, and if so, which would be the most suitable for my purpose, and how to feed them ?— E. Gkeen. [Goats usually give about one pint of milk at each milking, but the quantity varies very much according to the food they have, their size and age. The milk is too rich to drink by itself, and ought to have a portion of water mixed with it. The con- tinuance of the milk supply also varies the same aa in cows. They will feed oa any rough kind of herbage, hay, carrots, mangold wurtzel, cabbage stumps, grass, etc., but the better the food the better the health of the goat, and better the milk. Cheese of fine quality may be made if required. They are rather mischievous, barking young trees and eating young- shrubs. There are many varieties. The Angola having long hair, but for ordinary keeping the hardiest and best are the Welsh and Irish ; their cost full grown about 30s. to £2. The better plan is to buy kids and rear them with gentlene ss and care, as old goats are apt to be spiteful if brought up badly. — H, W.] FEEDING BEES— SWARMING. " .\ swarm of bees in July Is hardly worth a fly." Perhaps it is unknown by whom and when these words were first uttered. Though no enlightened apiarian will endorse them, most of us will admit that they have a force and meaning when they re-appear in a year of famine amongst Ijoes like the present one. In this neighbourhood the June swarms are famishing for want of food, and would soon die if not fed by their owners. Here the season is uncommonly unfavourable for bees. The wind is from the north-west; weather cold and boisterous; and no honey in the flowers. The month of May was favour- able for bees ; March, April, June, and July, so far as it has gone, have been unusually unpropitious for honey-gatherers. Bee-keeping, like the marriage engagement, is " for better and for worse," and therefore the apiarians of this district, if the weather do not speedily change, will do well to prepare theiv minds for a year of loss and disappointment. Farmers abstain from cutting their hay, and poor market gardeners have to wit. ness their strawberries rotting on the ground at the present time. Bees need a great deal of food in summer for themselves and their brood, to say nothing of comb-building. It might be an expensive experiment to find out how much food— honey or syrup— ten strong hives require every day; but in the end it would be a profitable study, furnishing the mind with facta touching the consumption of food in hives— the amount abso- lutely necessary for the health and prosperity of them, which facts would correct our meagre and inadequate notions of the great industry of the honey bees in seasons of plenty. We have so many swarms to feed that we are just keeping them alive, and it takes about 14 lbs. of sugar daily to do this. This scant treatment is bad policy, which should not be followed or copied by others ; but we have been expecting a change in the weather for weeks. The bee-master who feeds his bees, especially hi;} swarms, most generously in such weather, will have the best stocks and realise the most profits in the end. If the weather is and has been as unfavourable in the south of England as it is here, the prospect of having a good show of honey at the Crystal Palace is not very encouraging and re- assuring. How the bees in Scotland have done this year I have not heard. If the weather become fine in August much honey will doubtless be gathered and supers filled on the moors. But to return to the value of July swarms, one of which came across the fields and settled on a hedge beside three farm labourers at work, distance from here a mile and a half. One of them came to see if I would buy it of them. A cab was hailed, and seated beside the driver we found the men and the swarm, a pretty large one. They were asked what they wanted for it. " We will leave the price to you, master; we have all a share in it." I gave them 7s. Gd. for it, placed the hived swarm beside the cabman, and in less than five minutes we were on our return journey as pleased with the bargain as the labourers. Last year some July swarms rose in weight to upwards of 80 lbs. in Aberdeenshire; some rose to above KJO lbs., but this is unusual. In most seasons and districts of England swarming should be disallowed and prevented about the end of June, but no hard-and-fast line should be drawn. This year we have two hives that were so weakened last winter by the loss of bees that they never approached the swarming point till the end of the first week in this month. They weighed about GO lbs. each. Should they be swarmed or supered, or have 20 lbs. of honey taken from each of them ? The swarming mode of treatment has been adopted, but as the weather has since been unfavourable either of the other modes would have been better. At the end of three weeks from the day of swarming the bees will be driven out of the old stocks, and if the weather then be unfavourable for honey-gathering they wiU be united to the first swarms. The honey will be taken from the old hives, probably about 50 lbs. from both, and the swarms prepared for stocks. For years we and many other extensive bee-keepers have bought in September the bees of condemned hives at abont Is. per lb., or say 3s. or 4s. per swarm. Mr. Thomas Addey of Epworth told me that he had sold and sent off three hundred swarms of condemned bees one autumn. These were bought with a view to strengthen with numbers existing stocks. Swarms of bees even under the sentsnce of condemnation in the month of September are marketable and of greater valua than most apiarians imagine. 84 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1875. The state of the weather on the eve of the dog days, as well as the present conditioDB of hives, indicate that " attention to feeding" should be the watchword of apiarians during the next sis weeks. If the weather do not soon improve much feeding will be necepsary to fill hives with combs and brood and furnish them with sufficient food. — A. Pettigbew. HOW TO DEAL WITH SUPERS. At this time of tlie year there are ever recurring questions as to what is to be done with supers. " How are we to get rid of the bees ? " "What shall we do with the brood ? " And so on. Let me state my own practice under such varying circumstances as occur to me. First of all, there need be no difficulty where the super ia well filled and there is no brood in it. I have never yet found Aston's bee trap fail. The only care requisite in the use of it is to see that the little talc valves act properly, dropping down easily in their separate chambers, so as to close the aperture at once upon the exit of each bee. An ill-constructed trap would be worse than useless. Mine is affixed to a shallow box, which is absolutely closed up save where a long narrow aperture con- ducts the bees into it from the super, and there ia an oblong opening in the side of the box just under the aperture alluded to which corresponds to the trap that is affixed to it outside, When once I have put my super over this box I trouble no more about it, sure that in the course of an hour (more or less) I shall find it empty — that is to say, provided the queen be not there and the super is empty of brood. I prefer to put it as near to the parent hive as I can, in order that the younger bees in it may be attracted home by the joyful hum of their return- ing companions. I may add that it is better to remove supers late in the day when there is less chance of annoyance by stray foragers from other hives. A friend of mine who dispenses with bee traps simply removes his supers towards sunset, turns them up uader a bush, and says he never experiences trouble from robber or returning bees. He gives the super a knock or shake or two before he deposits it on the ground to give the bees notice of the change in their circumstances. This excites them to inquire for their queen-mother, and hastens their departure if she is not to be found. Where the super is large and very full of bees, also whenever It has been ascertained that the queen is among them, or brood in any quantity, it is good policy to drive out the mass of in- mates before placing the super over the trap. As soon as driven they should be put back over the parent hive. By this treat- ment you will have far less trouble in the end, and a multitude of young bees will be saved which otherwise would perish from their ignorance of the locality, not to speak of their inability to fly. This done, we would treat the super as before till the rest of the bees had flown home. Should any remain a little fumi- gation may be had recourse to with brimstone or chloroform to get rid of them. The last difficulty concerns the treatment of the brood. If in any quantity this is always worth preserving. It should be cut out as soon as possible and be carefully adjusted in some super reversed, care beiag taken that a hole in the super shall corre- spond with the hole at the top of the hive to which it is to be given. When put over the hive the bees will quickly come up and take care of it. A loose board must be put over it for the time — that is to say, until the super is to be removed in the autumn after the young bees have been duly hatched-out. — B. &W. TWO QUEENS IN ONE HIVE. In the autumn of last year I forwarded to you an account of a hive of Ligurian bees belonging to Mr. John Boulton, a trades- man of Ulverston, North Lancashire, in which two young fertile queens were found working together. Eventually, when the hive had seemingly attained its original strength, one of the queens was either killed or left the hive; at all events she dis- appeared, and nothing more was seen of her. It may interest your readers to know that the hive has been since doing as well as could be expected in a bad season, and that on Sunday, July 5th, it threw a fine swarm. — Beta. OUR LETTER BOX. Oatmeal (F.). — Yes, it ehonld be as you state, " nearly a8 fine aa flour." Bees not Swarmjng (Rlv. J. lireruin). — Aa it is too late for BwarmiuR this year we advise you to take off the large Ruper, which yon say e<^eiii8 nearly full, and to cat oat of it any honeycomb that is fully sealed, and then to replace it; or you may substitute another smaller super aa the honey Beaaon iri drawing to its close. If you are near heather of course you have BtiU a possible harvest additional, which we of the low country know nothing of. The dt'ad beBs were probably drones. LiouanN Uers {Iifi\ F. B. Hutchinson). — Send U8 a epocimen of the bee and we will let yon know if it is true. Canaries and Poultuv {E. Suldell). — Reply to queafion 1. Wo would nnt reoommend yon to breed in-and-in as a rule, but lo introduce iieah blood each time you match your birdi for breeding. For mule-breedinc purposes in-and-in breeding is sometimes practised, Although birds of very close relationship are Bometimes paired and breed together without any perceptible detriment to the offripring, still it is natural to suppose thit bli.od, form, and f^ize must eventually become de^euerated in each succcpsive (.'eneration. 2. The various breeds of Canaries, with their eharacteristic points, may be found in a work partly re-written by Sir. Famesby — viz., "Becbstein's Chamber and Song Birds," published by Ilaidwicke, PiccaiUily, London, price 3s. 6rf., which work would " enable a beginner to identify " the respective breeds. We believe the book is the lirst pubHehed wherein the p'dotB by which Canaries and Muies are judged axe set forth. S. We should a^dviee yea to dispose of the " forty head of poultry of mixed breeds" in the nearest market, or strike a bargain with some respectable poulterer, through each of which sources you may obtain a raarketnble value for the same. With the bare knowledge that '" there is Game and Houdan blood among them," and that " about two dozen head are chickens of this year," it is impost^ible with- out HeeiLig them to name the value of the lot. Chickens are chickens it is true, but some chickens differ mnch from others. Had the fowls been of pure and distinct breeds you would have had an oppi^rtnnity ol realising a better price fur them than you may otherwise do. Throut,'h the medinm of an advertisement, describing the fowls and giving your addrees, in all pro- bability you may obtain an offer for the same. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, Camden Sqcare, Lowdhn. Lat. 5l°S2'40" N.; Long. 0= 8' 0" W.; Altitude. Ill feet. DlTB. 9 i.M. In the Day, a iS,a Hydrome- "■3 „ Shade Tem- Radiation 1875. ter. perature. Temperature. as Jaly. In On Dry. Wet. Oo Max. Min. Bun. grass Inches. deg. deg. deg. deg deg. deg. deg. In- ■We. 14 29.995 liO.7 54 8 s. 67.8 f5.7 47,6 90.4 40.6 1 1 291 Th. 15 29 611 57.6 56.9 N.E. 56.8 59 2 53 8 65.1 53 2 1 0.925 Fri. IG 29.794 58 3 .57.7 N. 57.7 63.9 56 2 77.3 56 1 , 0.265 Sat. 17 29 830 57.9 57 0 N. .576 65.1 55 2 81.3 52.1 0165 Son. 18 29.724 64.0 61.8 E. 66 8 77.9 56.8 118 2 56.8 0 070 Mo. 19 29 823 60 7 60 4 N.W. 60.0 67 8 55 6 878 510 (1.030 In. 2i 29 922 69.8 58.7 s.w. 59.7 75.0 56.3 124.4 632 0.020 Means 29.814 69.9 63.2- 68 0 67.8 54.6 92.1 62.8 2.769 REMARKS. 14th. — Rain all day, very heavy after 9 p.m; the heaviest fall since July 25th, lt567. [night. 15th. — Another wet day and night, but not such heavy rain as on the previous 16th. — Raining at timet^ nearly all day, sometimes heavily, but fairer towards 17th. — Wet morning, and till ab mfe 4 p.m., then tine till 10 r.M. [night. 18th. — Fair, but rather cloudy in morning, but soon clearing off and becoming a very pleasant day, though rather close. 19th. — Morning wet; day showery, but fine at intervals; fine evening, but thick haze from 9 p.m to 8 a.m. on the following morning. 20th. — Slight rain when the haze cleared off, but the after part of the day fine and pleasant. Owing to the rain falling on every day, and its unusually large amount, the air wa3 extremely damp. The maximum in sun fell from an average of ICS^" to 92'^, but owing to the eame cause nocttimal radiation was diminished, and the night minima were 5° higher than in the previouB week. — Q. J. Symoss. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 21. The last week's incessant rain has had a most ruinous effect upon the soft fruits, which at this time of year form our staple article of trade. Good samples of Currants, Chwrries, Strawberries, and G joseberries, having become quit? scarce. It has also affected the produce from under glass, which is all Hufferiug from want of sunshine. Potatoes are beginoing to show blight. The last cargo of West India Pines are very good, price ranging from U. to 2s. each. FRDIT. 8. d. B. d. Apples i sieve 1 Cito3 0 Apricots box 16 Cherries lb. 0 6 Chestnuts bushel 0 i) Currants i sieve 2 0 Black do. 2 6 Figs duzen 8 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 Cobs lb. 0 0 Gooseberries quart 0 4 Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 2 0 Lemons ^100 ft 0 12 0 Melona each 2 0 5 0 I 6 0 0 S 0 8 G 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 a 0 Mulberries lb. Nectarines dozen Orangea V 100 Peaches dozen e Pears, kitchen.. .. dozen 0 dessert dozen 2 Pine Apples lb. 3 Plums 4 sieve 0 Qoincet* dozen 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberriea lb. 0 Walnuts bnshel B. d s- d. 0 OtoO 6 0 12 8 0 14 6 n IS 0 0 0 i 5 ditto., 0 13 U ^-lOO 1 U 16 Artichokes dozen AsparagnH %*" 100 French bundle u u Bcana. Kidney .J sieve 2 0 Broad i sieve 2 6 Beet, Red dozen 2 0 Broccoli bundle 0 9 Brussels Sprouts 4 sieve 0 0 Cabbage dozen 1 0 Carrots bunch 0 6 Capsicnms ^ 100 0 0 Cauliflower dozen S 0 Celery bundle 1 6 Coleworts.. doz.bnochea 2 0 Cucnmbera each 0 3 pickling dozen 0 0 Endive dozen 2 0 Fennel bunch 0 6 Garlio lb. 0 6 H.^rbfl bunch 0 8 IX'.'rse radish .... bondle 0 0 VEQETABLES. d. s. d. Otof 0 H 0 0 0 8 6 i 0 4 9 1 U 0 Leeks bnnch LetiQce dozen Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cross. .ponnet Unions bushel pickling quart Paraley doz. hunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes.. doz.buneheB Rbubarb bundle Salsafy bundle Scorzuuura boudle Seakale basket Shallots lb. Spinach baebel Tomatoes dozen Tarniyi buncli Vegetable Marrows. .doz. d B. d. 4 too 0 July 29, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 85 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day of I of Month Week. JULY 29-AUG. 4, 1876. 29 80 81 1 2 8 4 Th F S Sdh M Tn W Shrewsbury Show opens. .Southampton Show opens. 10 Sunday after Trinity. Bank Iloliday. Sedgeley Show. Weston-Buper-Mare Show. Royal Horticultural So- [ ciety — Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 a.m. iverago Temperature noar London. Day. NiRht. Mean. m. h. 74,0 51.4 02,7 20af 4 52 al 7 75.2 50.2 62,7 22 4 50 7 74.9 50.0 62.4 24 4 48 7 75.6 50.4 63.0 25 4 47 7 75.3 50.9 63.1 27 4 45 7 74.9 50.6 638 28 4 44 7 75.9 50.6 62.8 30 4 42 7 Moon Risea. Moon Sets. h. I m, h. morn. 12af 6 55 af 0 10 2 11 52 19 38 53 4 Moon's Age. O 1 2 Clock before Sun. m. s. 6 11 6 9 6 6 6 8 5 59 6 54 5 49 Day of Year. 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 56. 8< From obsen-atjons taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.1^; and its night temperature HINTS ON KOSE-CULTURE. E are greatly indebted to those gentlemen who visit oiu' large Eose shows and supply us with the names of the most promisiag new varieties, but there are many Eoses that charm the eye when exhibited in a prize-stand which prove comparatively worthless when cultivated in an orchnary flower garden. Nothiog is more fatal to the popularity of a Eose than a weak constitution, and yet some of the weakest growers produce flowers exqui- sitely lovely ; Mdllc. Bonnaire, Marquise de Mortemart, and Horace Vernct are types of this class, and when trans- planted from the nursery to the garden how often is it the lament of the purchaser that they become smaller by degrees but not beautifully less. I recommend to those who are desirous of growing the charming weaklings to greater perfection the following plan to attain their object : — Select a plot of ground which has been deeply trenched and well manured a short time previously, plant it with young, clean, Manetti stocks, 2J feet apart each way, and on these bud the Eoses as close to the root as possible, and never transplant them, for they are too weak to bear it. Cut-back hard in the spring in the usual way, and the result in nine cases out often will, I believe, be highly satisfactory. Strong growers are sometimes condemned as weak by those who have purchased a plant or two which does not happen to thrive. The best way to arrive at a just con- clusion as to the relative vigour of different sorts is to ■visit a nursery where Boses are grown by the thousand, and go through them row by row and take notes : whether strong or otherwise can be seen at a glance. As this is the month for budtling, it may be worth mentioning that strong plump buds will generally produce stronger plants than will weak buds. Several Roses condemned by me last year have greatly improved this — notably Bessie Johnson and Madame Lacharme ; both, however, spoil quickly with either hot sun or rain. — H. Duddekidge, The Dorset Nurseries. FURTHER NOTES ON PEARS. I READ with pleasure Mr. W. Taylor's interesting paper on dessert Pears. No doubt some good practical results would arise out of an election of Pears, as then the sorts generally grown would be more widely understood, and the sorts marked excellent or good from the greatest number of places would be those that might be planted with the greatest safety. About the time that I first began to take an interest in Pears no opportuoity was allowed to slip in order to gain all the information that I possibly could, either from books or by tasting the fruit at different seasons where good and correctly-named collections were grown; and after planting most of the standard sorts the result of their fruiting has been very differing from the expectation raised by the information previously gained. Vo. 718 —Vol. XXIX., New Series. One of the most fickle varieties known to me is Knight's Monarch ; it is described in the fruit catalogues as " hardy, melting, and excellent;" and in the new edition of the " Fruit Manual" it is said to be one of the most valuable of Pears. I have tried it in three different ways : First on the wall, where it has borne fruit for three or four seasons ; each time the largest proportion of the fruit remained hard until the end of the season, when it has been necessary to throw it away. Secondly, as pot trees in the orchard house, where the fruit grew to a much larger size, and was carefully gathered at the right time, but the result was exactly the same as to the ripening of the fruit. In pots where they were removed out of doors, and the fruit ripened as a pyramid, it is quite the same. Now, it is not the soD, as the loam used for the pot trees is different from the garden sod, and the climate must have been very different in the orchard house from that out of dooi's, and the climatal conditions of a wall facing west is different both from the orchard house and from the open garden where the sun and wind acted upon the trees at any time. This year a large portion of the fruit dropped off fi'om the wall trees before it was ripe, and I noticed in the answers-to-correspondents columns that others were in the same predicament, and also that their fruit failed to ripen satisfactorily. If anyone has ripened this Pear well during the last few years, information as to how the fruit was grown and the nature of the soil would be very valuable. I tasted fruit of it in the most splendid condition some eight or nine years ago at Hallingbury House ; Mr. Spivey, the gardener, could, no doubt, let us know if the fruit ripens well every year with him. He has a splendid collection of Pears, and could give your readers most valuable aid. There is a printer's error in the " Fruit Manual," the year 1850 should be 1830. Take another useful Pear of quite a different character — Beurre Bosc. Dr. Hogg hints that the fruit is not of good quality unless the tree is grown against a wall ; and the principal fruit catalogues seem to hold a similar opinion. We have not grown it at Loxford in such a position, but there is a large standard tree in the garden which annually bears large crops of fine fruit which ripens in October ancl November, and is always good. It never fails to ripen well, and the tree has not failed to produce a crop for the last twelve years. I would name Marie Louise as the best and most useful of all Pears ; it is excellent on walls, as a pyramid, and grown as a pot tree in the orchard house. Beurru Super- fin and Doyenne du Cornice are splendid Pears on a clay soil, but in our light soil they cannot be recommended. The fruit has been good once or twice, but it is always uneven in size, and generally cracks badly; but I must reserve the information about other varieties until it is decided how and at what time the information is to be sent. If the Editors can be advised to issue printed forms to the principal fruit-growers I have no doubt they will heartily respond. I have frequently urged the importance of summer pruning upon the readers of the Journal, and am more No. 1400.— Von. LIV., Old Sbbies. 86 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICUIiTORE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ July 29, 1876. than ever convincecl of its importance, especially in the case of overluxuriant trees. It is not desirable to allow the shoots to grow until the trees are a thicket of young wood, and then to begin and thin the growths out all at once. I have done this when trees had been neglected rather than allow the growths to remain until winter, and the crop has not in the least suffered ; that is apparently, because it is not reasonable to suppose that the check the tree would receive by having eo much young wood removed at one time would not act unfa- Yonrably in some way or other. If continuous crops of excellent specimens are to be pro- duced it will not do to neglect the trees. In shallow soils they often suffer for want of water at a time when moisture at the roots is most required. A good plan is to mulch round the roots with short manure ; this not only retains the soil's moisture, but, if it is necessary to water, evaporation is arrested. It is also a good plan to syringe the trees daily during the hottest of the summer weather ; this is a great aid to the swelling of the fruit, and is even more necessary when the trees are grown upon a wall.— J. Douglas. AN INQUIRY ABOUT FOREIGN PINES. Allusion having been made by Mr. Douglas to the good quality of the Pines now imported from St. Michaels or else- where, and which to a great extent have supplied Covent Garden for the last year or two, and which seem by their good appearance to be likely to have an important influence on the trade of those who grow such fruit for market in this country, and possibly may also induce some who grow this valuable fruit for private use to give up doing so. In fact, I am much mistaken if their growth be not already partially abandoned. It would be well to ask the question. In what way are these fine-looking Pines grown, and what are their merits at table as compared with home-grown fruit of fair quality ? This latter question is not the least important one, for al- though we know the Pine is very often placed on the table to look at, its merits when cut are invariably criticised. It is only fair, therefore, that a comparison between imported and home-grown fruit be made known. Doubtless the former is not 60 good as it would be if allowed to fully ripen before being cut, as it must of necessity be separated from the plant say a fortnight or more before it is quite ripe ; but taking into account the brighter sun and more agreeable climate it enjoys during its growth to what it does in our confined hothouses, I expect it can afford to give a certain number of days that may be fully said to be blank in its ripening period, and still equal, if not excel, ours. How far this is the case remains for those to decide who have the opportunity of tasting several fruits of both kinds. One thing certainly must be said in favour of the foreign production — they are exceedingly well managed, and they differ widely from those we were in the habit of seeing years ago ; in fact, the sudden change is such as to puzzle us to know how quickly they had arrived at such good cultivation in the quarters they are now grown at. Moreover, one or two of our choicest home varieties are amongst them, that the question arises, Did they take the stock from here? Certainly we never heard of Pines being grown there before the last two or three years, and now they seem to be produced in abundance. Coming now to another feature of the inquiry, which is Under what circumstances are they grown — in the open air or under shelter of some kind, and in what way ? I confess being not a little curioua this way, for Pines have been a favourite fruit with me, and to see them growing in an open field and tbrowing-up their fruits like heads of Khubarb running to seed must be a rare sight to those who have not seen such things. Moreover, when we bear in mind the small- sized fruits we used to be accustomed to see arrive each sum- mer from the West Indian islands, and knowing the tropical character of these islands, we were not prepared to see such an advance in quality from another island not so favoured in tropical heat by several degrees. It would be wrong to sup- pose that the whole thing is only a trading trick, and that only a few of the very best are sent here at a loss to those who sent them, but merely to serve some other end, an, I believe, the first Australian preserved meats were sent here at a loss to obtain the cubtom. But these Pines are too numerous for that. Neither do I for one moment expect that any dodge is practised or attempted, but that an exceedingly good mode of managing them has been discovered and acted upon ; hence the result. The question then is. How are they managed, or rather grown ? What does the climate resemble, and what the soil? A great many years ago the Pine-growing world was startled by being told that somebody in Prance produced very fine Pines grown in pure peat, and for a time peat was all the rage in England ; but that hobby quieted down, and a soil of a con- trary kind is more generally used. But what do our gardening friends at St. Michaels or elsewhere grow their Pines in, and how do they treat them ? I can hardly expect that rudely planting a few suckers in ground scarcely disturbed by cul- tivation and leaving all the rest to Nature will produce these fine Pines, although it will, no doubt, insure small fruit; and whether they grow them in the full sun, and where that luminary has the unchecked privilege of heating and baking the earth to the utmost limits that roots descend, or whether irrigation is practised and when ? How or when are all the forces of artificial cultivation put in operation, or to what extent these helps are made to assist Dame Nature in pro- ducing what we so much admire? Furthermore, Are any means used to ward off the plague of mealy bug and white' scale we have so often to wage war with in hothouses ? I confess not having had many opportunities of witnessing foreign fruit from St. Michaels, but what I have seen seem exempt from these pests, which West Indian Pines were not. In fact, if someone woald give us a chapter on the growth and management of the Pines of which such good examples have been sent from abroad to Covent Garden Market and else- where, they will confer an interesting benefit on home growers. Moreover, they need not be afraid of any trade competition by our following their practice here, for the many degrees of latitude as well as other conditions preclude such a thing ; but it will be at least satisfactory to learn how much of the credit of the fine fruit is due to the cultivator and how much to climate. As it is, we can only guess the proportion accorded to each ; but it may be complimentary to the grower to say, that in the absence of other information we are inclined to give him a larger share of the credit of producing such fine fruit than is accorded to that of any other grower of tropical pro- duce, whose only claim to attention is too often that they do not hinder Nature in her works, but to assist her to any extent, a dislike to labour were to form their only excuse. It would be well for those contemplating large and extensive Grape houses in this country, to look round and ascertain if there is not some nook or corner in this world within a few days' steam of England, where Grapes equalling or excelling, the best home-grown are not likely to be furnibhed at some day not far distant in the abundance and good quality as the Pines are which we have been so recently treated with. That such a thing is possible no one who has witnessed what hae been done of late years will deny ; and when we take into con- sideration the popularity, not to say the absolute use of the Grape in many cases of illness, we need not be surprised it someone bent on discovery should not make the attempt ; with what success time alone will determine. If I were disposed to- make a bet it would be that such a spot would be found ont yet before the North Pole. — J. Eoeson. SEVILLE LONG-POD BEAN. I WAS glad to see from "W.'s" interesting notes of the Boyal' Horticultural Society's Chiswick Garden that this Bean main- tained the high character formed of it in preceding trials. "W.," and no doubt many of your correspondents, will be interested by an account of its doings in other than its first trial grounds. I hail from nearly three hundred miles further north, and 500 feet above sea level. I confess to entering it in the list with Early Long- pod with no httle forestalling of the result. This it may be considered an unsatisfactory way tc treat a new aspirant, and not likely to lead to a just estimate of the merit, as compared with older varieties, of novelties. The condition of culture, soU, and site being the same, certain evidences of merit will in the end manifest themselves in the kinds subjected to trial. Facts will result, and these are such stubborn things that prejudice conceived in favour of tie old or new must succumb to them. I will briefly state the facts deduced from a trial of the Seville and Early Long-pod. They were both sown on the 19th of March ; the Seville had beans of a size fit to gather on the 10th of .July, and the Early Long-pod on the 15th of the same month. The number of pods upon a plant of Seville- twelve, and the number of those upon a plant of Early Long- pod fifteen. These numbers are a fair average of the pods- July 29, 1875. ] journaij of hobticoltoee and cottage gardenek. 87 borne by plants of each kind. The length of the poia when the beans were of the size named were of Seville 9 to 10 inches, and of Early Lsng-pod 7 to 8 inches. The greatest number of beans in the pods of Seville and of Early Long-pod were six, and the main of the pods of both contained foar beans. The colour of the beans in Seville is green, not quite so deep as in Green Windsor, whilst the colour of the beans of Early Long- pod is greenish white, and the u-tual mud colour when cooked. The height of the haulm in Seville is 3 feet, and the plant is of procumbent habit, which does not give a greater height to the plants as thsy stand than 2 feet. Early Long-pod has the 'haulm erect, and 1 feet high ; stiff and strong. The beans in Seville are about twice the size of Early Long-pod, and the pods are much larger; the pods are, in fact, " whoppers." I am informed of a pod of Seville grown in a neighbouring garden measuring 18 inches in length with the beans of full size. Conclusions are inevitable. Mine are that the Seville Broad Bean — from its earliness, size, and colour — merits the first place in the list of the Long-pod section. — G. Abbey. AND YET MOKE ABOUT EOSES. I WONDEK whether Mr. Radclyffe has ever heard of the very ■expressive Irish word " blarney," and if he has, as no doubt he has, whether it has ever entered into his mind to think that the gentleman who told his housekeeper that the Roses at the Crystal Palace Rose Show were a joke to those at Oke- 5lord Fitzpaine was guilty of that hibernianism, and had been working on the imagination of his faithful dependant. Per- haps the gentleman himself had a little Irish blood in his ■veins, and liked to lay the gentle flattery on thick while he was about it. Really, if these said Roses are so fine, it is a .pity that Mr. Ridclyffe does not charter a special traio. More than fifteen thousand people went to see the Roses at the 'Crystal Palace, and all who were not ticketholders had to pay 2s. Gd. each ; and it it could only be made known to ihe British public that the feast of Roses there provided by Messrs. Paul, Turner, Eeynes, Cranston, Prince, and Co., to say nothing of the twenty to thirty best amateurs in the country, was a mere nothing^only a joke — to what might be seen at Okeford Fitzpaine, why surely the said British public would only need the hint of a special train to come and ad- mire those wonderful Roses to their heart's content. Well, after all Mr. Radolyffe is right. Taste in Roses is a •mere matter of opinion, and perhaps the gentleman who had been to the Crystal Palace Show did not admire long rows and large boxes of Roses in single blooms, and preferred to see them growing at their sweet will. Mr. Radolyffo'd faith in nurserymen's catalogues and descriptions of Roses must be very great if it has not received a severe check ere this. How ■else will he account for the numbers of Roses that have come to us even from the best of raisers, ticketed large, superb, tine shape, splendid colour, free grower, glowing crimson, or deep maroon, &c., and which are now utterly unknown to fame ;' Has not even Mr. Radclyffe in years gone by recommended in glowing terms Eoses that he would hardly admit into his garden now ? I say this, however, with a certain degree of 'trepidation, as Mr. Radclyffe is hke an old soldier — he sticks by his colours, and does not like to give up an old favourite. "Well, whatever Mr. Paul's opinion may be of Abbe Bramerel as established among old favourites, all I cin say is I never saw a bloom that was not rough and coarse — coarse not from size, but from unevenness of petal and raggedness of outline. A boz of twelve was staged at the Crystal Palace at the last Rose Show to compete among twelves of new Roses, and we fairly presume that whoever exhibited them considered them good specimens of their kind, but there was not one good bloom among them. Of Maximo de la Rocheterie I eaunot speak 30 confidently ; but I know whenever I have seen it either growing or exhibited, and the latter has been very rarely, I 'have always put a cross against it as not worth growing. Of Saron Chaurand I am not much of a judge, as I have never yet seen a good bloom of it and do not grow it myself; but all I can say is that those blooms which 1 have seen have not left a favourable impression ; it seemed to me dull in colour and deficient in size and quality. Now let me venture to say that size has not necessarily any- 'tbing to do with coarseness. No one ever saw Alfred Colomb, ■or Marie Baumaun, or Dupuy Jamain coarse from being too Jarge. Oa the contrary, the better a Rose is intrinsically, the better, that is to say, in form, in substance, in freshness of oolour, in smoothness and evenness of individual petal, &c.. the larger and finer it is grown the more these inherently good qualities come out. I may not have made my meaning very clear, but what I would wish your readers to understand is that, as a general rule, a large Alfred Colomb is better than a small one, a large John Hopper than a small one, a large Madame Vidot or a large Marie Baumann than a small one. But there are Roses not intrinsically good of themselves which are not improved by size — a large Paul Neron is worse than a small one, a large Edouard Morren or a large M-idame Masson than a small one. I enter upon this at some length, for I have known a really fine stand of Roses discarded for a set of small compact blooms, when the latter would never have been equal in quality to the former when expanded. The smaller, as a rule, the bloom of a good Rose the less is the middle of the Rose filled up with petals. This to many of your readers who are accustomed to judge Roses may be a mere truism ; but there are some of our very best Roses which, when small and bad'y grown, are only semi-double, and show a yellow eye when they begin to expand. I cannot at all agree again with Mr. Radclyffe as to the value of very dark Eoses. I should not care to multiply Jean Cherpin, Pierre Notting, Prince Camille de Rohan, M. Bon- cenne about my garden. A few really good dark Eoses such as those named are very useful, but the most valuable colours are those of the type of Alfred Colomb, Madame Victor Yerdier, Duke of Wellington, and John Hopper. Some of our pink 'lOses are unfortunately too thin in the petal, and do not staul wet weather, as M. Noman, Centitolia rosea, and others. But, then, on the other hand, dark Roses, like Empereur de Maroc, M. Boncenue, and even that beautiful-coloured Rose Xavier Olibo, bum in hot sunny weather, and will not even stand a day's sun. I agree with Mr. Radclyffe in his estimate of the value of Madame Vidot and Cueile de ChabriUant as model Roses, but do not think the others are at all equal in form to Marie Baumann, Alfred Colomb, Marie Eidy, or Charles Lefebvre. As to button-hole Roses, I do not see howRjses such as Mme. La Bironne de Rothschild, Charles Lefebvre, Eugenie Yerdier, Madame C. Joigneaux, even in the bud form, can be considered as button-hole Roses, as in a very short time they would ex- pand when worn. Safrano, mentioned by another correspon- dent, is undoubtedly good, and so are Narcisse, La Boule d'Or, and small flowers of Celine Forestier, but I think this has been named before. Let me add a few more words with regard to the matter of coarseness. What, it seems to me, we want to eliminate from large Roses is unevenness, irregularity of petal, roughness of outline, imperfection of shape and quartering. Some Roses are seldom clear of these faults ; some, again, are beautiful in their semi-expanded state, but show too much centre when they open fully, as Louisa Wood or Madame C. Joigneaux ; but we must be careful lest in trying to eradicate these faults we revert to Roses that are too hard and full in the bud to open well, or in trying to get rid of roughness have petals too thin and flimsy, which will not stand either sun or wet. — C. P. P. MANDKE AS A SURFACE DBESSING. The application of manure as a surface dressing to almost all kinds of crops has long been acknowledged as beneficial, and its good effect upon certain plants has occasionally been set forth in this Journal. So far as I am aware, however, no attempt has been made to show why it is worthy of general attention, to explain its action, or in other words prove that it is of even greater assistance to many crops than if it were mixed with the sou and buried after the usual fashion. In doing this I will state at the outset that it is only during the last two or three years that I have given particular attention to this matter, and it may not prove uninstructive if I state my reasons for doing so. Some two or three years ago the Rav. C. P. Peach took ex- ception to some notes contributed by me on Strawberry cul- ture, in which it was advised to dig-in manure among the plants immediately after the crop was gathered, on the ground that surface dressing was decidedly preferable. Now, although I considered and maintained at the time such adverse criti- cism to be faulty, not in spirit but in matter, yet it afterwards repeatedly occurred to me that assertions from one whom I have the strongest reasons for regarding as a decidedly safe au- thority in matters horticultural oiight not lightly to be passed over. Further consideration led to a determination to repeat former trials, and to thoroughly sift a matter so simple and 88 roUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDBNEB. ( Jaly 29, 1876. yet BO important. With regard to the Strawberries I am free to own that the trials have proved Mr. Peach to be right as regards the surface dressing, the frnit of several kinds which are now being picked from beds so treated being both abundant and fine; and in makin? this confession I beg to offer my best acknowledgments to Mr. Peach, not only for the saving of labour which the plan enables me to effect, but for directing attention to a matter of such great importance to other crops as well as Strawberries. Let us now proceed to consider why the surface dressing is BO desirable. It is a fact familiar to all that all parts of the roots, especially the spongioles, shun the light and air. Now, it is to the spongioles, the plant's mouths, to which we wish to convey nutriment as directly as possible ; and yet they are often so far beneath the surface that we cannot readily reach them, for if we attempt doing so by a temporary removal of the soil other rootlets are inevitably destroyed in the process. Another most important reason for wishing to have the roots near the surface is, that it is there that the best soil is found, and we know that if we can only induce the roots to come up into it we shall impart additional health, vigour, and fruit- fulness, which it is, of course, highly desirable to secure by any means, but especially by an agency of the simplest and best kind ; and when the roots are once established at the surface we have only to attend to their requirements to keep them there. For most fruits an annual surface dressing, applied generally in the fall of the year, is all that is necessary, but if an ad- ditional stimulant is required sewage may be applied with the certainty of its being immediately beneficial. Who does not know the inutility of pouring sewage upon the surface of a deep Vine border lying bare and exposed to the hardening influence of sun and wind ? It is true that the roots may be reached by the barbarous method of piercing holes with a crowbar, but even then the Vines cannot derive a tithe of the benefit which attends surface-feeding. The action of the nutriment cannot be so immediate, nor the flow of sap so prompt. As examples of its effects in actual practice I may instance three vineries in all of which the Vines were in a somewhat weakly condition owing to the poverty of the soil. As a remedy, the borders of two of them received a dressing of loam, crushed bones, and stable manure ; but the third border instead of this mixture had a liberal surface dressing of rich pig dung. The result in the following season was striking and conclusive, the Vines in the third house being wonderfully superior in berry, bunch, and foUage to those in the other two houses. Take for another example two beds of Gooseberry bushes : the first was planted in soil suitably enriched with manure, and an annual dressing was afterwards forked-iu among the roots each autumn after the fall of the leaf ; the second was planted in a similar manner but two years later, the soil was never afterwards disturbed but received an annual surface dressing of manure. In two years the bushes were as large as those in the first bed, and the crop of fruit was decidedly the best. Other examples might be quoted of trials with Raspberries, Currants, Roses, and many other plants if it were necessary to do eo. Its good effect upon summer vegetables was explained long ago : in fact, it is not to advo- cate a novelty or to propound a theory of my own that these notes are written, but rather to draw particular attention to a point of culture which from its very simplicity is not practised so much as it so richly merits. In concluding, I cannot do better than revert to the prin- ciple which it is written to enforce — that both plants and fruit trees answer best when the roots are kept near the sur- face, and that this is done most advantageously by a sur- face dressing of manure, which serves to draw the roots up- wards as well as to nourish them. It by no means follows, however, that surface roots are only to be obtained by the application of rich manure ; a covering of any kind of litter will effect this. A knowledge of this fact has been turned to account in the management of an orchard containing some four or five hundred young fruit trees, the roots of which are kept near the surface by taking the weeds and leaves which accumulate upon the surface and putting them upon the soil around the base of each tree. A saving of labour is thus effected, the orchard is kept tolerably neat, and the trees are undoubtedly much benefited. — Edwaiid Luckhubst. MnsHBooMS. — Two Mushrooms (Agaricns gambosus) were gathered in my field last night, of which I send the dimensions. as they seem to me out of the common way. Circumference, 28 inches ; diameter, 9 inches ; girth of stem, lij ; weight, 1 lb. 3J ozs. The second is rather smaller, but thicker, and weighs about 1 lb. Both are excellent edible Fungi. No doubt this is an extraordinary year for Mushrooms, but are not these of a rather exceptional size? — A. R., BromJey. [The year has been prolific of all species of Fungi. Even in the north of England the markets were supplied largely with the common Mushroom as early as the first week in July. — Eds.] HOME-MADE FLOWEB POTS. Glass pots, and slate pots, and clay pots, clean pots, and dirty pots — even teapots — have lately been mentioned as adapt- able to plant culture. Possibly all are good for certain pur- poses and under certain circumstances, and so also are the home-made pots which we now notice. The pots we have ia hand oppose the notions of those who consider a clean pot essential on the one hand, and a densely made or glazed pot advantageous on the other. The home-made pots are em- phatically dirty pots and pre-eminently porous pots, and, what is more, both these qualities are virtues — yea, are the very essentials of the pots. These pots are noticed, not because they are novel or fanciful, but because they are cheap and useful — qualities which must command attention where small pots are employed by hundreds of thousands for the prepara- tion of bedding plants. The most complete mode of making these pots which wo have yet seen is that which is adopted by Mr. Mclntyre, the Superintendent at the Victoria Park. The models which wero recently exhibited we have had engraved, and thus we place before our readers in an intelligible manner this simple and FIG. 1. FIQ.3, FIG. 4 FIC.2. Fig. 11. — Models for Home-made Flower Pots. useful mode of pot-making. Fig 1 is the model, which is made of tin. It is 2^ inches in width at the top and 1^ inch at the bottom, inside measure, and about 2^ inches in depth. Fig. 2 is the pot when made. Fig. 3 is the bolt, which is about 5 inches in length of half-inch round iron, to which is soldered a shield of stout tin an inch in diameter ; this shield is an inch from the end of the bolt. Fig. 4 is the mould (inverted), which is made of wood, the upper part to form the handle, the lower part being the mould or plug; the size of the plug is 1{ inch across the top and an inch across the bottom, and '1\ inches deep. These it will be seen are all easily made. Now to their use, but first as to the material. This is a composition of strong loam — not clay — a little leaf mould and cow dung. The loam and leaf mould may be in the same proportions as if required for a potting mixture for the plants, and the cow dung may form about one-tenth of the bulk. This when weU mixed and tempered, using water as required, is. Joly 29, 1876. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 89 ready for use. We are now at the potting bench. Bore a hole through the bench, and put the bolt No. 3 into the model No. 1, and the shank of No. 3 into the hole in the bench; put into the model a lump of the composition, pressing the plug No. i into it, and by holding this with one hand, and turning the model with the other, the shape of the pot is obtained. By pressing the bolt upwards the shield pushes the pot No. 2 out of the mould in a perfect state. With a little practice a man and two boya will make a great number of pots in a day. The pots when finished are about a quarter of an inch in thickness. When dried they can be stored the same as are tire-burnt pots, bo that their manufacture can be entered on at any convenient time, and is profitable work in inclement weather. The size given is for Lobelias, Alter- nantheras, Verbenas, and other spring- struck plants which do not long occupy the pots, but of course size can be deter- mined according to the nature of the plants. They are dried in the open air, and in fine weather are ready for use shortly after being made. Previous to bedding-out the plants are watered and the pots are planted in the ground — that is, the plants are not turned out. The porous pot absorbs the moisture and becomes soft, and the roots grow through the sides into the surrounding soil. Even when the pota are standing closely together in a frame and are kept moist the roots protrude through the sides. Plants prepared in these pota are found to flourish in all respects as well as do those in the ordinary lire-burnt flower pots. It is premature to note the flower gardening at Victoria Park, as the plants are washed out of character by the drenching rains, but there are beautiful combinations which require Btmny weather to perfect them, and which will then rank amongst the fluest examples of modern bedding. IN AND OUT OF LEICESTER. A CROAKING old Leicestershire farmer has recited to me the old qnartrain — ■ " When the sand doth feed the clay. Then for England weU-a-day ; But when the clay doth feed the Band, Then it is well with England." That farmer's laud is heavy and rich, on which in the last century Beans were the staple crop. So extensively were they cultivated that the county was locally known as " Bean-belly Leicester." So largely were they consumed by the population that in the neighbouring counties a proverbial saying was, " If you shake a Leicestershire man you may hear the beans rattle inside of him." Bean feasts are said to have been earUest instituted by Leicestershire farmers. They feasted their labourers at the conclusion of the Bean harvest, which being late in autumn the crop is liable to be injured by the wet weather then prevalent, so they rejoiced when all the Beans were in safety. The notoriety of the county for Bean culture ia of many centuries' existence. It has given a name to places and even townships. Bean Hills is a manor; and of Barton-in-the- Beans, Jlr. Burton, the earliest topographer of Leicestershire, says " It is so called of the great store and increase of that grain in this place, yet the old shire yieldeth great abundance of Peaa and Beans more than any other county, insomuch that there ia a common byeword of the same, commonly known to all men — namely, ' Leicestershire bean-belly !'" I have seen an average acreage of Beans this year about Leicester, and they and Oata are the only seed crops that have not suffered by the heavy and continued rains, yet I do not arrive at the croaking farmer's anticipation that the light-land crops must be superior in produce to those on the heavy. A few windy days and a hot dry fortnight now will restore an upright position to most of the prostrated grain crops. Then, all along the eastern margin of the northern counties I can attest that in the three first weeks of .Taly there was no excess of rain, and a letter before me tells the same of Scotland, and that much of the hay has been secured without a shower on it. Potatoes in the same localities are abundant and healthy. Abundance of Bean blossoms may have suggested and been one of the sources which supplied the honey the Anglo-Saxon monarchs claimed from the town of Leicester, which " Domes- day Book" tells was fifteen sesterces annually. A short and pleasant walk led to the rain of Leicester Abbey, and he must know little of England's history during the Tudor period who, as he looks upon the ruin, has not cadled to his remembrance the words of the fallen Wolsey to the monks— " I am come to lay my bones among you." No man is with- out some good qualities, and among those of Wolsey was his encouragement of gardening. A contemporary versifier repre- sents the Cardinal as saying — " My gardens sweete are closed with walles Btrong, Embanked with benches to sit and take my rest. The knotts so enknottod it cannot be espresB'd; "With arbors and allies, 80 pleasant and so dolce. The pestilent airs with flavors to repulee." In tracing Wolsey's career I have gathered many other notes illustrative of the circumstances of those days. Even his expenses are records of prices. Chickens were 2s. a dozen, pigeons 15d. for the same number, a peck of Filberts Is., one hundred Pears the same money, a goose Id., one hundred WaLnuta 2(i., three Cabbages 2d., and Grapes, herbs, Onions, salt, and sauce, quantities not specified, 2s. I had no leisure for searching after plants Dr. Pulteney, the well-known botanist, tells of being found near the Abbey, nor to visit Mount Soar-HiU where he was born, but I have read his notes in the " Philosophical Transactions " on " The more rare plants of Leicestershire." He died on the 13th of October, 1801, and was buried at the village of Langton in Dorset- Bhire, but a memorial tablet in the church of Blandford, where he practised as a physician, bears the appropriate portrait of his commemorative plant, the Pultentea, and beneath it this inscription : — " This tablet is erected in memory of Richard Pulteney, M.D., F.R.S., who, after thirty-six years residence in this town died on the 13th of October, 1801, aged seventy- one. That modesty for which he was remarkable through life forbad any eulogium on his tomb ; but he will long be re- membered with gratitude and affection both as a physician and as a friend ; and with the truest reverence and sorrow by EUzabeth his afflicted widow, daughter of John and Elizabeth Galton, of Sbapwick, Dorset." He bequeathed legacies to various institutions, his museum to the Linnean Society, but the chief part of his library was sold by auction in 1802. His MS. " Flora " is in the Leicester Museum. — G. ROSES. I HAVE bloomed St. George and Souvenir de John Gould Veitch since I last wrote ; they are both high-coloured and excellent. The first is nicely scented, which cannot be said of the new Rosea generally. The finest-scented Rose, and the finest of all Roses lately raised, is Louis Van Houtte (La- charme) and Baron Chaurand. The scent of these Roses is equal to the Teas ; the last I think is superior in scent to moat of the Teas. It does splendidly on the seedling Briar. I have grown some noble specimens of it. I shall buy twenty more of it on the seedling ISriar. I do not think it does well on the Manetti. I must now thank M. Lacharme for raising these fine Roses — Charles Lefebvre, Alfred Colomb, Louis Van Houtte, and Madame Melanie Willermoz ; they are all first-rate. These also are good — Victor Verdier and Baron Adolphe de Rothschild. The next is very curious, Auguste Vacher; the base is deep fulvous gold, and the tips of the petals pure bright copper. If he raises no more he will have done enough. I hear well of his Roae Gapitaine Christy. I have bought his Rose Souvenir du Baron de Semur. I am glad Mr. Peach suggested the affixing of the names of the raisers. I will not buy unless I see the raiser's name. Seeing Lacharme's name I bought the last Rose, and because we want more high-coloured Roses. Baron de Semur and Star and Queen of Waltham are the only novelties that X have bought this spring. — W. F. RADCLyFFE. CUTTINGS. Do we not make serious mistakes about the best time for putting in cuttings ? Take the case of Roses. The usual time is to put the cuttings in about October or November. I am of opinion that July is a far better time. When the plants are full of organisable matter cuttinga will callua sooner, ana_ if other circumstances are favourable roots will be more readily produced than later on when the plants are going to rest. Recently I have been trying the experiment, and though it is too early to express a positive opinion, I have seen enough to induce me to pen this note with a view to encourage others to try the experiment at once, and to report the results. It is well known that Pansy cuttings put in as early aa possible root almost to a certainty. Pipings of Pinks, &c., if put in as soon as they can be obtained are far more likely to 90 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICUIiTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 29, 1875. root rapidly and to do well than if put in later. This is a matter of much intoreat, and if my views are rightl think it will he found that Bosee ou their own roots may be raised with more ease and certainty than is generally supposed. — Philanthes. ^[KOYAL HOETICDLTUBAIi SOCIETY'S SHOW. JULT 21ST. One or two points of interest at the grand Exhibition so well described in last week's Journal deserve notice. It is not pos- sible when an exhibition is so extensive to describe anything minutely, and I now add a few remarks on the fine show of Carnations and Picotees. There is a National Carnation and Picotee Society located in the midland counties, but a Midland Counties Society would be a better name for it, as it cannot touch the soutb, as our blooms will be quite over before their Show is held. The third week in July is a safe date for London, and ou that week the Royal Horticultural and Metropolitan Floral Societies offered prizes — not prizes sufliciently large to bring growers from a loug dis- tance, nor were there many classes, but Mr. Turner sent a large number of stands fcr exhibition, and there was some competition in all the classes. It would be a grand day for the florists when the Society offers the same amount for a stand of twenty-four distinct Carnations as it does for a collection of fruit and twelve stove and greenhouse plants. Modern gardeners would laugh at the bare idea of such a thing, but this was done thirty years or more ago, and Mr. .James Hogg of Paddington obtained the gold Banksian medal for his Carnations and Picotees at one of the Chiewick exhibitions. Some of the flowers at the recent Show were very fine, and the new varieties have proved again to be a decided advance on some of the old sorts. Beginuiog with Carnations. Scarlet Bizarres. — The new sorts. Guardsman (Turner), Mars (Hextall), and Mercury (Hextall), will hold the highest position in their classes for many years at our present rate of progress. Crimson Bizarres. — Isaac Wilkinson (Turner), and Marshal Ney (Headly), are the leading new flowers. In Purple Flukes Ajax (Hextall), is superb, and is decidedly the best in its class. Scarlet Flakes. — This is a showy class and already contains good flowers, but all of them are wanting in fullness ; however, Mr. Battersby (Gibbons) and Superb (Ingram) are indispensable. Base Flakes. — This is a charming class, and contains some of the finest Car- nations in existence. Mrs. F. Burnaby (Turner), is a charming flower, very distinct in its colour ; it is of the softest pal« rose, large, and fuU. Phcebus (Headly), is also very good; it has bright rose markings. Turn we now to the Picotees. Bed-edged comes first. Leo- nora (Fellows), is a distinct heavy edge. Mrs. Keynes (Fellows), a very fine medium-edge with a pure white ground ; and Princess of Wales (Fellows), is certainly by far the best heavy red-edge in existence, and a mcst distinct, flower. In Purple-edges we have a splendid flower in Mrs. Little (Hooper), certainly the finest light-edge ever raised ; the white is of tbe purest, without spot or bar. In the Bose and Scarlet-edged class we have some great advances. Ethel (Fellows), large, pure, smooth, and full; extra fine. Juliana (Turner), is a very fine heavy scarlet-edge, not BO large as Obadiah, but it has a better petal. Mrs. AUcroft (Turner), this is the best light-edged flower we have — not a bar or spot to be found on its pure white ground. Mrs. Fordham (Turner), this as it bloomed with me tbia year is a splendid flower ; it is a medium-edge, very full, and the petals like leather. The three last-named flowers are great advances and highly creditable to the raiser. It is a great pity that Mr. Norman has given up the culture of these flowers ; and Mr. Pizzy, who also held a high position, has also left tbe field through removing to another situation. Let us hope their places will be supplied by other ardent cultivators. Mr. E. Atkins is a new exhibitor and showed some fine flowers. I have extended my notes on this favourite old flower longer than I intended, but have still space for a few remarks about the Floral Committee. No wonder if some mistakes are occa- sionally found in the reports of this body. Up till nearly three o'clock only numbers were to be found on the largest proportion of the exbibita, a/id about two one large exhibitor was busy removing hin plants somewhere else, and amongst them some that received first-class certificates. It is necessary both for the sake of the public and the exhibitors that a correct report should be given of all new plants and flowers, but as matters are arrangeel at present it is almost impossible to do so. The system of placing numbers instead of the name of the exhibitor on new plants is decidedly objectionable and can answer no good purpose whatever ; and no plants ought to be removed until after the general meeting at 3 p.m. I noticed a very fine new zonal Pelargonium of the Bronze class that has not been exhibited before. It is certainly a great advance on any in its class. It was in the collection of Mr. .John Laing, Stanstead Park, Forest Hill. It is named The Czar. The leaves are smooth and of great substance ; they have a distinct margin of greenish yellow, next a broad band of a bright chocolate colour and a greenish-yellow centre : it is most effective. Of a different type is Mrs. Harrison Weir, more in the way of Impuratrice Eugenie, but a much finer variety. The leaves are smooth edged with yellow, with a distiuct reddish band; centre yellow. Both these plants are great advances, but I was told the Floral Committee would not grant certificates for them. They were not entered at this meeting because of that. I may just notice a very fine Phlox Drummondii, which I found out afterwards was sent by Mr. R. Dean of Ealing. This was certainly also an advance on any I have yet seen of this flower. The old General Radetzky with its beautifully striped flowers was long a favourite, and this new one is a fine com- panion to it ; but it also was passed. When Orchids are exhibited, if they have any beauty at all they generally come in for high honours ; but I fancy that the more humble flowers — even a Phlox Drummondii or even a Forget-me-not, if it is an advance on anything that has been previously raised, should be rewarded with a first-class mark — that is, when its merits are fully proved. — J. Douglas. CITY OF LONDON FLOWER SHOW. To encourage a love of flowers and to stimulate their culture in the closely-pent homes of the city it was determiued some few years ago to offer prizes, and have a real flower show in the city, by the city, and for the city. It was a laudable idea, and has been well carried out. The sixth Exhibition was held in the grounds of Finsbury Circus on the 27th inst., and resulted in an interesting collection of window plants and a large amount of patronage. The Show was divided into twenty-five classes of popular window plants, as Muek, Fuchsias, Geraniums, Myrtles, Campanulas, Orange trees. Ferns, Creeping .Tenny (Lysimachia), &c., also window boxes, and in all the classes there was con- siderable competition. We observed plants exhibited by little children and hale septuagenarians. Amongst the miscellaneous plants were Wheat, Oak growing from acorn. Tobacco, and a precious Orange plant, marked as growing from a pip sown two months ago, only unfortunately the owner is cherishing some- thing else, for her pet is not an Orange. It is gratifying to find all the plants so clean, and it is clear that pains have been bestowed by the several growers, who richly deserve the liberal prizes. Special prizes were also given — viz., a silver medal by the Royal Horticultural Society for the best plant in the Show, and three bronze medals. The silver medal was taken by G. Moss with a very healthy Indiarubber plant, the bronze medak going to Ferns and Lycopods, which were very nicely shown. Mr. Smee, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wills, &c., also offered prizes. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, contributed excellent boxes of cut Koses in splendid colour. Sultan of Zanzibar and Duke of Con- nanght being particularly brilliant ; and very fine single plants of Lilium auratum ; and Mr. W. Paul, Waltham Cross, sent beautiful Roses and a bright collection of Zonal Pelargoniums. Mr. Peacock, Hammersmith, also staged a collection of his grotesque Cacti, &:c. These aids constituted a valuable feature to the Show, and the contributors will feel a reward in the treat they have afforded, and the appreciation of their goodwill in encouraging a thoroughly deserving organisation. The Revs. W. Rodgers, F. Bishop, and a working Committee, with Mr. B. Dean as manager, conducted the arrangements, and Mr. Barron and Mr. Dean were the Judges. The day was fine, and the Exhibition was in all respects as successful as it was worthy of success. ROSE SHOW IN NEWTON STEWART, WIGTOWNSHIRE. Newton-Stewabt, and through it the surrounding districts, were treated to a novelty on the 19th. Never before had it a Rose Show. When the Rev. G. W. R. Mackenzie of All Saints' mooted the idea of holding such an exhibition to a few friends a month or two ago he was metaphorically frowned upon. It could never be got up — the country was too unkind to produce suifioient Roses to make up a creditable display — it would interfere with the annual Flower Show a month later — it would, in short, never do. But Mr Mackenzie determined to try; and as a preliminary step set about canvassing his friends and acquaintances, and non-acquaintances, for the necessary money, until he was astonished at his own success. A schedule of prizes was thereafter prepared ; and the handsome sums promised therein to successful competitors drew forth hearty support. Messrs. Dickson & Sons of Newtonards, county Down — perhaps the largest Rose growers in Ireland — promised blooms ; Mr. R. B. Cant of Colchester, a great grower, also said he would com- pete and exhibit, though the boisterous weather of the early part of the week caused him to telegraph on Thursday that it would be impossible for him to do so ; and nearly all the gar- deners attached to the mansion hounea in Wigtownshire, and a few in the Stewartry, entered heartily into the project. The local amateurs and cottagers also determined to do their little best ; and altogether such promises of competition and ex- Jnly ■£), 1875. J JOURNAL OF UOfiTIOULTUfiE AND COTTAQE GABDENBK. 91 hibition were received tha*, weather favouring, BUcoesB was certain. And a success it was. Five loaf; tables were filled with the loveliest Hoses of all kinds. There were in all lOl.'J out blooms shown, and when to this number are added the lioses in pots, those who had not the pleasure of beiug present may faintly guess at the splendid appearance the live tables, presumed to be the finest of the kind ever held in Scotland ; certain it is that in Loudon and elsewhere in the provinces of England, where Koses are supposed to grow in greater prolusion, we have seen very ambignous exhibitions in every way inferior both as regards variety and excellence. And not only so; but a week or ten days ago the Roses — local blooms at least— would have been very superior to what they were yesterday ; wind and rain having played sad havoc with many a cherished tree. But this notwithstauding, the show of Rjses from Galloway was in the highest degree creditable ; and not until yesterday could we have believed that the province would have produced such a brilliant display of every kind of the lovely flower. Besides those sent for competition there was a table-load " for exhibition only." Messrs. Kerr & Fotheringham's display was very large and beautiful ; that of Mr. Service, Maxwelltown, was also good ; and the " exhibited " Roses from Kenmure Castle and Monreith were also very much admired. In the centre of this display was a miniature cottage, " Wigtown Lodge, Barnbarroch," the handiwork of Mr. Henderson, the forester. It was decked out with walks, and made gay with Roses ; and during the day it had hosts of admirers. The Judges put a "commended" ticket upon it. A Yucca gloriosa, from Logan, was said to be as fine a specimen as is in Britain. IN THE WEST COUNTRIE.— No. 2. ME. CURTIS'S NURSEBY, TORQUAY. My impressions of Torquay had been derived from varions sources — from the remembrances of those who ever spoke of it with sadness as the last earthly home of those they had loved, where they had been taken to wither and to die ; from those, too, who had gone there in the full fioodtide ot health and life, and had brought back from it glowing accounts of its beauty and salubrious climate, and also from those who have spoken of the facility with which tender plants are cultivated there ; and it was, then, with a wonderment of what I should find it to be that the day before the Exeter Show I determined on visiting what in a horticultural point of view I had ever connected with the Tea Rose, and with that most charming of all English-raised Roses, Devouiensis. It were idle for me to attempt the description of its scenery, and I might get a rap across the knuckles too ; for I think I have a dim recollection that a certain awful personage who affixes "G." to hia papers did, some years ago, in the Journal tell of his wanderings in these western parts. Suffice it to say, that although I had heard much about its beauty I was in no way disappointed. The lovely coast scenery of Bathcombe Bay and Ansty's Cove must be seen to be appreciated. Living as I did so long in our bleak eastern coast, where nothing but the Tamarisk will thrive, it was indeed a treat to see the coast clothed to the water's edge with luxuriant foliage, and the beautiful contrast of the white sand and the rich red of the rocks, and to hear the cuckoo and the blackbird close to the very shore. Are not all these things written in the guide books ? and therefore I must mention those things which per- tain to our beloved flowers. Mr. Curtis most kindly met me at the station and took me to see what he has not unworthily Btyled the Devon Kosery, for there is very little else thought of or cultivated here than the Rose. In these days, when ten and twelve acres and more are devoted to the culture of the Rose, Mr. Curtis's of seven may seem small ; but there is much to interest a Rose-grower in the collection that he has gathered together. He himself comes from a family in whom a love of flowers is hereditary, and Mrs. Curtis is a true helpmeet for him in what is both a matter of profit and a labour ot love ; and it is this long connection with horticulture that makes him so well up in Rose lore. His nursery is intersected by the railway, and his gardens on the north side contain, besides his Roses out of doors, his range of houses which are devoted to the culture of Roses in pots, especially Teas ; and as Tor- quay is a winter residence his object is to arrange his flowers that he shall be able to cut them during the winter months. He has one span-roof in which the Roses are planted out very close, and, running up, cover completely the roof. These were then nearly all out of flower, and the lights were taken off to harden the wood. Two new houses had been built 1.30 feet each in length, and they were filled with a choice collection of Roses in pots, which were evidently intending to make a bril- liant and beautiful display by-and-by — not large overgrown plants, but compact half-specimens. Among his favourites were Catherine Mermot. Davoniensis, Marie Van Houtte, Sou- venir d'un Ami, Adam, Niphctos, &c. We agreed as to Duchess of Edinburgh that it has very little it any Tea blood in it, and is little else than au improved Cramoise Saperieure. There was a long border in which the new Hoses were planted, but owing to the backwardness of the season many of them were not in flower, and in those that were we could not discover any very great merit. Thomas Mills is brilliant in colour, and as it is very vigorous may be a useful garden Rose. Duoheas of Edinburgh (Bennett) will, I fear, not be a favourite; it is so very easily spoilt by wet, and neither hero nor elsewhere have I seen a good bloom of it this season. Capitaine Christy promised well, but it is, I fear, also very easily spoiled. I have not seen for some time a finer piece of standards ; and it would appear others thought so also, for Mr. Curtis had an order for four thousand from one firm alone — a firm, by-the- by, which has 140,000 Roses on Manettis. We had much pleasant chat about Rosea. Mr. Curtis thinks highly of the Celine and of a stock called Donna Maria, while he is cultivating another ot which we may perhaps hear more by-and-by. He did not apparently think so highly of the seedling Briar as some do, although the French have used it for a long time for their Tea Rosos, which are so largely grown here. He stated amongst other things in connection with Rose culture that he remembers well a thousand varieties being grown by his father in Esses, and this before the race of Hybrid Perpetuals was known ; of these no more than five or six are grown now. It was, I believe, he who introduced Brennus, still a handsome summer Rose ; while of late years Bessie .Johnson, a sport from Abel Grand, has emanated from this nursery, and Mr. Cartis was the principal distributor of Climbing Devonieneis, although it does not owe its origin to him. He is very strong against the scentless Roses, and said Victor Verdier ought to come under the hangman's hand, as to it we owe the many beautiful but scentless Roses which even with this defect we cannot do without. In talking of Cloth of Gold he mentioned the case of one he knows in Jersey, which was planted at the base of a rock, and which ran over and covered a surface of 00 feet and was every season filled with bloom, and was indeed a grand sight. I have heard of one belonging to a tenant of Mr. Baker of Exeter, which is grown on his cottage and pruned every year with a hook as high as he can reach. After lunch we had a pleasant drive to see the lovely coast scenery of Bathcombe Bay and to call on my old friend Mr. Gosse, and whom I sincerely regretted to miss. He has a charming little villa, where he rejoices in the culture of Orchids and various other plants ; and as the day was fine and the view of the coast lovely it is one to be gratefully remembered, and I only regretted that an engagement at Exeter compelled me to hurry away from my kind friends and hospitable enter- tainers, and I also regretted that the time at my disposal did not permit me to visit Mr. Veitch's nursery. — D., Deal. CATEKPILLAKS AND GOOSEBEEBY TREES. Ddbing the present year the Gooseberry crop is one of the largest in my recollection, but it has been sadly marred by the ravages of caterpillars. Many specifics for this I have heard recommended, and it would be well if discussiou in the columns of your Journal should lead to one infallible remedy. Of all that I have hitherto heard recommended some growers take exception and pronounce them worthless. It has sometimes occurred to me that many failures might result from the care- lessness or want of skill in the operator trying the experiment. I have heard many assert that they have kept then- Goose- berry bushes intact from caterpillars by simply placing in the centre of each a bunch of Gorse or Heath, whilst others who have tried the same have pronounced it inoperative. The most certain remedy which has cume under my per- sonal experience is to dust freely the lower portions of the trees and the ground around with powdered fresh lime. This invariably prevents the first attack, and if a little care be exercised in the later stages tho few which survive the opera- tion of the lime may be easily removed. Of coarse in a very wet season the lime is apt to be washed away and its effect weakened by the rains, and it would be well to renew it later on. Recently, whilst on a visit to the Lake district, I was shown a garden where there was such a wealth of Gooseberries that 92 JOURNAL OF HOETIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( July 29, 1875. every tree required eupport to enable it to bear its load. I obaerved to the owner that the bnsheg appeared to be singu- larly free from caterpillars, and he then challenged me to find a single one on the trees. He next called my attention to the quantity of weeds growing amongst the trees, and said he attributed the immunity to the weeds. The garden was an open one, in no place sheltered by larger trees, and surrounded on three sides by tields of hay grass. In another garden some 30 yards away were two or three Gooseberry bushes around which were no weeds. These had scarcely a leaf left upon them, and were badly infested with caterpillars. — Beta. FLOWERS OF HAEDY TREES AND SHRUBS AVMLABLE FOE DECOEATI\'E PURPOSES.— No. 1. It would certainly be limiting the term " beautiful " to a very restricted class of flowering plants was it confined merely to those to which a great deal of care is required in the cul- tivation, yet somehow we are very liable to underrate the merits of those which owe nothing to us for the highly orna- mental appearance they put on in their respective seasons, very often, in fact, arraying themselves in their inimitable garb in spite of our neglect, if not absolutely ill-treatment. Fortunately, however, these beauties are not entirely wasted, for the poet and naturalist have long admired our woodland scenery, and have depicted its attractions. As instances of Nature's decoration we have wild flowers a considerable part of the summer, and trees are ever beautiful ; some, as the Oak, that are not conspicuous in their inflorescence in spring are highly so in the fall of the leaf in autumn ; while the wild Cherry is very remarkable at both periods. The beautiful crimson tint the autumn leaves put on render its appearance ever grateful to the admirer of autumn foliage, and the wonder is it is not more patronised ; the spring flowering being especially rich, and the tree not by any means fastidious as to situation, while when arranged in its white apparel in April and early in May it is a striking object, and well worthy a place at the back of a shrubbery, or front of a plantation or wood. Not less ornamental is the common Hawthorn. And how many gentlemen's parks are beautified by old venerable Thorns scattered about in all directions, each one vieing in sym- metry with the best-managed exhibition plants ? The Thorn, however, has been augmented with innumerable varieties, but the common one, nevertheless, is still amongst the most beautiful; perhaps the Double White may be equally good, and some late-flowered varieties are also showy. We omit the other members of this great family, but the Blackthorn de- mands a passing notice as being much earlier and consequently hardier. Its blooming is often delayed by the cold weather which it has to encounter ; a few days, or perhaps a whole week of that time, receiving the name of the " 131ackthom winter " in many districts from the very common occurrence of a cold wintry period at that time. But the Blackthorn falls short of the Hawthorn in beauty or practical interest, but associated as it is with the Plum and Damson, and flowering when they do also, it is deserving of notice. The Crab (thanks to cultivation) is but rarely met with now-a-daye compared with what it was formerly. The object of rendering it useful has induced some one or other to graft them, very often when in anything but a promising place, and a good Apple is sub- stituted for the Crab. Now and then, however, the original is found, and when in flower it is needless to say is very handsome. But we must turn to something else, and as a harbinger of spring what is more welcomed than the soft silky tufts of inflorescence we are accustomed to call " Palms ?" How many old-fashioned hedgerows and coppices do they give a charm to in early spring? Many of the species are exceedingly handsome, some in which the claims of beauty rest with the male specimen, others again in the female. I believe Dr. Hogg has studied this genus with great success in the way of pointing out the most showy species, and I have a faint recol- lection that the male variety of Salix vitelUna and the female of S. amygdalina are especially handsome when in flower. At all events the presence of palms forms an epoch in early spring alike cheering and interesting to all who are any way connected with country life. We next come to the Gorse, Whin, or Furze, an object widely different, and of late years much persecuted. The taking- in of vast tracts of land, the abolishing of commons, and agri- cultural and wayside improvements have done away with vast tracts of Gorse land that used to be in a certain degree public property ; but enough remains to prove its beauty to the most casual observer, and when in fuU bloom where is the culti- vated plant that can compete with it in gorgeousness ? a vast breadth of it giving a more close and compact body of golden colouring than can be given by the best-managed bed in the parterre. The charm of a mass of Gorse in bloom need not, however, be dilated on further, and that of the Broom may be added in the same category, as both in some degree par- take of the same character of liking dry etoney ground. Possibly the Broom is disappearing faster than even the Gorse; for apart from the persecution it receives from the lords of the creation, game attacks it where it abounds, that it is with difliculty preserved where hares and rabbits exist, there being nothing they are more fond of. On its handsome bright yellow flowers it is needless to dilate. Usually where it is found in great quantities the Rhododendron will be found to succeed pretty well. In my next I will take a glance at higher-growing objects, and note that even the most common trees possess a certain amount of beauty when examined carefully, which is not generally admitted or sufiiciently appreciated. — J. Roeson. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Prince of Wales presided on the SSrd, at Marlborough House, over a meeting of Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851. There were present the Duke of Buccleuch, the Marquis of Lansdowne, Lord Spencer, Lord Carnarvon, Lord Granville, Lord Aberdare, Sir Staiiord North- cote, Sir Bartle Frere, Sir William KnoUys, Mr. Playfair, Sir William Anderson, Sir Francis Sandford, Mr. Edgar Bowring, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Field Gibson, General Ponsonby, General Probyn, and Major-General Scott, Secretary. Sir Henry Thring attended the meeting at the request of the President. The Commissioners considered a proposal from the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society to the following effect : — " 1. That the Society should raise its annual income from subscriptions to £10,000, an amount that would provide ad- equately for the promotion of the science and the encourage- ment of the practice of horticulture, and for the efficient main- tenance of the gardens. " 2. That the Commissioners should waive the imminent forfeiture of the lease for non-payment of rent for a suflioient period to give the Society an opportunity of re-establishing itself." The Commissioners accepted this proposal as the basis of an arrangement. REDLEES, ISLEWORTH, THE EESIDENCE OF W. F. 'WATSON, ESQ. James's Calceolarias, Cinerarias, and Prolific Marrow Peas have attained a very deservedly wide reputation, and have be- come what may be termed household words in every garden. Redlees has by them become celebrated, and a brief notice of the garden cannot fail to possess interest, and, it may be, afford instruction. Like so many other places where the best of gardening is to be met with, this is not an extensive and showy demesne, but is the suburban villa of an affluent and liberal- minded gentleman, who by the encouragement he has given to the good keeping of his own garden has raised the standard of some of our most popular flowers, has stimulated their culture, and made them better to fulfil their purpose in the adornment of other homes. The mansion is a commodious red brick building, to which is attached a spacious conservatory. The grounds are gene- rally flat and park-hke, containing a few fine old specimens of Cedars of Lebanon and numerous other Conifers of less vene- rable aspect. Wellingtonias are very numerous and healthy, a belt of these and the best sorts of Cupressuses probably a roile or more in length, forming an attractive boundary to the grounds. These have only been planted about nine years, and the progress they have made is remarkable. The soil is not only good — a medium hazel loam — but it was thoroughly and deeply trenched, and the plants were planted when in a small state. Mr. James worked on the principle that small plants well planted are more satisfactory in their progress than are large specimens which receive a check by removal from which they are often a long time recovering. 'The size and condition of these specimens now prove that he was right. The lawn is of considerable size, and is not overcrowded with flower beds, these being mostly arranged by the sides of the July 29, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 93 walk3, and planted on the carpet system, some of the designs and combinations being exceedingly chaste and effective. But hardy garden flowers are also cared for, Mr. .Tames being not only a grower but a raiser of Carnations, of which he possesses many fine varieties. The flower garden also includes a rosery, and although newly made has produced a rich display of splen- did blooms, some of these on cut-backs planted in the autumn producing flowers of almost equal merit with the best-exhibited blooms of the season. The soil is all new to the depth of 2 feet, and is composed of heavy loam and manure, and hence the vigour of the plants. The glass structures are not very extensive, but are in good order, and are well adapted for their purpose. The plant houses are light with high stages, so that the plants are as near the glass as possible. Some are of north aspect, and are useful for retarding, and have in fact kept Show and Fancy Pelargoniums in perfect freshness to the present time. These plants are grown to a state of great perfection, being perfect globes of bloom from 2 to 4 feet through, and the foliage curl- ing over and almost hiding the pots. The plants are now out- doors ripening their wood, being turned on their sides on wet days. They will be cut down at once. It may be said here that those who intend to increase their stocks of Pelargoniums cannot purchase plants at a better time than the present, for each plant will afford cuttings to be put in forthwith. At this season of the year there is no better plan of striking Show Pelargoniums than by inserting them in sandy soil in the open air and in the full sun. These make stocky vigorous plants, and if the wood is well ripened very few cuttings fail to emit roots. The Fancies strike better in pots under glass. After being cut down the plants are left in the pots to break, and are then shaken out. This shaking-out is a complete work. Every particle of soil is washed from the roots, and these are trimmed and repotted in smaller pots, throwing in a dash of silver sand as the work proceeds. These cleansed roots forthwith emit vigorous spongioles, and the old plants are made new again. The Fancies are treated in the same manner, but they are less robust and long-lasting, and in order to gain vigour they are often grafted on the Show varieties. Grafting is done at the present time, the stock being in advance of the scions, and the grafted plants are stood on a north or shaded border until the union is completed. By that simple means vigour is imparted to tender and dehcate varieties. Calceolarias are ripening their seed, and the sowing of next year's crop is usually made about the last week in July. The seed should be sown thinly on light soil previously watered and covered with a square of glass, and the seed pans be placed in a cool, moist, shaded place out of doors. Then is germination certain, and the young seedlings come up stoutly and sturdy. By twenty years of steady perseverance Mr. James has brought this flower to a high state of perfec- tion. His strain is notable for high colour, large blooms, and dwarf plants. Cinerarias are equally well grown, and the improvement in this flower is also very marked. Seed is sown at the present time, and treated the same as for Calceolarias. When sown earlier the plants are Uable to receive checks by a dry atmo- sphere. Mr. James's plan is to secure a regular progressive growth from the moment the seedUngs appear to the time the plants are perfected, and his great success is the best proof that his treatment is correct. Cyclamens are grown exceedingly fine ; indeed, those who have not seen the best examples of the few great growers of this flower have no idea of its extreme beauty. The conns aj-e now being potted. A soil composed of two-thirds of turfy loam and one-third of dry lumpy cowdnng, and a free ad- mixture of silver sand, is the staple compost. The plants are kept rather close in cold frames to start them, and they are frequently sprinkled with water to induce a free and healthy growth. A great point in Jlr. James's success as a plant-grower is the diligent war waged against insects. Pelargoniums, &e., are regularly fumigated, and Cyclamens are dipped, not so much to kill insects as to prevent their appearance on the plants. Not only is this preventive plan emphatically the most effectual, but it is also by far the most economical. At the present time the Fuchsias are the most attractive plants at Redlees. They are veritable fountains of bloom, not large, but in rare health. They are not trained to any fancy style, but are left, as Mr. Taylor so nicely puts it, to Nature and her own sweet ways, and we are of those who believe that no other way is bo good in the training of this elegant flower. Mr. James is turning his attention to the raising of seedlings, of which he has some promising varieties. He also grows Auriculas well, and holds a rich and valuable collection. These are repotted and placed in a shaded place. Ferns and Orchids are grown for decorative purposes. The most attractive plants in the stove are the Achimenes. They are not mentioned because they are large, but to draw attention to Mauve Queen, a variety which all should possess, for it is exceedingly fine in size of bloom, substance, and colour. Before leaving the plants we may note that old Epacrises cut hard in like Pelargoniums were breaking freely, but Heaths treated in the same manner will never break again. Besides the houses for plant-growing Mr. James has ranges of low brick pits, along the front of which runs a row of hot- water pipes. These pits are staged, and are so arranged that the stages can be raised or lowered at convenience, so that the plants are always close to the glaes. These are valuable aids to plant-growing. They are better than houses, and the most cheaply made and heated of all glass structures ; they should be provided in every garden where good plant-growing ia expected. But being a " plant place " it may be supposed there is no fruit at Redlees. Let us step into the vineries. The Black Hamburghs are mostly cut, but Vines thirty years old have carried one of the most useful crops we have ever seen. The berries are perfect in size and finish, but the bunches are not large. How could they be when we count on one Vine with two rods fifty-two bunches averaging three-quarters of a pound each ? The rafter may be about 18 feet in length, so that it ia seen that the crop is a very fine one. Lady Downe's Seedling is carrying about forty bunches to each Vine, and Muscats are perhaps still finer. These are grown on the extension system, and all the roots were lifted last autumn. Considering this the crop is very heavy, to heavy surface-dressings of rich manure on the borders is to be attributed this very satisfaotory example of Grape-growing. The kitchen garden is outside the grounds. We cannot notice its contents, having only space to say how James's Pro- lific Marrow Pea is looking at home. Mr. James can show grand rows of this sterUng Pea. It grows 3 feet high, is ex- tremely robust, and laden with pods down to the ground. The pods are fine, well filled, and in colour light green. For pro- ductiveness and quality this ia one of the best Peas which has ever been raised, and the rows now growing are amongst the finest features of Redlees. CURL IN POTATOES. The curl in Potatoes is said to be entirely prevented by taking up such as may be intended for seed two or three weeks sooner than would be advisable for the general crop. It was known to many of us long before the year 1845. My opinion is that the curl and the Potato disease is one and the same, only different in the form of attack. — W. Giles, Nottiiig Hill. The curl began in 1792.— Eds.J THE LOWER GROUNDS, ASTON PARK, BIRMINGHAM.— No. 1. While these Grounds are celebrated as a popular place of resort for the inhabitants of the metropolis of the midlands, they possess a much wider interest as having been the site of some of the finest horticultural exhibitions of recent years. The ability which has been exercised in the formation and management of these Grounds and the enterprise of Mr. Quilter in inaugurating the great annual horticultural gather- ings, are such as to demand the recognition of all who are in- terested in horticultural pursuits. The more is this the case that the object of these exhibitions is pre-eminently worthy, as, on the one hand, conferring benefit on a valuable institution, and on the other as stimulating and encouraging the spread of high- class gardening. Such gatherings as those with which the Lower Grounds are identified have a direct tendency to popu- larise horticulture, for by bringing together the best of the earth's products in a densely populated district, and this in a manner to arouse a general interest, a love of gardening is engendered, and a spirit of emulation is fostered which cannot but lead to a salutary end. But besides the popularity of these Grounds— a popularity brought about by a combination of tact, skill, and liberal- minded policy — they are in themselves worthy of a visit both •94 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 29, 1875. as regards their attractive arrangement and the good examples of decorative gardening which they ponrtray. On both these grounds, therefore — their renowned pnbUc character and their intrinsic merits — we draw attention to them in a form of which they are worthy, and as being a pleasant rendezvous to any wandering tourist interested in the beauties of nature and art. In these Grounds, however, art predominates, for their aspect is modern, but the touches are so delicate that in many places it is hidden, and the landscape effect, while being essentially artificial, is in its character pleasingly natural. This is seen in the broad expanse of turf and water, the disposition of rustic bridges, which have a use as well as imparting an orna- mental feature to the Grounds, and the arrangements of a great portion of the flower gardening. But undoubtedly the attrac- tiveness of the Lower Grounds is heightened by contrast with the Aston Hall estate adjoining. The old Grounds are im- posing by their venerable aspect and the noble trees which surround the quaint old mansion. These call up reminiscences of a past age, while the Lower Grounds by the modern nature of their treatment — the combination of flowers, shrubs, and lakes — exemplify the present. The only thing venerable in the Grounds is the old Oak which is shown in the engraving, and which measures 9 yards in circumference at the base. The Grounds are about forty acres in extent. When taken possession of by Mr. Quilter ten years ago they were in a semi- wild state. There was then no hotel, flower garden, green- houses, conservatory, boats, itc. ; indeed, nothing to attract visitors, the leading object being to realise capital by fruit from the old trees and by cut flowers from the borders. Mr. Quilter at once commenced a series of improvements, which have been going on to the present day, to keep pace with the times and to attract the interest of visitors. Many acres of tnrf have been relaid, lakes have been made, shrubs have been planted, walks have been widened, and flower beds laid-out. It is not unusual on special days for ten thousand visitors to congregate in the grounds, and the numbers are every year increasing. Many of the principal inhabitants are yearly sub- scribers, and have access to the grounds for promenade and recreative purposes. The number of men employed in the Grounds exclusive of attendants varies from twenty to thirty, and excellent order prevails under the able management of Mr. Spinks. The islands in the centre of the lake — imperfectly shown in the illustration — with its rustic work and central Weeping Willow tree is very ornamental, and the standard Salixes which fringe this lake are remarkably appropriate and pleasing. On one side of this lake are arranged a series of flower beds and shrubs, and on the other is the subtropical garden. The flower beds are now filled with the ordinary summer bedding plants, with which are efl'ectively associated bedding Pansies. This is a combination of spring and summer bedding which it is useful to note. The same mode is also to be seen in Battersea Park, and is much admired by visitors there. It is well known that for some weeks after bedding-out the Pelargoniums, &e., the beds are anything but gay — they are simply collections of plants struggling to establish them- selves, but by planting in these beds lines or circles of the bedding Pansies, the beds are made attractive in the early summer. The rich blue Pansies are very effective with silver- edged Pelargoniums; and the yellow varieties, in mixture with such plants as Lobelias and Scarlet Geraniums, add a feature of brightness to a garden when it would otherwise be almost destitute of colour. Saoh Pansies as The Tory, Alpha, Per- fection, Golden Sovereign, &c., are valuable acquisitions to a garden in early summer, and being hardy and of easy culture they can be raised without much trouble. These Violas bloom beautifully until the bedding plants proper become estabUshod, and contribute an aspect of cheerfiilness at a time when flowers are especially welcome. When no longer required the Violas can be cut away. At no time do they interfere with the well-being of the autumn-flowering plants. Violas thus used may play an important part in early summer garden decoration. By their aid in these Grounds the beds were made aa beautiful in June as they will bo effective in August, which is a point of no small importance to those who would enjoy their garden not at one particular season, but who as far as is possible covet flowers at all periods of the year. Spring and summer gardening is blended in another form. Broad lines and circles of the hardy Saxifraga cordifolia had been exceedingly effective in the spring, and now the broad foliage of the same Saxifraga affords a pleasing relief to the brightness of the Calceolarias with which it is associated. July 29, 1875. ] JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 95 Thns do spring and summer join hand-in-hand, and bridge- over the too-flowerless month of June. This simple and effective mode of flower gardening is suitable to many places, and it is not unlikely that it will spread when combinations of other flowers besides those mentioned wUl suggest them- selves as applicable to the object of malung a garden attractive over a larger period than is the case at present. — W. CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOK GAEDENEES. No. 2. There was a man of some note in the scientific world who went to pay a summer visit to a country parson, an old school- fellow of his. He was much inclined to do the agreeable, so when his friend asked him if he would give a little sort of lecture or talk on na- tural history in his schoolroom there, the man of science agreed thereto. " But," said he to the cleric, " I'm afraid I may use by chance some words that your folks won't quite understand. I'll watch your face, and if there is any- thing that strikes yon as being unin- telligible, just touch your nose." This was agreed, and the audience assembled ; after awhile the cir- cumstances of insect life came under con- sideration, and the lecturer began a sen- tence with the words ' ' In the metamor- phosis of insects," when he saw his friend's finger lifted to the organ of smell. Quickly he changed his phrase, "In the transforma- tions of insects," when the menacing fi uger went up again ; and a third time he went on, " Or in what are called the changes of state in insects ;" but again he was stopped, and, growing desperate, he said, " Or when they turn one thing into another," a statement unscien- tific certainly, yet so far intelligible that it raised a laugh, under cover of which the speaker pro- ceeded to quote some simple and easily recognisable facts. I refer to this story to show how far from easy it is to most of us who speak or write on entomology, so far to popularise the terms of science as to make the unscientific individual perceive that we are desirous of being, not the obscurers, but the interpreters of nature. You may scrupulously avoid every word or phrase that seems technical or difficult, and yet, in your supposed simplicity, be far from making your meaning clear to the person or persons you address. Now the changes insects undergo are puzzling to some extent even to those who make insects their study ; and though one may glide smoothly over a phrase which comprehends them all, and say that there is first the egg, secondly the larva, thirdly the pupa, and fourthly the imago or perfect insect, it is not easy in many instances to separate one from the other, escept, indeed, the egg, which cannot well be mistaken 1, Leaf with patches of epgB laid upon it. 2, Patches of recently-laid egcs. S, Egga in which caterpillars can be perceived, [emergred. 4, Patch of egg3 from which the caterpillars have already for a later development of insect life. Unless in a rare case of accidental resemblance or mimicry, when we find an egg we are not likely to suppose it either a larva or a pupa ; but when we come to define the two latter, and state what each is, and what it does, we cannot make an absolute rule. In the larval or second stage of their life we are wont to say that insects feed and move about; while the pupa is quiescent, living without food, unless, perhaps, atmospheric air in some instances afford a sort of sustenance. But there are pnp» brisk enough in all reason , as amongst the aquatic insects of numerous species. Only a short time ago I brought home a dragon-fly pupa, displaying, visibly enough, his rudimentary wings, and he busied himself in taking sundry excursions up and down the plants in my aqua-vivarium, until one morning he popped his head above the surface and flew off, leaving behind his filmy in- vestiture. As he had conducted himself peaceably I brought home a larger pupa of that family, but he was no sooner " at home " than he began to devour his neighbours promis- cuously. I bore with him while he drew " caddis " larvaj out of their cases or portable dwellings, but when he savagely fell upon a young larva of a water beetle that I wished to rear I was obliged to serve an eject- ment. Then in some groups it is by a very imperfect- ible move that larva advances to the dig- nity of pupa, and the pupa, again, developes into the mature insect. Nay, it might be said that some images are al- ways pupfB, were it not rather Irish. In- stinct urges nearly all insects to the concealment of the egg, or perhaps we might state the fact better by remarking that from their mi- nute size and usual location the eggs of most insects escape observation and need to be searched for. Pupffi also are frequently hidden, so that it is in the Vine pvralis in its three btates. 5, Small caterpillars hanging by threads. 6, Leaf with the chrysalis. 7, Caterpillar. 8, Moth. second and final stages that insects are best laiown to most people, even to the gardener and the entomologist. Yet could the gardener but be convinced how much advantage he might gain in the case of many species by searching them out and destroying them in the egg, the time bestowed on the work would be well rewarded. This would have the additional recom- mendation in the eyes of some sensitive persons, that it cannot be in the least degree cruel. Eggs certainly don't feel. With- out going into minute details, which would be out of place, possibly tedious, in this series, which is designed to help the readers to take a general reconnoitre of the various orders, a few prefatory remarks on the transformations of insects taken as a whole will put us in a better position for our survey. The old naturahsts— not such fools many of them as modern " new-lights" would have us believe — held to the axiom that every living thing comes from an egg, and therein they were anticipating what has since been as good aa proved, only its 96 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. t July 29, 1876. universality is hardly absolute. We come quite near enough to the truth when we say that most animals begin with this as the germ of their life, and it is palpable to the senses amongst the overwhelming majority of the insect tribes, and stands not on a mere theoretical basis. Of course there are snob exceptions as we have in the aphis family, where through a good part of the year the happy mothers produce living young as spry and active as their parents, worse luck to the gardener; and then, again, certain species of flies in the Dipterous order of great destructive powers give birth to larvfE, while there is also an instance of what is still more singular, the deposition of one or two pupie by the parent insect in another genus of flies. It may perhaps appear to some readers to be a needless statement, yet I have met with educated persons who supposed that insects laid eggs, fed a little, laid eggs again, and so on — in fact producing broods much hke birds ; therefore I remark here that (with the exception of a few, such as the queen bee) when a female insect has deposited her eggs she dies. And this, her life work, after it has once been commenced , is gone on with continuously, until all the eggs are got rid of, whether they are laid fii masse, in small quantities, or singly. Of course it doesn't seem a very affec- tionate way of phrasing it, but really it is a case of " getting rid " of the eggs with most insects. Only here and there have we a species that either takes any heed of her progeny after they are hatched, or lays up any provisions for them on their first entry into this world of troubles. Nature prompts the mother to select what is the proper food for her offspring, and, having placed the eggs on or near that, be it animal or vegetable, the mother retires from business, and sinks into the grave to which the partner of her life has already gone — or, to put it in more matter-of-fact, dies off, to be devoured by some creature or another, since most insects, living or dead, are thus utilised. If there is anything in insect economy that strikes us as significant of a resemblance to maternal regard, it is such 11 circumstance as we notice amongst the Cocci or scale insects, where the gradually elongating and wasting female, as she clings to the branch, affords a shield-Uke pro- tection to the young larvffi she has produced, and probably also supplies them with the first food they swallow in some instances. A remarkable proof that the insect tribes, by a primary law 'of life, are exposed to unusual dangers is furnished by the fecundity of the females in the bulk of the species. Hence in spite of the dangers arising to them from other animals that make them their prey, and the effects of unfavourable weather, with in addition sometimes internal and little-known diseases, hosts of species perpetuate themselves from century to century, where the soil and temperature suit their habits. Of late years in this country to some scarce or local insects the entomologist has been the worst enemy. The schoolboy's notion that a cater- pillar was so named because it was a sort of creature that liked to cater for itself on our choicest vegetables, and that a grub got its name because it was always feeding, is not exactly true. The essential part of the caterpiUar's name is the second half, describing as it does something that " pills," peels, or devours what it comes in contact with. The underground life of some grubs , no doubt, led to the apphcation of the word to larvffi either footless or scantily furnished with feet, and that keep them- selves out of view as much as they can. Yet both words are used in a very loose way, though entomologists have now pretty well agreed to restrict the word " caterpillar " to the larvje of the Lepidoptera, and to the pseudo-caterpillars of some Saw- flies which have much resemblance to the caterpillars produc- ing butterflies and moths. It is true also that some of our forefathers apphed the term "worm" to sundry slim larva. A palmer worm, for instance, was a hairy caterpillar, because it resembled the roughly-clad palmers that had returned to England from wandering on Asian shores. Unfortunately, too, the word "grub" has been used by some writers when they were speaking of insects in their third stage — the pupal condition. On the whole we cannot fall back upon a better word, as generally denoting the second stage of insect develop- ment, than Swammerdam's " larva," mistaken in a sense, as he was in choosing it impressed with the belief that under the skin of the larva the " masked creature," even at its escape from the egg-sheU, were all the organs in miniature of the perfect insect. This we now consider to be a mistake ; there are throughout points of resemblance, but the larva and imago exhibit different structures and functions, necessarily con- nected with differing modes of life. Still we do not quarrel with th« term "larva," as handily expressing the second stage of either a moth, a fly, a beetle, or a bee. Widely diverse these from each other, as we shall see hereafter, yet all having something in common. More unUke, it may be, too, than are the matured or fully-developed insects ; thus the six-legged aquatic larva;, well-known to the angler as caddis worms, produce images which are not without resemblance to Lepi- doptera, and have been called water moths, though the larva is 80 difierent from the average caterpillar of true moths. Certain flies and bees are much alike, yet the larva in the one is footless and in the other provided with six feet. And yet amongst other bees where the larva; are dependant for food on the attentions of their nurses or foster parents, they are foot- less, evidently still more incapable of shifting for themselves than the larvae of many flies. To the superficial observer it is quite obvious that the caterpillar of a butterfly, the larva of a beetle or of a bee, is in appearance, as well as in habit, quite different from the insect as it presents itself to us in the final stage of life. But then, again, the larva of a cricket, or that of an aphis, is an approximation to the imago in form, though destitute of wings. Also we have various instances, as amongst the flies and the dragon flies, where the two or four- winged insect is developed from an aquatic larva ; cer- tainly, however, it is as unamiable in habit as the predacious imago. The amount of food "put away" by insects in the last stage is sometimes considerable, yet the larval condition must be deemed the grand feeding-time in the insect world gene- rally ; just as the pupal state indicates assimilation and pre- paration for change. Though, as hinted already, there are some active pups, yet as no pupje are found either to grow or to moult, the nutriment they consume must be small in quantity. And here, again, we have strange contrasts and odd resemblances ; beetles and bees, so remote in many respects, are akin in having pupae which display very distinctly in the majority of species the outline form of the perfect insects, while butterflies and flies (with exceptions) approach each other in being developed from pups which give no clue to the nature of the insect enclosed, or only a slight indication. The agile pupre of such insects as dragon flies and grasshoppers hint to us what they are about to become by displaying rudi- mentary wings. As to the length of life in these earlier stages, it is as a rule more prolonged than in the imago condition. We have larvs, it is granted, that attain their seniority in a few days, but those of some beetles and moths live years ; and the pupal state may be reckoned by days, months, or years.— C. OUB BORDER FLOWERS— COUSINIA HY8TRIX. This is a race of plants very Uttle known and seldom met with in cultivation. They may not be so graceful in their ap- pearance or so attractive in their habit as some other of our border flowers, and it may be their Thistle-like appearance causes them to look a little vulgar among their more refined neighbours. But what if some of them has a rather Cardoon- like appearance'.' We sometimes find relief in change, and need not despise them for that. When taken well in hand they can be made very effective ; and though we have a goodly number of white-leaved plants this adds one more to the number, and is not to be despised where large plants are re- quired to fill large spaces for centres of large beds or for other purposes. Being hardy makes it still more desirable. When in the border fully developed, and seen at a distance with its silvery-white leaves and purple flowers, it is a very striking object, and a group in the shrubbery has a fine effect. Though there are several kinds enumerated, I believe that Cousinia hystrix is the only hardy herbaceous one we possess. This is quite hardy, and when well estabUshed will last many years. It may be increased by seed sown in the spring, or by division after blooming. Care should be used in the operation, for they have fleshy roots which sometimes bleed and the plants go off. When the plants have attained a large size the stems ought to be thinned out that they may fully develope themselves. They require a well-drained situation, and will thrive in partial shade. The ground for them should be broken up to the depth of 2 feet or more, and have some good loam, leaf mould, or good rotten manure, with a little coarse sand well worked into the place intended for them. They must be attended to with water when required, and when the flower stems rise they should be carefully staked to prevent them from being broken by the wind. Liquid manure is of service to them oocasionaUy. When July 29, 1375.1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 97 liberally treated they will grow from 2 to 3 {eat high. C. ma- crooephala, a biennial, maj' be raised from seed during the sum- mer, and be kept from frost through the winter and planted out in the following spring. It is desirable on account of its yellow flowers. C. cynaroides is a biennial with white flowers. There are others that are equally interesting, and ought to be in more general cultivation. — -Veritas. VENTILA.TION AND INSECTS. During the last few years glass houses have sprung up as if by magic, so that no villa of any pretensions is considered com- plete without its conservatory, vinery, or orchard house. These appear to be necessary appendages to the residences of mer- chants and others who during the greater part of the day are engaged in business, many of whom are not in a position to keep a regular gardener. I will, for example, take the man of business who leaves his home, say, at eight or nine o'clock in the morning, and, perhaps, does not return before four o'clock in the afternoon. How do his pet plants or his fruit trees fare during his absence, with, perhaps, no one to attend to them who has any knowledge of such matters ? Many difficulties and disappoinments arise as to the proper airing of glass struc- tures during the master's absence. Under such circumstances many impediments arise, not the least of which are the ever- troublesome insects. This must be patent to the practised man who reads year after year of so many antidotes recom- mended for their destruction. These remedies crop-up every jear like so many patent medicines. Why should all these new remedies be required ? If our forefathers could cope with insect pests successfully, why cannot we do so with the re- medies still in our own hands ? But it is not the practical gardener who is at fault and cannot cope with insect pests ; it is, as a rule, the amateur who creates a demand for these remedies mainly by the cause of imperfect ventilation. I do not for a moment pretend to say that gardeners can at all times prevent these obnoxious visitors, as much will depend on the outer elements, but by proper airing and keeping a sweet atmosphere much that is obnoxious may be prevented, and much after-labour and vexation avoided. Sudden changes of temperature are aUke injurious to plants and fruits, and it judicious ventilation could be more generally adopted we should hear of less failures, for where ventilation is at fault disappointment will certainly follow. In many in- stances air is not admitted early enough in a morning. Sup- pose a tightly-glazed house is closely shut-up all night and the sun allowed to shine on it for two or three hours in a bright morning, this will raise the temperature at this season of the year to such an extent that a large volume of air must be ad- mitted to lower it. Nothing tends more to propagate disease or insect pests than these extreme measures. Under such treat- ment both fruit trees and plants will become unhealthy, and will soon become a prey to red spider, mildew, or green fly. During the summer months air ought to be admitted almost as soon as the sun shines on the glass. This, of course, applies to such structures where little or no shading is re- quired. It is bad policy to let houses become too hot while the air within is stagnant ; the top or hottest part is the proper place to ventilate first, even if it is but an inch, but this, of course, will depend on the outside temperature. Very tightly-glazed houses should during the summer months have a little air left on all night. It matters not how well a plant may be potted, and how correct the soil, and careful the watering may be, if the airing is at fault there can be no pro- sperity. Tiaere is more importance attached to ventilation than many people imagine, but in all cases avoid as much as possible cold cutting currents of wind, especially from a north or easterly direction ; but this is difficult to guard against at all times, for with a fierce sun and a cloudless sky every inch of the ventilators must be opened, but in such oases plenty of moisture should be used to counteract the drying effects of such winds. It is a bad plan to let the temperature fall too low before closing the ligiats ; closing ought to be done gradually a little at a time. In shutting-up it is a good plan to husband as much sun heat as possible. A rise of 10' or 15° after shutting- np will do no harm when the sun is on the decline and the house is full of pure fresh air, but letting it rise to that extent in the morning without air in a stagnant atmosphere is de- cidedly injurious. It is ol*eu a difficult task to instil all this into the minds of young men who have such duties to perform. As I have before remarked that insects cannot at all times be prevented, I will give an instance this season of green fly and red spider owing to the bright sunny weather and cold easterly wind gaining admittance to some houses. The red spider gained a footing at two or three ventilators in a house of Grapes. In this case there was no means of preventing the cold winds acting directly on the foliage. This attack is con- fined to the foliage near the ventilators, and is evidence of what cold easterly winds will do. The next case was green fly on Teaches. One point of attack was near to a front ventilator, the other near the door. I believe some people are very loth to admit that they entertain such society as red spider, thrips, and mildew, but such pests will make their appearance under the most skilful cultivators. In many places it is almost an impossibility to keep free from these insects where mixed collections of plants are grown. In vineries and other fruit houses thrips will assert a right to a place, but the practical man knows how to battle with those enemies. For red spider a sweet moist atmosphere and a free application of the syringe ; for mildew, flowers of sulphur dusted over the aiifected parts, and a well-ventilated and sweet atmosphere. For thrips, I know of no better or safer remedy than fumigation cautiously performed on two or three succes- sive nights, this to be repeated in about ten daj's after the first application to destroy the after-progeny ; but in small cases where perhaps only one or two plants are affected, care- ful sponging with a little soapy water, not over-strong, will be effectual. I think that many of the horticultural buildings of the pre- sent day are not sufficiently ventilated, especially small houses with high-pitched roofs, which soon become hot and as soon cold again. This class of houses are difficult to manage, and are often to be seen adjoining the residence of the amateur. I believe that more evil is wrought by injudicious ventilation than by any other mistakes which are made in gardening matters. I advise all amateurs to have as a safety valve the top ventilators left slightly open all night, the air to be in- creased as soon as the temperature begins to rise in the morn- ing, we should then hear of less destruction by insect ravages. — G. E. Allis. DEATH OF MR. STANDISH. It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. John Standish, of the Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks, which happened on Saturday last at half-past one o'clock, in the sixty-second year of his age. The disease with which he was afflicted was diabetes ; with this he contended successfully for many years, but at last his constitution gave way. Mr. Standish was born in Yorkshire, on the estate of the celebrated sportsman Colonel Thornton, on the 25th of March, 1814, and at the age of twelve removed with his parents to Calue in Wiltshire, where his father held an appointment at Bowood under the Marquis of Lansdowne. Having entered the gardens there, here it was that he gained his first in- struction in gardening. After his apprenticeship was finished he went to Bagshot Park, where Mr. Toward was then gar- dener to the Duchess of Gloucester, and under him acted as foreman till he commenced business for himself as a nursery- man at Bagshot. The branch of gardening in which Mr. Standish greatly distinguished himself was hybridising. With this he began, and to this his lite was devoted for a period of forty years. One of his first achievements in this way, and which brought him prominently into notice, was crossing Fuchsia fulgens and F. globosa, from which was raised Fuchsia Standishi in 1839. More than usual interest attached to this, for " it has been supposed impossible that F. fulgens should be a Fuchsia at all, especially in having an herbaceous stem and tuberous roots ;" but says Dr. Lindley, " It now however appears, from the fact of its crossing freely with the common Fuchsias, that it really does belong to the genus." Many other genera of plants formed the subjects of Mr. Standish's experiments, and notably the Rhododendron, of which he raised many beautiful varieties. It was to Mr. Standish when he was at Bagshot that Mr. Fortune entrusted the raising, propagation, and distribution of his Japanese and Chinese plants on his second expedition to the East, and it was through him that some of the most familiar trees and plants of our gardens were first distributed. In 1862 Mr. Standish removed from Bagshot to Ascot, where he formed an entirely new nursery on a more ex- tensive scale. 08 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 1 July 29, 1875. Mr. Standieh leaves behind him many sorrowing friends. He was a man greatly esteemed by those who knew his genial disposition, kindness of heart, and disinterested generosity, and among these his memory will be cherished for many years to come. DisA GBANDiFLORA, — -A slight mistake occurred in the report of the late Show. It was stated that a Disa was exhibited La Lord Londesborongh's collection of Orchids " similar to one exhibited in the Council-room by Mr. Bull." It should have been " similar in name," for both were named D. Barelii. Mr. Bull's — or rather Lady Dorothy Nevill's plant, and grown ■by Mr. Vair — is the true variety. It is exceedingly brilliant, the flowers, six in number, being of a dazzling flame scarlet, and the plant itself was an excellent example of culture. It was stated to have continued in bloom since Whitsuntide. This fine Disa was greatly admired both in the CouneU-room and exhibition-tent. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. The hekbaceous CALCEOLiBiA has been a very fashionable flower for many years, and is prized both for window and green- house decoration. These plants are truly glorious when well grown, but they do not succeed well when cramped-up in small pots, for then the foliage never becomes developed, and in most cases it assumes an unhealthy appearance; therefore my advice is to grow a few of them and grow them well. Now is the time to sow the seed. This should be done in a small pot or pan of light sandy soil. It must be sown as regularly as possible over the surface, and be very thinly covered with fine soil or sUver sand; afterwards give it a very gentle watering, and place in a handlight in some shady corner on a bed of ashes, but free from the attacks of snails, which are es- ceediugly partial to the young scedliugs. Never allow the sur- face of the soil to become dry after the seed is sown, or germi- nation is seriously retarded. As soon as the young plants will bear handling, prick them out singly about an inch apart in pots or boxes, and place them again in a shady place and water carefully. Towards the autumn they will grow very freely, and must be potted into single pots, and when winter comes on they may be stored closely together in the greenhouse. About the beginning of January they will be making a fresh start, and must then be encouraged in every possible way by potting and other necessary attention. They like a good airy place, and not in the warmest part of the greenhouse, as they will endure more cold than many other plants ; but this cold naust not be frost. I have frequeutly wintered them in oold pits or frames, and they have always kept growing and have done well. The soil may be a mixture of one-half loam and the remainder equal parts of very rotten manure and leaf mould, adding plenty of sand and broken charcoal to keep the soil oper. Perhaps by February or tie beginning of Ma'ch they will have advanced so well as to need shifting into tbeir blooming pots, which, to have good plants, should not be less than 8 or 10 inches in diameter. The fine leaves they make will be down close on the surface of the pot, and will need considerable watching against the attacks of green fly. This enemy is difflcnlt to eradicate when it has taken hold of this plant, because if they are fumigated it is difiicult to make the smoke penetrate between the closely-set leaves. It will be found that after they have filled their flowering pots with roots that they will make surface roots just under the foliage. Now as this will happen about the time the plants are throwing-np their flower stems, it stands to reason that if these surface roots are encouraged the plants will be the better for it ; therefore, top-dress them with some soil of the nature named above, and always keep them in a moist state, giving weak manure water about four times from that time till they show flower ; and then if they are fumigated at two or three different times just before they flower they will go through the flowering in a clean state, and the flowers will be large and well developed, which will well repay the cultivator for his trouble. — T. Eecokd. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. It will be needless to say anything about watering wall trees at the roots this season, as reports from all directions tell of a superabundant rainfall ; nor is it necessary to say that all fruit ripe or ripening is of very poor quality. All sorts of fruit re- quire plenty of sunshine to bring out the flavour. Should fine weather set in now all out-of-doors fruit will be abundant and good, wall fruit especially so. Watering thoroughly at the roots and also overhead to destroy insect pests just after the stoning period has invariably been necessary in this neighbourhood. This year Nature's watering has been much more effectual; indeed no more watering will be required this year. It has been necessary to look over the trees, especially those that have not yet filled their allotted space on the walls, to remove se- condary growths, and to nail-in those young growths that have extended themselves since the first nailing. Nothing looks much w-orse about an otherwise well-kept kitchen garden than to see wall trees allowed to run wild during the summer months. As has been so often stated in previous numbers, no growths ought to be allowed to remain except such as may be required to fur- nish the tree or to bear fruit next year. One fault in the culture of Peach and Nectarine trees on walls ought not to be passed over — that is, allowing the trees to be- come bare about the centre. It will not be possible, especially if the walls are high and the trees wide apart, to furnish the trees quite as well at the centre as at the extremities of the branches ; but by careful training of the central growths, and by pinching or cutting back strong growths that are running away with the strength of the trees, central growths will be produced, and this will result in a more regular disposition of the fruit. Where Figs are grown on open walls they will require rather different treatment from that recommended for other trees. Instead of cutting the wood away it is much better to allow nearly all the young wood to grow loosely. Mr. D. T. Fish, who manages Fig trees most successf ally on open walls at Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds, has treated them alter that manner ; and in a small garden at Ilford there are one or two trees that annually produce and ripen large crops of fruit. The young growths hang out from the walla to the extent of 3 or 4 feet. Figs, like the Peach and Nectarine, bear only on the young wood ; and if the trees are regularly pruned aud nailed-in, the trees have the same fault of becoming bare of young growths near the centre ; but on the " rough-and-ready " system recom- mended above it is not so. Many persons may be desirous of propagating certain choice sorts of stone fruits. This is best done by budding them, and now is a good time to do it. The stocks should be two or three years old, and the buds usually do best if inserted on a clean part of the stem near the surface of the ground. As a general rule, it is much better to purchase, trees in the nursery than it is to propagate them. Just a word in answer to "A Sh-reey Gardener" in last week's number about Celery. Why does he put "splendid quality" in inverted commas? I wrote " splendid Celery." I did not mean to convey the impression that there was any supe- riority in flavour of large over small Celery. Growers for exhi- bition, and for any other purpose whore large heads are required, had better grow on the single-row system. "A Surrey Gar- dener " and I both seem to be agreed in this ; and as to (luality, I am not aware that small heads are better than large heads. \^NERIES. We have done but little in either early or late houses since our last notice in the " Doings," but owing to the dull damp weather a few berries have decayed where some fruit is yet hanging in one of the early houses. These berries were at once removed to prevent the decay from spreading. Do not let red spider spread on the Vines from which the fruit has been cut. Take all care to preserve the leaves, and water the inside borders if they are supposed to be dry. As soon as the Grapes begin to colour in the late houses, if necessary give the inside border a thorough watering with manure water, or sprinkle the surface of the border with guano or pigeons' dung before applying clear water. Those who have to supply very early Grapes, say in April and May, very wisely grow jjot Vines. For this crop the best varie- ties are Black Hamburgh, and a few canes of Buckland Sweet- water if white Grapes are wanted. The canes should bo ripened-off as speedily as possible if they are not already ripened, and to do this the house in which they are growing should be more freely supplied with air, and the canes to be fully exposed to the sun. Still water freely at the roots, and do not remove the plants out of doors or cease to maintain a high tem- perature until the leaves change to their autumnal tint. We never give any manure water the first year, and we always prefer Vines struck from eyes inserted in January or early in February to those that have been grown from eyes of the pre- vious season. If the eyes cannot be started early, then it will be necessary to grow from small cut back canes. We have also found that the most productive wood is produced if the pots, after the Vines have been finally potted, are placed on a trel- Used stage or a slate platform immediately over the hot-water pipes. The best compost is medium clayey loam four parts, rotted manure one part, and an s inch potful of crushed bones to be added to each barrowload of potting material. CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES. We aro preparing plants for the winter Cucumbers to supply fruit from October until January. Those plants intended to supply Cucumbers from that time onwards ought not to bear July 29, 187B. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 99 previously ; of coarse this is not absolutely necessary, nor is it necessary at all if the plants are not heavily cropped. We have had the same plants bear continuously very nearly, if not quite, all tlie year round ; but recently, whether owinR to a change of loam or treatment, the plants do not grow freely. After bear- ing only a few weeks they have stopped growing, and after a few weeks' rest started again. We are changing the loam, and hope to have better results. Melons have been poor in flavour this year. Even Scarlet Gem, which is usually good under adverse circumstances, has been of indifferent quality. Those who have only the usual old- fashioned box lights are almost helpless to improve the quality of their fruit in dull weather. In heated houses it is different, for by applying artificial heat and ventilating freely, with a moderately dry atmosphere, the flavour may be much improved in dull cold weather. By planting out at once in a heated house Melons may be obtained in October, after that month the quality of the fruit is bad. For late fruit the soil ought not to be rich ; no manure at all should be added to the turfy loam, and only a very little rotted manure if the loam is of poor quality. ORCHARD HOUSE. Early Bivers Peach is the first to ripen, as we do not now grow Early Beatrice, which used to be a few days earlier; but the less said about flavour the better. It requires plenty of sun and a dry atmosphere to ripen-off the fruit of this sort, and which cannot be perfected in an orchard house where Early York "will not be ripe for three or four weeks. If a house could be devoted to the Early Peaches raised by Mr. Rivers, where they could have that treatment which they specially require when ripening, a very different opinion would be formed of them than has been formed by those growing the trees with other varieties not ripening at the same time. It is still necessary to syringe freely, and to keep up a high and rather moist tem- perature in the house. GKKENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. We have been busy finishing the potting of hardwooded plants ; Heaths and Epacris were amongst them. These require very similar treatment; the potting material is turfy peat, to which is added a liberal supply of white or silver sand. In some cases the plants and pots have become too large for us. When this was the case an inch or more of the ball of roots was sliced off all round with a chopper, and the plant placed in the same Gized pot ; after being established in the pot the plant will be reduced in size. Camellias have also been repotted, the compost being two parts turfy peat to one of loam. In potting Camellias the roots must not be injured, and any plants that have not made roots freely may have the old mould picked out with a pointed stick, and then be repotted in the same sized pot. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige ns by informing ua of the datea on which exhibitions are to be held. Shkewsbury.— July 29th and 30th. Mr. H. W. Adnitt, Hon.-Sec. SouTHAMPTON.—Juiy 31sc and August 2nd. Mr. C. S. Fuidge, 32, York Street, Lower Avenue, Sec. SEDtiELY (Cottagers).— August 3rd. Sir. W. M. Hughes, See. Weston-super-Mare.— August 4th. Mj-. W. B. Frampton, Seo. Ilkeston and Shipley.— August 4th and .5th. Mr. R. Blount, Sec. Newport (Monmouthshire!. — August 5th. Otley.— August 7th. Mr. Jno. Lee, Hon.-Sec. Rossendale—Newcftubch.— August 7th. Mr. M. J. Lrinsdale, Newchurch , LiTTLEOVER (near Derhy).— August 7th. Mr. B. Toft, Hon.-Sec. [Sec. Canterdury. — August i2th. National Carnation and Picotee SocrETY.— August 13th and 14th, in Manchester Botanic Gaidens. Kev. F, D. Horner, Kirkby Malzeard, Hon.-Sec. BuENOPFiELD. — August 14th. Mr. J. Hood. Sec. Idle.— August 14th. Mr. H. N. liUagworth. Sec. Coventry {at; Coombe Abbey).— August 17th. Mr. T. Wigston, 3, Portland TeiTace, Sec. Dover. — August 18th. NoBTHLEACH.— August 18th. Mr. J. Walker, Hon. -Sec. Eastbourne— in the Devonshire Park.— August 19feh. H. A. E. Rumble, Esq.. 26, Hyde Gardens, Sec. Glastoneury.— August IDth. Rev. E. Handley, Hon.-Sec. PoNTYPOOL.— August 19th. Mr. Ernest Deacon, Hon.-Sec. Hartlepool.— August 2ith. Mr. Councillor H. Magoris, Hon.-Sec. Newberry.— August 24th. Mr. H. Seymour. Hon.-Sec. Isle of Thanet (St. Peters).- August 25th. Ramsgate.— August 25th. C. D. Smith, Esq., 8, Marine Terrace, Margate, Hon.-Sec. Dundee.— August 26th, 27th, and 23th. Mr. R. McKelvie, 51, Reform Street, Sec. TO CORRESPONDENTS. All correspondence should be directed either to '* The Editors," or to '* The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. "We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Books {W, W. L,), — We have not Heen the book you mention. Any book- seller in Worcester could obtain the information. (C M. WA. — *' Dixon's Treatise of Hybridisation and Culture of Tricolor Geraniums" can be had from our office, free by post, 6Arf. Grapes (B. W. C).— Write to Messrs. Webber, fruitists, Central Avenue' Covent Garden. Chamomile (Ji. H. D.). — It is a tonic. The flowers only are useu'r ra?ir?// —1, H. C. Mason. 2 and he, R. Walker. 3, W. J. Mason. DriKhlmgton. DoEKiNGs.— 1 and 2, J. Walker. 3, W. H. Ci-abtree, Levenshnlme. he, J. Newton, Siladen; W. Harvev, Sbeffi'^ld. Cochin-chinas.— B«#.—l, J. Walker, Rochdale. 2, W. Harvey. 3, C. Sidgwick, Keighlev- he, W. H. Crabtree. Any other variety.— \, W. Whitworth, jtin., LoniTsiglit 2, H. Beldon. Bin)?ley. S, T. E. Havjside, Pannail. Spanish.- B//'cA-.— 1. H. Beldon. 3, V. Bentley. Bradford. 3, J. Thresh, Brad- ford, he. J. Powell, liranford. Brahma Poutbas — 1, W. H. Crabtree. 2, W. Whiteley. Sheffield. 3. C. Holt, Rochdale, he, W. H. Crabtree; W. Schofleld, Birkenshaw; J, Moore, Holm- Urth. Hambcbghs — GoM or Silver-pencilled.~l and 3, H. Beldon. 2, H. Digby, Lindley. BUick —1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, W. Bentley. Holmfirth. he. J. Moore ; C. Sidgwick. Gold and Silver-epangled.-l, T. Dean, Keighley. 2 and S, H. Beldon. Bk^T khis.- Game .—Tilack or Brown Rcds.—\, W. F. Entwisle, Wyke. 2, R. J. Hartley. Altvincham. 3, A- Smith. Northovpram vhc, S. Sugden, Cleckheaton. he, W. F. PJntwirtle; B. Firih, Heekmondwike, Any other variety.— \,W- F. Entwisle. 2. J. Wright. Wibsey. 3, A. Smith, iic. W. F. Entwisle; G. Noble. Dewsbury ; I. Naylor, Heekmondwike. Any variety except Game. — 1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, Milner & Beanland, Keighley. Any othkr Varietx.— 1 aud 3. H. Beldon. 2, W. H, Crabtree. he, T. Webb, Sutton Coidfield. Selling Class.— 1, W. Harvey. 2, J. Thresh. 3, A. Sngden, Swinley. Jic, 3. Powell. Any Vakiety.— C^iicfcejis.— 1, C. Carr, Wilsden. 2, G. Breeze, Easneye, Ware. 3. W. Schotield. vhc, H. Digby. he, T. Webb, c, J, S. Stott, Copley; W. Bentley. UvcKs.— Aylesbury.— I and 2, J. Walker, Rochdale, he, C. Holt, Rochdale. Rouen— 1, 3. Walker. 2, J. Newton. S, G. Marshall, Dewsbury. he, 3. Walker; A. Beldon; J. Wharton, Littletown; H. Harrison. Cleckheaton ; C. Holt c, B. Parkinson. Any other variety.— i and he, J. Walker. 2 and 3, A. &. W. H. Silvester, Sheffield. Geese.— 1, J. White, Whitby. 2, J. Walker. TuHKEYs.— 1, J, Walker. 2, J. H Rockett, Selby. PIGEONS. CAriRiEBS.— 1 and2,W. Harvey, Sheffield. /w,H.Yardley, Birmingham; J, H. Syke3. Hudderfcfield; F. Seanor, Leeds, c. J. C. Arkwriglit, Holmtlrth. Pouters.— 1 and 2, W. Harvey, vhc, F. Seanor. he, '£. Foster, Bingley ; F. Seanor. c, J. H. Sykea. Fantails.— 1, J. F. Loversidge, Newark. 2, S. L.iw8on, Preston, he, J, F. Loveraidge; F. Seanor. DRA.:ooNa.— 1 and 2. R. Woods. Mansfield, he, H. Yardley; E. Barnbill, Cleckheaton. Tumhleks.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, F. Seanor. he, S. Lawson, Preston. Jacobins.— 1, T. Holt. 2, G. Richardson, Rochdale, he, S, Lawson; W. Harvey. Tcbiuts.— 1, F. Seanor. 2, G. Richardson, he, T. Foster. July 59, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDKNER. 103 Amweeps.— ions/ac^d.— 1, J. Crosaland, Wakefickl. 2. W. F. Entwiele. hc,R. Libter. Higbiown ; C. CroseJand, Liversidgt ; E. MounBey.Low Mour; T. FoBter. Short-faced.-l. W. f. Entw^ae. :-, H. Yardlcy. S, A. Brook, Braaford. vnc, W. F. Entwifcle. fee, T. I'oater; J. CruoiJand; F. Seanor; W. Harvey. Sellinc. Cuss.— 1, J. C. Arkw/ight, Holmfirth. 2. J. F. Crowther, Mirficld. vhc, (+. s. BnrtoD, Leeds, he, li. Lougbottoin, OlcckheaUu ; S. LawBon, Preaton. c, W. fc-iiiith, Norihowrani. RIBEITS. „ , ,, Lop-EiRED.— Biict— 1. R. Murgau-ovd, BowlirB. 2,J.M. Manrter, Wakefield. j)hc, A. Atkmsun. Uuddcrafield. )ic, L. E. * W. Miller, Buw'luig. Doe.— I, A. AtkiD&on. 2, .T. M- Maudcir. ANY i.THEK Vahietv.— /Jucfr.— 1, J. Hatlas, nnddcraii.Ul. 3, J. Gelder, Brad- ford. Ac, Found & Lhapel, DewBburv Moor (21 c, (j. luitfrey, Uleckheaton. i>ot:.— 1, Foondfie cliapel- ;;. J. HaUas. Jmt, A. Atkinson ; fi. A. J,imn, UuddeiB- lield ; J. Gelder. c, .]. tcarff. Clecl.heatoa. JcDGEs. — Mr. J. Dixon, Clayton; Mr. E. Hutton, PudBey. GREAT GRIMSBY SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This was held on the 2l6t inst. in connection with thtfLincoln- sbire Ayriciiitaral Society, and although the classes were not so nnnierons as last year it was a deciOed success. On the day of onr visit (Friday), the only fine day, it was so crammed with people that it was with the greatest diliiculty we were able to see the birds at all. Mr. Teebay judged, and except in one or two instances gave the greatest satisfaction. In Dorkings, ten entries, lirst was a large and good Dark cock with a nice heu ; second a lari^e bird of quality ; third were promising chickens. In Bed Game first went to a grand pen of Black Ked«, though full in feather; second moderate Brown Iteds; we preferred the fourth pen to this. In the nest class first went to neat-headed Duckwiugs, though not good in colour ; second were fair Oirds of the same colour, but not in such good leather; rest poor. In Ccckins first went to a fine old pen of Buffs, the ccck having a deal of white in his hackle; second Partridge, which we would have put ahead, both birds being of rare quality ; third contained a grand White hen. InBralimas first went to Darks, the cock a nice bird ; second very superior Lights. Spanish were a wretched lot, the only good bird being the first-priie hen. In Spangled Saynhurghs but one pen com- peted, these being very good Golden. In Pencils firtt contained a richly-coloured cock with a grand tail, though small in ear; second not so good as the third, the cock being much too dark, white in the face, and without any lacing in his tail, the hen being poor ; third a good hen both in colour and marking, her partner being a very smart young cockerel, good in head and ear, and fair in colour. In Boudans first a Dark cock good all round, with a nice hen ; second a fine cock in size, but ugly in comb ; the hen was very good. In Cri-ves the first hen was a beauty, but the cock very squirrel-tailed ; second also bad in this respect; third a fine cock, but a bad hen. No. .5-1 (Cutlack) a fine cock. In Polish first a good pen of Golden, the heu nicely marked, and the cock very neat and rich ; second not so good as the third. Bantams numbered nine pens, first being a very stylish pen of Black Reds ; second fair Duckwings ; third Brown Reds. Blacks were first in the next class, but they were nothing extra ; second went to Silver Sebrights, the cock a nice bird, but the hen poor. In ihe Variety class first went to La Fleche of nice quality, but we thought the second Black Ham- burghs much more perfect. In the Selling class for single cocks first was a very rich Buff, and in that for pairs of hens good Spanish were victorious and quickly claimed ; second were a cheap pair of Cochiof. In Gccse Mr. "Walker's Toulouse just beat Mr. Derry's fine Embdens. Ducks were good, Mr. Walker winning first and second in all three cla'^ses, the latter with Spotted-bills and Chilian Pintails. Turketjs and Guinea Fowls mustered only one pen each. Pigeons were very few, especially the Carriers. There was a nice pair of Almonds first in the Tumbler class, and in the Variety class first went to good Black Barbs ; second to fair Yellows. The pens were supplied by Mr. Turner of Sheffield, and the whole management was entrusted to George Heliwell, everything going off satisfactorily. DoEETNGS —1 and 4, J. Walber. Spring Moont Rochdale. 2, W. Roe, Newark. 3, W. H. Robson, Reephain, Lincoln. GAiaE.~Red or any other darlc colour.— i, W. G. Waters. Elsham, Brigg: C. Chaloner, Wbitwell. CbosterHrld. 3, C. Cbaloner. 4, H. E. Martin, Scal- thorpe, Fakenham. White, Piles, or any other light colour.— 1, F. Sales, Crowle, Doncaster. 2, S. Beighton, Farualield. 3, W. (i. Waters, Elsham. . Cocm.vs.— I. J. Walker. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal, Ajiesbury. 3, W. Whitworlh, jun., Longsight Bribjias.— 1, W. H. Crablree, Levcnshnlmc. 2, Mrs. Tindal. 3, J. Wells, Winterton, Brigg. Spanish.— 1, R. Newbitt, Epworih. 2, W. G. Waters. 3, H. Bennett, jun., Grimsby. Hajibceghs.— SjiiMKiteil— I, J. Long, Bromley Common. Pn;»ues, partly dis- continue it for the flei^h would tend more than any other diet to bring about a deficiency of feathers, and produce a heated system. In the way of medicine you may administer one drop of castor oil. Carefully and tenderly open the bird's bill and deposit upon the back pai't of its tongue the oil. During the moulting sickness keep the bird free from draught. Discontinoe the saffron, and in its place supply a rusty nail in the water. Let Master Bullfinch con- tinue to enjoy his morning's ablution. Cherry Wine {Mrs. Porteri. — To make five pints of this wine take 15 lbs . of cherries, 2 lbs. of currants, and braise them together; mis with them two- thirds of the kernels, and put the whole (the cherries, currants, and kemftlsi into a barrel, with a quarter of a pound of sugar to every pint of juice. The barrel must be quite full. Cover the barrel with vine leaves, with sand above them, and let it stand till it has done working, which will be in about three weeks ; then stop it with a bung, and in two months' time it may be bottled. Seakale Pickling (St. E.''. — It is pickled precisely in the same way as cauliflowers. The white fungus which occurs on the surface of pickles is prevented by pouring melted suet on the surface of the vinegar in the jar ; a film of melted suet the sixteenth-of-an-inch thick is sufficient. Lat. 6P METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camobn Sqdare, London. 1' 40" N. ; Long. 0'- 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet. Datb. 9 A.M. In th£ Day. 1875. Barome- ter nt62« and Sea Level. Hygrome- ter. So g,1d Hoo Shade Tem- pera tnre. Radiation .2 Temperatnre. ^ July. Dry. Wet. Max. Mln. In BUn. On ' grass W«. 21 Tlr. 22 Fri. 23 Sat 24 Smi.25 Mo. 26 Tu. 27 Inches. 29.882 29.795 29 684 29 665 29 918 •29-im deg. 55.2 60.8 60.0 62.7 65 2 60 6 6S.8 deg. 54.8 ii7.9 58 0 59.1 67.2 53.9 55.2 s.w. x.w. s.w. s.w. s.w. w. S.E. deg. 59.7 59.0 69 2 59.5 58 0 58,2 690 deg. 66 4 718 69.3 69 4 69.0 72.5 71.8 deg. 549 53.S 6S3 555 470 44 2 46.9 deg. 88.2 1182 112.0 120.8 151.2 124.7 11S.0 deg. ! lo- ss 2 I 0 485 51.8 ' 0.027 51.8 , 0.152 56 0 — 443 - 42.1 - 44.9 ; - Means 29.917 Gl.l 56.6 68 9 70.0 50.7 1185 49.0 ' 0.614 REMARKS. 21st.— Rather dull morning, showery in the forepart of the day, finer towards the afternoon, and bright sunset. 22nd.— Showery in the morning, fine afternoon, but looking very atormlike about 7 A.M., and very early dark. 23rd.— Showery, bat cleared at 10 a.m., and continued fine till 4 p.m., except a sprinkle about 1 p si. 24th.— Bain at 8 a.m., fine by 9 A. II , and a very pleasant day, though looking stormlike occasionally. 25th.— Slight showers at times, but a very pleasant day on the whole ; cola in the evening. 2iith. — Beautiful day throughout. 27th. — Another very fine day, and without any appearance of rain or stovm. A dry S.ne week, with steadily rising barometer; temperature in eai'ly morning of 26th quite chilly.— G. J. Symons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 28. The improvement in the weather has somewhat raised our hops? for the late portion of the cropj of soft fruit that may yet remain. The greater portion, however, is irrecoverably gone, and large quantities of Lammas and other common Pears come to hand all scored as though done with a knife. Importations have largely increased since the bad weather ant in, consisting chitfly of Apiieot^. Grt.en^'a;,'e3, and Pears. In addition to the West Indian Pines some have recently come over again from St. Michaels. Apples i sieve o Apricots box 1 Cherries lb. 0 Chestnuts bnshel 0 CorrantB j sieve 2 Black do. 2 Figs dozen 8 Filberts lb. 1 Cubs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 2 Lemons ^100 8 Melons each 2 d. 6 to I 6 4 FEUIT. s.d. Mulberries lb. Nec'arines dozen e Oranges ^100 Peaches dozen B Pears, kitchen.... dozen 0 dessert dozen y Pine Apples lb. 3 Plums 4 sieve 2 Quinces dozen 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries lb* 0 Walnuts 1/oahel >» ditto "^100 1 8. d- B. d. 0 OtoO veqetables. Artichokes dozen 8 Asparagus ¥^ 100 4 French bundle 0 Beans. Kidney \ sieve 2 Broad i sieve 'i Beet, Red dozen 2 Broccoli bnndle 0 Brussels Sprouts 4 sieve 0 Clbbatie dozen 1 Carrots bunch 0 CapBicuma ^100 0 Caulifluwer dozen 3 Celery btmdle 1 Coleworta.. doz. bunches Cucambers each 0 pickUng dozen 0 F.ndive dozen Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch Horseradish bundle 0to6 0 8 a. d. e. d. Leeks bunch 0 4toO Lettuce dozen 0 6* Mushrooms ...pottle » ^ " Mustard 4 Cress.. punnet " * " Onions ba.shel 3 0b pickling quart 0 ^ ^ Parsley doz. bunches ^ ^ 5 Parsnips dozen 0 0 0 Peas quart 1 J^ j Potatoes bushel 4 ^ * Kidney do. Radishes .. doz bunches Rhubarb buodle Salsafy bundle Scorzonera bundle Seakale basket Shallots lb. Spinach boabel Tomatoes doaen 2 0 Turnips bunch 0 6 Vegetable Marrows. .doz. 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 '.'0 1 6 0 ,j 1 0 "0 0 0 0, 0 8 0 4 Aogast 5, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 107 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day 1 Day Average Sun Clock Day ol 1 o( AUGUST 5—11, 1875. Temperature near Kises. Sets. Rises. Sets. before of Month Week. London. Sun. Year. Day. Night. Mean. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Days. m. B. 6 TH Newport (Monmouthabire) Show. 74.5 60.2 62.7 aiaf 4 40af7 7af 9 ' Uaf 9 4 5 44 217 6 F Duke of Edinbdhoh Born, 1844. 73.2 60,8 62.0 83 4 38 7 21 10 25 9 5 5 87 218 7 S Otley, Rosendale, and Littleover Shows. 74.6 60.9 62.7 34 4 37 7 34 11 [ 88 9 6 5 31 219 8 Sun 11 Sunday after Trinity. 74.5 49.4 61.9 86 4 35 7 after. 49 9 7 5 23 220 9 M 74.9 49.6 62.3 38 4 33 7 2 2 7 10 3) 5 15 221 10 To Boyal Botanic Society's Anniversary Meeting. 75.1 61.9 63.5 39 4 31 7 16 B 1 30 10 9 6 7 222 11 W 75.8 60.7 63.2 41 4 29 7 26 4 3 11 10 4 58 223 From obserrations taken, near Loudon daring forty-three years, the average day temperatare of the week is 74.6°; and its night temperature 61.8°. 1 THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE GEEAT SHOW AT SOUTH KENSINGTON. IKST of all I think it a pity that a show so grand was not seen by all the flower and fruit-loving inhabitants of Britain. I think also that had the weather been fine that the attendance would not have been satisfactory. The public have so often been summoned to see great shows and have been disappointed, that nothing less than an actual grand dis- play could reassure them that the hands of the British horticulturist had not lost their cunning. This proof is provided, and the next great show — weather being favourable — will command pubUo patronage ; that the late Show could do so was not rea- sonably to be expected. But why was the Show so truly great, and how are similar displays to be provided in the future ? The natural reply to the first part of the question is, Because horticulturists have confidence in the present Council, and because the leading nurserymen vied with each other in friendly rivalry in bringing forward the richest and the best of their treasures. All honour to them for that, but in my opinion it only half answers the question — to com- plete it we must remember that they had full freedom. They were tied to neither numbers nor classes of plants. The fullest latitude was afforded them to set off to the best advantage their many plants, which were interesting, not from size and symmetry aloae, but for rarity and intrinsic beauty. Now, it is clear that if the Exhibition had been arranged on the orthodox plan of classes, hundreds of plants exhi- bited would not have been seen, and some which were would not have been nearly so imposing as was the case on the memorable 'ilst of July. No class could be framed to have embraced, I may almost say, hundreds of plants which the Messrs. Veitch exhibited. The noble tree Ferns of Mr. Williams and stately Pahns of Mr. Bull could not realise the same good effect if grouped in rigid formality. The Ivies from Mr. Turner never looked so well before as under the free arrangement and associa- tion with other plants. Messrs. Wills, Lee, Rollisson, Aldous, Henderson, Carter & Co.. Cutbush, &o., exhibited to infinitely greater advantage in their own way than they could have done in any way carved out for them by others ; and the firms, the Society, and the public were alike the gainers. Can it be wise to ignore or to forget this ? But are classes to be aboUshed ? By no means, but they should be supplemented. Many are the plants which will not fit in a class of a restricted number. The mere size of plant required is fatal to their appearance, yet it is beyond question that medium-sized and even small plants are not only beautiful, but to a majority of visitors are as interesting as the large specimens. For these specimens there must be classes, but after these are fiUed sufficient plants are left for the arrangement of groups which would form a splendid feature in any ex- No. 719.— Vol. SXIX., New Series. hibition, and, besides, would convey instructive hints as to the best mode of arrangement. The occupation of space in the most effective manner has been well demonstrated at many local shows. For instance, had the collections been removed from the tent at Eichmond the Show would have been shorn of its glory ; and suppose the plants on the 21st had been selected and broken up into groups of sixes, twelves, and twenties, where would the Exhibition have been ? It would have been good, no doubt, but not half as good as was the display wliich was founded on fi-eedom of taste. Is it not reasonable that the instruction on this point which the late Show has afforded should be utilised ? Would it not be wise to apportion a given amount of space, and leave the exhibitors to occupy it as they choose with large plants or small, few plants or many? If it would be wise to do so, would it not be wise also to do it weU — that is, to offer large prizes, and so place the space classes at the least on a level with the specimen classes ? Surely 100 square yards of space ornamentally occupied by rare and valuable plants is as worthy of reward as are twelve specimen plants, good as they may be. Would not the adoption of a system of making space and liberty the main governing principles instead of mere number of plants, do something to break-up or, at any rate, modify the stereotyped sameness of our fashionable exhibitions ? Would it not be possible also to apportion the space so that not only the owners of large plants and large structures could contribute creditable collections, but which would open the door to those of smaller means who have now Uttle or no chance of letting the public see how good, if small, their plants are ; and if that could be done, would it not be worth the doing ? This great Show has proved that at least half a dozen exhibitors can each occupy 100 square yards of space (Messrs. Veitch and Mr. WiUiams probably occupied together nearly 400 yards) ; is that not a sufficient basis on which to found serious inquiry ? An equal number could occupy half that amount of superficial area, and a further class of exhibitors could worthily fill 20 square yards. Here is the basis of a show as great as the last one proved itself to be. Add to this a judicious selection of classes for specimen plants, and are not the means provided for a larger show than has yet been seen ?— a show great and diversified, comprehensive and inviting the greatest number of cultivators, and producing a dis- play suited for various tastes and eminently instructive in the different phases of arrangement which it would call forth. In any such arrangement it seems to be necessary to bear in mind the advisability of substantial prizes or awards of honours, and an understanding that the same exhibitor could not secure prizes in the different space sections. But on this point there is too much honour in the trade to prevent the fat kine from essaying the swallowing of the lean. Some plan is requu-ed whereby all can have a chance to compete honom-ably to them- selves, and the united efforts of the greatest numbers of exhibitors might culminate in displays which for extent No, 1401.— Vol. LIV., Old Series. 108 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ Angust 5, 1876. and variety of interest liave never been surpassed in this or any other country. Was not the riehly-embelliehed marquee at South Kensington deficient in one feature — hanging baskets ? For these it is admirably adapted. Surely they are worthy of encouragement, and certainly they would have greatly contributed to the effect of the Exhibition. — W. ABOUT PEAES. I AM pleased to see that the idea of obtaining local informa- tion about Pears appears necessary and practicable to Mr. Lnckhurst and others who have written and talked to me on the subject. If anything is to be done this season it must be done quickly. I Would therefore ask all who have any sug- gestions to make to be kind enough to make them at once, or their help and perhaps the season may be lost ; and for once, with the editors' permission, as I am anxious that all who can contribute should do so, I invite anyone who has sup'gestions to make on this particular subject, and objects to have his letter published, to communicate with me privately. Of course I cannot undertake to answer all such letters separately and privately, but I would gladly make use of any practical sug- gestions they might contain to further the object I have at heart. I would, of course, much rather all communications were sent to the editors for publication, as that would tend to awaken an interest in the sutject ; but I know from experience that there are people abounding with stores of knowledge, and yet from timidity or inability to value that knowledge cannot be persuaded to publish it for the good of others. Those who have nothing to say are generally fast enough in saying that nothing, but now and then by accident we come across a veri- table living cyclopa:dia, and wonder how it is that he should hav tso long remained a closed book. I have here a letter from a gentleman in Yorkshire on the above subject, who is evidently a great enthusiast and could communicate valuable information to your readers, and as the letter is so much to the point I take the liberty to extract the following. He says, " I shall have great pleasure in giving my experience about Pears. I have cultivated here about sixty varieties for many years, and more than a hundred varieties have been tested here. I gieatly approve of your tabulated form, and would suggest two other columns, one headed Bear- ing Properties, the other Weight of Fruit. We all have letter- weighing machines and can easily weigh our best fruit of each variety, and then it would be seen what success we could airive at in each case. Nearly all my Pear trees — more than eighty in number — are on the Quince, and the greater portion of them are trained upright and are bearing fruit. Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Pears, and Apples, some of each sort, are trained upi ight, at first as an experiment, but the experiment has proved to be so successful that henceforth I shall train every fruit tree upright. I expect every yard in length of a 12-feet wall should yield, when cultivated with Pears or Peaches, annually fifty fruits. Several of my trees do more than this year by year." I am afraid this gentleman amateur in a cold northern county would put to shame many of us professed gardeners who are more favourably situated. The difference of opinion between Mr. Luckhuret and myself as to the merits of the two Pears named at page 70 merely proves more forcibly the necessity for local information. If he and others of equal competency will fill up the proposed forms carefully for three successive seasons, from their own experience at the time, I shall attach the same importance to their observations in their several localities as to my own. Of course nothing must be done from hearsay or memory, for, as Mr. Luckhurst truly says, the memory is treacherous and cannot be depended on for this sort of work ; it has great difficulty in driving out old notions, which by the aid of careful chronicling ought to have been exploded long ago. When I wrote of weeding the returns of eccentricities of taste I was thinking more of the general abstracts to be made from the local returns than of the returns themselves. I think it is very possible that among the Pears sent out within the last twenty years, some of superior merit will be found to do well over a wide tract of country, and which are at present comparatively unknown. Probably the local returns will have to stand on their own merits. When the general abstracts are made I neither propose to decide by individual taste nor by weight of numbers, but by something between the two. I think the return made by a man of known ability, and who is acknowledged to have a good opportunity of forming an opinion, is sure to carry more weight with it than that of one who is not known to have so good a chance of obtaining information. But let it be understood that all I have said on the subject so far are merely crude suggestions. I thould be pleased to see Pear-growing become popular among our cottagers ; it would be very interesting to them, and, if well done, highly remunerative. In this neighbourhood there are not many people who ever taste a good Pear, but it is extremely difficult to advise them how to commence cul- tivation. Morello Cherries are becoming popular, a good-sized tree often paying a year's rent ; but I can assure our friend Mr. Abbey (see page ti5) the said trees are neither spurred nor have their shoots measured by inches. If the growths are a yard long they are laid-in their full length and bear fruit throughout. Disbudding and pinching a few shoots in spring, and cutting out exhausted shoots after the fruit is gathered, is all the pruning received or required. When the idea is to economise labour and to have a fair return for the same, trees should be trained in the way their natural habit suggests ; and it is just as wide of the mark to spur Morellos and Black Cur- rants as it would be to train an Oak tree to a balloon trellis. I would strongly recommend the sficateur (or French pruning shears) for summer-pruning, and indeed for pruning gene- rally, excepting Peaches. It makes a cut almost as clean as the sharpest knife, instead of something between a cut and a squeeze as made by the common pruning shears, and the amount of work one can accomplish in a short time is aston- ishing.— Wm. Tatloe, Longlcat. EOSES FEOM CUTTINGS. " Philanthes," in his suggestive and seasonable remarks, page 89, opines that July is afar better time to put in cuttings of Eoses than in November or October. I am precisely of the same opinion, having years ago proved, in the first instance accidentally, that cuttings inserted in the summer months take root with more certainty and celerity than if put in at any other period of the year. It is now many years ago when budding Eoses that, in- stead of throwing away the shoots from which I had taken the few buds required, I roughly shaped them into cuttings and stuck them into the ground at the base of the Briar stocks. It was a mere mechanical act without any serious thought that the cuttings would strike roots; but they did so. Hardly one failed. Since then I have adopted the plan systematically, and have never failed to strike as many Eopes as I required by inserting the cuttings in July or August. The striking under the Briars suggested that some shade was necessary in this summer pro- pagation of Eoses. Subsequent practice has proved this to be so, for when the cuttings have been inserted in an open place, and a period of drought has followed, many of them failed to grow, but when planted in a north border failure has been very rare. Cuttings of half, or rather more than half, ripened shoots (i inches in length with all the foliage removed except the top pair of leaves, firmly planted up to these leaves, are almost certain to grow if put in at this season of the year. The main point to aim at is to keep the foliage fresh as long as possible, and to this end a shaded place and occasional sprinklings of water should be afforded. Another point to attend to is that the cuttings cannot be too quickly made and put in, for if allowed to lie about until the bark becomes shrivelled they will not prosper. Most varieties of Eoses thrive well on their own roots, and some of them better than on stocks. Baronne Prevost on its own roots is much finer and sweeter than when worked, and so is the old Provence Cabbage Eose. Indeed, I have fancied that many Eoses are sweeter when grown from cuttings than when worked on the Briar — certainly such is the case with those I have named. I have had blooms of John Hopper from cuttings growing at the base of the Briar invariably superior to those elevated above them and growing from the Briar stock ; and the same remark applies to the lovely old Eose Coupe d'HebC:. If stocks affect the quality of fruits, why should they not exert the same influence on flowers ? As a general rule I believe Eoses are sweeter when on their own roots than they are on any stock, and some of them are finer and most of them more permanent. The present is a very good time to put in the cuttings, and AugoBt 5, 1876. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTDRB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB, 109 if firm woo3 is selected and the work quickly done ; if 5 inches of the cutting are put iirmly in the ground and 1 inch left out ; if shade is afforded and water given occasionally, not one catting in twenty will fail to grow. — A Sdrrey Gardeneb. ROYAL ASCOT GRAPE. SM-U.L BUNCHES VERSUS LARQE. This Grape is doing very well with me this year — so well, in fact, that I am desirous of saying a word or two in its favour. It is a very distinct variety ; the berries are large, elongated like a Muscat, invariably colouring well, of a deep glossy black, the singular lustre being visible through the bloom, im- parting a brilliancy to the appearance of the ripe fruit that is very attractive. The bunches have none of the tapering symmetry peculiar to most other black Grapes, but consist of two parts, which may be compared to the shoulders of a large bunch of Black Hamburgh minus the remainder of the bunch, the berries being disposed in the form of clusters rather than of bunches. Although these clusters are hardly large enough to entitle them to be placed singly upon the exhibition table, yet they are sufficiently so for all practical purposes, the fruit itself being very large and of a rich, crisp, piquant flavour. Its free-bearing and equally excellent setting properties are too well known to need any commendation at my hands. The rage for big bunches has probably caused it to fall somewhat into neglect ; but to those who only require a first-class Grape for table I strongly recommend it as a robust and sterling sort, which under fair treatment may always be depended upon for affording a supply of fine fruit as rich in appearance as in quality. From the great utility of this Grape arises the thought. Are we right in regarding as best those kinds which produce the largest bunches ? The experience gained in supplying the re- quirements of a large establishment induces me to reply, Decidedly not. It is true enough that large bunches of Grapes may obtain an extra meed of admiration when first cut as well as when suspended on the Vines, but it must never be forgotten that all Grapes are grown to be eaten, and it is upon the berries that a final and critical judgment is passed. Large bunches are therefore most suitable for exhibition and for grand occasions, such as large parties, but for everyday use nice little "lumpy" bunches of from 1 to 2 lbs. weight are much more useful. Being small the bunches are sooner used, a fresh supply is required daily, and the neat trim appearance of the Grape dish is certainly a pleasanter sight than when it contains the wreck of a huge bunch or two battered, bloomlesg, and absolutely greasy-looking. I am aware that this state- ment may appear antagonistic to my advocacy of a house of GroB Guillaume a short time ago, but in reality it is not so, such " fancy " houses being only suitable for extensive gardens containing several vineries, each of which ought, as a general rule, to contain only one kind of Grape, an early house or two forming the exception. It is a fact well known to most Grape-growers that many sorts of Grapes may be made to produce either large or small bunches at will, and yet a decided preference is usually shown for the production of bunches of medium size. Small bunches result almost invariably from a rigid adherence to close prun- ing, and, other things being equal, there is an increase in size of bunch up to a certain point that is very much in proportion to the length of young wood retained upon the spurs. In pruning for large bunches attention is given to the selection of a full plump bud, especial care being taken that it is not a double bud, as it is most vexatious to see the supposed fine bud putting forth a couple of weakly shoots instead of the expected strong one. Another point of importance is to avoid overciowding; a just balance must be maintained. Large bunches are borne on stout branches clothed with huge dark green leaves requiring ample space for their full and healthy development, while smaller bunches are produced on wood of less vigour, and consequently requiring less space. — Edwabd LUCKHDESI. It is quite a fortnight earlier than Moorpark, which on the same wall is only beginning to show a little pale colour. The fruit is of medium size and highly coloured. We consider it an acquisition.— J. C. Lee, Hammersmith. EARLY BEATRICE PEACH— ANGOUMOIS APRICOT. We have gathered Early Beatrice Peach from a south wall on July 22Qd, and kept it till the 26th, and we found the keeping to improve the flavour. We gathered Angoumois native Apricot from a west wall on July 2Cth quite ripe. The flesh is tender and juicy, with a rich piquant flavour. ROSES FOR A LIMITED COLLECTION. I SEND you a list of Roses, not for palatial residences, but for those who with limited incomes admire the queen of flowers. Hybrid Perpetiials. — Fisher Holmes, La France, Sfiuateur Vaisse, Madame Victor Verdier, Exposition de Brie, Charles Lefebvre, Maurice Bernardin, Madame la Baronne de Roth- schild, Monsieur Noman, Camille Bernardin, Souvenir de la Malmaiaon, Bessie Johnson, John Hopper, Annie Laxton, Marquise de Castellane, Madame Parrion, Alfred Colomb, Etienne Levet, Louise Van Houtte, Princess Mary of Cam- bridge, Prince Camille de Rohan. Madame Clemence Joigneanx as a pot Rose is superb, but shy out of doors. Tea. — Gloire de Dijon, Madame de St. Joseph, Catherine Mermet, Madame Willermoz, Belle Lyonnaise (wall). Noisettes. — Triomphe de Rennes, Ruve d'Or (wall), Lamarque, Cfiline Forestier, Maruchal Niel (ahy). The above have bloomed well and are hardy. Any humble cottager can grow the above. — Eds, Heading. FRUIT TREES FOR NORTH "WALLS. It is generally considered that few kinds of fruit trees are suited for walls having a north aspect. The Morello Cherry is in most instances considered the best, and there is no gainsaying its free growth and bearing in such a position ; but the chief value of the fruit is for culinary purposes, though some esteem them for dessert after hanging a time. There are those, however, who would be glad to put a north- aspeeted wall to a better use, or what to them i^ a more desirable one, than a glut of Morello Cherries. The May Duke, which I have in three examples on a north wall, bear quite as abundantly as the ten trees of the Morello on the same aspect. The May Duke upon the north aspect succeeds those on a warmer aspect, and they keep in good condition a long time. Elton bears but sparingly, and the White Heart ia rather more prolific, but neither bear so freely as the Dukes and Morello. A Jargonelle Pear bears as well upon this as upon a more favourable aspect ; and Pond's Seedling Plum, though it grows freely, cannot be said to be profitably prolific. Red Currants, also Black and White, do remarkably well on a north aspect, and if well netted they keep sound until late in the season. There are no doubt other kinds of fruit that would do satisfactorily against a north wall, especially many kinds of Pears, as I have seen several kinds trained over the top of a wall, and down its north side, bearing as large, though not so highly coloured, fruit upon the branches on the northern as the sunny side of the wall, and keeping longer, ripening-oft very juicy and melting, with flavour surpassing that produced on the southern side, the fruit of whicb being sometimes hard and woody, with a very poor aroma, being devoid of juice, and anything but melting. Apples I have no experience of, and of Piums have only seen the Winesour producing satisfac- torily. Gooseberries, of course, answer well, and keep very late. The subject appears to me a suggestive one. Many Pears in the south are hard and do not ripen which in the north are excellent, and it is likely the kinds found to be woody, mealy, or insipid, would, if grown against a north wall, be melting and good. One thing is certain, a north wall is the best retarder and prolonger of fruits which in a sunny posi- tion do not endure long in season from over-ripeness, and the fact we want to know is what kinds of fruit a north aspect is adapted for other than the Morello Cherry ? — G. Abbey. POTATO CULTURE. After perusing works on the above published from the office of this Journal, I have been induced, amongst other points, to try the effect of earthing and non-earthing-up during growth. Growing a small quantity of Kidneys on a sandy loam manured in the autumn, I must say, so far as I have tried them, quantity is in favour of the non-earthing ; but the question naturally arises. Why should this be so ? I conclude all rain falling is more liable to find its way into the trench caused by earthing-up, and thus the roots do not, taking the season through, receive a regular supply of 1.10 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ Aag:Q8t B, 1876. rooietnre as in the other method. But, again, ae the beet Potato districts' in England or Scotland are not Boils of a retentive character, why is the ridge system and earthing-up 60 generally followed, when on the flat with winter manuring can be found to yield in garden practice much better results ? Since the disease is causing much discussion in your colnmna just now, differences in cultivation may also be advantage- ously ventilated, as tending to reduce or mitigate this evil. — Agbicola. CLOVE CAKNATIONS FOB TOWN GARDENS. Delightful old flowers are Clove Carnations. As garden flowers they rank next in beauty, and sweetness, and useful- ness to the Rose. We used to see them everywhere, but we now only meet with them occasionally in isolated clumps in mixed borders. Still, their cultivation is rapidly increasing. Their inherent claims will not let them be abandoned. We used to be familiar with huge beds of these attractive flowers, and such beds are again to be found in some of our best and greatest gardens. That is the way to grow them. In large masses they are most striking. I note them now to say that they will not only flourish in the pure air of the country but will thrive in the murky atmo- sphere of the town, and overpower even the smoke by their penetrating fragrance. In the gardens of the Middle Temple in the city of London may have been seen for the past month rich masses of these flowers, and by their side the Geraniums Bhow to great disadvantage, as possessing neither the richness, the massiveness, nor the grace of the Gloves. Even when out of bloom these beds are attractive by their neatness and the pleasing hue of their foliage. I note them at the present time also because it is the season for increasing the stock. Layering is the best and safest mode of increase, but it is well to know that, as hinted by " Phil- ANTHEs," they will strike readily by slips inserted in a shaded place at the present time. Whichever mode of increase is adopted there should be no delay, or blooming plants will not be provided for next year's display. In striking the cuttings half an inch of sand or fine grit should be spread over the surface of the ground, so that when inserting them a portion will be carried down with the dibber tmd be settled firmly round the cuttings. These should be taken off with a heel, and have all the lower foliage trimmed away and be put in deeply, or, it very long, in a slanting posi- tion. If C or 8 inches of the slips are beneath the ground all the better. That is the plan which is adopted in cottagers' gardens where for generations the stock has been perpetuated. Layering is preferable, but that implies established plants to begin with, and, unfortunately, not in one garden in twenty is this the case. The plants grow best in strong soil, and in such soil they are seldom injured by frost. In light soil, and especially where the winter's rains are heavy, the foliage is prone to spot and the plants to decay. In such places the safe plan is to winter them in pots plunged in cold frames, to be planted out in February or very early in March. In every garden of this nature, and where means are provided, the plants are well worthy of this little protective care ; but in most places no protection is needed, and in every garden in town and country they are worthy of a place. As garden plants they are ever attractive, and as cut flowers they are rivalled only by the Rose. My advice to all in town or country is to cultivate these fine old flowers, and commence by layering or inserting Blips at the present time. — A Town Gardener. CAULIFLOWERS AND WIREWORM. A SHOBT time ago I planted a bed of Cauliflowers, and another of Cabbages. The weather has been unusually favourable for them. They made rapid progress, and I was consequently anticipating early and fine maturity ; but " the best laid schemes of mice and men gang oft agee," and on looking at my plants one morning I was considerably chagrined to find them drooping — literally dying. I was at a loss to find a reason. Weather and all other accessories had been in their favour, and I had omitted nothing in their treatment, but there before me were the dying plants, and my visions of savoury diimers and pickled Cauliflowers seemed doomed to disappointment. In this dilemma I applied to a friend, who straightway went with me to the garden. He immediately pulled np one of the dying plants, and showed me that wireworms were at work. Acting on his instructions I procured some lime, and gave the soil around each plant a drenching with lime water. The effect was soon apparent, for in a few hours both Cabbage and Cauliflowers regained their vitality, and are now apparently as vigorous as ever. The facts as to the above case have suggested to me the reflection. Would a similar treatment have a like beneficial effect in the first stages of the new Potato disease ? Happily we are here exempt from it, else would I myself have tried the experiment. Should you think the above worth publica- tion, it may possibly induce some of your numerous readers to give it a trial. If successful, the next consideration would be as to mixing lime with the manure used in planting Potatoes. I know of many farmers who have done so with the best results, but I cannot go so far as to say that it wiU secure immunity or partial immunity from disease. The weather in north Lancashire has been very fine this week, temperature 70 ' in the shade. Hot suns daily are fast ripening fruits, grain, &o., and our prospects are exceptionally good. — Beta. LORD NAPIER NECTARINE. Among the many fruits raised by Mr. Rivers, one of the best is the Nectarine called Lord Napier. Its great size and beauty and its exquisitely delicious flavour combine to make it a fruit worthy of universal cultivation. Fig. 14. — Lord Napier Nectarine. For a Nectarine its size is unusual, being from 2i inches to 3 inches in diameter. It is round, sometimes inclining to ovate, and depressed at the crown, in the centre of which is a small sharp-pointed nipple, from which issues a well-defined suture, which diminishes as it approaches the base. Skin greenish-yellow, but changing to cream-coloured when fully ripened, mottled and streaked with deep blood red on the side next the sun; when fully exposed the parts are completely covered with a very dark crimson cheek. Flesh yellow and translucent, mottled with white patches, remarkably tender and melting, very juicy, and very richly flavoured ; it separates very freely from the stone, and is perfectly without any stain of colour. This delicious fruit was raised by Mr. Rivers from seed of Early Albert Peach, and it is the earliest of all Nectarines, ripening eight or ten days before Hunt's Tawny. OLLA PODRIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUR. I AM going to try to disarm criticism by heading this paper " OUa Podrida," a name borrowed from an old Spanish word meaning a dish compounded of different materials, something like our hodge-podge, as I fear I shall be somewhat discursive, and shall be guilty of what is an unpardonable offence in a parson, a deviation from my text. After a very cold and backward spring, or, I might almost say, a prolonged winter, we went for a short trip into north Italy, passing through France by way of the Mont Cenia tunnel, and returning through Switzerland via Lucerne and Angnst G, 187S. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. Ill Bale, orosaiug from Italy into Switzerland by the St. Gothard Paae, and I thought it might interest some of your readers if I sent yon a few remarks on the different changes of vegetation, and also on some of the pubUo gardens and other things which I saw. The season seems to have been nearly as backward in France as with ns. I do not think I ever remember a spring when the hedges were so late in vegetating as they were this year. There was hardly a vestige of green to be seen till the second week in April ; "but jast as they were late in starting, so they made most rapid strides when once the spring set in. And in travelhng throngh England I noticed there was com- paratively very little difference between the north of Yorkshire and the south, as in the third week in April I went from York- shire into Dorsetshire, and in the middle of May through from Yorkshire into Kent, and in both cases I do not think there was more than a week or ten days' difference in the forward- ness of the vegetation between the north and the south. This, perhaps, was more especially remarkable in May, as be- tween the 5th and the IGth of May we had some very forcing weather, which brought all vegetation on together. I remem- ber amongst other things watching the development of the flowers of a large Horse Chestnut tree. On Saturday, May 9th, there was not a single flower fully expanded, and on Friday, May 14th, there was not a single flower which was not fully open, even on the north side of the tree in the shade ; but then our temperature had reached from 78° to 80° in the ehade three days running, and one day it had been up to 70"' at nine in the morning, and remained so till after eight o'clock at night. The change which took place in the hedges was much the same ; so that, though they were so backward in April, our May blossom was out by the 1.5th of May, which is forward for tliis part of Yorkshire. Why I make these remarks is, that on crosBing into the Continent I found they were not much forwarder in France, till we arrived near to Paris, than in England, and certainly in the warmer parts of Kent the vegetation was quite as for- ward as in the first part of France we passed through. From inquiries, too, which I made from persons who had wintered at Mentone, Nice, Rome, Florence, Naples, and other places there seemed to be the same general complaint that the winter had been unusually severe and the spring very backward nearly all over the Continent. We only stayed two nights in Paris, and found gardeners just beginning to put out the half- hardy plants in the gardens there ; in fact, as I had begun to bed-out my own garden in Yorkshire, and had just put out the greatest number of my Geraniums by the 2'2nd of May, I did not find them much forwarder at Paris than with us. On the 22nd we left Paris for Aix-les-Bains, where we remained over the Sunday, and it was interesting to watch the gradual change in the forwardness of the foliage and in the character of the vegetation. Taking, for instance, the Acacia as a test, which ie much grown along the sides of the railways in France, it was only showing bud near Boulogne, and we saw none in bloom till we reached Paris, and before we arrived at Aix, or rather soon after passing Dijon, the flowers were all over. It was curious, however, on the Monday, when going through the Mont Cenis Pass, to watch the flowers gradually reappear as we went higher up the valleys, till at last, as we arrived nearer to Modane, the foliage was hardly developed. The climate of Aix is very warm ; it is protected from the west by a high range of hiUs, the Dent du Chat, and on the east and north by the range of Alps ; in fact, after crossing the Valley of the Rhftne, the Vines in the different valleys were much forwarder than about Dijon and Ma(;on, and the Burgundy country. Here, too, for the first time we saw Indian Corn as one of the crops. And here I may remark, that wherever we went the Vines this year were looking remarkably well, and the paysans were already congratulating themselves on the great promise of an abundant vintage. This was the same both in France and Italy ; in fact, in Italy the value of the exchange of English gold into Italian paper money began to be materially influenced by the prospect of an abundant vintage, the exchange falling in about six weeks from 28 liras to 26.50_per English sovereign. At Aix we first saw the Pau- lownia imperiaUs and Bignonias growing luxuriantly. The foliage of trees and shrubs was very luxuriant, the shrubs making a marked feature in the public gardens. Here, too, there were more flowers grown in the gardens than in most places that we visited ; in short, as a general rule, I may remark here the extreme paucity of flowers in any of the public gardens in Italy. Nor do you see flowers in cottage gardens or even in gentlemen's grounds in the same way we do in England ; such a thing, too, as a well-kept lawn or grass plot is rarely to be seen. The excuse is generally made that in warm chmates the grass grows too fast and requires too constant care, and that if dry weather comes on it burns- np ; but the fact is that the grass is left to grow for so long that it becomes brown and bare at the roots, and then when it is cut it cannot stand the sun. . French and Italian gardeners think that once a month is quite often enough to cut a lawn, and in some places, as at Bellagio, in front of the H6tel Grande Bretagne, a grand new garden is laid-out with beds edged with terra cotta tiles and a fountain, while the grass plots are nothing but weeds, as Plantains and Sow Thistles, Shepherd's Purse, et id genm omne, allowed to grow at their own will. The effect in this particular case I allude to was most ridiculous, especially when the flower beds were filled with half-hardy annuals, which in the beginning of June required a strong magnifying glass to see ; but there, too, the shrubs were the redeeming feature. However, I am digressing, but I remarked at Aix that there were more flowers and better shrubs than at most places, but lamentably injured by want of sufficient care and attention to the surroundings. The truth is, in these favour- able climates gardeners seem to trust to Nature. It was very pleasant, however, to meet with some old friends in the shape of Roses in the gardens of the inns, and there were very good specimens of our old favourites (lunural Jac- queminot, Gloire de Dijon, Souvenir de la Malmaison, and others in the garden of the Hotel de I'Europe, where we stayed over the Sunday. I can strongly recommend any persons who wish to see the scenery on the Mont Cenis route to advantage to make Aix-les-Bains a resting place instead of going straight through from Paris to Turin, which is a long and fatiguing journey, and if one leaves Paris in the morning to go straight through to Turin the tunnel and the scenery about Mont Cenis is passed at night. There are few prettier places than Aix and the district including the little Lac de Bourget with its very clear and translucent waters. I will pause here and continue my remarks about Italy, &o., in another number. — C. P. P. CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES AT SOUTH KENSINGTON.— July 21st. But first let me say a word about the place itself. It really seemed as if some magician's wand had been waved over it and transformed it all. For some years one has never gone up to South Kensington without having to ask the question " What's up now ?" and was sure to hear that something was going wrong. I know very little of the rights and wrongs, and should feel myself utterly disqualified from giving an opinion ; but there was the fact, discouragement was ever the tone, and those who loved horticulture sighed to think what grand opportunities were being wasted. Well, Wednesday certainly brought no climatic influences to cheer one's spirits. A cruel and incessant downpour would under ordinary circumstances have thrown a damper on everything ; but one saw or heard nothing of the kind. A general hopefulness pervaded the countenances of all whom one met. Men of all grades in horticulture— nurserymen, amateurs, gardeners — all spoke hopefully ; and when Mr. Bos- cawen, as a member of the Council, asked the exhibitors to allow the exhibits to remain for another day, the cheerful acquiescence with which the proposal was met augured the best things for the Society, and it clearly showed that it will not be the fault of the horticalturista if the Society does not emerge from the clouds which have enveloped it. It was like passing away out of the mists and fogs of some dark valley to the bracing air of the mountain tops. An I now as to the Carnations and Picotees. It was a good sight for the eyes of an old florist to see even the few stands that were exhibited, and to note that there were three new exhibitors amongst amateurs— J. F. Burnaby-Atkins, Esq., Mr. Douglas, and myself; for although I have grown them for these thirty years and more on and off, I never exhibited a stand before. The prizes awarded by the Boyal Horticultural Society have already been commented upon, let me now speak of those offered by the Metropolitan Floral Society ; Mr. Burnaby-Atkins not competing for these, as he was not a member. There were but three exhibitors in Picotees and two in Carnations, Mr. Douglas taking first, as he is always sure to do in anything he goes in for, and on this his first appearance taking all the four first prizes. His Picotees were Ethel, rose edge; Admiration, heavy-edged purple ; Mary, purple ; Miss Small, red edge ; Picco, purple edge ; Princess of Wales, heavy-edged purple ; Miss Williams ; Mr. May, purple ; Mrs. Hornby, light red edge ; Miss Turner, red edge ; Mrs. Allcroft, rose edge ; and Juliana, red edge. Mr. 112 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTXAGE GARDENER. [ Angnefc 5, 187S. Catly was second; hia box contained amongst other flowers Rev. C. Matthews, Miss Fisher, Ensign, Gem of Roses, and Regular. My own box was third, and was by no means satis- factory. Some of my blooms were not fully out, and 1 have not the slightest idea of how to dress a flower, and if I had the idea I doubt if I could do it. Mr. Douglas was again first in Carna- tions. His flowers were Campauini, Mars, and Guardsman, and I am sorry that I did not take the names ; but in the list given in the Journal in the article on Mr. Turner's nurseries will be found a list of some really good flowers. It was amusing to hear the remarks as friend after friend "poked fun" at me. "Ah, 'D.'! you are in your element now." "Ah ! there is a text for you," as an exhibitor stated that in old times they used to give as high a prize for a stand of Carnations and Piootees as for a collection of stove and greenhouse plants. Well, so it is a text. These flowers require great care, time, and expense. They are attractive to many whose means will not allow them to cultivate larger plants, and they have a beauty of their own, evanescent indeed, but still peculiar and attractive, and they ought to have more encouragement than they at present rectire. Should our Metropolitan Floral Society be able to hold on its way I hope that it may be able to give still farther encou- ragement to this lovely tribe. " Ah ! but," someone said, " the flowers are not so good as those of former days." This I utterly deny — they are not only as good but a great deal better; and when the person who said this was brought up in front of Mr. Turner's stand he was fain to "eat his leek" as far as size, smoothness of edge, and delicacy of marking. In Picotees espe- cially— (I am not sure that the improvement is so great in Car- nations)— there is, I believe, vast improvement; but the rules for exhibiting have been greatly relaxed since those days, and I do not see quite how they could be enforced with these larger and fuller flowers. In those days, although they were exhibited on cards, yet the judges used to lift up the flowers, and if when they came out of the cards the pods were slit or the petals hung about the bloom were disqualified ; but now a pod may be burst to the bottom, petals may be "anyhow or nohow," but the magic art of the dresser transforms it. Let John Ball take such a flower and have it for about two minutes, and you would never know the flower to be the same. Petals are pulled out altogether, others twisted into more convenient places, and the flower as- sumes a more symmetrical appearance. It may be a matter of question how far (his is desirable, and indeed the code of honour amongst florists' flowers is, to say the least of it, peculiar. If a man gouges out the eye of a Dahlia he is disqualified, but he may pluck and pull as he likes at a Carnation or a Pink and it is all right. As I do not know how to manipulate one it may be retorted on me that it is the old story of the fox who lost his tail; if I say that I do not at all see that the flower gains in beauty and I am quite sure it deceives the multitude. My stand looked of course untidy besides those wonderfully dressed flowers, but I honestly prefer a well-flUed-up centre, even although it may appear a little confused, to those whose every petal is laid out in order and the centre is nowhere. Indeed, I would re-echo Moore's lines — " Lpsbia wears a robe of pold, But all F40 tight tbe nymph hath laced her. Not a charm of beauty's mould Presumes to stay where nature placed it. But oh! for me my Nora's Rown That floa's as wild as mountain breezes, Leaving every beauty free To sink or swell as Heaven pleases.'' And as X look over the few pots of plants I have I do not think as I examine their blooms, that I should gain much by altering their whole contour. It is the old story of nature versus art. The exhibited bloom is a work of art, the other is nature's pro- duction. Let me also bear witness to the attention that these flowers always receive, and let us hope in the brighter days dawning upon us they may resume their former place of consideration. — D., Deal. MUSHROOMS IN 1875. In your foot-note to " A. R., Bromley," yon say that " the year has been prolific of all species of Fungi. Even in the north of England the markets were supplied largely with the common Mushroom as early as the first week in July." Now, as a native of tho north, and an old Mushroom-gatherer, I fancy you are labouring under some mistake. Last year the districts of the north, comprising Cumberland, Westmoreland, and portions of Lancashire, supplied many tons of Mush- rooms to the principal markets; but this year, so far, I ques- tion whether an aggregate of a dozen measures have been gathered in the three counties. The temperature so far has never been suitable. We have had plenty of showers, but they have not been followed by sufiicient heat to develope good crops of Mushrooms. Daring the last week we have had hot weather, and it is possible that Mushrooms may spring, but I do not entertain any hope of 1875 being a plentiful year. In my experience I never recollect two good successive years of Mushroom growth, even when the season is favourable. The land appears to need a few years' rest before producing another plentiful crop. A few hints to Mushroom-gatherers may prove useful in prevent- ing accident. Never gather Fungi from a damp marshy place, especially under trees or hedges. They are poisonous. The edible common Mushroom is of a bright salmon colour on the under side in its first growth ; afterwards of a black colour. In this latter stage it is best for making ketchup. The edible Mushroom when broken gives forth a fragrant smell, and has a thick healthy appearance. The poisonous Fungi are flaccid, of a pale sickly colour underneath, and the smell is nauseous. Anyone who has ever experienced the smell of the edible Mush- room can never mistake it for the poisonous one. — Beta, [Our note was not founded on mistake, for we saw at Scar- borough and other places near the east coast of Yorkshire Mushrooms in profusion. Every little fruiterer had baskets full on sale, and they were hawked about by women and children every morning. — Eds.] KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. August 4th. Fruit Committee. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. Mr. Miles, The Gardens, Wycombe Abbey, sent two Pines, dis- tinct varieties, for the purpose of showing what is being sold in trade for Charlotte Rothschild. One was true, hafing the cylindrical broad-shouldered fruit, the other similar to a Queen, and especially to the Ripley Queen. It was stated by several members of the Committee that this mistake is very prevalent. Mr. Wbittaker, Crewe Hall, Crewe, sent a seedling Melon — oval, and with a rich yellow-netted skin. The flesh is red, but the flavour was not superior. Mr. Stevens, gardener to G. Simpson, Esq., Wray Park, Reigate, sent a seedling Melon Wray Park Gem, which was quite unripe. Mr. White, gardener to Lord Listowel, Convanmore, sent a Little Heath Melon. Mr. Perkins, The Gardens, Thornham Hall, Eye, sent a Victory of Bath Melon, of good flavour. Mr. Owen, Broughton Gardens, West Derby, sent a brace of seedling Cucumbers, which were much admired, but not an improvement on existing varieties. Mr. William Paul sent a dish of Citron des Carmes Pear, and a dish of St. Etienne Plums came from the Society's garden at Chiswick. It is a very early yellow variety, and ripens in the end of July. Flokal Committee.— C. Noble, Esq., in the chair. The ap- pearance of the Council-room on this occasion proved that the great Show on the 21st of July was no mere spasmodic effort on the part of the horticulturists, but the first expression of im- provement designed to be permanent. The Exhibition today is but a reflex of the confidence which is now established, and which, we doubt not, will be sustained. Of this the collections of plants from Messrs. James Veitch & Sous, Mr.B. S. Williams, and Mr. Bull are an emphatic augury. Added to these were Roses from Mr. W. Paul, Waltham Cross, and Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, and Hollyhocks from Mr. Chater, so that the room presented quite a gay appearance. The group of plants from Messrs. Veitch comprised a beautiful plant of Adiantum princeps, to which a first-class certificate was awarded. This is a very elegant Fern, somewhat similar but in ail respects superior to A. formosum. A eimilar award was also made to Asplenium ferulaceum, which is one of the most graceful plants of this graceful family. Its fronds are about a foot in length, are beautifully arched, and as fine in the pinnss as are the most delicate Davallias. This is undoubtedly an acquisition and must become a great favourite : it is a native of Columbia. Thoroughly distinct from these, and indeed dis- tinct from others of its genus, is Dracicna Tajlori, a hybrid from D. magnifica and D. Mooreana. It is of robust habit, with broad foliage of a metallic hue, and is altogether a striking variety. It received a first-class certificate. A like award was also made to Dracfona elegantissima, a darkcoloured plant with narrow leaves of sub-erect habit. It is of dwarf growth and elegaut outline, and one of the best of the family for table deco- ration. First-class certificates were also awarded for hybrid Rhododendrons Duchess of Teck and Prince Leopold, tho former being of a soft buff colour, the latter a buff suffused with crimson. Each truss contains about a dozen flowers, in form very similar to Weigelas ; they are a very valuable race, from Lobbii and Princess Royal— the latter ha'ring been raised from D. javanicum and D. jasminiflorum. A species of Also- phila from the Philippine Islands, provisionally named Philippin- ense, had also a first-class certificate awarded. It is a very fine species, the pinnae being twisted, giving it a distinct appearance. Exhibited by the same firm was a distinct form of Pitcher Plant— Nepenthes marginata — the rim of each pitcher being white, the body of a dark brown. Also, taken from the open August 5, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 113 ground, was a basket of Olearia Hastii, a small shrub-like plant 6 inches high, densely covered with white Saxifrage-like com- posite flowers. They also exhibited fine plants of Cissus En- dresi, Crotons, Zimia Wallisii, Platycerium Wallinckii (first- class certificate). Gloxinias, and a singular and not uninterest- in£j Orchid, Pescatorea lamellosa. In Mr. Williams's collection Alsophila australia Williamsii had deservedly a first-class certificate. It is thoroughly distinct, and altogether a magnificent tree Fern of a weeping character. Another Fern, Woodwardia radioans cristata, is equally distinct and had a similar award, as also had Streptocarpus Greenii, a plant with Gloxinia- like leaves and lavender-coloured MimuluE- like flowers ; it is very ornamental. Mr. Williams had also a well-grown plant of Adiantum farleyense, for which a vote of thanks was given. The rest of the group embraced Palms, Dra- cajnas, Ixora Dixiana, Hamanthus puniceus, Dipladenia ama- bilis, Anthericum majesticum, Bertolonia Van Houttei, &c., all in admirable condition. Mr. Bull's collection was less extensive, but contained some distinct and fine plants. First-class certificates were awarded to Cibotium Menziesii, with very vigorous fronds, and Dracaena Rex, a dark variety of bold massive habit. Mr. Ball also ex- hibited Orchids, Macrozamias, Liliams, and Hyacinthus candi- cans, with six spikes 5 feet high, and a hundred hell-shaped white flowers, for which a cultural commendation was awarded. Begonia Froebelli, Aph. de Candolle, had a first-class certi- ficate awarded. This is a bulbous-rooted kind, highly distinct; it has rich scarlet flowers, and Hollyhock-like leaves. It appears to have been grown in the open air, and is very striking. It is exhibited by Messrs, Froebel & Co., Zurich, and is a native of Ecuador. The Eoses from Mr. W. Paul comprised good blooms of the varieties which have been previously exhibited; and Mr. Chater's Hollyhocks were very fine both in spikes and blooms. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had a second-class certificate for Rose Duke of Connaught, a medium-sized bloom possess- ing the velvety richness of Lord Maeaulay with good substance of petal, and an agreeable perfume. They had other varieties, the most noticeable being a box of Madame Lacharme of great merit. As seen in the condition as here exhibited this variety has a charm which cannot be gainsaid. We never saw it so good, or " D., Deal," look better pleased than when admiring these truly lovely blooms. They were grown in the open air. Mr. Dean had cut blooms of his useful Stock Mauve Queen, striped Petunias, and a semi-double yellow Auricula. Cut blooms of Kosa bracteata (single white Macartney) from Mr. Chater proved how well adapted is this species for the decora- tion of vases for the table. EAELY SNOWBALL CAULIFLOWER. This proves a great acquisition, and will take a leading place among Cauliflowers. It is wonderfully dwarf, with com- pact white heads well protected by the leaves, and is really as early as its raiser asserts. I have lately been catting excellent little heads of about 4 inches in diameter that are perfect models of what a first-class Cauliflower should be. The seed of this crop was sown on March 8th. I confidently anticipate that it will also prove an important addition to our late-autumn and early-spring supply, its compact dwarf growth admirably adapting it for lifting into frames and also for wintering under handlights. Seed sown now would afford a capital supply for the October shooting parties. — Edwabd Luckhukst. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. Vanda LiMBiTA. ffa*. ord , Orchidacese. Z,in«., Gynandria Monandria. Native of Java. — Flowers orange, scarlet, and pink. Introduced by Messrs. Williams of HoUoway, with whom it flowered in July, 1874.— (Boe. Mag., t. 6173.) DiETEs HuTTONi. Nat. ord., Iridaceas. Linn., Triandria Monogynia. Flowers yellow, crimson striped. — " Sent by Mr. Hutton from the eastern province of the Cape Colony to the Kew collection, where it flowered in the month of March of the present year. This genus Dietes is scarcely distinct from Iris by any botanical character."— (ZStd., t. 6174.) Ctpeipedium Akgus. Nat. ord., Orchidacese. Linn., Gynan- dria Diandria. — Flowers many-coloured, petals profusely spotted with purple. " It was discovered by Mr. Wallis, Messrs. Veitch's collector, in the Island of Ltizon, one of the Philip- pines, and was flowered in Messrs. Veitch's establishment in March of the present year." — (Ibid., t. 6175.) Ckocds misimus— CEocns Fleischeri. Nat. ord., Iridaoese. Linn., Triandria Monogynia.— " These are two welcome ad- ditions to our stock of spring Crocuses grown in this country. C. minimus was in the country|before, but has been lost for many years, indeed till now, when Mr. George Maw has brought it again from Corsica. It is frequent in that island, flowering in low situations in January, and upon the mountains up to March, and occurs also in Sardinia. It is the smallest of all the spring-flowering Crocuses, and is most like some of the varieties of versicolor, but it has been confounded in this country with biflorus. " Crocus Fleischeri is another interesting addition to our stock of garden balbs made by Mr. Elwes in his tour in Asia Minor last spring. It is a very distinct plant, and has never been in cultivation before. The points which best mark it from other spring-flowering species are the divided stigmas and very complicated bulb-coats, the fine fibres of which are plaited in regular vertical strands. It was discovered on lime- stone hills near Smyrna by the botanist whose name it bears, and we have it also from Cilicia gathered by Aacher Eloy, and from Lycia gathered by the late Professor Edward Forbes. The specimen drawn came from the rich collection of the Rev. H. Harpur Crewe."— (/fcid., (. 6176.) TuLiPA Greigi. Nat. ord., LL'iacesB. Lnm.,Hexandria Mono- gynia.— Flowers scarlet ; leaves regularly spotted. " During the last two years no less than three striking new Tulips have been added to the list of species cultivated in this country. Although they come from different localities, they all three resemble one another closely, both from a botanical and horti- cultural point of view. 'They are T. bcetica of Boissier, a native of Greece; T. Eichleri of Regel, a native of Georgia; and T. Greigi. "This species was gathered in Tarkistan by Sewerzow and Fedsehenko, and was named by Dr. Regel in compliment to General Greig, President of the Imperial Russian Horticultural Union." — {Ibid., t. 6177.) PLnii. — The Sidtan. — " This fine new Plum is a seedling raised by Messrs. Rivers & Son of Sawbridgeworth in 1871. Dr. Hogg, in the new edition of his ' Fruit Manual,' describes it as 'a culinary Plum of great excellence ; ripe in the middle of August.' " The following is Dr. Hogg's description :— ' Fruit above medium size, round, marked with a deep suture. Skin dark purple, covered with a thick blue bloom. Stalk about half an inch long, inserted in a wide hollow. Flesh greenish-yellow, adhering to the stone, firm, brisk, and sweet, with a pleasant ilavour.' Our own notes of the fruits submitted to ns rtm thus : — ' Fruit round, about middle size, with a rather shallow suture. Skin pucy-purple or dark purplish red, dotted with minute brown specks, and covered with a thin bluish bloom. Stalk set in a deepish cavity. Flesh deep greenish-yellow, separating tolerably freely from the stone, juicy, and with a pleasant flavour, similar to that of the Orleans Plum. " 'It is a handsome and useful Plum, and one which, being of prolific habit, is likely to become a favourite with fruit- growers.'"— [Florist and Pomologist, 3 s., viii., 145.) POROUS GARDEN POTS. So far from having any prejudice in the matter I am one of the first to welcome Mr. Simpson's able communication. I have no interest in condemning, neither do I condemn, glazed pots. I know careful and clever plant growers can grow plants in them, but I know also they are not safe to recommend for indiscriminate use in the regular practice of everyday plant- culture. I fully admitted the disadvantages of very porous pots, and pointed out these disadvantages with the means necessary to prevent injury. What I meant to say was that the safe course for general — which includes many who are not experienced — cultivators is the medium course, and that the extremes of absolutely dense or poreless pots on the one hand and excessively porous pots on the other are neither of them the best to recommend for general use. I must ask Mr. Simpson to believe that I have actually practised with all the plants he names, also many others, and it is sufficient that the Editors are satisfied of my competency and disinterestedness to speak on the matter. As to the time and place of experiments, that is in no way material. The question is neither chronological nor geographical, but one of practice and judgment as to which pot — open, close, or medium as to porosity, or clean or dirty as to condition — is the best and most reliable for general use. I have every reason to recom- mend a thoroughly well-made clay pot, and I believe the makers of such pots may go on manufacturing, as not in this generation will such pots fall into disuse and be superseded by vessels of metal or glass. For a long time I had a prejudice against clean pots, but 114 JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QAKDENER. [ Aagast 5, 1876. four yeara under a cultivator of Bome of the best plants which have been exhibited at the London shows entirely converted me to their use. Every year I was permitted to use a limited number of dirty pots for every kind of plants, which were grown in quantity. Since then I have always used clean pots, and I am sure I should not have been at the trouble of clean- ing them had 1 not been conscious of the advantage of doing so. I am acquainted with the plants of Dalkeith, and can testify as to their excellence, yet I venture to believe that if Mr. Dunn received a new and rare Orchid demanding special care that he would not put it in glass, nor if he had a Heath of great value that he would grow it in a vessel of iron. I have the utmost respect for the practice — general and special — of Mr. D. Thom- son, but what he can do everybody else cannot. His work is very familiar to me, for, like Mr. Simpson, I am proud to have been drUled in the school which Mr. Thomson has done so much to make famous. Possibly between Mr. Simpson and myself there may not be much difference of opinion as to what each of us would do under given circumstances, but between that and recommending a principle for general adoption there is a great difference. It is not what can be done as a feat of skill, but what is the most safe and reUable practice for the great body of skilled and unskilled cultnrists that I prefer to keep in view when speak- ing of and recommending a mode of practice. For instance, while I can read a book almost as well wrong end upwards as right, I do not recommend that practice to be taught in schools. I much prefer the "general practice," for which, in gardening matters, I am sorry to see that Mr. Simpson has so little respect. The general practice under which the plants, fruit, and vegetables are produced by British gardeners which adorn our principal exhibitions is, I hold, worthy of great respect, and is more authoritative as an example to follow than is a special feat under special circumstances, and by special skill which happens to be worthy of notice. I quite believe Mr. Simpson when he says that his bedding plants in dirty pots are as good as those of others in clean pots, but I interpret that as a greater compliment to the man than the pot. I do not recommend clean, well-finished, and well-burnt clay pots because plants will not grow in any others, but because these I prefer are the safest and the best, and I believe they will so prove themselves after another fifty years of practice. I thank Mr. Simpson for his letter. — Ex-Exhibitor. For some years past our garden pots have been painted inside and out with creosote in a boiling state. The reasons why I adopted this plan were three : Firstly, to prevent eva- poration and cooling of the surface ; secondly, to prevent fungus growing on the outside ; and thirdly, to strengthen the material by filling up the pores. The colour after creosoting becomes of a rich brown, and not unsightly. My pots are made on my own pattern — shallow, to facilitate applying fresh material on the surface. I think there is no valid reason for imagining that a plant requires a porous pot. — Obseeveb. OUR BOEDER FLOWERS— GEUMS. Tnonan the Geums are a rather numerous family we seldom meet with many of them in cultivation. In looking along our hedgerows we often see Geum urbanum, but being so common it is passed by without much notice, except by some of the collectors of herbs ; but not so with Geum rivale, for some think it worthy of a place in the herbaceous border, and look upon it as a rarity. It is improved in stature under cultivation , but I always admire it most in its own native habitat, for to see this plant in a moist plantation on the limestone near a river, covering the ground with its leaves and graceful pendant flowers, is a sight not soon to be forgotten. Wlieu we tarn our attention to what may be termed garden varieties, and look on Geum coceineum, we see one of the brightest-coloured flowers that eyes can look upon. It is of rather pleasing habit, continuing long in flower. Geum atro- sanguinea approaching to dark crimson in colour is also a charming border flower. Geum pyrenaicum, a yellow-flowered variety, is desirable for change of colour. Geum album, though an old plant, is seldom met with. Geum graudiflorum is one of the finest of the tribe, and ought to be in every garden. Geum triflora, a dwarf kind with yellow flowers, is a desirable plant for the rockery, and is a very pretty plant for the front row in the border ; it does not object to partial shade nor a moist situation, but should not be saturated with water. Geum montanum is of rather taller habit, and is very desir- able for the rockwork or borders. There are many others of this family that are interesting, but are seldom met with ex- cept in some very extensive collections. They will thrive in most ordinary soils, but a little extra care will not be lost upon them. They delight in a rich tenacious loam, with a little well-decomposed manure or leaf mould and sand added. They are easily increased by seed or division after flowering. Some of the taller-growing kinds require staking to prevent them from being broken by the wind. — Veritas. EARLY WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING. No. 6. JOHN BOSE. The next writer following in the chronological order is John, Rose, whose little volume, the only one for which he furnished the materials, appeared first in 16C6, and subsequent editions in 1672, 1675, and 1691. I was misled once to mention him as the alleged author of an essay " On the Admirable Virtues of Coral," but I then doubted, and am now of opinion that it was not his production. The volume which certainly owed its birth to him is " The English Vineyard Vindicated, by John Rose, Gardiner to hia Majesty at his Royal Garden in St. James's. Formerly Gar- diner to Her Grace the Dutchess of Somerset. With an address where the best plants are to be had at easie rates." Such is the title-page of all the editions, and the work is bound usually with Evelyn's translation of " 'The French Gardiner." Rose says that it was " the supremest glory " of his pro- fession to be the King's gardener, and he dedicates his book on " the Prince of Plants to the Prince of Planters," a title the King deserved on account of his " magnificent and emolu- mental encouragement of the culture of trees and fruit." The origin of the book is thus told by Mr. Evelyn : " Being one day refreshing myself in the garden of Essex House, and, amongst other things, falling into discourse with Mr. Rose, then gardiner to Her Grace the Dutchess of Somerset, and particularly the cause of the neglect of vineyards of late in England. He reasoned so pertinently upon that subject (as, indeed, he does upon all things which concern his hortulan profession) I was easily persuaded to gratifie his modest and charitable inclinations to have them communicated to the world." The result was that Mr. Rose gave the information, and Mr. Evelyn reduced it to writing. For vineyard culture Rose recommends the Black Cluster, White Muscadine, Parsley-leaved, Muscadella, (not the Mus- cadine), Black and White " Frontiniaqnes," and "anew white Grape, ripe before the Muscadines, which I found in his Majesty's garden at St. James's, with a red wood and dark green leaf, and ripening as soon in standards as against some walls." Mr. Rose must have had permission from his royal employer to rear and sell Vines, for at the conclusion of his cultural in- structions he states that he had " furnished himself with so plentiful a stock of sets and plants of all those sorts which he chiefly recommended, that those who desire to store their grounds might receive them of him at very reasonable rates." We have no means of judging what Rose's taste was in ornamental gardening, but probably it was not differing from that which prevailed at the time. One of his fellow servants of the King, Hugh May, controller of the works at Windsor, told Pepys that " having the best walks of gravel in the world, and the green of our bowling alUes excelling, we need only a little mixture of statues or pots, which may be handsome, and filled with another pot of such and such a flower or green as the season of the year will bear ; and then the flowers are best seen in a little plot by themselves, besides their borders spoil the walks ; and then for fruit the best way is to have walls built circularly one within another." The title-page I have copied only tells that Rose had been gardener to the Duchess of Somerset ; that was at Essex House in the Strand, and there also he was gardener to the Earl of Essex, as he had subsequently been to the Duchess of Cleve- land at Dorney Court in Bnckinghamshire. We have more than one evidence of the liberal, not to apply the severer term lavish, payments made by the Duchess of Cleveland, not only upon her own residences, but upon her dependants whom she specially approved. Rose was one of these, and she probably obtained for him the royal gardener- ship, for he was promoted to it whilst she was the prime royal AogTJrt 6, 1875. ] JOUBNAL OP EORTICtTLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. 115 conctjbine. She was enabled to be lavjeh by the income poured upon her by the lung. " They have beBtowed ten tboneand pounds a-year more upon the Duchess of Cleveland," wrote Andrew Marvel, " and she has litewise near ten thousand pounds a-year more out of the new form of the county excise of beer and ale, and five thousand pounds a-year out of the Post Office. All promotions, spiritual and temporal, pass under her cognisance." Immediately after the Kestoration, in November, ICGO, the office of Keeper and Gardener of the Garden in St. James's Park, with a salary of £40 a-year, was granted to Eose ; and on February 2l8t, 1GC6, a warrant was issued to pay him, ap- pointed keeper of St. James's garden in place of Andrew and Gabriel Mollett deceased, £240 a-year for wages for keeping the said garden. Finding that Eose's stipend was so liberal, knowing also that both the Duchess of Cleveland and Charles 11. rewarded liberally the servants they best liked, and further knowing that Evelyn and other men of good position patron- ised Bose, I thought it probable he died possessed of property requiring to be distributed by will. I was not wrong in my conclusion, and I have inspected a copy of the last will and testament of " John Eose of St. Martins-in-the-Fields." It was executed on the 22nd of February, 1G76, and proved on the 24th of September, 1C77. The nearest relatives mentioned are a nephew named William Walker, and a niece, Elizabeth Chamberlayne. To them, their children, and many friends he bequeathed small legacies, amounting to nearly £400, but the bulk of his pro- perty he devised to the parish of Amesbury (Almesbury in the Will) in Wiltshire, of which I conclude he was a native. In it and its vicinity he had two copyholds and two farms, and in that county resided some of his legatees. Only one of these was of his own name, " Captain John Eose, of St. Clement Danes," and he is only mentioned as his " friend." He made his sister-in-law, Eva Stanton, executrix and trustee, devising to her the residue of his property and his freehold lands at Ditchet (Detcheat) in Somersetshire for the purpose of presenting a gilt communion plate to the church of Amesbury ; £10 to be at once distributed among the poor of that parish ; and to secure £30 a-year to an orthodox school- master for instructing twenty scholars there, natives of the town. His funeral expenses were not to exceed £100. The wOl was proved in seven days after his burial, for on reference to the register of the church of St. Martins-in-the- Fields I found this entry, " 1G77. John Eose. Sept. 17th. Sepnlt. in ecclesia." His interment in the church shows that ho was a parish magnate, a conclusion deducible from Evelyn's notice of him ; and we have the further testimony of a contemporary gardener, for Switzer in his " Icnographia " says " Mr. Eose was first gardener to the Lord Essex at Essex House in the Strand, and afterwards to his Eoyal Majesty King Charles II. at the royal gardens in St. James's Park. He was esteemed to be the best of his profession in those days, and ought to be remembered for the encouragement he gave to a servant of his, who has since made the greatest figure that ever yet any gardener did, I mean Mr. London. He (Mr. Rose) may be well ranked amongst the great virtuosos of that time (now dead) who were all well pleased to accept of his company while living." Having discovered Eose's connection with the county of Wilts, and that Sir B. C. Hoai-e in his history of that county has merely mentioned his name, I induced " Wiltshire Eec- TOR " to visit Amesbury, and he thus tells of its results— " Amesbury in South Wilts is &n awkward place to get to from North Wilts. Just as there are many cures for the tooth- ache because none are certain, so there are many ways recom- mended to those who wish to go to Amesbury because none are very direct. ' How can I best get to Amesbury ?' had been for some days my question to everybody I met. ' Take train to Devizes, then drive on eighteen miles across the Plain,' said one. ' Go to Whyle and then drive ten miles,' said another. ' Go to Salisbury and then drive nine miles,' replied a third. ' Or go ;' but I grew tired of the various sug- gestions and chose my own route, which was to take train to Wilton and then drive eight miles across the Plain. " Anyway Amesbury is an awkward place to reach. Bather an advantage this, given fine weather, which I had, because an out-of-the-way place retains some distinctive characteristics which are being fast obUterated by the Toniversal nearness of railway stations. Peculiarities of dialect must soon go when everyone travels, and everybody will be educated, and henoe a universal sameness will succeed. " Beaching WUton by rail I proceed behind a tired horse — (June is a great month for excursions, and horses are woefully hardworked) — and ascend those downs called Salisbury Plain, so called, I suppose, because not a plain. How grand that old unaltered open country is, and at this time of the year it is not dreary as in winter. About me, around me, above me, beneath me, is a sea of green ; here and there corn waving in the sun- light, but more frequently the grass as of yore, though the bustards are gone, and even the Bustard Inn is no more. But the corn patches are not enclosed, so all is open and free to the eye as in the days of the Druids. After ascending the downs for a time we bend downwards to the valley of the South Wilts Avon (there is a North Wilts Avon aa well) ; and, as always by a river's brink, there is a richer soil, more trees, and man's dwellings. Long straggUng villages all named Woodford — Lower, Great, and Upper Woodford — are in turn passed. I notice that even in these out-of-the-way nooks in the bettermost cottage gardens among the old Cabbage, old White, and the old Maiden's Blush, how modem-named Eoses have begun to make their appearance ; and in the windows, instead of the old gawky sparsely-flowering Geraniums, are now the modern large-trussed bedders, making the low case- ments bright with bloom. " The country improves as I go on until I come upon trim cottages, pleasant farmhouses, and, oh 1 one charming Eliza- bethan residence. No longer the short herbage of the down, but rich grasslands. I soon enter Little Amesbury, a neat hamlet with one fine old house, and crossing a bridge over the Avon — rather a wide stream at this point — I am in Amesbury, one of the many small towns of Wiltshire. I have as yet no knowledge of the place, save as connected with the great annual coursing parties lasting a week, the last day of which the meeting is at Stoneheuge close by ; and I also have heard that there is a glove manufactory in the town, while in common with all educated Englishmen I know the fact that not only British but Eoman remains are near. Across the bridge to the left stands the church, formerly conventual — a grand massive structure, Norman probably in part, but with early English windows, with tower in the centre. " But I have one chief object before me — namely, to make inquiries about John Eose and his connection with Amesbury. " I see that the little town lies pleasantly, that it has two streets wide and clean, and has a fair sprinkling of good houses in it. I halt at the principal inn, which with its archway and stable court has an old-posting-house look about it. I inquire at once of the landlord about the school, and am directed to a grammar school, being, I suppose, taken for a paterfamilias in search of a school for a young hopeful. But the school- master's house has too modern a look. I ask, ' Is there no other school ? Is there not an ancient building V ' No, none.' ' Not one endowed by John Eose ?' ' Yes, Eose's Charity : there it is on the other side of the street. A woman is enter- ing the gates.' I follow, and instinct leads me on down the yard, and an open door reveals school desks and school appU- ances. The time is only half-past eight of the morning, so school has not yet begun, but at his desk sits the master, Mr. E. W. Flower, to whom I tell my errand. I find Mr. Flower ready to hear and ready to tell anything he knows about John Eose. I am very pleased to find the master of such a school properly enthusiastic about its founder. Very different have I sometimes found it, when the resident of an ancient house cared nothing whatever for its history. I produce a copy of last week's Journal of Horticulture, with in it No. 5 of "The Early Writers on English Gardening," and explain to Mr. Flower that what we have done for John Parkinson we wish to do for John Eose. Mr. Flower is also a horticulturist, and shows me several prize cards, evidences of his success. Here, then, I have the very man I want — a lover of a garden, and a devoted admirer of the founder of his school. Mr. Flower produces from his desk the deed of gift of the school and the orders and ordinances relating to it. In this document we see that John Eose was most anxious that the master of his school should be a good man ; that the scholars should be well cared for in body, mind, and soul. No one reading the document could come to any other conclusion than that Bose was both a reUgious and a kindly man. John Rose's school was no doubt first kept in the south aisle of the church — i.e., inside the building, just as the famous Bev. Bobert Walker of Seathwaite, mentioned by Wordsworth, kept his, and even used the com- munion table for his desk. "Then it appears, so Mr. Flower informed me, that the school was kept in a cottage ; then where the National School now is ; and afterwards, as now, 116 JOURNAL OP HOETIOULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Angnst B, 1875. where I fonnd Mr. Flower. The house is in the prinoipal street, one of the last on right-hand side. It is a red-brick unpretentions building, and was formerly an inn, down the yard of which, in what was once the coach-house, the school is now held, and a fair schoolroom it makes. " In the churchyard there is a stone to the memory of William Cox, who died in 1819. He was the schoolmaster of Rose's school for fifty years — a man, as I was informed, to whom the youth of Amesbury owed much : indeed, he was a famous schoolmaster, whose memory is revered in the place. " Having spoken of the school let me next speak of the man Rose. Mr. Flower introduced me to two local antiquaries — Mr. Edwards and Mr. Kemm, and all I could learn was that there has been a long-standing constant tradition at Amesbury that John Rose when a boy passed through the place on his way to London in a destitute condition, and that he was kindly treated by the inhabitants, and out of gratitude to them en- dowed the school. Amesbury is rich in residents who revere its history, and the two antiquaries I have named were enthu- siastic with respect to John Rose, and were delighted to learn. what before they did not know, that an oil painting of him presenting the first English-grown Pine Apple to Charles II. was in existence, and that an engraving has appeared in this Journal. " Unfortunately there is no record at Amesbury of Rose's birth or death ; the former is not to be found at Ditoheat, near Evercreech, in Somersetshire, where Rose possessed property. Mr. Kemm had understood from his ancestors that Rose when a poor lad, on his leaving Amesbury, worked in the parish of St. Martins-in-the-Fields, London. I must add that the school is at Amesbury designated ' Rose's Grammar School,' and that a second school was established out of the proceeds of the charity, but on the death of the mistress some years ago it has been discontinued, and the salary formerly paid to the mistress now augments that of the master. " Mr. Flower next takes me to the church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a lofty cruciform building, restored in 1853, chiefly, I believe, by the munificence of Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart., of Amesbury Abbey, owned formerly by the Duke of Qaeensberry, the friend of Gay the poet, who spent much of his time here. It is a solidly and handsomely restored. At the west end is a table of endowments ; that relative to Rose reads thus : — ' John Rose by deed of gift dated 7th of Angnst, 1677, vested an estate at Ditchet in the county of Somerset, consisting of a homestead and fifty-two acres, two roods, and thirty poles of land, in the hands of trustees for the perpetual endowment of a free grammar school in this parish for the instruction of twenty boys in grammar, writing, cyphering, and casting ac- counts. The master to be paid £7 10s. quarterly, and the produce of the said estate over £30 per annum to be applied in maintaining a second school for teaching twenty children to read and repeat the Church catechism, the person keeping the latter school to be paid £21 per annum ; and by order of the High Court of Chancery, whatever surplus money may remain is directed to be appUed by the trustees in the payment of premiums for the apprenticeship of boys educated in the same school.' " I have noticed that the church was restored in 1853, at which time some alteration was made in regard to the com- munion plate, all which or part had been purchased with the £20 left by John Rose for that purpose. What the exact amount of the alteration is I do not quite know, but Mr. Kemm informed me that round the rim at the bottom of the foot of the present flagon is the following inscription : — ' The silver alms plate was given to Amesbury church by John Rose, Esq., who died in 1677.' ' The silver remodelled 1853.' " The trust deed, in which the donor is described as " John Rose of St. Marttns-in-the-Fields, gent.," is dated August the 7th, 1677, and from it the following is extracted: — "Foras- much as God Almighty hath been pleased out of His infinite bounty to give so great a blessing to my honest labours and endeavours, as to lend me not only wherewithal to support me with the ordinary necessaries of life but with an overplus of the goods of this life, I have held it my duty whilst I am alive, and before the said goods leave me, to seperate a part of the same towards the education of poor children in the first rudi- ments of religion and learning." The deed directs that with the bishop's leave the school should be on the south side of the church, wherein was formerly a school kept. The scholars were to be " the poorest men's children of the parish of Ames- bury," and the trustees he nominated were all his " beloved and trusty friends," eleven in number, all residing in the neighbourhood of Amesbury, and two of them occupiers of his two copyholds called Bandys and Battrees, and his two farms, all in the parish of Amesbury. He stringently provides that the schoolmaBter shall be orthodox and of " honest life and good conversation," and able " to teach the grammar, fair writing, cyphering, and casting of accounts." The salary of the schoolmaster, £7 10s. quarterly, was to be paid out of the rents and profits of Rose's lands in Ditchet in the county of Somerset. Then follow directions for the removal of the schoolmaster in case of his evil conduct, and ts provide for him if he becomes incapable after lengthened service. None of the twenty scholars were to be admitted unless they could read EngUsh and repeat from memory the catechism, nor re- main scholars after the age of fifteen. Whilst they were scholars " the schoolmaster to have a care their faces and hands be washed, their heads polled, and their garments kept clean." If the lands yielded more than £30 a-year, the surplus was to be employed in providing a school to teach the poorest children reading and the catechism, and thus render them eligible for his grammar school. I hoped that some record of Rome's birth might have been found in the Amesbury church register, but that hope is vain, for " WiLTSHiEE Rector " informs me that the earliest register is dated 1651, at which time Rose must have been in the prime of manhood. However, he was a resident if not a native of the place, for Mr. Flower, the excellent master of Rose's school, has searched a record of the annual meetings of the trustees, and thus communicates the result : — " I met with the following entry, which, to my mind, proves most conclu- sively that he was an inhabitant if not a native of Amesbury : ' At a meeting (held September 29th, 1788) of the trustees of the Grammar School founded by John Rose, late of the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, in the county of Middlesex, gentle- man, deceased, formerly of Amesbury, aforesaid,' &c. I should mention also further that I met with the baptism of a child of the name of Rose, date about one hundred years ago, thereby showing that persons of that name (since the decease of John Rose) have been residents in Amesbury." — G. HAOKNESS HALL, TKE EESIDENOE OF SIB HAEOOUET JOHNSTONE, BABT., M.P. The village of Hackness is in a valley distinguished for its beautiful combination of woodland, hill, and water, for the Derwent flows along the valley. Hither retired Hilda, the foundress of Whitby Abbey, twelve hundred years since ; and here probably William Rnfus hawked, for the district was his. He granted a large portion to some of the Whitby monks, and their monastery in the time of Henry VIII. passed to the Hoby Angnat 5, 1879. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBB AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 117 family, and thenoe by marriage to the Sydenhams, who sold it in 1696 to John Vandeu Bempde, Esq., whose daughter and Bole heiress brought it by marriage to the family of the John- Btones, and the present mansion was erected by the first baronet of this family at the close of the last century. The usual road taken in visiting Hackness Hall is along what is most inappropriately named Forge Valley, for few valleys of England are more beautiful, and now there is in it no forge. Its sides — beautifully wooded, but not so densely as to conceal the tnrf, wild flowers, and Ferns beneath — rise rapidly to a height of 300 feet j the Derwent flows beside the road, and on some of the turfy promontories of its windings were groups of pic-nickers and gatherers of wild Strawberries. The trees are mostly Beech, and towards the close of the valley near the Hall they are partly of the copper-coloured variety, and all of very large stature. That close of the valley is i superlatively beautiful, for the valley branches there, and peep- ing from among varied groups of varied trees, and widely apart on varied elevations, are the residences of the vicar, the steward, and the church, forming a combination that the pencU and not the pen can represent. Having mentioned the wild flowers I will add that than in this vicinity nowhere are they to be found in greater profu- sion ; of those of commonest occurrence I will only name the numerous species of Grasses and the Ladies' Bedstraw — the grey and purple flowers of the first and the yellow flowers of the other are in masses spread far and wide. Of the rarer species I gathered the Lesser Twayblade (Ophrys cordata) and the Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachelium), the latter towering at intervals above all the others, and its fine delicate pale blue flowers rendering it aristocratic-looking among its humbler-statured companions. Prominent among these was ^. 10.— HACKNE33 n/-LL. Geranium eylvaticum, a northern perennial found from the midland counties northward until it reaches 2700 of elevation in the Highlands. On the moors near in one or two very restricted localities is found the rarer Comas Buecica. Mr. Sowerby met me courteously at the gate admitting from the road to the kitchen garden, which is of four acres extent, and enclosed by a 12-foot wall. On these are Plums, Cherries, Apples, and Pears. Even the Nonpareil requires the wall. Of Pears Mr. Sowerby finds the Glont Mori;ean and Crasanne the most certain croppers, but the Jargonelle very uncertain, and the Van Mens productive but almost worthless. There are seven small lean-to Vine and Peach houses, and the crops were very abundant and healthy. Mr. Sowerby thins the bunches of Grapes very freely, and the berries are proportion- ately large. There is no early forcing, for the family are away until August, and for the early months of the year the late- keeping of the Lady Downes' is relied upon. The other varieties of Grapes are Muscadines, Black Frontignan, and Muscat of Alexandria. The crops of the Peach Eoyal George and Nectarine Violet Hdtive are excellent. One of the houses is devoted to flowering plants. Perns, and fine-foliaged plants for the house decoration. Another house is devoted to winter- ing bedding plants, and its entire roof is covered with Stepha- notis floribunda, most profuse of flowers when I was there. The kitchen garden was well cropped, and on the walk-borders were eepaliers and dwarf standards of Apples, the boisterous winds sweeping the valley forbidding full standards. From the kitchen garden we passed under a deneely-foliaged arched pathway to the lawn before the south-west front of the Hall. That arched pathway reminded me of one possessed in former years by my family, and which the gardener, quite innocent of punning, called " the subtreeanean path." The lawn occupies six acres and there is no other dressed ground, nor is any more needed, for it is most beautiful. In whichever direction you look there is a foreground of bright turf enamelled with beds, mostly circular, filled some with Rosea trained over their surface, others with Geraniums, and others with bedding plants such as Golden Pyrethrum, Alternanthera, with Lobelia and Sedums for edgings. Then, there are large rustic baskets filled with Geraniums and elevated on rustic pedestals, and Roses grouped and trained to stakes so as to form pUlars about 5 feet high. This foreground is enclosed by groups of trees, there are no continuous lines. Weeping Limes, noble Beeches, and Conifers all fine and feathered to the ground. Among them I noted an Abies Douglasii 50 feet high though only forty years old. Over these groups of trees, for the mansion is on a very elevated site, the eye looks upon the river Derwent in the valley below, and over a tract of richly wooded country to an horizon many mUes distant. The prospect to the mansion's right including the church in 118 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Angnst 6, 187S. the near distance ia very rich and varied, and its lofty and slender spire well relieves the rounded ontlines of the trees around it. Many are the monuments within the church I would wilHngly dwell upon , especially that graceful group by Chantry, of the dying wife and her kneeling husband, grief- subdued and with face judiciously hidden, leaving to the ima- gination the sorrow of its expression. More than one poet has celebrated the beauties of this place, but space can be spared for only two verses, which I select because unexag- gerated : — " Ah 1 what enchantment Nature's hand snppUeB "What witching acenery decks this blest retreat What headlands green, and pmrnontories rise, Of old patrician Oaks the fav'rite eeat I Go, climb the heights, when clad in twilight grey. The soft still moon pnlls off the veil of night; Thence, all these valley-dimpled plains enrvey. These beaked hills with waving fohage dight. Yon beauteous spire, the heath-impurpled moor, And ocean slumb'rijig on the distant Bhore." — G. market fruit, where early Pears for stewing are always ia demand. — Ed. American G. M.] SHIFTING GBEENHOUSE PLANTS WITHOUT INCBEASING THE SIZE OF THE POTS. Peobaely others of your readers besides the writer have found it desirable, and perfectly practical, to shift many of their greenhouse and stove plants annually, or every two or three years, without giving them more pot room— though I believe it is the usual practice to shift on, until both plants and roots are of unwieldy size. This practice is so far necessary in growing large specimens ; but it is followed in not a few cases, I imagine, through timidity to reduce the roots of the plants sufficiently: and so such things as Azaleas, Heaths, Genistas, Acacias, &c., soon get too large for general use, and in the end have to be thrown away to make room for younger stock. Here, the most of our plants of this kind are employed in house-fnrniehing, and having large numbers of small single vases in corners to fill with pot-plants ; and not wanting to turn the plants out of the pots any time they are used, we try to keep them all in suitable-sized pots, that will just fit; and wishing to keep the old plants ou as long as possible without increasing the stock, we have to deal with them in a summary manner in potting. Some of our Genistas, for instance, have been in the same 7-inch pots for six or seven years, and look as if they would keep their health and vigour under the same conditions for twenty years or longer. They are about 3 feet high when in flower, and 2 feet fully through at the base. The health of the plants is all we could desire, and they always flower most profusely. The plants have just been chpped-down with a pair of hedge-shears to the diameter of the pot, and shifted — that is, they have been turned out, and had about 2 inches cut clean off the bottom of the ball, not including the drainage, and 1 inch sliced off aU round, and put back into the same size of pot again. Had it suited our purpose, no doubt we could have had the plants twice their present size or more without increasing the size of the pot. Some dozens of Azaleas in 5 and C-ineh pots have been treated the same way, also Acacias and other plants. Plants so treated experience no greater check, I think, than if the balls had only been slightly loosened round the sides in the usual way. The knife makes a clean cut, and the solid piece of baU left in the centre seems to be quite sufficient to sustain the plant in a healthy state till it makes fresh roots. We have not operated so ex- tensively ou Heaths in this way, but have sliced pot-bound plants of Hyemalis and others without apparent injury, as the plants made their usual growths. — S. W. (in The Gardener). Eablt Seedling Pear. — A correspondent from Mount Airey near Philadelphia, under date of July 17th, sends us the follow- ing, says the " Gardener's Monthly:" — "I send you herewith a branch of a Pear tree with ripe fruit, a seedling from the Seckel, the seed having been planted, and the tree grown on my place. The quality of the fruit is only fair, but coming in a few days earlier than any other variety, X think it has some value. You will notice that the foliage, and the growth of the fruit in clusters, resemble somewhat the Seckel." [This is before the Doyennf d'Ktu, Dearborn's Seedling, or any early Pear we know. The flavour is but second-class, but on account of its early ripening it would be valuable as a NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Ladt Ashbueton's Stove and Geeenhouse Plants, re- moved from Melchet Court, near Bomsey, were sold on the 28th ult. by Mr. Stevens at his rooms in King Street. There were 263 lots. The following were some of the prices realised : — Lffilia anoeps, £11 11». ; Oncidium concolor, £15; Lalia elegans Tumeri, £48 Cs. ; Phalsenopsis Sohilleriana, £38 12s. ; Cypripedium caudatum, £1G ICs. ; Anthurium Scherzerianum, £32 lis. These were all very superior specimens. The annual meeting of the PELAEooNitiii Sooiett was held on the 22nd of July, on which occasion the members present dined together at the " Criterion." The Treasurer, Dr. Denny, was able to report a healthy state of the finances, a balance of £20 8s. id. remaining after paying the prizes awarded at the exhibition on the previous day, and all the working expenses. The sum paid out in prizes was £40. A hope was expressed that the Society, now that it had become better known, might draw around it more abundant support, so that encouragement might be extended to other classes of Pelargoniums besides the Zonals, which was the class speci- ally in view when the Society was originally founded. It was also thought that the inducements offered by the Society might set hybridisers to work, and so be the means of obtain- ing new types of this useful decorative family. The Chairman, Treasurer, Hon. Secretary, and Committee were re-elected, the latter body being strengthened by the addition of the names of Mr. Andrew Henderson, Mr. G. T. RoUisson, Mr. B. S. Wilhams, and Mr. J. F. West. A very pleasant evening was spent, in the course of which a most interesting discussion took place as to the influence of the pollen in cross-breeding and on other matters connected with the history and improve- ment of the Pelargonium. Mr. Pearson suggested that the Society should endeavour to find and to fix satisfactory and intelligible names for the different groups of Pelargoniums, instead of the inapplicable ones — Show, Fancy, Tricolor, Zonal, &e. — now in common use. In reference to the origin of the Fancy Pelargonium Mr. Cooling stated his belief that the first variety of this type, which must have been raised forty years ago, was one called WiUoughbyanum, and that it had been bred from the ordinary varieties of that period crossed with such sorts as Moore's Victory, Fair Helen, etc., WiUough- byanum being one of the seedUngs thus produced. Mr. Williams urged that the objects of the Society were too re- stricted, and that other flowers should be included ; but this objection was met by the argument that to extend the scope of the operations would require more funds, and would create a divided interest, whereas it was better for the Society to concentrate its present efforts on the flower which had been selected, and that other elements would be found in the Show with which that of this Society would always be associated — that of the Royal Horticultural Society for example, as was the case this year. Undee date of August 2nd Mr. Mowbray, gardener to Viscount Kirkaldy, Fnlmer, Slough, writes, " The Potato DISEASE is spreading very much around here. I find this day three pecks out of four bad, and I fear the damage wUl be extensive. The disease appears to be very virulent indeed in its nature." Messes. Hoopeb & Co. write to say that the proba- bility of a prevalence of the Potato disease this autumn, and of the early decay of the haulm, leads them to believe that it wUl be in the interest of competitors to awaed the teizes at an earliee date than has been fixed — viz., November 10th. This change, however, must be contingent upon the consent of aU the competitors, and they therefore request the favour of their stating whether it wUl be agreeable and convenient that the adjudication shall take place some time in the month of Sep- tember or thereabouts, instead of November. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBUEBAN GABDENING. The Chinese PBuruLA. — This being such a useful decorative plant I may be excused for once more calling attention to it, especiaUy as the most simply-contrived place can afford a home for this excellent plant. I shall presume— and no doubt shall be nearly right — that most of those who intend to grow it have already their plants up and pricked-off into pots or pans ; and if that should be so, and they have made Ave or six smaU leaves Angnst 5, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 119 it will be proper to divide the plants carefully, and let each one occapy a small pot, being careful that the soil in this stage is not too strong ; two-thirds iine loam and the remainder of leaf mould and sand is a suitable compost. After this is done replace them in the frame where they were first raised, and let them establish themselves. By no means does the Primula need that amount of heat that many persons feel inclined to give it ; too much heat conduces to weakly-constitutioned plants. A cool frame is one of the best places for these plants after they have established themselves at the stage stated above. They do not need much sun, but they should have all the light that can otherwise be allowed them. A free circulation of air about the plants is necessary, and in the summer months if the frame is hoisted on bricks, and the air allowed to pass under as well as above the plants, it will induce them to become stout and sturdy in their growth. The plants should be elevated so as to be as near the glass as is consistent with the conditions of growth, and allowing at aU times room for the development of leaf and stem, which is so essential to all plants that are re- quired to flower at so dull a period as the Primula. Now the Primula, which is one of the beet of plants for an amateur to grow, must not be starved, but should be grown in a generous way, and it will well repay the cultivator by its massive blooms. There are very few bad strains of this class of plants about, so that if grown well the individual flowers come very fine. Nobody can grow Primulas in a cold damp house, and where they are perhaps overshadowed by large plants, and have neither sufficient light nor air. Great care, too, is necessary in the watering, which should be done as early in the day as possible, adapting the quantity to the requirements of the plant a,nd the surrounding atmosphere. Guard against the soil becoming too wet and perhaps soddened, for if this often occurs, and for any length of time, the plants will become sickly and die-ofl. There are many semi-double and double forms of the Primula in cultivation which are worth growing, as they last in bloom a long time. They are increased by cuttings ; therefore those who undertake their cultivation should secure a well-established plant at the first. Drain the pots well, and use a soil composed of good turfy loam, leaf mould of the purest character, and a little old and well-rotted cow manure, with sand and charcoal added. Do not give them large shifts, and let them only be potted when the roots are fairly working at the outside of the ball of soU. The plants like plenty of light, but shaded from the full sun, as a dry parching atmosphere is injurious to them. Water must be given carefully. In hot weather in summer a cool north aspect is suitable to the plants, and they may be freely venti- lated. These are the principal points in their culture, which if attended to will bring the plants in good health and vigour, and will bloom freely throughout the winter months. Be sure that in winter they have all the light possible, and to be very cautiously watered at that season. — T. Recobd. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOKK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. All around us the farmers are digging their Potatoes and sending them to market. The progress of the disease suggests the propriety of sending them off as speedily as possible ; this is being done, and the restilt is that £i to £i 10s. per ton is only being realised for the best produce. Added to this low figure it must be noted that in some instances there is not more than half a crop from the attack of " curl " early in the season ; numerous diseased tubers are also found, and a very large pro- portion have the white speck on them — always a sure forerunner of the disease. We have not found any symptoms of it in the garden as yet, but this is attributed to the dry borders in which the Potatoes are growing. The tubers intended for plants next season have been stored in a dry loft spread out thinly on the floor. We do not usually save any of our own vegetable seeds, leav- ing this work to the seedsmen, who can do it much cheaper and better ; but the new system of sending out the new Peas at GOs. a quart instead of 5s. as formerly has driven us to do a little of it. With care a packet containing a quarter of a pint gives us about three quarts of Peas, which is quite suiScient for the usual sowings of any new sort for the following season. The pods are gathered as they ripen, and are spread out in a dry place until the Peas are quite hard in the pod, when they are stored away in bags, or, what is better, tins; the preference being given to the latter, as the mice are apt to gnaw the bags, either paper or cloth, into holes. We have taken advantage of the rains to put out the Straw- berry plants ; of course the ground was first trenched and well manured, as we have previously described. A hole is also taken out for the plant large enough to allow of some good loam being put in. This would not be necessary on good Strawberry soil, but in our light soil it is. The plants which have been previously layered in small pots are then put out in a shallow depression, to allow of watering them if necessary. One would have thought that the continuous wet, followed by heavy falls of dew every night since, would have kept oft red spider ; but it has not done BO, and the plants have been plunged overhead in soapy water. The weather being now fine, and the ground from the effects of rain having been surface- hardened, it was quite necessary to run the hoe over all borders and amongst growing crops. We plant Sprouting Broccoli on vacant ground, and it is now a good time to plant vegetables of this description for winter and spring crops. Broccoli should be planted-out on the beds from which the old Strawberry plants have been removed. Celery for the latest use should now be planted-out. See that this crop does not suffer for want of water, but this may be overdone, especially on heavy soils, if the drainage is deficient. PINERIES. We oannot add much to the remarks in the " Doings " of ths last two numbers under this heading, but it may just be hinted that those who have not yet potted their suckers should see to it at once. In fruiting houses, especially where only a small number of plants are grown, the aim of the gardener is to pro- duce certain fruit at the time they are required. Sometimes Queens are stubborn and will not change at the time they ara expected to do so, at another time they will not keep in good condition. We find ripe fruit keeps a long time if placed in a dry cool room ; and to hasten the ripening one gardener of con- siderable experience pulls the plant out of the pot after the fruit has begun to swell, shakes nearly all the mould from the roots, and repots the plant in a small pot. This would certainly accomplish the end in view, but the fruit could not possibly be of such good quality ; indeed, all fruit ripened hurriedly, what- ever the means used, is never of such good quality aa that ripened with the treatment best adapted to it. PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES. As all hardwooded plants are now maturing the wood, it is desirable that they should be as fuUy exposed to the sun as the leaves will stand without injury. In many gardens, and even those of considerable size, there is one house devoted to flower- ing and foliage plants, a miscelkneous collection of Orchids, or indeed any plant that is too tender for the greenhouse. It is not possible under such circumstances to do justice to all. Some plants require all the sun they can have at this season, others would be much injured by it ; so a compromise is made. The house is not shaded enough for some plants and too much for others, and none of them receive the treatment they ought to have, and yet employers may fancy that their gardeners ought to rival the fine plants shown by people who make a specialty of them at the different exhibitions. Hardwooded plants, such as Ixoras, Gardenias, Stephanotia, Dipladenias, and plants of this character ought to be removed to a house where they can have more Ught and air. In very hot weather it is quite as well to shade for an hour before and two hours after noon. We find room in the Pine houses for them, but they are not admitted unless they are quite free from bug. The plants are thoroughly syringed at least twice a-day. It ia also a good time to put in cuttings of the hardwooded plants ; the half-ripened wood if taken off at a joint, and the cuttings inserted in sand, and the pots placed under bell or hand-glasses, will root in time. Some species take much longer to do it than ethers. Palms are subject to the attacks of red spider ; if the leaves are not syringed daily this pest is certain to attack them. It must be sponged off, and the plants syringed daily afterwards. The Cocoa-nut Palm (Cocos uucifera), and the more slender- growing Chamtedorea graminifolia, are peculiarly subject to it. Any Orchids that have not been repotted or placed in fresh baskets ought now to be done. Many of the species that are grown in pots are apt to become sour at the roots, and decay sets in. A good plan is to wash the plant out of this nnsuitable material, and to repot it in clean crocks only. Orchids during the growing season require plentiful supplies of water on the roots, and if the pot or basket contains peat or sphagnum in a state of partial decay this is certain to be destructive ; it is not the nature of the roots to take up moisture from such a source, and they soon suffer in consequence. We have seen Aerides and Vandas turned out of large pots, and the only sound roots were those thrown out above the potting material. Our plan with this class now is to plant in potsherds entirely, with just an inch or so of live sphagnum on the surface. The roots thrive in this if there is no decaying organic matter underneath. The sphagnum should be kept in a healthy growing condition. FLOWER GARDEN. Verbenas, Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, and other fragile flowers looked very seedy during the rains, but they are now flowering freely; the withered trusses and flower-stalks require to be re- moved, and all weeds have been picked out by hand. Tricolor and Bicolor Pelargoniums that have been planted for leaf-effect must have the flowers removed, or the arrangement of colours may be interfered with. Lady CuUum is exceedingly effective this season, and Bright Star of the silver bicolor class holds the highest position; the white ia exceedingly pure. Our bedding 120 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Angnst 6, 1876. Zonals comprise old favourites that have done good service for many years. One often hears of the excellent qualities of the new varieties, but they come in such crowds that it is quite im- possible to purchase all, and according to the vendor's description all of them have superior qualities. We still grow Amy Hogg and Christine for pink, Vesuvius for scarlet, and of crimson shades Stella and Wellington. It is not a long list, but they answer our purpose very well. Phloxes are now in fine flower, the spikes are very strong; they are from two-year-old plants, the delicious perfume is wafted a considerable distance from the beds. A rich soil and plenty of water during the growing season is all the treatment they require beyond tying the spikes to a stout stick. Have been layering Carnations and Picotees. Nearly all our collection has been grown in pots, and as the flowers open they are re- moved to the greenhouse to protect them from the weather, but as soon as the flowers are over it is best to remove the plants outside again, as the " grass " becomes drawn up weakly ; the surface soil in the pots is removed, and some sandy loam put in its place, in which the layers are pegged down. We have also tried to propagate some of the sorts from cuttings, but to be successful with them they ought to be put in about the latter end of June. It is then necessary to mark them with a corre- sponding mark on the plant from which they have been taken, as the flowers may be " run," when the plants from it would be worthless. Pipings strike best in a close frame under a north wall. Auriculas are now starting into growth, and it is necessary to remove all decaying leaves, wbicla if allowed to remain some- times taint the stem and lay the seeds of decay. Our plants were potted in June, but those who have not yet repotted their plants should lose no time in doing so. Pinks have rooted freely in boxes, and will be planted-out in some fine soil some time during this month to be transferred to the beds in October. We are also budding Eoses : this is interesting work for amateurs, and unless the weather be dull it is best performed in the cool of the evening. If the Manetti stock is used the buds should be inserted close to the ground. The same advice may be followed with the seedling Briar. Standards are budded on the young shoots that spring from the stem ; the buds ought to be inserted quite close to the base. A spud ought to be always at hand to remove all suckers as soon as they are perceived ; it is sometimes necessary to remove the soil so that the sucker may be wrenched out at the heel. Manetti suckers are not uufrequently mistaken by the inexperienced for growths from the Eose, and these are pruned and treated as the stems of the Eose itself. When this is the case the Eose will die out in two years, and nothing but Manetti remain. This we have seen where half a dozen young gardeners were kept. — J. Douglas. TEADE CATALOGUE BECEIVED. Louis Van Houtte, Eoyal Nurseries, Ghent, Belgium. — Cata- logue of Bulbs and other Flower Moots. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige na by informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Otlet. — AugTiBt 7th. Mr. Jno. Lee, Hon.-Sec. Bossendale—Newchttbch.— August 7th. Mr. M. J. Lonsdale, Newchurch, Sec. LiTTLEOVER (near Derhyl.— August 7th. Mr. B. Toft, Hon.-Sec. Canterbury. — August i2th. National Carnation and Picotee Society. — August 13th and 14th, in Manchester Botanic Gardens. Kev. F. D. Horner, Eirkby Malzeai-d, Hon.-Sec. BURNOPFIELD. — August 14th. Mr. J. Hood, Sec. Idle.— August 14th. Mr. H. N. Illingworth, Sec. Cabtmel, North Lancashire.— August I4th. Mr. W. Cragg, Hon.-Sec. Coventry (at Coombe Abbey).- August 17th. Mr. T. Wigston, 3, Portland Terrace, Sec. Dover.- August 18th- NoRTHLEACH.— August 18th. Mr. J. Walker, Hon.-Sec. Chard.— August 18th. Mr, T. L. Brown, Hon.-Sec. EASrBotiRNE— in the Devonshire Park. — August 19feh. H. A. E. Rumble, Esq., 26, Hyde Gardens, Sec. Glastonbury. — August 19th. Kev. E. Handley, Hon.-Sec. PoNTTFOOL. — August 19th. Mr. Ernest Deacon, Hou.-Sec. TTlverston. — Auguht 2 Jth. Mr. Geo. Higham, Hon.-Sec. CoNisTON.- August 24th. Mr. Jas. Dickicson, Hon. Sec. Hartlepool — August 24th. Mr. Councillor H. Magoris, Hon.-Sec. Newbory. — Augunt 24th. Mr. H. Seymour, Hon.-Sec. Burton-on-Trent.— August 25th. Mr. W. Shave, t-cc. Isle of Thanet (St. Peters).— August 25th. Bamsgate.— August 25th. C. D. Smith, Esq., 8, Marine Terrace, Margate, Hon.-Sec. Dundee.— August 26tb, 27th, and 23th. Mr. R. McKelvie, 51, Reform Street, Sec. Wakefield. —August 28th. Mr. A. Holmes (Parish Clerk), Sec. Chippenham.— August Slat. RFr. Alfred Wright, Sec. Deal and Walmer.— August Slst. Bath. — September Ist and 2nd. Mr. B. Pearson, 13, Milsom Street, Sec. Great Yarmouth.- September 2nd. Mr. S. Aldred, Hon.-Sec. Niton and Whit well.— September 2nd. Mr. E, W. Berry, HoB.-Sec. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,• All correspondence should be directed either to ** The Editors," or to *' The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Br. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. "We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing bo subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to G-ardeniug and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, 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. Heating by Paraffin Oil {R. F.).— We do not see that your mode differs from others in which gas has been employed for heating. When you have proved that a paraffin lamp -Kill give out sufficient heat to exclude frost we shall be pleased to hear from yon again. Begonia Seedlings {Inquirer). — The flowera were quite withered. Potatoes Beginning to be Diseased (H. B. E.). — Take the crop np im- mediately, and store them in a cold dry outhouse in layers alternately with sand. II you had taken them up in mid-July they would not have been diseased. Saponaria calarrica Failing {J. H.).— We are unable in the absence of any particulars to assign a cause or remedy, it probably having been destroyed by the " white " grub jou have found at the roots. Keeping Cucu3ibers and Vegetable Marrows (F. J.). — Beyond keep- ing Cucumbers in a pickled state, and Vegetable Marrows in the ripe form, we d:; not know of a mode of preserving them for a few months in a useable state. Seedling Fig (J. H.). — The leaf ia very deeply Icbed and dissimilar in formarion from any we are acquainted with. It is likely the tree would fruit were it planted-out against a south wall, or more certainly were it grown in a large put arjd under glass, especially as it is now showing fruit at "every poiut." By fill means ascertain what the fruit is before yoa disoard it or increase it. Cdtting-back Laurel Hedge (H. T.).— Defer the cuttiog-in until the close of March or the early part of April, and you may then cut-in the branches, old or young, to the eitent required with every chance of their putting-out young shoots freely. Go over the growths early in August, and cut-in any irregularities. Thrips on Platyloma cordipolia {Constant Reader) — The frond sent us is infested with thrips, which causes the whiteness of which you compiain by the insects destroying the tissues. This Fern and the other you name — viz., Cyrtomium falcatum, are very subject to attacks of thrips. Fumigation with tobacco is the best remedy, which to be effectual should be repeated on two consecutive evenings, and again in a week, aud agaiu whenever an iusect is seen. If only these plants are infested the plants may be freed by a wet sponge, or the fronds immersed in tobacco water, which may he made by pouring boiling water upon the strongest shag tobacco — 1 oz. to every halJt gallon of water. When cool it is fit for use. Excepting young plants and those in'very small pots growing freely we do not advise Ferns to be potted at this time of the year, though it may be done satisfactorily with pot-bound plants. Constructing Forcing Pit {Amateur).— A low span-roofed one is most suitable for a majority of plants, and having a walk up the centre with about 4 feet width on both sides for plants. Oue side we should have a bed with bot-\rater pipes — i c, two 4-inch pipes in the 4-feet width for affording bottom heat to such plants as may require it, for striking cuttings or for afford- ing bottom heat to Cucumbers or Melons, whichever you may use the pit for when not employed for forcing. The walls we should have 4 feet high, and you may have 2-feet side lights, and the pit about 10 feet high in the centre from the floor to the ridge. The side lights should be made to open the entire length on one side, or better every other light en opposite sides, and lights of 2-feet width the entire length of the pit on one side of the ridge, and to open by cranks and lever, also the side lights. In addition to the two pipes for bottom heat you will require two on the same side for top heat, and also two on the opposite side, which we should have beueath the shelf on that side. Over the walk you may have a shelf, which will be very useful for dwarf plants or Strawberries, and under the stage you may force Seakale and Rhubarb, the former being covered-up so as to blanch the growths. The leugth of the pit may be what you wish. LiLiuMS FOB Outdoor Culture (An Amateur). — The culture of Lilinms in the open border is very simple, they only requiring to be planted about 4 inches deep in rich, deep, well-drained soil, adding to the soil peat or leaf soil or both, with a liberal dressing of dung and saud, the latter in goodly quantity if the soil be heavy. A few kinds suitable fur the open borders are — L. Browni, bulbiferum, candidum, colchicum. cbalced^'uicum, lougiflorum, martagon, pulchellum, superbum, tenuiflorum, ti^iinum, and tigrinum splendens. Both L. auratum and L. lancilolium vars. succeed well outdoors in all but very cold situations. Good and Cheap Gladioli (Idem).— Oracle, Flavia, Queen Victoria, Emile, Eurydice, Felicien David, t^ir William Hooker, Le Titien, MUton, Racine, Lord Byron, and Stephenson. Vines Unfruitful {Old Subscriber). — The time you name, 9 o'clock, for giving air, is not early enough, and is sufficient to account for the scorched leaf sent us. A little air should be left on all night whatever the weather may be, ajd it should be increased when the thermometer indicates 75*^, which certainly will be attained before nine, and air admitted as occasion requires to prevent the temperature rising above 80^ to 85^ without full air, and it should be reduced at SO", and at 75- the house closed, with the excep- tion of little air left on constantly, which will prevoat scorching of the leaves or scalding of the berries. The side shoots, if so thick as yon describe, will bo sufficient to account for the unfruitfulness; reduce them at once to 16 inches apart on each side of the rod. Stop the shoots at the sixth leaf, which will keep the shoots and leaves from overlapping ; no leaves other than those removed by stopping or removing laterals to be interfered with. The charred refuse may be obtained by maJiing a fire and placing upon it any refuse you may have at command, as garden refuse, trimmings of trees, rough tufts of grass with Home soil adhering, taking core that it only Aagost 5, 187S. ] JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTORB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 121 Smoulder, ami not blaze or break through, covering it with the sods yon pro- pose ufiiuK, which will do them no harm but ROod, and when it is charred through put out the tire. The top 3 iuches of the pasture, not the " top spit," will be Huitablo for the border. The manure for the border should be half-decayed, or better fresher, with all the straws practicable removed. There is no need to thatch the border, a covering of leaves and httery manure may bo given to prutoct the roots from frost, the littery part being re- moved in April and the short, left. Potato Disease— Insfcts (H. N. O., Mallow). — The black ova sent have certaioly not tlio slit-htest connection with the Potato disease. Their pre- sence on the Potato root is accidental.— I. O. W. Azaleas Making Fresh Growth (7*. W. L.I.— Whilst making fresh growth, and until that is complete and the buds formed, they require to be kept close and moiat. A temperature of 60- to 65^ at night, and 70'^ to 70 ' by day, with a ride from sun heat to 80^ or 90'^, air beiug admitted moderately, and the planth shaded from bright nun. The pit would be more suitable for the plants than a Rreonhouse until the growth is made and the bud^ sot, after which th^y should have air more freely, and the shading be gradually withdrawn. When hardened-off they are best in an airy bouse, and shaded from bright sun. Glass for Camellia House fSoio).— Rouch plate glass a quarter of an inch thick would do away with tho necessity for shading; or pla'"e glass ground on one side answers perfectly, the cronnd side beiu'^ placed insiie, and the smooth or unground side outside. If the roof be already glazed with clear glass you may give an efficient shading by painting the inside with a wa=h formed of skim milk and whiting of the consistency of whitewash. It; will last good until the close of September, after which it may be washed off, shading not being required in winter. Poppies (A Lai!y in Cheshire). — There is a number of herbaceous kinds, bat none correBpondiug to the one you describe. The Great Scarlet Poppy (Pdp4ver bracteitum), with flowers 9 inches acrose, is grand; and so is the Iceland Poppy (P. nudicaule', with yellow flowers; but there is no perennial with the flowers approaching your description. It must be an annual, and its appearing twice in the same border and place two years con- Becutivtly is no proof of its perennial character, as they produce themselvos very freely from aelf-town seeds. It is notusuil for them to appear year after year. We have known a bed of French Poppies reproduce itself for a number of years, and the identic U kind you name we have had year after year, in a plot of Seakale the last year, and not a plant, in the time has befn allowed to seed; hence th^y have arisen from seed previously existent in the soil in a dormant eta^e. It is the Pie my-llowered, whii^h you may obtain in ten colours. The Carnation Puppy may be had in twelve colours, treating them as hardy annuals. Fine indeed are such plants for shrubbery and herbaceous borders. Double Pybethrums {J. B., Nottingham). — Propagation is effected by division of the plants when they are beginning to grow, each slip or division being removed with a portion of root and planted in a shady border of light soil, and watered until established. More generally, however, cuttings are made of the growing shoots, and eapeoiolly those situated at the base of the plants, having two or three joints, aud inserting two-thirds the length of the catting3 in sandy soil in a shady border, and covering with a handglass. Bedding Geraniums (F. J.). — Inserting the cuttings in large pots half filled with compost is a novel idea, and beyond that has nothing to recommend it. Four to six cuttings may be wintered quite well in a U-inch pot, potting them off singly in March. Better thau pots where room is an object is to insert the cuttines in boxes, and 1^ inch to 2 inches apart, potting-off in February if you have heat, or in March without it. Very good plants may be bad either way, and very little inferior to those grown during the winter in pots singly. Wasps' Nest under Roosi-floor (A. B.).— If yon cannot reach the wasps' nest under the fl 'or of your dining-room to destroy it by burning or other- wise, your plan of closing the grating.s by which they enter, aud thus starve them to death, is the only which we think can be safely resorted to. Prevent them from from getting food outside and they will perish. Insects {Letitia).~'We think it very unlikely that you will be able to keep yonr soath-of-England Glow-worms alive and breed them in Co. Antrim, Ireland. Thev feed on snails, slugs, and small worms.— I. 0. W. We should put them in a garden and leave them to their own instincts. Name of Trees (C. W. iU.l.— The large leaf is the Variegated Sycamore (Acer pseudo-platanus albo-variegatum). The other is aleo an Acer, probably Opnius. but a smashed leaf is not sufQcient to enable us to identify it correctly. Names of Fruits (J. P. Allan).— It is the Flemish Cherry. Names of Plants (D.).—!, Limnanthes Douglasii; 2, Too withered. (J. W. L.).— Thalictrara aquilegifoliura. (^. 2.).— 1, Lonicera japonici; 2, Sednm Sieboldii ; 3, Too shrivelled; 4, Achimenes sp. (E. J. S.).—l, Poly- podium aureum var. aristatum ; 3, P. appendiculatum ; 4, P. (Goniophlebium) Bubiuriculatum; 2, Selaginella cuspidata; 5, Pteris quadriaurita ; 6, Asple- nium hulbiferum. POULTRY, BEE, AWD PIGEON OHEONIOLE, LES BASSES-COURS DE L'ANGLETERRE. Chaptek 2.— FAVEESHAM. 44, Preston Street, tbia time is onr destination, and close to the station we found it. How we envied Mr. Bring who can throw a stone almost into the parcels office. We who have to go close on two leagues to send off a basket of eggs or fetch a bird from the station, certainly did wish we were a little nearer when we saw how conveniently our friend was situated. Mr. Dring is an old friend of ours. He was almost the first friend in the fancy we ever knew, and though that was close on half a score of years ago, we never were able somehow to see the Houdans aud Creve-Creurs in their own Kentish home till we planned this visit. Mr. Dring is most assuredly one of those who does wonders in a small place. Those who see his name at show after show winning cups and prizes can have no con- ception that only a back garden and an enclosed yard are hia poultry premises. Surely if they did they would cry, "Let us go and do likewise," for certainly Mr. Dring holds a proud and prominent place in the poultry world arena. A right hearty welcome we found awaiting us from both Mr. and Mrs. Dring, for Mrs. Dring is as " far gone " as her husband ; in fact, Mr. Dring is proud to be able to tell everyone that a great part of his success is due to his good lady. When he is away amid the barrels of sparkling bitter beer, brewed from the finest East Kent hops, she is feeding the "coming K's " on every conceivable kind of titbit, or making some dainty dish for a promising brood of early chickens, or administering minute and frequent doses of " paste " to a Creve cock who is off his feed, or choppiug-up green meat — making savoury salads in fact for the growing birds. Yes, Mrs. Dring is an enthusiastic fancier, and a knowing one. We heard once how she saw a Houdau cock in a far distant farm homestead, and quickly de- tecting its merits took home the trophy to her husband, which went afterwards the round of the shows, bringing-in first prizes and cups ad libitum. Mrs. Dring on this occasion, too, was up to the mark, for she first found its pedigree, and so knew she would be in no way sullying the fair honour of the birds she had left behind her. AH these things does Mr. Driiig's good lady do. At the Palace she is as well known as he is, for basket in hand she goes round distributing chickweed aud watercress, not only to their own birds but to any she sees in need of it. Truly a thorough fancier is Mrs. Dring ! 41, Preston Street, is a corner house in the street. It has behind it what would be an ordinary-sized town garden. In the centre of this is a piece of green, aud round it are the runs. The garden plots have long ago gone, they melted one by one into the chicken runs as the fever grew fiercer, and when we went there it was all " establishment." The houses and yards were as clean as this paper. They were a treat to see, and, of course, this is a great reason why Mr. and Mrs. Dring are so successful. We saw champion Houdan and Creve cocks in little houses, who took turns for a promenade on the garden green. The water for them was clear, their houses all sanded down with clean sparkling sand and pounded sea shells. We saw a long run going down two sides of the garden almost full of Crcvo hens. There were winners there at all the best shows. We noticed one pair especially, perfect beauties, huge in crest, black as jet, and with bodies like brave Coloured Dorking hens. They matched so well it seemed a pity to send them out sepa- rately. Every foot of space in this garden was made the most of. We even saw a trio of cockerels living in the summer bouse. This was evidently the last place given up to the birds, and we can imagine even our enthusiastic friend here giving a shiver as he saw his smoking snuggery also given-up to the Frenchmen. Wo next crossed a road close to the house and found a garden which Mr. Dring hires, this was also wholly given up to the birds. The houses here were large and commodious and scru- pulously clean. The runs were a fair size, and were covered nearly over with bioken and pounded sea shells, and the birds seemed to thrive marvellously in them. There were birds put- up for breeding when we saw them in two of them, and the others were full of cockerels and pullets ready for the show-pen or the purchaser. We noticed one or two white birds which looked very striking among the coloured. These were bred from perfect winning specimens, and afford another instnnce of how the truest-feathered birds throw chickens different in plumage to themselves. When we went indoors we were regaled on cold boiled Houdan, and delicious it was. If it ever comes to our lot to breed birds for the table we shall give Houdans tho first turn. We never remember eating chickens with such delicate meat or of such fine flavour. Mr. Dring showed us, too, his cups — and a beau- tiful collection they were — each one looking as bright as if it had that moment been turned out of Elkington's. We were, as old friends, privileged persons, for we were shown the account book; and though we will not divulge one line of that well-kept ledger, still we must say we were amazed to see how little Mr. Dring asks for his winning and stock birds. Really the birds seemed to us to be given away ; but Mr. Dring assures us he finds it by far the best way to sell a good bird at a fair price, for the same customers then keep coming again. And certainly time after time we saw in that ledger the name of the same purchaser occurring, and that being, too, of a well-known exhibitor ; so wo are inclined to think Mr. Dring's method of dealing a good one. Mr. Dring is fortunate in having a friend near him who lives in the country, and who frequently allows a few birds to be sent to him for fresh country air. This must be a great boon, for when a bird droops or ails from any cause nothing affords such a good " pick-me-up " as a run in a rich country field ; and we can imagine even that Mr. Dring has often cause to thank his friend in the country for some small portion of his successes. When we left, our worthy host drove us to Ashford, and tho drive was most beautiful, passing the famous Eastwell Park with its fine undulating grounds. Wo carried away the recol- 122 JOUBNAL OP HORTICOLTDBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ Angast 5, 187S, lection of a most happy time, and were delighted to have had the opportunity of seeing oar old friend's French people on their own dunghills. — W. BATH, WEST OF ENGLAND, AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES SOCIETT. The nsnal Council Meetins of this Society was held at the Grand Hotel, Bristol, on July 27th. The Cbotbon Meeting.— Mr. Herbert WilUams, as chairman of the Finance Committee, brought up a statement of the receipts at the recent annual meeting, and concluded by asking the sanction of the Council to the payment of prizes and other claims to the amount of £6059. The several proposals having been seconded were carried unanimously. It transpired in the course of the proceedings that although a loss of several hundred pounds was incurred by the Croydon Meetine, the Society will not have oceaeion to draw on its funded capital. Hebefobd Meeting. — With a view to the adequate encourage- ment of Channel Islands cattle at the Hereford Meeting, 1876, sn addition of £100 was made to the amount granted for stock at the Bristol Meeting, thus raising it in the aggregate of £iaiO. The amount allowed to Stewards of poultry was increased to £22.5, with a \'iew to offering the additional inducement of cups for Pigeons. To the department of horticulture £130 was allotted CIBENCESTER SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. July 28th, 29th, 30th. Mr. D.iRBY must be congratulated upon a most excellent Show, both as regards quality and numbers. We understand that a difSculty arose in procuring a Judge, when at the last minute Mr. John Martin was secured. The Committee will do well another year to arrange this matter earlier, and moreover advertise the Judge's name, that exhibitors may enter with con- fidence. In this instance the awards were not all satisfactory. The Show was held in a fine tent, Mr. Billett managing. The prize cards were a nice feature, being designs of Mr. Long's ; the classes all illustrated on the face. In Light Brahmas first were fair chicks, good in leg-feather, but by no means so large or so massive in shape as we have seen Mr. Haines show this season. The pen was also awarded the cup for the section over Dark Brahmas, Cochins, Dorkings, and Game. In our humble opinion either the first or second Buffs, the first Whites, or the first Dorkings were infinitely superior, and the most minute scrutiny failed to show us the justice of the award. Second were good old birds, but given to the exhi- bitor's worst of three pens ; Mr. Bloodworth's No. 10 being very nice, the hen a beauty. Darks were a poor lot. First a big cock and fair hen ; second a nice hen and a tailless big-combed cock of good colour. The best cock was 19 (Long), but the hen very poor. Buff Cochins were a grand class. First very rich colour ; hen very good. Second rich, but a trifle square in tail. The first Whites were excellent in colour, shape, and feather ; second rich Partridge. Black cocks were poor, but the hens fair The first Dorkings were very fine, especially the hen ; second a largo cock, but poor hen. Game were not good. First a rich-coloured Black Bed, not stylish enough; second a fair Brown Red. The first Duckwing was very high in tail, bad in colour, and badly dubbed ; either of the Piles were decidedly preferable, being capital in colour and style, though their tails were broken ; but the second was withheld from better birds than the winner. Spanish were poor. First a nice hen and fairly good cock. In Gold-spangles first was a neat cock and poor hen ; second a moderate cock, with a hen of no merit whatever. The best pair were unnoticed, the cock being bare on his head. In Silver- spangles the first cock was a nice bird but very yellow, faulty in comb, and a little white in face ; second a capital hen. 60 (Carr) were promising chicks. 63 (Long) was the best cock, but not so good a hen. In Gold-pencils the first cock had a good head, but no other qualities ; the hen was better. Second a far better cock. Mr. Carr's was also abetter cock, but not so neat in head. Silver-pencils were poor. In French first was a nice CrOve cock with a poor hen. They took the section cup away from Spanish and Hamburghs. Second were Creves, the cock small in crest. Mr. Lane's Houdans as a pair were the best of the lot, good in comb, colour, size, and head, but unnoticed. Game Bantams were poor. First Black Beds, fair; second neat Piles. The first Silver-laced were very fair ; second moderate Blacks ; a pen of capital White chicks being unnoticed. In the Variety class first were Black Hamburghs, second the same, third White Minorcas, fourth Silver Polands ; the hen a fair one, but none of the Polands were of the quality we see further north. The Duck classes were very small, and the quality nothing extra. Geese numbered no less than twelve pens, but Mr. Derry's two pens did not put in an appearance, or he must have won. The first was a Grey and second White ; the latter the better bird. Babbits numbered fifty-seven in four classes — a good entry. Lops were not good, a Black winning first. In Himalayas first was very good in nose, feet, and ears ; second pressing close. In Silver-Greys first was grand all over; second da-^k in face. Messrs. Haeketts should have taken second honours with their very nice Rabbit. In the Variety class first and second were very well-wooUed Angoras, and highly commended (Hackett) a nice Belgian hare. In Pigeons the first Carrier was a good Dan ; second good in eye-wattle. Dragoons were very numerous, 160 (Yardley) being our fancy ; the first being, however, a nice bird, as was the second, although a little slight in beak. 166 (Woods) was a capital bird, unnoticed. In Fantails first and second were nice Blues, as was 172 (Tardley). Antwerps were easily won by Mr. Tardley with a Dun and a Red Chequer, nothing else approach- ing them. Magpies were very numerous and good. We thought the winner's highly commended pen No. 20.5 the best. In Owls first and second went to a nice White African and an English Silver, Mr. Vander Meersch's Whites beint; coarse. In Tumblers first was a good Almond, second moderate ditto, a grand Kite being highly commended. In the Variety class first was a good Barb, second a very fine Runt. This wag a very large but decidedly weak class. There were a few rich Cayenne Norwich Canaries, and two or three good Mules. With these exceptions cage birds were de- cidedly a poor lot. BR4HMAS.— Liff/iL— 1 and Cap, T. A. Dean. 2, J. Bloodworth, Dark.—l, Eev. G.W. Joyce. OocHiNS.— CiTinamQTi or Buff.—\, C. Bloodworth. 2, J. Bloodworth. Any other variety.—], C. Bloodworth. 2. B. Radclifle. D0RK1N03.— 1, T. C. Rarnell. 2, H. Feast. Game.— Biacfc irreaited and other Keds.—\t E. S. GodselL 2, H. Feast. Any other variety,— 1, E. F. Woodman. Spanmsh.— 1. Mrs. E. Atlsopp 2, G. Hanks. Hamburghs. —GoM-sp(iH£7;t'(f.—l, H. Feast. 2, J. K Harris. 81 Iver-ftpangUd. —1.. J. Carr. 2. H. Feast. Gold-pencilled,— l,G.Pa.Tkh&m. 2, J. Long. Silver- penciiled.—l, H. Feast. French.— 1 and Cu.), J. S Magga. 2, H. Feast. Bantams —0(ime.— I. J. Mayo. 2. P. F. Le Saeur. Any other variety.— 1,G. HoUiiway. jan 2, D. C. Winzfleld. Any othe * Variety —1, J. Long 2. T. A. Wright. 8, J. Croote. Sf.llinq riLAss.— 1, T. A. Dpan. 2, J. Bloodworth. Ducks.— Rouen.— 1, J. S Maffgs. 2. T. C. Burnell. AyUsbury,—}, 2. and Medal, E, Bowley. Any other variety,— 1, Mrs. H. J. Bailey. 2, G. S. Sains- bury. Gkese.— 1, G. Hanks. 2. A. M. Mnrphy. TuBKEYS.— 1, W. Slatter, sen. PIGEONS. Carbiebs —2. W. D. Rit!h»rdson. T)R\ao'>ss.~BUteor8ilver,—l.G S. Prentice. 2, E. Woods. Fantails. — 1 and 2. A. A Vander Meersch. AyTWKSPi.— Short-faced.— 1 and 2. H. Yardley. Maopiks.— 1. E P. Bullev. 2. G.J. Dewey. Owls —1, A, J. Barnes 2, E. P. Bnlley. TUMBLEBS.— 1. H. Yardley. 2, .\. A, Vander Meersch. Any OTHEB Variety. — 1, H Yardley. 2, A. Miles. Selling Class.- 1 and 2, H. Yardley. RABBITS. Lop-EAH.— 1. J. Turner. 2, R. Bright. Jan. Himalayan.- 1, H. E. Gilbert. 2, J. Bloodworth. Silver Gbey.— 1, Miss Mortimer. 2. J. P. Bartlett. ANY OTHEa Variety.— 1, H. Thorp-Hincks. 2, C. Arthar. CANARIES. Norwich.— 1 and 2, E. J. Pope. Belgian.— 1. Miss Bridges. 2. E. Barnard. Any other Variety of Canary. —1, W. Smith. 2. J. Crew. Goldfinch Mcle.— 1, G. E. Russell. 2, J. Bexson. Any othe ^ Variety of Mcle —1. W. Smith. 2, G. Parrott. Selli.no Cliss. — 1, G. E. Russell. 2, F. Matthews. FOREIGN BIRDS. Parrot OB CocK*T^o.—l. Miss Bridges- 2. G Parrott. LoYE Birds or Parakeets —1. J. Bloodworth. Any other Variety op Foreign Birds.— 1 anl 2, E. Barnard. BISHOP AUCKLAND SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. This meeting was on the 27th ult. in the cricket field. Although the prizes in poultry had been greatly enhanced in value, yet the number of entries were little more than half of those of last year, while the Pigeons and Rabbits showing an increase of fifty or thereabouts. Qame were poor with the exception of a few birds, but the Spanish were very good. Cochins were a splendid lot, all the awards going to one yard, and also the extra prize. Brahmas good and well placed. Hani' burghs were moderate classes, while the winners in some of the classes were as good as can be, the first in Gold and also in Silver-spangles particularly. In French were four pens, and Polands one of White-crested Blacks. Chickens brought eleven pens ; the first good but not forward Buff Cochins ; second Dorkings, and extra second a good pen of Light Brahmas. The Selling class was a mistake, no price being specified at which the exhibits could be claimed. Turkeys were very large and good, and the first-prize White Geese a grand pair. Aylesbnrys in Ducks were allowed a class to themselves, whUe all the rest were huddled in one class. Surely the list needs remodelling. Medals or the amount in cash of £2 and £1 were offered for birds in the county of Durham, but as separate entries had to be made in each class only five entries put in for the £5 thuB offered. Pigeons as seen before were a much better show. Carriers seventeen pens, with some good birds, and the winners Black. Pouters, the winners Blue. In Tumblers first and third were Almonds, and second a nice Black Mottle if clean, but now in August 6, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OABDENEB. 123 wretched condition. The first Almond had a mo3t natural head, bat the third suggested the idea of having been tampered with when young, but otherwise was the best. Trumpeters were Black Mottles, the first and second were very good. Jacobins, first and third Red, and second White, and all good. Turbits were a class of twenty pens, the first a splendid Black, second Silver, and third Blue. Fantails were very good, the winners good ; the second-prize cock a wonderfixl bird, small, and grand in carriage, and quite our idea of a good Fantail. In Owla first was a White foreign, second Silver, and third Blue, both English, and all very good. The Variety class contained twenty-seven entries, and were a difficult one to judge with satisfaction to either Judge or exhibitors. The first was a Black Barb, and second a Yellow Barb ; an extra second and third were, however, awarded in this class. liahbics had two classes— viz., Lop and Any other variety. In the former Self-coloured won, but we failed to obtain the measure- ments ; the first was a very good Rabbit. In the Variety class the first was a Himalayan, second Silver-Grey, and third Belgian Hare. All were placed under a large marquee iu Fothergill's pens, and a few pens were empty, from what cause we could not ascertain. This schedule needs remodelling. Game — Jjiv variety.— Cock.— 1, C. E. MorKan, Bishop AacklaDd. 2, J. T Prouil. Binchester. Bishop Aacklapd. 8. W. YGuni.'hu3band. Darlincton. Black breasted Bciin— 1. R. Charlton, Towliw. 1. G. B. Bell. Layton Fields. Darlington 8, w. YounKhnsband. Anij other variety.— \, G. Carter, Sandhill, Bedale. 2, C .I.Yonng&G Holmes, Driffield- 3, C Morgan, Bishop Auckland. he, G. Gornall, Bishop Auckland ; W. Gile. Wheatbottoin. Dorkings.— Orel/.— 1 and 2, Simpson & Dodd, Bedale. Spanish —1. R, shield, Swelwell. 2, Simpson &Dedds. 8, J. Cralg.lFrosterley. he, B. Dale, Old Ormsby. Cochins.— 1. 2, and 3, G. H. Proctor, Durham. Bbaiima Pootras.— 1, W. 'Whiteley, Sheffield. 2. O. B. Bell. 8, R. Shield, ftc, W Swinton, Etherley: 0. Venables, Sheraton, Castle Eden; R N. Hopkin- son, DarlinRton. HAyiiwRoiis —Sliangled—I, R. Keenleyside, AycIifTe. Darlin^on. 2, C. J. Young ,S G. Holmes. 3, D. Cheyne, Bebside Colliery. Golden-pencilled.-l. R. Keenlevside. 2, A- G. Mitchell, Bishop Auckland. 8, K. Hutton, Sunderland. he, D. Cheyne. Silver-spangled —\, G. Aldersnn, West Hartlepool. 2, C. J. Yonnp & G. Holmes. 3, R. Keenleyside. Silver pencillrd. — I, J. Jackson, Towlaw. 2, R Keenleyside. 8, R. Hutton. French.- 1, Mrs. Smith. 2, Rev. J. G. Milner, Hamsterley. 3, T. Goodwill, Pickering. PoLANDS.-I, J. T. Proud. Chickens.— I, O. H. Proctor. 2, S. J. Younc & Q. Holmes. Extra 2, S. Lucas, Hitchin. 8, J, T. Proud; F. E. Gibson, he, Mrs. Smith, Durham County Asylum : Urwin & Iveston. Whitby. Selling Class.- Cocfc, Cockerel, or Drake.—\, Wells & Sherwin, Ripon. 2. J. T. Proud. S, W. Jopling, Frosteriey. hcJ.G. Ramsey. Yarm-on-Tees ; Mrs. Smith; H. A. Cain, Sunderland. Hen. Pullet, or Duek.—l, T. Carrah, Wooderoft, Frosteriey. 2. H. H. .\shton. Mottram. 3, C. Morgan. Turkeys.- 1, Miss Kirk, Givendale, Ripon, 2, Mrs. Sanderson, Wolsingham. S, Miss Prond, Binchester. Geese.— 1, C. J. Y.)aog & G. Holmes. 2, W. Love. Wolsingham. Ducks,- .^y/csbHry.— 1 and 2, F. E. Gibson, Middleton-in-Teesdale. 3,S, Gul- liver, Aylesbury, he, C. J. Young & G. Holmes. Any other variety.— \ and 2, Rev. .T G. Milner. 8, G. B. Bell, he, W. Canney, Bishop Auckland (2) ; C. J. Yonng and G. Holmea Bantams. — Game, Black-breasted and other Reds —\, J. Robflon, Bishop Auckland. 2. C. J. Young & G. Holmes. 3, C. W. Waggitt, Bishop Auckland. Ami other variety.— 'i. Wells & Sherwin. 2, J. C. Cartwnght, Willington, 3, W. Huichinson, Auckland Park Colliery, he. Rev. J. G. Milner ; J. C. Cartwright ; A. G. Mitchell, Bisbo? Auckland. Guinea Fowls.—], G. B. Plummer, Maunby, Thirak. 2, C. J. Young & G. Holmes. 8, Mrs. Sanderson. Wolsingham. Game. — Limited t'> the county of Durham — 1. W. Younghusband. ANY Variety except Game and Bantams.- Z//oii(edto the county of Durham. —1, Q. H. Proctor. Bantams.— Limited to the county of Durham.— \, R. F. Marley. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1 and 2, R. Beckworth, Sunderland. 8, R. Blacklock, Sunderland. c, H. A. Ayrton, Saltburn ; T. Cumber, Heighington ; W. G. Harrison. Pouters.— I, 2, and he, R. Blacklock. 8 and c, E. Beckworth. Tumblers —1,T Bowen. Witton Park. 2 and 3, E. Beckworth. TRU.MPETERS — 1 and 2, E. Beckworth. 3, Wells & Sherwin. Jacobins.— 1. O. Alderson, West Hartlepool. 2, E. Beckworth. 8, Wells and Sherwin. he, T. Wilkinson, Biehop Auckland ; E. Beckworth. Turrits.— 1 and r'lC, J. H. Hedley, Hexham. 2 and 8, G. Alderson. Tie, J. Dargue, Crook, c, H. Maddison, Durham; T. Dale, Scorton, Catterick ; E. Beckworth ; J. Davison. Fantails.— I and 2, E. Beckworth. 8, J. Hutchinson, New Coundon. Owls.- Erifl/i.th or Foreign.— \, G. Alderson. 2, T. Wilkinson 3, J. H. Hedley. he, G. Alderson ; R. Stephenson, Bishop Anukland, c, T. Wilkinson ; E. Beck- worth ; J. H. Hedley. Any other Varibtt.— 1 and 2, E. Beckworth. 3. Wells & Sherwin. he. Wells and sherwin ; T, Gatenby, Darlington ; T. Wilkinson. RABBITS. Lop-eared —1, Dr. W. B. Bowden. 2, J. S. Robinson. Darlington. 8, J. Murray, Ousebum, Newcastle-on-Tyne. he, R. Bushby, New Shildon; J. Brigge, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Any other Variety.- 1, R. Patham, Bishop Auckland. 2, E. McKay, Dar- lington. 3, J. Poole, Darlington. JoDOE. — Mr. Cannan, Bradford. Sit and Set, Lay and Lie. — The two words "sit" and "set" are too much mistaken for each other. When a grammar class is asked, for the first time, if it is right to say "hens set," ** court sets, " one-half of them, perhaps, will vote one way and the other h*If the other. The court means the judge or judges; the judge sita, the court aits, the jury sits, hens sit, birds sit. *' Setting hen" is wron^; hens are not "setters" or pointers. Set requires an objective case ; we set a chair, but we sit in it. There is a similar difficulty in the nse of "lie" and "lay." In families whose hens "set," everything "lays," andaU"lay abed." The quoted words are wrong. Lay means to place, and requires an objective, aa the " hen lays eggs." We should say the book lies on the table; he lies abed; lies low. Everybody lies, if you please, bat nobody lays unless he has something to lay. FEANT SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This little Society has advanced with wonderful rapidity. Its Show was held on July 20th in Bridge Park, lent by the Earl of Abergavenny, The day was most beautiful, and as the Earl also for the day threw the grounds and gardens round the Castle open the whole place was continually thronged. The gardens alone were a sight, and reflect the highest credit on Mr. Rust for having them in auoh high condition this trying season. The quality of the birds was very good. We were agreeably surprised to find BO many good 1875 chickens putting in an appearance. Dorlings came first on the list. The old birds were rather out of feather. The third-prize pen of adults were very nice Whites. Dorking chickens were really very fair, the first-prize cockerel being of much promise. Game were wonderfully good both in chickens and adults. Mr. Ritchie brought a fine team of birds, and deservedly took away five out of the six prizes, and we almost think he should have had the whole half dozen, for his unnoticed Pile chickens were good. GocMna were splendid. The first-prize pen of adults were very large and in faultless feather and condition; these carried oft the champion cup for best of old birds in the Show. Second went to fair Buffs, and third to poor Whites. Cochin chickens were also very good, and the first-prize pen of Whites won the other cup for best pen of chickens in the Show. Second went to Whites very little inferior to their cup brother and sister ; and third went to Partridges, large, but hocked, still of much merit. Spanish were pretty good, the adults much the best, the first- prize cock having quite a nice face and comb. The second-prize chickens were small and wanting in quality generally. Brahmas were good, the Light very nice. Mr. Edghill's birds were well shown, and his winning chickens capital. The Dark chickens were also a good lot, but the adults not so good. Mr. Stevens sent some beautiful pens " not for competition." Hamburghs were a great improvement on those of former years, the Pen- cilled especially putting in quite a creditable appearance. The adults were the best. In chickens Mr. Lewis sent two nice bir.ls in one pen, but they were both cockerels. The Spangled were not so good. We hope the neighbourhood will look up some better before next year. We should recommend a little fresh blood from Goitstock. Adult French were poor. We were sorry for this, for we have immense faith in them for layers and the table. The aecond Creve cock had a golden collarette. We thought they were no longer allowed, though they were frequently seen when the breed was first introduced. In the Variety class all the prizes went to beautiful Silkies, and the same in the chicken class. There was a nice pen of Polish or two in these classes. Game Bantams were fair, the first a long way ahead. In the Variety Bantam class first went to single-combed Whites. We could not understand this award. The second went to beautiful White-booted. Rouen Ducks and ducklings were capital, and so were the Aylesburys— pen after pen of much quality. We thought the winners well selected. In Variety Duck class Muscovies, Calls, and East Indians won in this order. Oeese and Turkeys were small classes, but the quality was good, and the winners seemed properly chosen. The collections of Pigeons were good. The Toys m first and second-prize lots were very pretty and nicely showu. The Babbits were good and in beautiful condition, but aU breeds had to compete in one class, which is a sad mistake. The pens were Mr. Billett's, and were well arranged. Mr. Harrison Weir judged, and we believe his awards were well received even by the unsuccessful exhibitors. Dorkings —1, G. Hannam. 2, Earl of Abergavenny. 3, Lady A. Nevill. Chieken.1 -1 and 8, Earl ot Abergavenny. 2, Miss Billes. he, T. Marsh. Oame.-I, 2. and 3, H. Ritchie, he, S. Tompsett. Chickem.-l and 2, H. Ritchie. 3, S. Tompsett. „ ._. „ j o -p CooHlNS.-l and Cup, R. S. S. Woodgate. 2, Marchioness Camden. 3. T. Marsh. ftr,T. Marsh. CWckeiw.-l, 2, and Cup, R. S. S. Woodgate. 3, N. Edg- hill he, T. Marsh. „, . , , j „ -tir-.i-i. 1.1 Spanish -1,G Hannam. 2 and 3, T. Marsh. Cfctc»ciis.-1 and 8, Withheld. 2. Canon Hamilton. _ , „, . , BRAHSiAs.-tio'if.-l, T. Marsh. 2, N. Edghill. 8, G. Hannand. Clnckem.- Iand2. N. Edgliill. 3, T. Marsh. .„ „ BRAHMAS.-Dark.-l and 2, T. Marsh. 8, G. Ware. Chickens— \ and 8. N. Edghill. 2, ftc, and c, G. Ware. ,,. „ ... ,,„ , . BAMBUROHS.-PfMiilfrf.-l and 2, N. Edghill. 8. Miss Von GoIdBnch. ftc. S. H. Seurs; Hon. G. NeviU. Ohickem.—\ and 2. Marchioness Camden. 3, S. HliaEURoBS.-SjKinjif (l.-l, A. Rogers, a, D. Delves. 3, T. Marsh. French.-I and 2, T. Marsh. 3, G. Ware. /„..-,i.,„, i »„,, Any other Variety.-1 and 2, R. S. S. Woodgate (Silkies). Chickens.— 1 and '•^I^TfMs''-"gS.^-'l1v"^o'uut Nevill. 2, J. Rust 8 T M i. ^„, „(,,, ^•^^^h^^^^^^^t 1 1 % ^r"oS.^- 8.=R^V"H"Sarbord. Vuck. !inns-l, G.Ware. 2 and 3, Earl of Abergavenny. r,..i.7-_ , DcoKS.-.4yie«&. Birmingham. Pigeons ; Mr. F. Esquilant, Eftra Road, Brixton- BiBMiNGHAM AND MIDLAND SuMsiEE Show. — This WO hav6 ad- vertised to be held in Aston Park, Lower Grounds, August 20th to 23r(3. There are six Judges named and all well-known reliable men. The classes number 139, of which 59 are for poultry, -17 for Pigeons, and the remainder for relative miscellaneous subjects. Cups, medals, and money prizes amount to iElOO. The Show deserves the encouragement of all poultry fanciers. BUCKINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. The second annual Exhibition of the Buckingham Poultry Society took place last Tuesday, July 27th, in a spacious marquee, on ground adjoining the Horticultural Society's Exhibition. Turner's pens were used. The birds were well fed and cared for by the Hon. Secretary and Committee. Mr. W. B. Jeffries of Ipswich ofiioiated as Judge. Mr. Long sent an excellent pen of Hamburghs, which would have been in the prizB list hail they arrived in time. It is just the district for good Ducks, but we were not prepared for such extraordinary quality as was there exhibited. Several pens were truly excellent, as may be imagined when such a success- August S, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 125 fnl exhibitor as J. K. Fowler is placed second. Game fowls were numerous, but not superior. After mentioning the winners Game Bantams were poor; but the any variety Bantams con- tained several good pens, especially the first and second prize- takers. The following is a list of the awards : — Dorkings.— C\>Mi(r((^—l. J. K. Fowler, Aylesltury. 2, Mra. B. lladclyffe, Hyde. 8. T. Gougb. BiickinKliam. Any other variety.— \,E. Woodford, ICidliUB- ton. 2. J. Terrv. Buckingham. CocHiN-rHiNA(i.—('( Hn«mort Or BkjT".— 1, Mtb. B.Radclyffe. 2, W. W. "Woodin. 8. J. K. Fow'er. Ann other variety.— i, J. K. Fowler. 2, A. F. Faulkner, Thrapston. 3, T. M. Derry, Gedney, Wigbeaeli. /ic. J. K. Fowler ; J. Rodwell, Mnidsmoreton. Any vari'etii —Cock.—\, T. Aiterton. 2, .1. K. Fowler. BRAnyi\s.- Lioht.-l. P Haines, Palcrnve, Diss. 2, T. Soar, Aylesbury. 8, J. Terry. Dark—1, .1. K. Fowler. 2, H. Feast. 3, H. Wymaii. ('onnioKton. lie, M. Leno, Duaatablo. c, F. Wbite, Leigbton Buzzard. Any variety.— Cock. — 1, J. K. Fowler. Ga^e.— Black and Broumhreasted Reds.—i, E. Win-wood, "Worcester. 2, S. Field, Ambrosden. Bicester 8, A C. Swain, Kadclive, Buckingham, he, J. Jeken, EUham. /ini/ oficr I'arie///.— 1, F. Winwond. 2, H. Feast. 3. "W. S. Kidge, Tbornborough .4ny variety. — Cocfc.— 1, S. Field, ftc, A. C. Swain; G. Fitz-Herbeit. e, J Jeken. Spanish.— 1, D. M Mi'la, Newport Pagnell. 2, E. Winwood. 3, C. Daviea. Hambdrghs. — Go/(( and Silrer-upcinaled —I, H. R. Plattin, Fakenhani 2. H. PiokloB, Earby, Leeds. Gold and Hilecr-pencilled.-^, A. F.Faulkner. 2, H. Feast. 3, H. Pickles. Any variety.— Cock.— 1, H. Pickles, he, A. ¥. Faulkner. Bantams. — Game, Black and Broken Tied —1, W. Adams, Ipswieh. 2, V. Sandford, Broughton. Tipper Norwood. 3, H. Feast. Any other variety.— \, M. Leno. 2, W. Nlayo, Shalstone. 3, E. M. Sou'hwoou. Fakenham. /ic, W. T. Hobbs. Fuckinybam. c, T. Bradbury, Buckingham. Any variety.— Coek.— 1, T. Bradbury. 2. M. Lcno. Farmyard t'owLs,— 1, J. Bennett. Buckingham. 2. J. Rodwell. Anv Vari- ty —Chiekens.—\. J. K. Fowler. 2. W. Wheeler, Buokingbam. TtvcK^—Ayle.^hurn.—l and he, T. Sear. 2 and 8. J. K. Fowler, c, 3. Bennett. Bouen —1. G. Uox, Slaidsmoreton. 2, J. K. Fowler. 3, E. Woodford, he. Rev. E. Withington, Fringfoid. Bicester. Geese.— TT'/ii(f.- 1, J. K. Fowler. 2, T. M. Derry. 3. Mrs. B. Radclyfte. .,4iii; oCier variety.— K H. Wym.in. 2. Mrs. Osborn, Maidsmoreton. Turkeys.— 1, W. Hawkins, Bourtnn. 2, Rev. E. Withington. c, J. Bennet. COTTAGER?' CLASSES. Fowls. — 1, B. Coles, jun.. Buokingbam. 2. R. Soton, Buckingham. 8, W. Hickman, Gawcott. 4. T. Hands, Buckingham. 5, R. Soton. c, T. Timms, Maidsmoreton ; J. Gunthorpe, Buckingham. DcoKs.- 1, R. Soton. 2. P. Soton. 3, T. Hands. 4 and he, J. Gunthorpe. CLEVELAND SHOW OF POULTBT, &c. The forty-second annual Show of the Cleveland Society was held at Gnisborough on July 29th in the park and ground.? kindly lent for the purpose by Eear-Admiral Challoner. The arangements for ponltry were very good, in fact this is one of the best-managed societies in the kingdom. S^ianish headed the list, and were a fair lot; the Dorliings being very good in all particulars. The winners in Cochins were good in both classes, in one Buffs, and in the other Whites. The entry in Brahmas was good, but with the exception of one pen they were a bad lot. Garni were a moderate lot ; the winners in Eeds were of the Brown-breasted variety. Duck- wings won in the following class, these being good, especially the hens. In single cocks the winners were Black Reds, the first an old excellent-coloured bird; the second better in style, but not equal in colour and rather crooked in breast. Only the first pen and second-prize cock were of any quality in Game; but the following class was very good, first Black, second Silver-laced, and extra second a pair of Nankin Bantams, very good and rare. Hamhurghs good, old birds winning all the prizes; and in Gold-pencils all were noticed. Silver-pencils a fair lot; GoUl-spangled Hamhurghs good as regards the winners. Silver-spangled good as regards the winners only. The Variety class was very good, first being HouJans, second Malays, extra second Black Hamhurghs, and third Sultans. Aylesbury i3«cJ:s were very good in both size and quality of bill; the Eouens good as regards the winners only. In the variety of Ducks the first were Pintail, second Teal, and highly commended Carolinas and Widgeon. Oeese and Turkeys were better than of late years, the former approaching more closely to the specimens of eight or ten years ago, and which seem to have been brought out of the locality. Jtahhits had two classes ; in the first Lop-eared winning the first, a Fawn-and-White, 22 by 4* ; and second a Tortoiseshell, 20 by i\. In the following class an even-coloured and fairly- silvered specimen of Silver-Grey was first; a Belgian Hare slightly yellow in shade second; and Himalayan highly com- mended in three cases. Spanish.- B/(icfc.— 1. J. P. Carver, Langthorpe. 2, H. Dale, Old Ormesby. he and c, T. FlintofF, Newby. DoRHiNGS.— 1, E. Barker, Stokesley. 2, A. Jackson.Broughton. /ic, R. Scarth, Castleton, Yarm ; Ladv D F. Yeoman, Whitby. Cochin-Chinas.— ijMiT or Cinnamon.— \ and2, G. H.Procter, Durham, c, R. Sellers, Sw.'inby. Any other colour.— \ and 2, G. H. Procter. Brahma Pootras — 1. J. P. Carver. 2, Mias.Jacquea, Easby Abbey, c, Rear- Admiral Chiloner, Guiaborough. Ga^e.- fierf^. — 1,W. Yonnghnsband, Darlington. 2, W. Bearpark, Ainderby Steeple, he. G. Carter, Sandhill. Bedale. c. R. .T. Smith, Yarm. Ami other variety.— '\, W. Bearpark. 2, G. Holmes, Great DrifBeld. lie, T. Potts, Redcar. Cocfc.- 1, W, Yonnghusband. 2, T. Potts, r. W. Storey. Bantams —Gnme. — 1, W. C. Dawson. Whitby. 2, G. Holmes. Any other vauety,— i, J. P. Carver. 2, T. P. Carver, Langthorpe. Extra 2, Rev. J. G. Milner, Hamaterley Vicarage, he, 3. Peacock, Old Ormesby ; Miss S. C. Pease, Guisbi'roQgb. c, . I. Peacock. Polish.— 1, W. Bearpark. ^mBvnGTis.— Golden-pencilled.— I, T. P. Carver. 2. R. Keenlvside, Aycliffe. he, S. &G. Kideon, old Ormepby. c, R. Scarth; E. Barker, Stbkesley: T. S. Tomer, Stokealey. Silver-pencilled.— 1, B. Keenlyside. 2, W. Bearpark. Qolderir-spangled.-l, R. Keeulyaide. 2, T. P. Carver. 7ic, G. HoUncs. c, R. Scarlh ; S. Burn, Whitby. Silver-spangled.— 1, K. Keenlyside. 2, G. Holmes. c, n. Scarth. Any OTHER Variety.— 1. Bev. J. G. Milner. 2, Lady D. F. Yeoman. Extra 2, T. P. Carver. 8, Miss E. C. Brown, Middlesborough. he. Lady D. F. Yeoman ; S. Burn, c, W. Byers, Gnisborough. VvcKS— Aylesbury.— 1, F. E. Gibson. Middleton-in-Teeadale. 2, T. P. Carver. he. a. Holmes, iioufn.— L Rev. J. G. Milner. 2, T. P. Carver. Any other variety.— 1, Rev. J. G. Milner. 2 and c, T. P. Carver, he, Kov. J. G. Milner ; S. Burn. Gbebe.— 1, G. Holmes. 2. .7. Walton. Acklam, he, R. Dodaworth. Stamton. c. Miss A. C. Temple, Applebriige, Great Ayton. Goslinos.—l, J. Walton. 2, G. Holmes, he. Miss Date, Gnisborough; R. Dodaworth. Tdkkeys.— 1. Miss Kirk, Givendale,Kipon. 2,T. P. Carver, /w, B. Dodsworth. Youjtg.—l, R. Dodsworth. RABBITS. Lop-eared.- Buofc or Doe.—I, J. T. Robinson, Darlington. 2, J. Taylor, Middlesbrough, c, G. Knaggs. Brotton ; C. Stephenson, Middlesbrough; J. Linn, Middlesbrough. Any Fancy Bkekd. —B»cfc or Doe.—l, E. McKay. Darlington. 2, J. 1. Robin- son, Darlington, he, T. Moore, Normansby ; C. J. Foster, Middlesbrough. Judge. — Mr. E. Hiitton. CAPTAIN HILL'S BANTAMS AND PIGEONS IN THEIR HOME AT EALING.— No. 1. It is not often that "poor letter H," that much-abused letter, made to be present when it ought not, dismissed also summarily when it ought not — it is not often, I say, that poor H is by accident rightly treated, but it is sometimes. Thus, when on the Great Western the train stops at Hanwell the porters in- variably call out " 'Anwell," but they blunder upon the right name, for there was once a curative spring there known as St. Ann's Well, whence the name of the place. Then, when the same train stops at Baling, the porters there call out " Healing," they blunder again rightly, for that village was known in olden times for its healing waters, whence its name. One part of tlae parish of Baling is known as Castle Hill Park, and has its station of Castle Hill. To that station I betake myself in order to reach the residence of Captain Hill, who has of late gained high honours with his Pigeons, especially his Pouters, having taken first and cup in Blue cocks at the last " Pigeon Derby," the Crystal Palace Show, besides other successes. I knew also that Captain Hill had a very large number of valuable Pigeons, so that very readily I embraced the opportunity kindly afforded of seeing his birds at home. I reach Castle Hill station one glorious summer morning. The district near is known as Castle Hill, in older times Castle- beare Hill. The chief house of the district, and one which has some historical interest, is Castle Hill Lodge, once the property of the Duke of Kent, father of Her present Majesty the Queen. A picture of it is now before me as it was in the Duke's time ; not a first-class mansion, the building being low and not large, but the front pleasing with its central portico with four Ionic columns surrounded by a triangular pediment. This house has long since passed out of royal hands, and the whole neighbour- hood became the property of a building speculator, to, I believe, his injury. He formed plans not yet at least realised. Some handsome blocks of houses were finished, some handsome separate houses were built, and the rest of the ground mapped out for building, but not built on. There are walls for giidens, but inside no gardens ; gateways to approaches with no ap- proaches, and no houses to be approached. It is easy to point a moral to the man who began to build and had not the wherewith to finish. No doubt it will all come right some day, for there is such a fine air at Castle Hill, and it is such thorough country, though so near London as six miles. Then I stumble over, direct in my way, the foundations of a new church, and people are sure to follow a church, and come at least outside its walls. My short walk is brought to a close, for a handsome villa is before me, with the word " Edina'' on its gateposts. " Edina" is the poetic name for Edinburgh, as Burns sings — "Edina ! Scotia's darling seat ! All hail thy palaces and towers. Where once beneath a monarch's feet Sat Legislation's sov'reign powers." It is a graceful and patriotic thing that a native of Edinburgh should thus name his residence. After a kindly welcome — and I must again quote Burns's poem, for — " Thy sons, Edina, social, kind. With open arms the stranger hail," I am after awhile taken to see the birds. These were not close at hand, but some half mile distant, giving one a charming walk down a sloping vale— a gentle slope, where haymaking was going on— that pleasant work, which somehow seems always half play— outdoor work in which children mingle, and girls once a-year join, and think it rare healthy fun, as it indeed it is. Somehow or other walking from Edina through the hay the words of the fine old Scotch ballad would keep coming into my mind and almost to my lips — *' 'Twas within a mile of Edinburgh town. In the may time of the year. Sweet flow'rets btoom'd, and the grass was down. And each shepherd woo'd his dear." The scene was somewhat classical, for before me, four miles off and very ocnspiouous, was the spire of the church of Harrow-on- 126 roUBNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ Angast 6, 1875. the-Hill, snfrgestive of great names in the world of politics and literature. Passing on the right Castle Hill Lodge before men- tioned I near a large lot of buildings, forming two sides of a square— just a right angle— being, in fact, the mews belonging to the villas near ; rather a Cockney arrangement for houses so far in the country, where one woold suppose each owner would prefer his stable to be near at hand for that after-breakfast stroll into the stable so dear to an Englishman's heart while enjoying full often his matutinal cigar. On approaching the mews I see on the sunny side troops of Bantams strutting about as only Bantams can strut. These were Captain Hill's, whose long residence in Japan naturally led him to have a taste for the Japanese Bantams. Before me is a black cock (imported) of that breed of a most brilliant lustre. Black, and no mistake, with such flowing sickles and saddle, and with scarcely any legs. I learnt that in Japan the wholly black birds are chiefly prized, and not such as are so frequently shown in England parti-coloured. It is a part of Capt. Hill's plan to keep anything unusual. Thus there is a black cock with golden hackles, bred from Japanese. These used to be seen frequently in England a few years since. Then the birds had thrown a Nankin-coloured hen. Do not these instances throw some light upon the origin of our old English Bantams, and that some of their varieties were imported, and that Bantams may not be such an erroneous name after all ? Truly Capt. Hill's Japanese Bantams are very interesting, as being actually birds from Japan. I pass on to find Game Bantams, that last-made English variety of tinies. Here, too, among some very correctly-feathered birds, such as good Brown Reds, Black Reds, and some admirable Duckwings, are preserved some odd productions— White Game bred from Brown Reds ; very light Wheatens, almost cream-coloured all over, and one quite Cuckoo-feathered, showing that even in the best strains the colours of Game Bantams are not yet fixed, for these were birds from first-class strains. But I must not pause too long among these charming pets, but must proceed to the Pigeons. — "Wlltshire Rector. SELECTION.— No. 2. There is a species of plnck in some men which prevents them from retracting any statement they have made until an irresist- ible amount of evidence is brought to bear against them. This is not, I would say, so much from want of manliness as from their firmly believing that they are right, and that no one out- side the scientific circle understands anything of their subject. Such has been the case with some of our early as well as late writers on ornithology. The early writers on this question informed the world that the Stock Dove was the parent of all the varieties of our fancy Pigeons, but by-and-by it was discovered that the Stock Dove was not a Pigeon at all, that it was a true Dove, one of the family of Graspers— that is, a bird which can sit safely and comfortably on the rocking branch of a tree, whereas the Pigeon family are all what I may call flat-footed ; they cannot rest on a small round perch, but must have ledges or shelves as their resting places. However, the theory of one original parent being started, it seems it must be kept up, and the small Blue Bock Pigeon of our seacoasts was next pronounced to be the parent of those beautiful and elegant birds we now possess called " fancy Pigeons." Later writers on ornithology have aU, so far as I recollect, supported this theory, and copyists down to the smallest fry of the present day in our country have struck upon the same chord vrith- out giving us the history of their experiments or inquiries; and I do often feel annoyed at some of our small copyists persistently dramming this theory into our ears when I have the knowledge that they know nothing whatever about it. They put me in mind of a Loudon policeman whom I asked to direct me to a street I knew to be in his neighbourhood, and who, after a few moments' thought, replied-" I have not a second idea sir." But let us take a calm view of this theory, and what can we or any- one make of it ? We are told our fancy varieties of Pigeons can be destroyed by crossing ; but what o'f their production ? We have not the most feeble proof nor the ghost of evidence that they are produced from one common parent ; and to sum up the whole life of this theory it amounts to, So-aud-so thought so, and so do I — a frail and doubtful reed to lean upon, a mere vision of the night which must be dispelled by the light of day, and we as practical fanciers must not sleep to dream, " For the soul ia dead that elumbera, And thioga are not what they seem," Still our theorists go a step farther, and as if to finally clench their theory, they insist that the common dovecote Pigeon is a " sport" or descendant of the Blue Rock Pigeon. This I deny, and hope to prove it very shortly in these columns under the title of " The Blue Rock Pigeon." Ornithological writers I think have misnamed this latter bird, and with all my reverence for men of letters in natural history I will venture to give it a new soientifio name, the one I think it deserves. But allow me to presume for the sake of following up this theory that the dovecote Pigeon has sprang from the Blue Rock Pigeon. What then ? Will anyone come forward and tell us they have bred any one variety from the common Pigeon ? or that they ever saw the slightest move towards any one of oar varieties now known ? I have visited old dovecotes which have stood since before tho days of Oliver Cromwell, and where I have reason to beUeve the descendants of the Pigeons then are there now, but I could see in flocks of hundreds no varieties but in colour, and the oldest inhabitants had never known other than are now seen. But to pursue this theory a step further, is it not common sense to expect that naturalists as well as intelligent Pigeon fanciers should find some, if not all, of our fancy Pigeons in a state of transition from the common Pigeon to the fancy Pigeon now ? If not, when did the various developments cease ? Farther still, we are told that all our fancy Pigeons have descended from the Blue Rock Pigeon ; if so, why is it that there are only a select few varieties ? If the Blue Rock Pigeon is the parent of all known varieties, we may safely expect a new variety now and then; in fact, varieties ad infinitum. In connection with this take a glance at the history of some of the florists' flowers ; with each new spring there come new roses, fuchsias, &c. ; each flower springs from one common parent, and ruany of them so distinct from each other, particu- larly in fuchsias, that the unlearned in flowers do not distinguish them to be of one family. How is it, then, that we cannot attaia to this infinite variety in Pigeons ? For two hundred years we have not had one new variety, and for aught I know not one new variety for thousands of years, and with all our knowledge of science, our opportunities and means, we cannot introduce one new variety now. I will admit that as the unknown parts of the world come to be explored we may find some variety now unknown ; but when found it wiU be like those now in our possession — perfect, not in a state of transition. Having from early life taken an interest in this subject, I have not only consulted books, but Pigeon fanciers of all ages, many of them old men who have long since passed away, and their experience one and all was that no variation had ever been observed in the produce of the common Pigeon except in colour. I have also consulted some of the " doctors " who support this theory, but to my questions I received only evasive answers. Notably among these was the late Sir W. Jardine, with whom I had much intercourse on natural history subjects. He was a firm believer in this theory, but my questions did not suit the constitution of the doctor. When he was pressed for a single example of variation from the Blue Rock, or one specimen in transition, I was put off with, " When you have studied the subject as I have done you will agree with me." I have done so for twenty-eight years since then, and I am still of the opinion that neither the Blue Rock nor dovecote Pigeon have any con- nection with the varieties now known. Now let us take a glance at the mere cobweb upon which naturalists hang this theory. It is all upon the bars on the wings and tail, and certain spots on the plumage, particularly the light-marked line on the outer webs of the outside feathers of the tail of the Rock Pigeon, and which we certainly trace on all the blue specimens of our varieties. This we need tell no Pigeon fancier does exist in our blue-coloured fancy Pigeons of whatever variety. This is the first, last, and only reason which naturalists give for the theory they have adopted and promulgated. I could forward several species of birds in which certam markings run through the whole, but will only trouble you with one. The Doves and the nearest allied to Pigeons have, as a rule, one common mark; the Cushat or Ring Dove has a line of white-coloured feathers running on each side of the neck ; the Collared Turtle Dove the same, but of a black colour. The true Turtle of the Holy Land has also this mark on the neck, as well as a number of the smaller foreign Doves, still they are not connected with one common parent. Our theorists give no examples, no dates; their reasoning is ingenious, but more cannot be said for it. After all the writings and readings of scientific works on this subject, we are no wiser to-day than our great-grandsires were, who had not the opportunities possessed by us. Time prevents me going further at present, and I must have regard for space, but in an early issue I hope to forward my ideas of the origin of fancy Pigeons under the title of " Selec- tion No. 3." — J. HuiE. BELGIAN CANARIES.— No. 3. Belgian Canaries when sent for exhibition should be placed in wire cages, wooden or box-cages being ill-adapted to show-oS their points to advantage. They being of a somewhat retiring or steady nature, compared to most other breeds of the Canary, will, when exhibited in cages having wooden sides and backs, seek the ends of the perches nearest the back of the cages, and it is with some difficulty that the person appointed to judge the birds can succeed in getting them into proper form so as to August 5, 1876. 1 JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 127 fally convince him aa to the merits or demerits they may posBess. Not so, however, when they are shown in wire cages, for then when properly handled they are ander certain com- mand, and true Belgian position may be the more fully de- veloped. I have said " when properly handled." Some may imagine I intend this remark to apply to the birds. Not bo, it is the cages I refer to. The mere fact of looking at Belgian birds upon the stage amounts to very little. They require an at- tentive scrutiny, and each cage should be lifted off one by one steadily and with the greatest care. If upon the first approach to any particular bird you find it exhibit a temporary nervous- ness, or inclined to become fidgety or flighty, leave it alone and pass on to another. The bird will gain a little confidence by the time you next approach it, with your hat off as a matter o course. There is a vast difference in the appearance of Belgian birds. Some when at ease and undisturbed will possess good general position ; others require getting into position, and it is some- times necessary to "fiddle" them up somewhat ere you can bring them to your liking. The birds not only require to be looked at in your hands level with your face, but held up some- what higher than your face to see that they are neatly formed from chest to vent, being well braced-up, or as a Nottingham fancier once remarked to me whilst examining a clipping speci- men, "He's a one rapt'n, George." I replied, "Yes, he is," for I always allowed Mr. William C of Nottingham to be a judge of Belgian birds. I formed this opinion from the time he showed me some cf the best Belgian birds I ever witnessed, at a place known as Robber's Mill, in the suburbs of Notting- ham. It was there I saw the very best Buff Belgian hen I ever have examined, and I believe that the aforesaid William C had something to do with the famous Buff cock (the Crystal Palace champion of years past), I referred to in a previous chapter. But I am diverging somewhat. In picking-out the points of a Belgian you must not only look at the bird straight and up at it, but lower it to your waist, holding the cage in both hands and taking a glance over the bird. By this means you will the better mould the bird's points and positions in your eye, and bo enabled to arrive at the conclusion as to which are entitled to your choice. To some this may appear tedious, but such is the nature of Belgian birds that it is necessary to exercise patience and time. But some birds are quickly decided upon. If a Belgian bird becomes suddenly frightened, and during a temporary paroxysm should dash about the cage, that bird requires steadying to its perch and work before its merits can be decided upon. One matter in particular, often thoughtlessly committed by visitors to bird shows, is that of suddenly point- ing the finger close to a cage containing some bird of special merit. I have known serious results and even deaths to ensue thereby. It is better when Belgian birds in particular can ba conveyed to an exhibition under the immediate care of the owner or some person deputed to see them safely delivered in the show-room. They would thus escape the ruthless tumbling about they some- times have to encounter whilst being conveyed by rail. I have been concerned frequently by witnessing at railway stations hampers of cages containing birds turned and tumbled about upside down, and any other way, regardless of the frail occu- pants, whilst being transferred from the parcels' van to the platform. — Geo. J. Baenesby. THE BEE SEASON. The unprecedented wet weather is likely to create a famine among the bees. The accounts that reach me from various parts are deplorable — plenty of bees but no honey. One man from Buckinghamshire, an extensive bee-keeper, although a cottager, tells me he and his neighbours do not know what to do with the bees, and would sell a quantity at 6s. per hivs, for there is no other fate in store for them but starvation or brimstone. My hopes of supers are almost gone. Three weeks ago I had several looking promising, but instead of growing heavier I have had the mortification of daily finding the honey vanishing. How our honey fair and show will come off in September I do not know, although I have heard of some very fine supers filled from the fruit blossoms long ago. Let every bee-keeper look to his swarms and stocks, and feed them where Ught. Few are conscious of the enormous loss of bee life when weather is bad even for a few days. Although there maybe honey in the hive the bees will no'^ let their young mature if no food comes in — that is to say, no'- to the full extent of natural increase, and this is more especially the case with weak stocks which want popu- lation most. As an instance I will mention that in a imicomb hive in which I was carrying out some experiments on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of July, I noted twenty cells in which I saw the queen lay eggs, and on the 25th of all these cells but one or two (I was doubtful of the identity of one) contained a tenant. All the others, some of which I had previously seen with larv£6 were empty, and inspection of the comb convinces me that de- struction more or less had taken place all over the hive, and which I have no doubt will be confirmed a short time hence by the diminished population. By means of this same hive I have been curiously noting the transformation oi a stock of black bees into Ligurians. On Whit- Tuesday evening I released into the black stock a Ligurian queen, whose first young bees emerged on the morning of the following Sunday fortnight, eighteen days and a half only having elapsed since the first egg could have been deposited. The fol- lowing day many Ligurians appeared, which they daily continued to do, and the blacks to diminish, until on the 20th ult. I could not find a black bee in the hive, as some of the black queen's eggs had only been hatched six weeks. This time may be taken as the limit of the worker's life in summer. It was also inter- esting to see how the old bees were pushed out in the cold by the more youthful. For several days before the last disappeared the poor blacks were always to be found at the bottom of the comb, being, I imagine, jostled out of place by their stronger sisters. Helping the distressed is evidently not a bee's virtue, unless, indeed, a sister bee is clotted with honey, when self- interest induces them to lick her clean to mutual advantage. — John Hunter, Eaton Rise, Ealiyig. DRONE MUBDEE. One would fancy that the year 1875 has been one of great dis- appointment and suffering to drone bees. They seldom leave their hives but in fine warm weather, when they take long ex- cursions into the country. Drones travel one or two miles at least farther from home than working bees. The inclement weather has kept them much at home this season. Their lot and history at best are not enviable ; their sufferings and doom, when seen and understood, excite feelings of commiseration. Many times this year have we felt touches of sorrow for poor drones famish- ing together in huddled masses on the boards of their hives from sheer hunger and want. Driven and kept from the honeycombs in their hives by the bees they have been hungered to death. Why they are not killed outright, or more mercifully dealt with, no one is able to say. Some theorist may ask, " Is not murder by starvation resorted to, to save the stings and lives of workers?" It may be so, but so far as we know it has not been proven that bees lose their stings when killing one another. One thing we are sure of is that the bees of one hive have killed an equal number of strangers clumsily cast amongst them without ap- parent injury to or the death of one of themselves. If bees kill bees without apparent injury to themselves, and queens kill queens without suffering, why not drones be destroyed by sting- ing? We are not given to theorising and offering explanations of things unknown, and there are many secrets in bee history yet unfathomed, and many that never can be fathomed; and this slow process of drone-destruction methinks is one of them. Even the massacre of drone life before birth though explain- able is a wonderful thing. When bees are short of provisions, when in times of scarcity the bees find that their stores are nearly exhausted, they almost invariably tear the unhatched prone brood out of the cells and cast it overboard. In times of threatened starvation the bees do what they can to stay the evil day by destroying the most worthless members of their com- munity. The loss of unhatched drones in itself may be con- sidered an advantage, but it should be remembered that when bees approach or come to the verge of starvation they wisely refuse to set worker eggs. When bees ready to swarm, so far as numbers go, find their stores nearly all done, and weather unfavourable for gathering more, they generally cast out their white drones and set no eggs of any kind. They are thus cast back about three weeks, and they let weaker hives run ahead and swarm before them. The appearance of white drones out- side of hives in the months of May, June, and July is a most striking indication that their inmates are on the borderland of starvation. Many people are now wondering why their first and early swarms are casting out white drones by the handful. If they would but lift or weigh their hives, or otherwise examine them, they would find that they are on the confines of death. Much as one feels for poor drones on seeing them hungered to death, more is felt for the industrious working bees when they are neg- lected and starving. When weather is favourable for honey- gathering, or when they receive kindly and considerate treat- ment in the day of adversity from their masters, bees do not cast out white drones. The first day of this month found hives in this neighbourhood in a much more unpromising state than they were on the first days of June and July. We repeat with emphasis the watchword given two weeks ago — viz., " Attention to feeding." Last year we resolved to reduce the number of our stocks to six or eioht, which should be kept always at home for experiment, for what was once a pleasure to us is now a toil, such as taking three scores of hives to the Derbyshire hills. My resolution to lessen the number of our stocks was partially carried into execution. 128 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ Angnst 5, 1875. I took the honey from many of them last year, and Bold about twenty to old and young apiariauB. Still I find myself in poBBeseiou of about forty hives, strong in boes, but near the point of starvation. Shall they be fed or removed to the moors 1 Fifteen of them were sent off this morning at four o'clock, and before seven o'clock they were placed near the mouth of Wood- head tunnel, on the Sheffield line of railway, twenty-five miles distant, in the midst of heather just bursting into blossom. Fifteen more hives will go to the same place next week. The first week in August in ordinary seasons — »(;., neither early nor late, is the best time to take bees to the moors. They generally come back about the middle of September, when the last and general destruction of drones begins. — A. Pettigbew. OUK LETTER BOX. Fowls for Eq&-producing [Dilemma). — Supposing the cock and hens you already have ate not related, aud that they are only fifteen months old, we canDot see any objection to thoir serving another year, especially as you keep them only for eggs. But if, as you should do, you rear a few early pullets every year for winter layers, then the new cock, if you decide on baviug one, ehould be of the breed you prefer. You say you have Brahmas and Hamburyhs. The only cock is a Dorking. All your birds are, then, crosfi-breds. Yuu can, if you make a change, have a Brahma cock ; you will then have pure Brahmis aud half-bred Hamhurghs. If you do not care for purity go on with the Dorking. The crosH between the Dorking and Brahma ia an excellent and hardy fowl. We do not think as well of the Hamburgh cross. We repeat we see no objection to your going on another season with thfl birds you have at present. TaaiODRa on Fowls' Faces (PouZiry-fcerper). — We imagine your fowls are suffering from poverty and low condition. You do not say whether they have their liberty or what the nature of their run 13. We can hardly imagine a IeB3 satisfactory meal on which to start than slaked bran and hue sharps. Give them a gooti feed of barleymeal or ground oats, give them the same at night, and feed in the middle of the day with whole corn. Of course, this may bo varied or diminished if they have a good run affording plenty of grass and the natural food it contributes. If they are in coniinoment (and if they were not we do not think they would be suffering as you describet, they should be supplied with green food, such as lettuce, t&tj., and large sods of earth covered with growing grass. These alterations will do much to restore them to health. The treatment of the swelled faces will be frequent washing with vinegar and cold water, and castor oil or Baily's pills. You must learn to apportion the food according to the need of the birds. As long as they run after it they want it ; as soun au they allow any (however small the quantity), to lie on the ground unnoticed, they do not require any more. Aylesbury Ducks [A. F. J.). — Those hatched on the 20th of June ought to lay in the course of January next. Bramley Show. — We decline inserting any more notes on the Rabbit- poking. No one but the Judge or attendant should either poke or handle any Babbit or bird eihibited. Felt for Hive-covers {Mrs. A. F.J.). — Boofing-felt as sold is 32 inches wide, and therefore hardly wide enough to cover 18-inch hives, but by using a smaller bit for the back of the hive, and a larger piece to overlap all, a hive can be very securely covered by felt. An uudercovering of old carpet or cocoa-nut matting is an additional protection both in winter and summer. Under a burning sun the felt is rather too thin. It should be put on in a warm state the hrst time, and tied close to the hive. By exposure and use it will become soft as flannel and last a great number of years. Removing Stock, E[ive3 {E. H. O.). — There will be no difficulty or risk in removing your eight hives from their present stand to one 30 feet distant, and over a privet hedge 4^ feet high, at the end of September. By lifting them all 3 or 4 feet nearer the place intended for them every week not a bee will be lost. Move all together, keeping their relative positions asalike as possible. If removal by short, . -.i^^an is uot practicable in your case, remove all in Sep- tember at one lift, aii«i lu \.ke some distinct alteration of the doors of the hives, with a view to make tho bees look about them in oomiog out. Your hives that weigh 50 lbs. each have done comparatively well this very unfavourable year. Offenstve Smell in Apiary (X 2.).— If the bad emell in front of your bee-houee cannot be traced to anything external, there will be some reason to fear that it comes from disease in one or more of your hives. The odour of foul brood is offensive, and can be easily smolled by those standing in front of hives much affected by it. Hives tiOlbs. weight may be easily turned up and examined. Foul brood is generally found in covered cells, it is in colour pomewhat like thick red gravy from choked meat, and when cut out with a knife its fetid smell asserts itself. It is an incurable distemper, preventing all healthful progress in hives. If you find on eximination that foul brood exists in your hives the sooner you oust the bees from them aud put them into clean empty hives, the better. The worth of the honey in your heavy hives will do more than pay for sugar enough to give the bees for comb- building and winter use. Eee-feedeR3(F. W. p.).— We do not think Mr. Pettigrew's bee-feeders are kept auy where in stock. He orders them of any tinsmith. Tell your tin- smith to make a trough 1 foot long, 2 inches wide, and three-eighths of an inch deep, with two partitions in the trough. Various {F. J.). — Your question which you now repeat about putting supers on hives before they are full was answered last week. The bees will not use them till the hives are full. You want to know if Mr. Pettigrew ekes or supers when his hives are full. When he wants honey he ekes ; when honeycomb is wanted he supers. You ask if you "could not work with!a shallow stock hive G inches duep and 10 inches in diameter; and when that is full of comb put on an eke 4 or 5 inches deep, aud if the season be fine a second eke; then at the end of the season take away the two ekes and their contents, aud let the stock hive stand for winter." If you were to carry into practice such notions you would soon destroy your stocks. You would get very little honey from the ekes, and owing to the shallow box being filled with honey ihe bees would be starved in it. Bees do not sit on honeycombs in winter. A little experience will soon teach jou how to use a pickle-bottle in feeding; indeed, experience is the best teacher of all apiarian art. Fill the bottle with syrup, tie a rag over its mouth, and invert it over the crown- hole of your hive. Cockatoo Moulting (G. S.).— As a rule Cockatoos and other birds should put on a new dress once a-year. However, there is an exception, the Ptar- migan to wit, which in winter is clothed in a white dress, and in summer in a plumage of various colours — black, brown, deep reddish-yellow, and greyish- white. In spring the warm white winter attire of the Ptarmi;,'an falls off, and is replaced by the one of several colours in harmony \uth summer. In the autumn the change in the appearance of the bird to white is caused by the growth of some additional feathers, and likewise a change in the colours of the rest. As your Cockatoo is not a Ptarmigan, aud is not so exposed to excessive cold during one portion of the year, the one dress ought to sutflce. Perhaps it does, for you do not say otherwise. You merely ask the question, " How many times in the year this bird (Cockatoo) ought to moult ?" As we do not know what diet the Cockatoo has partaken of, we cannot, therefore, account for the periodical moulting or loo8ene:^8 of feathers the bird In question has undergone. Probably it may have had food o( a too heating nature, or kept in a room the temperature of which may be several degrees higher during the day than at night time. We have known ill-effects brought about in Cockatoos and Parrots through a free use of meat, which has a tendency to loosen the feathers, especially during warm weather. Such birds should have an occasional shower-bath, which is easily done with a watering- can. A plain wholesome diet is much the best for birds, and ;oa must thus treat it during the moult. During night time throw over the cage a cloth — a woollen material or green baize is beat. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, Cajuden Square, London. Lat.51°32'40"N.; Long. 0°8'0" W.; Altitude, lU feet. Dim. 9 i.M. In the Day. 1875. «?.<« Hyjrrome. °i _^ Shade Tem- Radiation .a July tev. iSo Sto„ perature. Temperature. S aud August. Dry. Wet. Max. Mln. In sun. On grass Inches. deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. We.2S S0.a96 67.7 60.0 s.w. 59.1 80.4 60.8 Il9.0 47.1 Th. 29 80.336 68.2 62.1 N.W. 612 76.5 62 0 116.0 46 8 Fri. 30 30.128 68.0 0J.4 N.W. 61.0 75 0 52 4 126.1 49.7 Sat. 31 30.130 69 2 518 N. 01.5 71.4 51-9 I22.S 48.6 -^ Sun. 1 80.164 57.0 64.1 N. 60.3 71.0 47.8 1212 44.1 Mo. 2 30.246 E9.3 649 N. 61.6 72.4 45 8 118 0 418 Tu. 8 30137 63 4 66,8 N. 60.4 78 6 49.6 117.6 48 3 0.055 Means 30.206 03.2 67.3 60.4 74.8 60.0 121.2 46.6 0.055 REMARKS. 28th. — Very fine all day, and splendid starlit night. 29th.— Another pleasant bright day. 30th.— Fine; rather stormlike about 1 p m., then, fijie; cloudy at nine, bat bright afterwards. 31st.~A most beautiful day throughout. August 1st.— Rather dull early, but soon cleared off, and was very fine day and night. 2nd. — Fine early ; rather dull for an hour about noon, then fine, but not warm. Srd. — Misty about S a.m., fine by nine, dark soon after noon; a very slight sprinkle of rain then, and a rather heavier one about 3 p.m., but fine after. A fine bright week, with no rain until the afternoon of Tuesday, when we had the southern limit of a Hertfordshire thunderstorm. — G. J. Stmons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 4, A continuance of fine summer weather has enabled the growers during the past week to keep the markets abundantly supplied with soft fruit, which, however, is now beginning to fail off, and we find them substituting Plums, Pesrs, and -■Vpples. Continental supplies are a^aiu heavy, comprising the usual varieties of fruit in season. FRUIT, Apples i sieve Apricots bnx Cherries lb. Chestnuts bushel Currants 4 sieve Black do. Figs dozen Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Gooseberries quart Grapes, hothouse.. . . lb. Lemons ^ IflO Melons each B. d. 0 Gt 1 6 0 6 0 U 1 1^ 0 0 11 d. 6 4 0 1 6 0 0 11 0 3 (; 4 u (1 11 0 (1 () 6 6 (1 12 0 6 0 8. d. H, d. Malberries lb. 0 OtoO 0 Nectarines dozen 6 0 12 0 Oranges 1-^100 12 0 20 0 Peaches dozen 6 0" Pears, kitchen.. .. dozen 0 0 desiiert dozen 2 0 Pine Apples lb. 8 0 Plums i sie^e 2 0 Quinces dozen 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 6 Strawberries lb. 0 8 Walnuts bushel ditti* 1?*'100 1 0 18 0 0 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 9 1 0 0 12 fl 1 6 VEaETABLBS. Artichokes dozen Asparagus ^100 French bundle Beana, Kidney i sieve Broad i- sieve Beet. Red 'dozen Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts i sieve Cabbage dozen Carrots bunch Capsicums ^ I0l» Cauliflower dozen Celery bundle Coleworts.. doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling dozen Endive do/.en Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish bundle 0to6 0 8 0 0 0 0 I 0 I % 6 , 4 0 4 0 1 6 0 0 2 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 u 0 0 0 0 Leeks bunoh Lettuce dozen Maehrooms pottle Mustard & Cress. .punnet Unions bushel pickling quart Parsley doz. bunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Kadii^hes .. dos bunches Rhubarb bundle Salsaty bundle Scdrzonera bundle Seakale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes dozen Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows., doz. B. d. B. d. 0 4to0 0 0 6 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 G Angatt 12, 1876. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 129 WEEKLY CALENDAF !. Day Day Averaite Cloclt Day of oJ AUaUST 12—18, 1876. Temperature near Rises. Age. before of Month Week. London. Sun. Day. NiRht. Mean. m. h. m. h. 1 m. h, 1 m. fa. Days. m. a. 12 Th Canterhnry Show. [Show. 75.1 60,5 62,8 42 at 4 27»f 7 1 27 af 6 I 49atll 11 4 48 224 13 F Manchester National Carnation and Picotee Society's 74.5 50.0 62.8 44 4 27 7 17 6 mom. 12 4 88 225 14 8 73.9 60.8 61.8 45 4 25 7 63 6 : 61 0 13 4 27 226 15 Son 12 Sunday aftek Trinity. 73.1 60.0 61.6 47 4 23 7 19 7 4 2 14 4 16 227 16 M 73.0 51.5 62.2 49 4 21 7 89 7 23 3 15 4 4 228 17 1 To Coventry (at Coomhe Abbey) Show. 72.7 50.1 61.4 60 4 19 7 54 7 ! 46 4 • 8 52 229 18 j W Boyal Horticuitural Society — Fruit and Fioral Com- 73.2 50.7 62.0 52 4 17 7 68186 17 8 89 1 1 [ mittees at 11 a.ai. 1 From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 73.5' ; and its night temperature 50.5°. 1 VABIETIES OF PEEFUME IN THE ROSE. MONGST the whole world of floral produc- tions surely there is no one flower so accept- able to mankind as the Eose ; and this not so much for beauty of form, colour, and the exquisite infolding grace of its petals as for its proverbial sweetness. For bringing the subject of fragrance prominently before your readers we are indebted to oiu- friend Mr. Camm, and doubtless we shall be no less so to our valuable Eose friend Mr. Hinton when he has gathered up and classified all the Eose hints and sweet varieties in the proposed election of sweet Eoses. My object now in troubling your readers with my con- tribution is that the proposed election may have some kind of scientific classification that may be useful to us in a future consideration of the subject. A sweet Eose conveys to my mind an agreeable fact, but were that sweetness to be described it would lend much more m- terest and intelligence to the fact. Descriptive Eose catalogues could then be made much more intelligently descriptive on the one important subject of fragrance. Our French neighbours are very lively and imaginative in their varieties and descriptions of colouring. When our olfactory senses are in good training W9 may discover nearly as many shades of scents as there are shades of colour in the Eose ; at any rate, a most interesting field of study would be opened up by first classifying the types of scent and then tracing out then- hybrid subdivisions. In sweet-scented Eoses we must all take an interest, and I am sure none more fo than our lady gardeners, whose delicacy of discrimination in all matters of perfume will be of the greatest assistance. The well-known perfnmes of flowers, such as Migno- nette, Musk, Heliotrope, Verbena, Violet, Orange blossom, and the hke, all elaborated from the same elements, are, to my mind, very wonderful ; they, liowever, keep their own peculiar scents all the world over; but the Eose, queen of all, is unsurpassed in the variety of its perfume. Having during many years given much attention to this subject, I would endeavour to make a classification of distinct types of Eose scents, asking your readers to bear with mc in this first attempt at classification, yet feel- ing sure to a highly-cultivated olfactory taste it is not over- done, that the families of Tea and Hybrid Perpetual might still further be subdivided in an interesting manner. I would here enumerate some seventeen varieties, beginning with the well-known Sweet Briar : — 1. Sweet Briar — The garden variety. 2. Moss Mosebud — Common Moss and family. 3. Austrian Briar — Copper Austrian and family. 4. Musi; Hose — Narcissus, Old Musk, and family. 5. Jlfyrr7i— Ayrshire Splendens. 6. China liose — An astringent refreshing scent, old Monthly China, and many others. 7. Damask Perpetual — Eose du Roi, &c. 8. Scotch Bose—The early Double Scotch. 9. Violet— Vfhite Baaksia. No 750 —Vol. XXIX., New Series. 10. Old Cabhagc — The well-known Double Provence. 11. Otto Perpetual — Charles Lefebvre, Mme. Knorr, &c. V2. True Perpetual — Cccile de Chabrillant, Pierre Netting, &o. 13. Old Tea — The old yellow Tea or Magnolia Eose, and others almost unpleasantly strong for some tastes. 14. Sweet Tfrt— GoubauU, Mar.'cbal Niel, &o. 1.5. Hybrid Tea — La France ; Bessie Johnson is closely allied to this. 16. Nectarine or Fruit-scetited — Socrates, Jaune Des- prez, Aline Sisley, &c. 17. The Vcrdicr — Eepresented more or less by all the Victor Verdier hybrids, such as Eugrnie Verdier, Mar- quise de Castellane, Comtesse d'Oxford, Mdlle. Marie Finger, and very many others of n^cenfc introduction. Some compare this slight but peculiar perfume to that of Apples. I think it might be described as a delicate Eose scent with a suspicion of turpentine about it not unpleasantly blended. The petals of the highly-scented varieties have on their inner surface minute perfume-glands or vesicles contain- ing the highly volatile essence under the microscope dis- tinctly visible ; those on the foliage of the Sweet Briar almost to the naked eye ; so that with the aid of the microscope and good olfactory practice the mteresting question, Which are the sweetest Eoses? may be readily settled. To my taste, and by the same rule, the follow- ing are the most deliciously and powerfully scented : — La France, Goubault, Devoniensis, Marechal Niel, Bessie Johnson, Madame Knorr, Pierre Netting, and Charles Lefebvre. As a rule, nearly all the dark Eoses are sweet- scented. To unstop Nature's finest bottle of Eose, re- move the cap in hot weather from a " pasted " full-blown bud of La France, or even of the old Cabbage Eose, the flower will instantly expand, throwing out a surprising volume of fragrance. Eoses after they have been gathered a short time appear to give off more perfume. Again, Eoses blooming under glass usually give off more scent than those of the same kind blooming in the open air. — Henky Curtis, Torquay liosery. NOTES ON A FEW PEAES. I THINK I know the gentleman alluded to by Mr. Taylor as a grower of Pears in Yorkshire. If I am right in my conjecture his name begins with M, and that of his village with G. Assuming this to be the fact, I ven- ture to assert that that gentleman's garden is worth going fifty miles to see as a pattern at once of neatness, fruitfulness, and good management. There is not a foot of wall wasted, and his trees bear to the very ground. Before I went to see his garden I was conceited enough to suppose that I knew something about the growth and management of Pear trees, but a walk through his garden in his company most effectually dissipated that notion, and I came home with much humbler ideas of my own management. But to return to Pears. First, of the Benrre de Capiau- mont. It is given as a baking or stewing Pear in Eivers's catalogue, and is sold in the Manchester market for a No. 14)2. -Vol. LIV., Old Sebies. 130 JODBNAIi OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ Aasnst 12, 1875. Pear of Eecoud or third-rate quality; but with rue it is not only an txtraordinary bearer, but of first-rate quality, although when in perfection it keepa but a very ehort time. When I first fruited it I stored it in a cool fruit room, and it always remained turnipy and tasteless. Now, as soon as gathered, it is hanged up in a warm room where the temperature is never below 60° Fahr. and frequently 70', and in about ten days or a fortnight it is perfectly melting and high-flavoured, but very soon decays. The tame treatment applies to Bturru Clairgeau, which with me is very good eo treated, whilst its fertility is as remarkable as is that of Benrrij do Capiaumont. I learn also (although I have not proved it) that Beurrs d'Amanlis is much improved by the same treatment. Eeurre de Eance. This Pear requires peculiar treatment here. My first attempts to mature it were failures. As I had found that warmth was efsential to the maturation of the Beurre. de Capiaumont, I tried it with the BeuriG de Eance, and found that it dried up without melting. The next season, I put the crop in a large earthenware jar and put on a cover, and set it in a warm room. At Christmas, thinking my Pears ought to be ripe I opened the jar, and then ditcovered that the moisture which evaporated from the Pears had condensed on the cover and falling back on the Pears had rotted them all. I now adopt a modification of this plan. I put the Pears in the jar, but only allow them to remain there a month, and the maturation having then fairly begun it goes on, and they are very good about Christmas ; but my neighbour (the vicar of Whallej) by keeping his in a cool fruit room has them in per- fection in March. Whether the soil has anything to do with this I do not know, bnt my trees grow in something like a clay puddle. Beuri6 Boso, Benrrc Snperfin, and Marie Louise are always good, and eo is Thompson's, but this last is a shy bearer with me out of doors ; in the orchard house it boars profusely. All my previous remarks refer to trees against east and south-east walls. As standards they would be worthless, even the Seckle and the Beurtu de Capiaumont as standards are mere Crabs. As wall trees, and adapting the treatment of the fruits after being gathered to the varieties, I manage to have some good fruit everv year, but shall be glad of a few more wrinkles. — T. G., Clitheroe. A VISIT TO PILTDOWN. Having often desired to visit the Messrs. Mitchell's well- known nurseries I have at length accomplished this during a visit to Eastbourne. Uckfield is their railway station, from which Piltdown is a pleasant drive or walk of two miles and a half. I was surprised to see so many fields of Hops on the roadside. " Until St. JameR is past and gone There may be Hups and there may be none." St. James is now most unquestionably past, and it is happily also certain that there will be Hops. The first object that catches the eye on approaching the nurseries is that magnificent Araucaria, one of the finest in England (two stand together by the roadside), thirty-two years old ; of which the finest, with the figure of its late owner standing beside it, was at one time very familiar on the cover of the Mitchell catalogue. It was a melancholy feeling, having to pay a first visit and to find him gone who had so often invited it. " Kedit OB placidum moresque benigni." (Bemembeied is the calm tace and manners kind.) The portly form and pleasing manners seemed brought irre- sistibly back to me. After a most hoepitable reception and excellent luncheon, to which I was welcomed by the widow of my old friend, I sallied forth with the two young proprietors on our tour of inspection. The Eose Farm, as Cheshunt was happily entitled by a relative of my own on a late visit there — the Eose-growing space here is about forty acres — not, of course, that the whole is under Bose culture at one time. The soil ie sandy, with clay under- neath, I apprehend an unusual but very convenient combina- tion ; while on one side three acres bordering on a large ad- jacent common are chiefly peat, and appear to grow very excel- lent BhododendrouH. At first, as in duty bound, I wtnt to inspect the Pinasters, of which I know so little that mentioning them at all is a perilous undertaking. The Araucaria avenue is a marvel, and in memory a joy for ever. The trees of this class are wonder- ful, and such a long double row of them, and of such size, is, I understand, nowhere else to be met with. They seed freely at Piltdown, and a considerable number of fine young seedlings are in process of raising. Fine specimens of the Pvetinospora pifcifera aurea, Thujopsis dolabrata, and a variegated Welling- tonia, a sport raised at Cork, are to be seen among many others. Having thus, like the school children, disposed with all haste of the bread and butter first, I come now to the cake — i.e., the Eose department. I had been apprehensive that Dame Flora, like most other ladies, would be taking an outing in August, and that there would be comparatively little to see, but my first glance over the hedge when approaching quite put an end to that fancy. Nowhere and at no time have I seen a more beautiful collection of Teas ; budded on the low Briar they are grown to very great perfection, and were at this time full of bloom as well as shooting very strongly. Among old friends Madame Blacket, Moiret, Niphetos, &a., were in great beauty. Belle Lyonnaise and Madame Berard I found were held in great favour; they are certainly much the best seed- lings we have yet had from dear old " Glory " as it is some- times called. .Jean Pernet, good. Due de Magenta, an improved Kubens. Le Nankin, a delightful new yellow, which everyone should have. And, to mention but one more. Souvenir de Paul Noron received, and certainly merits, very high com- mendation. It appeared something like a much stronger and more free-growing Madame Bravy. Among the H.P.'s Capitaine Christy was very good, Mdlle. Bonnaire quite strong and free-growing as a standard. What white Rose can come near her when really well grown ? The Shah was well spoken of. Mdlle. Marie Finger, fine. The Duchess of Edinburgh (H.P.) we agreed was disappointing, but to mention all the beauties would be to transcribe half the catalogue. English seedlings are now coming so fast to the front (at Cheshunt they appear to have almost a glut of these), that I made especial request to be conducts d to that depart- ment. The Messrs. Mitchell have several which they have worked on Briars, and which will no doubt apply for certifi- cates in due course. Before long they will, I incline to think, be very likely to introduce us to good English Tea Eose seed- lings. In Tea Eoses their special strength lies, and of these we have at present a very limited number. They intend this year, if the sun allows, to have a considerable sowing. Alter fresh hospitalities I concluded a most pleasant day by returning to Eastbourne with a box of irresistible Eoses, and strongly recommend, to all who can manage it, a similar excursion. — A. C. THE MORELLO CHEKEY SHOET-PKUNED. I ADHiKE Mr. Taylor's trenchant Saxon — it is straight, plain, and practical. I have profited by the instructions he has given, and have been able to confirm much that he has advanced ; but I cannot endorse his simile at Mr. Abbey's expense, that it is as reasonable to train an Oak tree on a balloon trellis as to cultivate the Morello Cherry on the spur system of pruning. I grant that the laying-in of young wood is the mode suggested by the tree itself, and by that plan immense crops of fruit are produced ; but I also know that immense crops are producible when the tree is managed on the spur system of pruning. The finest trees I have ever seen are trained on the fan- shape, and the branches are regularly and closely studded with spurs formed by systematic summer-pinching. The fruit from these trees is also the finest I have ever seen, and ia produced in great abundance, and, further, if 1 am not mis- taken, a greater amount of fruit is provided at a lesser outlay of labour than by the orthodox system of laying-in the young wood. The tackiug-in of young wood and the cutting-out of old wood is a tedious process, and, as a consequence, we find in gardens where work presses that the Morello Cherry trees are worse tended than any other trees. Trained on the spur system the summer dressing and winter piuning is quickly done, and it is certain that by this plan a satisfactory and abundant supply of superior fruit may be produced. The trees managed on this fystem which I am acquainted with are, in my opinion, models of good culture. The branches are just so far distant from each other that the foliage of ono branch does not overlap that of the next (a golden rule in "judging distance" in tree-tri.ininp), and the branches 20 to :iO feet in length are wreathed with fruit from base to ex- tremity. Not a fault is to be seen in these trees, neither by August 13, 1876. ] JOUBNAL OP HOKTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 131 exoesBiTe crowding nor bare patches, and they afford proof abso- late and incontrovertible that the spur mode of treating the Morello Cherry ia not only practical but profitable. I think the eyetem ia worthy of extended adoption, as lead- ing to trees not only more handsome in appearance than are those generally met with, but as requiring less time in routine management, and in producing fruit both abundant and fine. I know nothing of the Black Currant on the spur system, never having proved it, but I do know trees of Morello Cherries ■which have been closely pinched for over twenty years, and judging them by their fruit I have never seen trees to equal them in value ; and I think that if other cultivators will teat the practice they will agree with me that the plan ia recom- mendable. — A Northern Gardener. A CORNISH ROSABIAN'S NOTES. The taste for " whoppers " in Roses is, Mr. Radclyffe tells US, " a coarse taste," but in hia list of select ones for button- hole purposea he names amongst others " fully expanded " Charles Lefebvre, Duke of Edinburgh, and Marguerite St. Amaud. This looks uncommonly like "whopper" worship. He must surely have had in view the decoration of some gor- geous " Jeames," such as Leech's pencil has immortalised, or the tribe of portly coachmen whose floral adornment some- times takes the form of Hollyhocks and Sunflowers. Ordinary mortals, however, may well ba content with Homere, Canary, Devouiensis, Safrano, Jules Margottiu, Louisa Wood, and the Mossea in bud, and with Celine Porestier, Boule de Neige, and one or two others partly expanded. Fragrance in a Rose ia undeniably a very valuable quality, but it seems to me Mr. Peach puts it fairly when he says, ^' We think far more of beauty of colour, form, and freshness, to say nothing of size, so long as it does not lead to coarseness, than we do of mere scent;" and in the Journal T see he has since laid down the distinction between size and coarseness •clearly and soundly. The odour of the Teas as a class, delicate aa it is, strikes me as being inferior to that of the Perpetuala of the Marie Rady, Senateur Vaisse, and Li France class with their rich fruit-like perfume, and to the honest scent of the old Cabbage; but chai;un a son goiit here too. Mr. Camm in his article on " out-backs " plainly states what I think will be found to be the experience of most growers. I have never yet seen a batch of maiden plants, as a whole, carry blooms comparable to those from the same number of out-backs. Mr. Baker's plan I have pursued, and cnu recom- mend where it ia practicable — viz., three quarters : one for stocks, one for maidens, one for cut-backs ; and then, whether you have exhibition stands or simply garden decoration in view, the omtinuous supply this plan affords meets both. Mr. Baker's victories show what an amateur may do, and if he would let us know how many plants he has under cultivation we should be the better able to estimate his success. Mr. Peach says, " Under proper cultivation Roses on their own roots will also give quite as fine blooms as on the Dog Rose." Is this so? We see little or nothing written about Koses on their own roots. I rear some annually, but cannot Bay much in their favour for high-class flowers. I shall be glad to read the experience of others. Mr. Luckhurst, in some notes on Tea Roses, says of Triomphe de Rennea, " Pretty little flower of a delicate yellow shade, but ia unworthy of a prominent position." Just the opposite of this would be my comment on this Rose; its blooms with me are frequently 4 inches across, and on the Briar especially it is vigorous, free-flowering, and well worthy of a " prominent position" in any collection. As to Madame Lacharme, whatever doubts may hang about her reputation one thing is certain — she continues to make a number of people agree to differ. Hitherto wherever I have seen this Rose in this moist part of England it has shown itself unfit for outdoors, but I can understand that under glass it may be valuable. I have tried it on the Manetti and on the Briar, and on neither has it behaved as a Rose ought. The flowers, which have persisted in not passing the half-open state, showed tokens of a modest diEcernment which were creditable to them as compared with the conduct of the soiled shabby-looking flowera that did open. Mr. Mayo, in No. 735, saya that he included Pelix Genero in his list of last year's election of best fifty, but the published list does not bear him out. Mr. Beachey, in one of those pleasant contributiona of his in No. 729, speaks of " cutting Roses if you are so minded every day of the year." Will he and others who have paid attention to the best form of house culture give us a few notes under this head ? I had written a few notes about the Devon Bosery, where I recently spent a few pleasant hours with Mr. Sandford, the energetic and intelligent partner of Mr. Curtis, but they have been mostly anticipated by " T>., Di'al's," narrative. I think the nursery will be better worth seeing next year, for a finer lot of stocks than the buddera were upon I never saw, and the season has so far been favourable ; whilst in last year's work there were many failures. A fortnight back no Rose in the establishment would compare with Capt. Christy; the plants were superb. If the bloom of this Rose were inferior instead of being superior to most, it would be then worth growing for its ample, deep-coloured, finely-shaped foliage. Fran<;oia Michelon, Etienne Levet, and Capt. Christy were, I found, being propagated to the utmost ; of the latter I noticed six hundred stocks in one plot. Marquise de Mortemart I never saw before as I saw it there. Its blooms, in spite of the delicacy of the plant, were sufiicient to induce anyone to try it. It was grown next to Madame Lacharme, and the Midame was nowhere. Cheshunt Hybrid much struck me. If this be a true Tea its colour, substance, and vigour ought to be turned to good account. I fancy it has a tendency to coarseness ; some of the flowers reminded me somewhat of Anna Alexieff. " D., Deal," speaks of the demand for cut blooms, and I found that for about a third of the year they usually sell aufficient to pay their weekly charge for wages of about £15. Mr. Sandford also told me their trade had so increased that they were in treaty for an additional three acres of ground adjoining the present seven. "D., Deal," praises the scenery of Torquay and its neigh- bourhood, and beautiful it is. After I left the rosery I strolled down the Torre Avenue with its grand Limes in full bloom ; and a3 the soft air swept up from Torb,iy, bringing with it their sweet fragrance, and the soft murmur of the bees in their delicate tassels, it recalled snatches from the choric song of the " Lotos Eaters " and its associations of beauty and repose. But although you may " hear the cuckoo and the blackbird close to the very shore," and the coast be "clothed to the water's edge with luxuriant foliage " here, yet to one on a summer's holiday I would recommend by way of contrast the experiment of going, as I did, by the nearest route from Torbay and its semitropical pictures to " Intagel by the Cornish sea " and to quaint Boycastle, the Eglosylian of " The Three Feathers," and its wild coasts. It may be the partial judgment of one who believes strongly in the beauties of hia county, but I wiU venture to predict that the scenery of the latter will give the truest enjoyment. The bluff headland and the towering cliffs, the calm inlets, the cry of the sea bird, the breezy downs with their Heather, Gorse, and wild Thyme ; and above all, before you always the sea in its full sublimity, recalling not the Sy- baritic ease of " Lotos Eaters " but the prowess of a race of sea kings. These I regard as far away beyond anything Tor- quay and its neighbourhood, lovely as it ia, have to offer. — COBNDBIA. SHIFTING GREENHOUSE PLANTS WITHOUT INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE POTS. Shaving an inch off the root-bound ball of earth, moulded by the pot in which the plant has been grown, is recommended by Mr. Douglas on page 99, and by " S. W." on page 118. No further testimony is needed as to the practicability of the plan. I have adopted another mode principally with Azaleas, and nothing could have answered the purpose better. The plants for want of support were in anything but robust health ; they plainly required larger pots ; but these, for special reasons, could not be given them. Not having then heard of the shaving process, I adopted the following plan of giving fresh soil. Instead of slicing the earth all round, I with a sharp knife out out three equidistant wedges, commeneiug at the top of the balls and cutting down to the bottom, alter the manner of carving a piece out of a cheese. The balls were returned to the pots, and fresh soil was rammed firmly into the spaces from which the wedges had been taken. The plants improved con- siderably, and the following year wedges were cut from other portions of the balls and their places occupied with fresh soil, and the plants were brought into perfect health without any increase in the size of the pots. The plants were not in the least injured by the operation of cutting. By continuing the 132 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 13, 1875. practice year by year plants may be kept healtby for an in- definite period without changing the pots in wliich they are growing. This in the case of plants which have to be fitted into ornamental receptacles is a matter of great importance, and the modes mentioned can hardly fail to be nsefnl to a large number of cultivators. Whichever plan is adopted it is important that the ball of earth is not dry at the time, or the water will not afterwards penetrate it, but will run in channels through the fresh soil. For the same reason, also, it is important that the new soil be made firm — as firm, if possible, as that of the old ball. A complete renovation of the plant will then follow without materially increafing its size. By the plan stated I had Azaleas in 7 and 8-ineh pots for ten years in a satisfactory state of health, and I have not the slightest doubt that the same plants can be kept healthy for another ten years without increasing the size of the pota in which they are growing. — Ex-Exhieitob. HYDE PAEK. Although the continuous showers which fell in July have left their marks on many plants — fostering a coarse growth in most of the Pelargoniums, and imparting a gross habit to Lobelias — still, despite these drawbacks, Hyde Park has pro- bably never been more effective than it is at the present time. It is worthy a visit by all who are interested in garden decora- tion, and will afford both pleasure and instruction to most examiners, and an acknowledgment from all of the general high-keeping which pervades the ornamental department. Entering by the Marble Arch to glance at the series of beds parallel with Park Lane we find that, in addition to the rain, the shade of the trees has checked the growth of the edgings of Alternantheras on the one hand, and has induced a pre- ponderance of foliage on the Pelargoniums on the other. Under these conditions the old variety Vesuvius shows to ad- vantage, but the yellow foliage of R. Fish and Creed's Seed- ling is of a dingy greenish hue. Murillo, a glowing crimson Nosegay, is clearly an effective bedder, being rich and free ; and Vulcan, an orange-scarlet Nosegay, is very bright but irregular in growth. ChUwell Beauty, rosy crimson, is dis- tinct and fine ; Mrs. Mernier, of the type of Rose Reudatler, as here seen is no improvement on the old variety ; but Master Christine is fine both in truss and colour. Shakespeare is a very effective orange scarlet, free, and with bold trusses ; and Mr. I. George, glowing crimson scarlet, is very rich. Mrs. Stubbs is aho a good crimson Nosegay. Mrs. Turner has immense trusses of rich deep pink, and although the growth is irregular its effect is very striking. Of the Gold Bicolors the best beds are Black Douglas and Golden Harry Hieover ; Beauty of Calderdale and Perilla being coarse and overgrown. Many of these beds are edged with Verbenas, but the season has not been propitious for their growth. Commenciog at Grosvenor Gate we find some very fine beds. Great improvements have been effected here. The turf on which the beds are formed is made to slope towards the centre, along which are plunged a row of specimen Bays and stately Palms. These are in admirable health, and the beds, which are arranged in pairs along both sides, are well filled. It is futile to attempt a description of the tapestry beds, which are elaborate and well finished, and which require more than a passing glance. Of the Pelargoniums, Lady Emily, which is so fine as a pot plant, is not good here as a bedder ; but Ama- ranth is remarkably fine. Mr. Gibbons, a rich pink having a fine truss, is also very good ; and there are fine beds also of Cleopatra. Sibylla is another good pink variety, and Culford Pink is distinct in this section. Amongst the high-coloured sorts Fire King forms a splendid bed, and Briton is intensely scarlet and very telling. General Outram, Wellington, and Bonfire are all valuable bedding varieties, being good in habit, floriferous, and rich. One series of these beds is edged with Albion's Cliffs silver variegated Pelargonium, Iresine Lindeni, Lobelia, and Eeheveria, and the other with Lobelia White Perfection, Alternanthera, and Golden Feather, and these edg- ings by their extreme length are very beautiful. In some instances the old P. Manglesii is employed as an edging, and is very satisfactory ; but P. L'Elegante is a complete failure. There are also some mixed beds, which afford agreeable relief to the formal masses and rigid lines of colour. Palms bright- ened with Calceolarias, Perilla and Golden Abutilon, Gazania splendens and Iresine Lindeni, Golden Pelargonium R. Fish, and Purple Verbena are the best examples of these combina- tions. Beds of Colens are, fortunately, not numerous, and the plants have scarcely moved since they were put out. Taken altogether there are fewer blanks than could reasonably be expected, and the general neatness of this part is creditable to those who have the charge of it. In what is known as the subtropical department are some fine beds of flowers. A large bed of Erythrinas in variety is just putting on its coral dress, and in pleasing contrast is a group of light Fuchsias edged with Salvia argentea. Beds of Liliums are just unfolding their thousands of flowers and filling the air with fragrance, and some Pelargonium beds are very fine. Mrs. Turner edged with Purple Queen Verbena, Mrs. Kent, Colonel Wright, Mrs. Gibbons, and especially Cax- ton, are varieties of Mr. Pearson's fine strain of the highest rank for bedding purposes. Associated with these are sub- tropical plants in profusion. Rhododendron beds in which are dotted Lilium auratum and banded with bright Geraniums, and standard Acacias based with succulents and Alternantheras, forming a varied feast of beauty, which on the undulated ground and beneath the shade of the trees is cool yet cheering, and particularly attractive. On the broad expanse of turf beyond the drive are also some striking beds of a subtropical nature. These are large and isolated, and are very ornamental. We note, as composing one of these beds, large plants of Seaforthia elegans, Dracaenas, and Ficuses, with an undergrowth of Variegated Maize, Abu- tilons, Coleus, and dwarf Palms ; the whole bounded with Pelargonium Bonfire and edged with Tussilago variegata. The bold foliage of this Coltsfoot and its clear white marking is exceedingly fine, not only for distant effect, but it will bear close examination. It is a hardy edging plant of the first order for large beds. Other beds are planted with Ferdinandia eminens, edged with Eucalyptus globulus pegged-down ; Rici- nus, edged with Melianthus major, and surrounded by Pelar- goniums ; and a bed of Cannas, banded with Princess of Wales Pelargonium, very fine cerise trusses; another bed of Cannas, surrounded by a zigzag of Cineraria maritima compacta and Iresine Herbstii, and edged with Lobelia, which is remarkably effective ; also good beds of Golden Pelargoniums Harry Hie- over, R. Fish, and Creed's Seedling. In contrast to this, where foliage and flowers are combined, is a charming example of subtropical gardening in the dell near the Albert Gate. This is both extensive and excellently done. It is an admirable example of tropical scenery. At the bottom is the stream flanked by Ivy-mantled banks, along- which the Osmunda regalis grows luxuriantly, and stretching beyond is the rising ground lightly studded with forest trees, up the trunks of which is trained the Monstera deliciosa. Between these are grouped tall specimens of Dracaena austra- lis, Musas, and tree Ferns. Cyatheas spread their noble fronds over the smooth turf, which is further studded with Palme and Cycads, and lightened by groups of Arundo donax varie- gata and Phormium tenax variegatum. From the base of these variegated plants rises a group of Aralia spinosa, and at the visitor's feet are bright beds of Pelargoniums of Rose Brad- wardine and Triomphe de Stella. The whole arrangement is a triumph of decorative art, and those who have planned and those who have executed it merit the approbation of all lovers of high-class decorative gardening. If the prevailing showers have dimmed the bloom of the flowering plants, they have more than compensated by decking the park in a spiing-like robe of green, and in furnishing a setting to the picture which to be seen is to be enjoyed and appreciated. NECESSITY THE MOTHER OF INVENTION. Accustomed to a good garden, which, thanks to this Journal, every year becomes more productive as well as more attractive, I find myself in a country vicarage where " the Leeks, the Garlic, and Onions of Egypt" are supposed to abound, but unhappily do not. Surveying my resources for a month's so- journ the day after my arrival, I observe a few rows of Peas which seem to have almost done their work, and certainly are past their prime ; there are in addition some Kidney Beans which evidently intend to bear as soon as I leave. I wonder whatever is to become of me aud mine unless we can contrive to exist either on Carrots, of which the supply seems scanty, or on " Taters," as certain rustics call them. A few days have passed, and already I learn that I am better off than I eup- posed. A dish has been brought to table which looked rather like a kind of Cabbage, but was not. Challenged to try it, Angnst 13, 1875. ] JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 133 mixed with melted bntter and seasoned with salt and pppper, I was compelled to call it excellent, and yet could not guess what it was. " Boiled Lettuce," was the triumphant reply ; and I strongly advise those who have nothing left of the Cab- bage kind in their garden to try boiled Lettuce ! The fox in the fable advised the other foxes to make themselves like him and to cur-tail their dimensions ; I advise your readers to add boiled Lettuce to their list, and so increase their resources. The dish, I am informed, is by no means an uncommon one in France, and syrup of Lettuce is accounted among our neigh- bours there to be a good cure for coughs. I cannot but think that our poor people would not waste their Lettuces as they often do if they knew that, even when running to seed, they make an economical and wholesome dish. — E. M. B. A. NOTES BY A EOSARIAN. I HAVE been too much out of health to run about to Rose shows this year, so I have read greedily the many letters on Roses in the Journal. So much has been written that I felt inclined to say nothing ; but your number to hand, with its two letters on our favourite flower, induces me to trouble yon with another letter on the old subject. I will try and condense my remarks as much as possible. First as to cut-back Roses I entirely agree with my friend Mr. Camm. On this soil, and it is a perfect Rose soil, I have all my best blooms from out-backs ; in fact there are many Roses, such as Dupuy Jamain — this year one of the finest Roses in my collection — which I never grew good on a maiden, either Briar or Manetti. They come too single the first year. I grow about 1500 plants, and bud one thousand every year. But the fact of cut-backs being the best will not release the real Rose- grower from the work of budding, as Mr. Dudderidge truly says — there are many Roses that will not stand the trans- planting, especially when accompanied with packing and a railway journey. I have this year had splendid blooms of Horace Vernet, Xavier Olibo, Marquise de Mortemart, and other tender Roses of the same stamp from plants budded in 1873 by picking off every bud in 1871 and earthing them up in the autumn so as to cover the bud a good 2 inches. I have also found the Briar cutting grow these weak varieties better than the Manetti. Tea iiost's.— Out of seventy varieties grown here I can recom- mend as the twelve best Souvenir d'Elise, Souvenir d'un Ami, Niphetos, Bougfre, Rubens, Madame Willermoz, Marie Van Houtte, Comte de Paris, Cheshunt Hybrid, Catherine Mermet (Alba Rosea, Madame Sertot, Madame Bravy, which are identi- cal), Souvenir de Paul Neron. As to Button-holes, I am sur- prised to see no mention of Madame Charles, a darker shade than Madame Falcot, David Pradel, Souvenir de David, a red Tea, Isabella Sprunt, and Bc-ve d'Or. These all force weU. — Edwakd Handley, Glastonhunj. BIRDS AND CATEEPILLARS. I HAD within the last few weeks a curious instance under my observation, showing how much gardeners are indebted to birds, especially to sparrows, for the removal of caterpillars. A row of Poplar saplings about 5 or 0 feet high had been visited by one or more females of the Puss Moth (Dieranura vinnla), whose singular round eggs were freely distributed on the leaves in twos or threes. The caterpillars began to hatch-out early in July, and scattered about, as is their wont ; a few dying, as frequently happens, within a few days after they had emerged from the egg. For two or three weeks there was nothing particular to record about them, but as they began to increase in size, becoming more perceptible on the leaves, there soon was perceivable a gradual decrease of numbers. The fields edging the road where these Poplars grow is fre- quently resorted to by small birds, which naturally suggested the idea that these had not failed to examine the trees. Several plump caterpillars that had just passed the last change of skin, and were to be seen sitting in their dignified attitude of repose, after they bad demolished a good number of leaves disappeared suddenly. As it so chanced, I did not visit the spot for some days ; when next I did bo, at the commencement of August, there was scarcely a puss caterpillar to be found. The numerous bird-droppings on the saplings convinced me that the insects had been assiduously picked oft by our feathered friends. Had these caterpillars been killed by ichneumons their skins would have been discoverable, or the cocoons of their parasites. Nor is it probable that they had all been washed off the leaves by the heavy rains, even if a few had. The caterpillar of the Puss Moth holds on to a leaf or twig with singular tenacity, though lacking the bind pair of claspers found in most caterpillars. Indeed, so tight is the grip taken, that I have seen a hasty attempt to remove one end in the tearing away of the body from the claspers. — C. GARDEN BROOMS. In my recent peregrinations I have seen two useful garden brooms— one for sweeping the leaves off grass, the other for cleaning gravel. The grass broom (it is useful also for broad drives) I saw in use in the beautiful grounds at Drumlanrig Castle. The gravel broom I noticed at work in the Lower Grounds of Aston Park, Birmingham, which I am glad to see are being noticed in the Journal in a manner in which they are worthy. As autumn is approaching, and with it the increased work o£ lawn and walk sweeping, a note of these apphances may be useful to those who know of nothing better than the old garden besom, and wood or iron rake, with which they clean, it may be, their acres of grass or gravel. With either of the brooms I am about to describe more than double the amount of work can be done with less exertion to the worker than can be effected by the implements usually in use. That is not an exaggeration, for, if needed, Mr. Thomson at the one place, and Mr. Quilter at the other can, I doubt not, attest to the correctness of the statement ; but as being more convincing than that even, a gardener can make one and obtain the other and so prove their value for himself. The Drumlanrig Duster— for that is an expressive name— is simplicity itself. It is made by the garden men in inclement weather or when wanted. A stout stick is cut 7 to 8 feet in length, forked at the tapering end. The tines of this fork may be a foot long, and their extremities may be about a foot apart (I speak from a passing glance, not having handled the broom). From point to point of the fork tines a crosc-piece is tied, making a triangle. This forms the framework for tying on twigs of birch, which are done much in the form of a f an ; indeed, the broom is a birch fan with a long handle. For dusting off leaves which lie lightly on grass or gravel, a more simple yet effectual contrivance than this cannot well be imagined. Of courte, it is piincipally useful where a large expanse of ground has to be swept, and where the men have room for a full swing. Very few twigs of birch are needed for each broom ; the number of these and their dispoiition may be left to the intelligence of an ordinary workman, who will comprehend at a glance now the idea is given him what a useful autumn friend is this Drumlanrig Duster. Make one and try it. Now to the Birmingham Brush-rake, for that is exactly what it is. Imagine the head of an ordinary whalebone broom elongated to about 30 inches, and instead of being shafted, as is usual for brushing, affix a long handle in the side, and use the long-headed brush as a rake. The very mention of this brush- rake recommends the article, and it was surprising to see what a large expanse of gravel could be effectively cleaned in a little time. The head is, however, made lighter than the whalebone brooms which are in ordinary use. Both these simple garden cleaners are in the fullest sense labour-saving implements, and are worthy of mention and more general adoption. It would be useful if others who have made an improvement in garden tools of any kind would describe them for the benefit of those who have more work to do than they have time to do it, and who have need of all the aids that can be rendered. — W. J. B. CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES AT SOUTH KENSINGTON. READEKg of the Journal would think on reading " D., Beats," notes taken at South Kensington on the Slst July, that the flowers exhibited by me were " wonderfully dressed," and that if the cards had been removed the petals would have fallen down. Now, I can say that my flowers, to which four first prizes were awarded, were not dressed in the sense that " D., Deal;' implies. When I opened the boxes at the Show Mr. Hooper of Bath and Mr. Atkms's gardener were present, and they both exclaimed, "What splendid flowers these would be if they had been dressed !" Mr. John Ball also told me they were very fine, but be also hinted that a Httle dressing would improve them. I pulled one out from the card to show that 134 JOUENAL OF HOETIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. t Angnst 12, 1875. the pod was sound, and the petals stood out as well without the card as with it. Some of the flowers had badly formed petals at the centre ; these were removed — perhaps one or two in each flower, and the largest proportion did not require this ; but every exhibitor would do the same. No one would show a Pelargonium with bad trusses or badly formed flowers. Stove and greenhouse plants go under the same manipulation. Small and badly formed Grapes are also removed from the bunches, and even a badly formed petal is pnUed out of a Dahlia; and " D., Deal," himself could not show where the defect had been. But all this is very different from " plucking the centre out of a Dahlia," or " plucking and pulling " a Carnation to the extent of deceivinff would-be purchasers. I can assure " D., Deal," that anyone with ordinary judgment might grow flowers and have them on their own plants the same as they were shown by me at South Kensington ; and I thus publicly wash my hands from trying to deceive the public in the manner stated by your correspondent. — J. Dodglas. SALINE MANURES TO PEEVENT THE POTATO DISEASE. By a chemical analysis made by M. Sprengel it appears that 100,000 lbs. of Potatoes contain of fixed ingredients in lbs. — viz. , Potash S90 Soda 284 Lime S3 Magnesia 32 Alamina 6 Oxide of iron 2S Hilica 8^ Sulphuiio acid 54 Fbospboric acid 40 Chlorine 15 J Total of filed ingredients 814J lbs. My garden Foil consists of a good rich loam well manured; but as I had in previous years found the disease amongst my tubers, it occurred to me, having reference to M. Sprengel's analysis, that both the soil and the manure I had employed might be deficient in potash, soda, lime, and magnesia, che- tnioally prepared, and as 1 term them, " the astringent pro- perties of manure." In some measure to counteract the over-forcing effects of the sulphates and phosphates of animal manure which pre- viously stimulated the growth of the Potato to a very consider- able size, and produced at the same time a superabundant quantity of haulm and stem, I assumed that the careful supply of these fixed chemical ingredients would in some respect regulate, consolidate, and restrain the plant and the tuber in their growth, and by the formation of a healthy skin rectify the disease. The favourable result has been that this year I have not found one bad Potato amongst my crop, although the market gardeners in this neighbourhood, without any exception, are suffering heavy losses amongst theirs. These are the quantities which when well combined to- gether are .adapted for an acre of ground. ^. d. Potash (salt of lartarM lb 2 6 Carbonate of soda, 2 lbs 0 6 Lime slaked (at 8(2. per bnshel), 1 peck 0 2 Magnesia, 1 lb 2 6 6 8 These being retail prices, the cost would be much less bought in quantity wholesale. This compound reduced to powder should be carefully mixed together with the ordinary manure applied to an acre, and spread upon the land in tbe autumn, or at all events before Christmas time, for next spring sowing. The amount to be used per acre may seem very small, but then it should bo noticed that in this particular instance these ingredients are merely remedial, and are not required as fer- tilisers to stimulate quantity, but rather as a check to regulate and restrain the prurient growth of the Potato to maturity, and under more salutary influences to eradicate disease. Such has been the effect upon mine this year — viz., to pro- duce a yield firm, entirely healthy, and clear in the skin, of an average size, and not as previously was the case, some very large and others very small, and to curtail the leaf and stem. — Charles F. Haiward. [Tbe foregoing notes, written to the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, are extremely deserving of attention. " The day has long passed when it was disputed whether saline bodies are promotive of vegetable growth. It is now determined that some plants will not even live without the means of procuring certain salts. Borage, the Nettle, and Parietaria will not exist except where nitrate of potash is in the soil ; Turnips, Lucerne, and some other plants, will not succeed where there is no sulphate of lime. These are facta that have silenced disputation. Still there are found persona who maintain that salts are not essential parts of a plant's structure ; they aesert that such bodies are beneficial to a plant by absorbing moisture to the vicinity of its roots, or by improving the staple of the soil, or by some other secondary mode. This, however, is refuted by the fact that salts enter as intimately into the constitution of plants as do phosphate of lime into that of bones and carbonate of lime into that of egg-shells. They are part of their very fabric, universally present, remaining after the longest washing, and to be found in the ashes of all and any of their parts when subjected to incineration. Thus Saussure observes that the phosphate of lime is universally present in plants. — {Sur la Viget, c. 8., s. 4.) The sap of all trees eoutains acetate of potash. Beet- root contains malate and oxalate of potash, ammonia, and lime; Rhubarb, oxalate of potash and lime; Horseradish, sulphur ; Asparagus, snper-malates, chlorides, acetates, and phosphates of potash and lime; Potatoes, magnesia, citrates, and phosphates of potash and lime; Jerusalem Artichoke, citrate, malate, sulphate, chloride, and phosphate of potash; Garlic, sulphate of potash, magnesia, and phosphate of lime; Geraniums, tartrate of lime, phosphates of lime and magnesia; Peas, phosphate of lime; Kidney Beans, phosphate of lime and potash ; Oranges, carbonate, sulphate, and muriate of potash ; Apples and Pears, malate of potash: Grapes, tartrate of lime; Capsicums, citrate, muriate, and phosphate of potash ; Oak, carbonate of potash; and the Lilac, nitrate of potash. Let no one fancy that the salts are a very trivial portion of the fabric of plants. In the Capsicum they constitute one-tenth of its fruit; of Carrot juice one-hundredth; of Rhubarb one- eleventh ; of Potatoes one-twentieth ; whilst of the seed of the Lithospermum officinale they actually form more than one- half. Their coustituenta being as follows : — Carbonate of lime 43.7 Silica 16-5 Vegetable matter, phosphate of lime, &c S9.8 100.0 These amounts of earthy saline matters are nearly as much as exist in human bones ; but if we turn to the marrow, it only contains one-twentieth of saline matters ; the blood only one- hundredth ; muscle only one-thirty-fourth ; yet no one will argue that these saline constituents, though smaller than those in vegetables, are trivial and unimportant." — {JohnsorVi: Sci- ence and Practice of Gardening.) These facts are evidence which cannot be controverted, that plants require a supply of different inorganic foods. Nor is the mode in which these are supplied a matter of indifference. Professor Johnstone proved this. A field of Potatoes was manured alike with forty cartloads of dung. The addition of Nitrate of soda alone gave an increase above dang alone of SJtone. Sulphate of soda alone gave no increase. While one-half of each gave o^ tons. Sulphate of ammonia alone gave 13 ton. Sulphate of soda, uo increase. But one-half of each gave *^ tons. Nitrate of soda alone gave an increase of SJ tons. Sulphate of masnesia alone gave h t«n. And one-hall of each gave 9l '»»=• The suggestion to our minds is this : probably a due supply of saline manures to obtain the natural solid constituents of the Potato, and storing the tubers before the late summer rains increase its watery constituent, may prevent the disease. —Eds.] ROSE CUTTINGS. Seeing a few words on growing Rose cuttings on page 89 of the Journal, I think the following may be useful, having been very successful in striking them. At the beginning of August plant the cuttings in large pots sunk in a shaded border, water well, and cover the pot with a propagating glass. In the middle of October move the pota to a south border, sink them, and earth-up round the glasses, fco that no air is admitted, and in frosty weather have a mat thrown over the glasses at night. In this way I have grown August 12, 187e. 1 JOUKNAIi OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 135 the most delicate Teas, as well as other Roses, with scarcely one failure, and planted out iu April strong plants in the open border. They have blossomed well the first yeai-. — A Sussex Lady. AUTDMN SOWN ANNUALS— CALLIOPSIS. Most of the hardy annuals which are adaptable for autumn Bowing are of prooumbtnt growth, and are mainly suitable for early spring-fJowering, but the Calliopses are of erect growth, and are not in full beauty until the middle of the summer. They are amongst the brightest of garden flowers, and are exceedingly rich if cultivated iu masses, when they are, espe- cially for distant effect, very striking. At the back of herb- aceous or mixed borders, or for relieving the sombre aspect of the shrubbery, few, if any, annual plants can compare with these. Neither are they transient, for they continue in beauty almost throughout the summer. They are of the easiest growth, and are not affected by extremes of wet or dry weather to the same extent as are most flowering plants ; and, further than this, they will flourish not only in the country, but wOl also contribute their brightness to town gardens. Their colours — yellow, red, and crimson, separate or in combination — are very brilliant ; while in foUage and habit they are, if not elegant, certainly agreeable. Seed of these plants is generally sown in spring, but iu that case the plants are late iu coming into bloom. To have them early, continuous, and fine they must be raised from seed Bown in autumn ; but still sowing must not be deferred until September, which is the right time for Nemophilas, but not for Calliopses. The latter are of very slow growth iu their early stages, and, to afford them time to attain a safe size to pass through the winter, seed should be sown at the present time, or not later than August loth. By late-autumn sowing, and also by spring sowing, I failed with these glowing annuals ; but by sowing at the same time and iu the same manner as winter Onions I have never failed to have au abundance of plants for planting in March, which commence blooming in June and continue throughout the summer months. If thinned out early the winter's frost never injures them. Those who covet a great display for a little outlay of money and trouble cannot do better than sow thinly in drills at the present time. The seed must be very slightly covered. The varieties, which are all showy, may be selected from any seeds- man's catalogue according to the heights of plants and the colours which are desired. — A Town Gaedenek. REPORTS OF ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S FLORAL COMMITTEES. The size of the Exhibition on July 21st, and the limited time afforded to report it, rendered it impossible that every- thing could be noticed. Further, many plants were removed from the CouacU-room shortly after two o'clock, and others had no exhibitors' names attached, and at that time no one was in attendance to supply information. On August 4th a fine example of Hyacinthus oandioans was credited to Mr. Bull owing to its being near, and apparently belonging to, his collection. The exhibitor's name, Mr. G. F. Wilson, was not attached. The system of numbering will inevitably at times lead to misreporting. Mr. Douglas has stated on page 90 that the system of " attaching numbers instead of names to the plants exhibited can answer no good purpose whatever." — Eepoktee. POROUS GARDEN POTS. Since my former communication was penned I learn from Mr. Thomson of Drumlaurig that he considers his general collection of stove plants, which are potted in glazed pots, to thrive even better than they did in the common earthenware pots, and that he has commenced putting his Orchids in glazed pots also. I would also thank " Ex-Exhieitor" for his last letter ; but I must respectfully decline to accept his simple " I know they [glazed pots] are not safe," as a satisfactory assur- ance in the face of my own experience and the well-established facts I have already given. His surmises, too, as to what Mr. Dunn or anyone else might do under possible circumstances are surely irrelevant iu a question of facts and experiment. I wish to avoid carrying the discussion into the region of possibilities and mere assumptions. As far as we go let us tread on stable ground. Further, I must disclaim the com- pliment that the health of our bedding plants, &c., in the dirty pots is due to extra attention or management, for such ia not the case. "0i;ser\'ek" ooucistly sums-np the advantages of glazed pots, and I must agree with him that there is no valid reason for imagining that a plant requires a porous pot. I accept with readiness the Editors' guaruutte of good faith on " Ex-ExniBiTOR's " part, and havu no hesitation iu believ- ing that he states his own convictions, but they are unsup- ported by reasonable evidence. It is hardly likely that glazed pots at present prices will supersede the old earthenware ; that, however, is not the question, which is — Will a plant thrive as well in anon-porous pot as a porous one? As yet, practical trial answers m the affirmative, and we have not the least reason for supposing that success iu any instance is due to an extra effort of skill on the part of those who have tried the experiment. " Ex-ExniBiTOK " is " sorry to see " I have so little respect for " general practice." I believe I share the general feeling of most practical gardeners of estimating every practice by its utility, and not by either its general adoption or its continuance. — J. Simpson, Wortley, ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A Special General Meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural So- ciety will be held in the Council Room, South Kensington, on Friday, August 13th, 1875, at 3 o'clock p.m., to receive from the Council a statement of the result of their negotiations with Her Majesty's Commissioners, and to consider if they shall approve and sanction the agreements provisionally entered into between the Corporations. Heads of proposed new Agreement f.eiween the Commis- sioners FOR THE Exhibition of 1851 and the Royal Horticcltcral Society. 1. The subsisting agreements to be continued in full force where they are not inconsistent with this agreement. 2. The Commissioners to have the power of determining clauses 5 and 7 of this agreement at the expiration of the third year from its commencement if the income of the Society for that year, from entrance fees and the subscriptions of Fellows and other annual subscribers, shall not amount to £10,000, and the Commissioners shall in that case take upon themselves the repayment of the sum of £7000 hereinafter mentioned, or so much thereof as shall remain unpaid, and the interest thereof. 3. In the event of the Commissioners exercising the power by clause 2 hereof agreed to be given to them, they shall, not- withstanding anything herein contained, be entitled to any right of re-entry which they may, prior to exercising the said power, acquire by virtue of the subsisting agreements, unless the Society shall in the year 1876, out of monies which under those agreements would be applicable to the payment of the rent thereby reserved, and on or before the day on which such rent ought f) be paid, pay iu respect of interest on, and iu re- duction of the priucipal of, the said sum of £7000, the full sum of £2100, which but for this agreement ought to be applied in the payment of such rent ; iu which case such conditional right of re-entry as is given to the said Commissioners by the subsisting agreements shall be deemed not to have arisen. 4. Save iu so far as their claim thereto may be necessary to preserve such right of re-entry as is referred to in the last clause, the Commissioners shall remit to the Society the sum of £2400, which under the subsisting agreements would be pay- able as rent iu 1876. 5. The Society may borrow such sum, not exceeding £7000, as shall be necessary for the discharge of its existing liabilities other than its debenture debt, and for the thorough repair of its buildings at South Kensington. 6. The Society shall not accept any more life compositions without the written consent of the Commissioners. 7. Until the present debenture debt of the Society shall be fuUy paid off, all sums of money which under the subsisting agreements would be payable to the Commissioners as rent, shall be applied (a) in payment of the interest to accrue npon such sum as may be borrowed by the Society under clause 5 hereof, and in repayment of the principal monies so borrowed until they be fully repaid ; (6) for the mutual benefit of the Commissioners and the Society in such way as shall from time to time be determined by the Expenses Committee and be ap- proved of by the Commissioners. 8. Whilst the said clauses 6 and 7 remain iu force, the Society shall, on the authorised bank holidays or on such other days not exceeding five in number in any one year as may be 136 JOURNAL OF HORTIC0LTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENKB. [ Angast 12, 1875. agreed upon by the Society and the CommisBioners, admit the public to the South Kensington Gardens free, oral Buch charge as may be fixed by the Commiasionera. CATERPILLAKS INFESTING GOOSEBERRY BUSHES. Unfoktonately some perplexity arises from bo many per- sons well acquainted with horticulture, yet ignorant of ento- mology, confounding the true caterpillar of the Gooseberry moth with the false caterpillar of the Gooseberry Saw-fly. The lime remedy might sometimes be very effective in the case of the former, but is of small service, I think, with the latter species. Then, again, the Gooseberry moth is so conspicuous in its mature state that there is little difficulty in hunting them up in an ordinary garden ; the pupa also are very recognisable on the leaves and twigs, and as the larva; hybernate many may be destroyed in the winter mouths. There is really no excuse to be made for the gardener who suffers his bushes to be laid waste by this caterpillar ; but the false caterpillar, or Goose- berry grub, producing the fly is not so easily mastered. I fail to see in any plausible theory the value of weeds in approxima- tion to the bushes, though not questioning the apparent facts of the case given by " Beta." — J. B, S. C. VERONICA CANDIDA. Really good " edging" plants are not by any means plentiful, more especially hardy ones. This Veronica must be included in the most select list of such plants. It is perfectly hardy, and besides having very pretty grey foliage, and being very effective when not in bloom, it is, when in bloom and yielding its dense pyramidal spikes of bluish-purple flowers, which contrast so strikingly with its very light-grey foliage, a very beautiful plant. It is a pity not to let it display its effective blooms ; but if wanted for a grey edging only, it is best not to let it bloom. But anyone who has a dense long line of it in bloom once, will be very loth to denude it of its bloom for the sake of its foliage alone. It grows about a foot high, including the bloom-spikes, is rapidly increased by division, requires to be lifted and replanted every third or fourth year, and thrives in any ordinary garden soil. — D. T. — (TJie Gardener.) heath, more especially as he had no family for whose interests he had need to work. What he has done there is known to many; and although I have not seen it for years, yet he has BO frequently sent up its productions to London that most people know of it. I think that one of the happiest moments of his life, in a horticultural point of view, was when he was enabled to exhibit at South Kensington the first instalment of Mr. Fortune's spoils in his second visit to China and .Japan. Much elated, too, was he when he first exhibited Lilium auratum, and viBions of grand results of hybridisation floated before his eyes, but as yet nothing notable has been done with it. He leaves behind him many friends who valued him for many excellent qualities, and both at home and abroad he will be greatly missed. His bonhomie made him a great favourite with the French nur- serymen ; and in a trip which I once made with him as far as Angers I was struck with the hearty manner in which he was received, and also with the fact that at fifty he had set himself so diligently to learn the language that he could make himself understood wherever he went. Rose-growers owe to him the introduction of Eng(";ne Appert, a Rose still grown for its bril- liancy, and Celine Forestier ; while his own achievements as a hybridiser have left their mark on many a flower. He would have heartily rejoiced at the altered aspects of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, but it was not for him to see, and those of us who are left may well learn a lesson from his energy, intel- ligence, and kindness. — D., Deal. MR. JOHN STANDISH. Permit one who knew our friend for many years to drop a pebble on the cairn to his memory, and to add a few remarks to those very true ones which appeared on page 97. I do this the more because it was through his introduction to those awful personages who rule in Fleet Street that I became a writer in the .Journal, and to whom I owe some of the plea- santest hours and the heartiest friends that I have enjoyed or possess. I had many opportunities of judging of his character, and I am sure I echo the opinion of all who knew him when I say that a more hospitable and kindhearted man it was im- possible to meet. As a horticulturist, however, we have most to do with him. In one way he was a successful one, but I fear pecuniarily not so. He was a most thorough hybridist, and I can recollect how heartily (besides the flowers you have already named) he entered into the improvement of the Gladiolus ; but although he raised some fine flowers, yet he was outstripped by Souchet who had the start of him, aud later on by Kelway. But he still clung to it ; and when Mr. Bull introduced Gladiolus cruentus from Natal he thought he saw an opening for bring- ing in fresh blood, and he set to work with his accustomed energy. We differed as to the probable results, for I main- tained, that if it were crossed with those already iu cultivation, the fact of its only producing two or three blooms at a time would militate against what we were all anxious to obtain — a long spike of bloom opening at the same time. He thought differently, but as yet no results have been obtained. He had latterly gone into the hybridising of Peas, and had anticipated great results, alas ! if achieved to be seen by others and not by himself. He was an enthusiast in his calling, as everyone must be more or less who wishes to succeed ; but I never met a more thorough enthusiast than Mr. Standish. Everything must succeed, he thought, which he took up. He saw no difti- calties, and with his wonderful energy he oftentimes managed to overcome them. It was a strong proof of his energy that at his years he should have entered upon so arduous an under- taking as that of the Ascot Narsery, reclaiming a wild barren NOTES AND GLEANINGS, At a meeting of the Committee of the Hoeticcltueal Clue held at the Club House, Adelphi Terrace, on Wednesday the 4th inst., George Deal, Esq., was unanimously elected a member of the Committee in lieu of the late Mr. Standish, and the following gentlemen were admitted members by ballot : — The Rev. E. Norman, Edgware; C. R. Stewart, Esq., Glas- gow; H. C. Wilkins, Esq., Chipping Norton; W. B. Lewis, Esq., Weybridge ; the Rev. C. C. Ellison, Bracebridge Vicarage, Lincoln; Capt. Christy, Buckhurst Lodge, Westerham; and H. P. Cakes, Esq., Newton Park, Bury St. Edmunds. DuKiNG the month of July seventy-two hampers or parcels of flowers were received by the Paddinuton Flowee Mission. The distribution has been : — 2315 bunches of flowers to St. Mary's Hospital, Lock, Great Northern, London Temperance, Samavitaa Free, Hip Disease, and Gough Home for Children Hospitals ; the Workhouse Infirmary, Annuitants, Victoria, Helvetia, Warrington, Mrs. Russell Gnrney's, Dudley Stuart, Ladies', Aged Poor, Crippled Girls', Penitents', Deaconess', and Gentlewomen's Homes ; Hyde Park, St. Matthew's, Miss Boyd's, and Miss Cole's Orphanages ; St. Mary's Kitchen, Cripples' Nursery ; to firemen, policemen, and postmen, and many sick and iofirm at their own homes ; Servants' Training School, Ragged School. St. Giles's Workhouse, East Street Mission, and Christian Union Almshousea. The offices are at 3, Leinster Street, Cleveland Square, W. The pee-histoeic lake-villagees undoubtedly raised Barley, Wheat, and Millet, several kinds of each of these cereals having been found in the lacustrine deposits. Some of these species of grain were cultivated in Egypt, and therefore are believed to have found their way from that country to Switzerland. Rye was not known to the colonists, and Oats not before bronze had come into use. Barley and Wheat appear either iu grains, sometimes in considerable quantities, or, more rarely still, retain the shape of ears ; and even car- bonised Wheat bread, in which the bran and the imperfectly crushed grains can be distinctly seen, has been found at Roben- hausen and Wangen. This unleavened pre-historic bread, which is very coarse and compact, occurs mostly in fragments, but sometimes in the form of small roundish cakes about 1 or lA inch thick, and was doubtless baked by placing the dough on hot stones and covering it over with glowing ashes. Millet was employed in a similar manner for making bread. It is probable, however, that the lake people consumed their farina- ceous food chiefly in the shape of porridge. Carbonised Apples of small size, identical with those growing wild in the woods of Switzerland, have been found abundantly, and in a tolerable state of preservation. Mr. Messikommer discovered on one occasion more than three hundred of them lying close together. They are often cut in halves, more rarely in three or four parts, and were evidently dried for consumption during winter. Whether a larger kind of Apple found at Robeuhausen August 13, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 137 was cultivated or a wild-growing Bpeoiea remaina undecided. Professor Oswald Heer of Zurich, who has published an inter- esting work on lacustrine vegetable remains, inclines to the former view. Wild Pears were treated in the same manner, but they are far less common than Apples, which must have formed a much-sought article of diet. Among other vegetable remaina accumulated in the lake mud may be mentioned Hazel-nuts and Beech-nuts, both in great plenty ; also Water Chestnuts, which doubtless were collected and eaten by the lake-men, as they are in Upper Italy at this day. Their pre- sent occurrence in Switzerland appears to be restricted to a tarn in the Canton of Lucerne. There have further been focmd abundantly the stones of Sloes, Bird Cherries, and wild Plums, and seeds of the Raspberry, Blackberry, and Strawberry, showing that these fruits of the forest were used as food. According to Dr. Keller the lake colonists of the Stone Age drew their sustenance chiefly from the vegetable kingdom. Their animal food evidently was acquired by hunt- ing rather than by the breeding of cattle, considering that in the accumulations around the piles the bones of wild animals outnumber those of the domestic species. MUk, we may assume, formed an important article of their diet. — {Harper's Magazine.) AUCTION SALES OF IMPORTED PINE APPLES. [We are indebted to that very useful Journal " The National Food and Fuel Reformer " for the following notes and illus- tration of one of Messrs. Keeling & Hunt's salea of West Indian Pine Apples.] The sale coming off is the last of the season, the number of Pine Apples to be disposed of by private contract or by auction being not less than 10,000. Mounting a ladder we enter a first-floor apartment, opening out in front to Monument Yard. We tread over a mass of leafy foliage, a number of men being busy in stripping the fruits. Others are engaged in assorting them according to size and quality, and placing the Apples in heaps on racks — " lotting them," as the phrase ia. The dis- play, from the nature of the fruit and mode of arrangement, is very effective, and is apt to remind one of a prize show. In the centre and along the sides of the room the fruit rises in pyramidal slopes, the separate heapa, relatively to the mass displayed, answering to the natural excrescences of the rind. The air is heavy with the aroma exhaled from leaves and fruit, and partially developed in the sea passage, for, however airily stored in vessels constructed for the purpose, a certain degree of fermentation, acting artificially as a ripening process, takes place in the holds ; and, indeed, were the fruit not plucked before reaching maturity it would never see these shores. As it is, every season — the season for Pine-Apple arrivals ex- tending from the middle of May to the end of July — thousands upon thousands are never landed, having experienced prema- ture decay en route, and so are passed from the decks of the fruit schooners on to barges and pitched into the Thames. With an eye to effect, huge bunches of uustripped Pine Apples with fibroua ligaments appended are hung in rows round the roof of the show room, and here and there are set in pots, to appear at some of the splendid banquets of the City guilds. We now learn something of the extent of the trade. The cargoes of Pine Apples imported last year were fourteen, and the number of Pine Apples 300,000, of the value of £14,000. Last season the losses in Pines that had to be pitched over- board amounted to 40,000. Eletheura, Cat, Nassau, and Pro- vidence Islands in the Bahama group are the chief sources of supply. New Providence has in its eastern districts the largest field of Pine Apples probably in the world. From one spot can be seen at a single glance a million and a quarter of Pine Apples growing. The schooners are some 120 tons each, specially built or selected for the purpose, and are amongst the swiftest sailers, their average run being from twenty-four to thirty days. The extent of the trade acting as an encou- ragement to growers and shippers, the fruit is brought to this country in as perfect a state as possible. Being fitted up in a superior manner, the beauty and condition of the fruit is well preserved. No time is lost on their arrival in landing, assort- ing, and disposing of the cargoes. As soon as a Pine-Apple- laden schooner is telegraphed in London preparations are made for sale. All whom the sale concerns — and these embrace, together with wholesale dealers and retail shopmen, the noble army of costermongers, the latter each year taking a more and more important position as buyers — keep themselves well posted as to cargoes reported and lauded. The earliest time when West Indian Pine Apples were imported on any scale into thia country waa in 1844, and thua the London trade ia of comparatively modern origin. Previously the United States merchants held in their hands the monopoly of supply. The competition that thus sprung up, and the enlarged market offered, induced speculators to improve the cultivation. The earlier Pine Apples were very inferior to those now offered, and would aet one's teeth on edge. The West India colonists, thua stimulated, not only produce a auperior fruit but in greater abundance. Steamers were tried some years since, speed being in their favour ; but the heating of the holds occasioned by the steam, and a certain odour from the engine oil easily affecting the fruit and deteriorating its qualities, caused them to be abandoned. On being landed here it is a necessity to lose no time in stripping them. It is as well our readers should know that even the crowns, if suffered to remain, live on the fruit till they have sucked out all its goodness. We see an announcement of the sale, by Keeling & Hunt of Monument Yard, of 10,000 Pine Apples, and are on hand as the hour approaches and mix with the throng. The time of opening is somewhat delayed, possibly owing to private negoti- ations. The Pine Apples, the appearance of which we have described, being the last sale of the season, the occasion haa brought out some of the principal dealers. Covent Garden is in full force ; there are here shop fruiterers from north, east, and west, and from the Borough, and others up from the country. The costermongers have evidently a strong contin- gent— not that every peripatetic Pine-Apple crier is here, for much of thia sale's business is done through representative men, a number clubbing together in the first instance, and buying at auction rates, with a slight commission. Coster- mongers though they be, none of rough element developes itself, except, pprhaps, in sundry jokes, for street parlance has nothing about it of Addisonian elegance or Chesterfield pro- priety. The great effort of each one having secured a catalogue is, if possible, to get another. At last, amidst much buzzing and some apparent confusion, the sale commences ; not, however, till some apparent sensation has been excited by the entrance of the " Prince of Bayers," the leading Covent Garden salesman in the trade, who ia re- garded by the mass with an awful reverence, something like that which in the financial line would be accorded to a Roth- schild. He takes a central place, with a quiet self-possession accordant with his position. The next movement ia on the entrance of a " promoted costermonger," an individual who has advanced himself from a wheelbarrow to a shop, and who as the purveyor of a score of second-class hotels, and with a wide business connection with his former brethren, ia destined to be a formidable competitor. Other notable individuals drop in, as, rapidly and methodically, the lots are put up and knocked down. The first lots being the beat, the bidding for these was with the leading men ; presently the chorus of voices swells, till the whole crowd becomes animated and anxious, the rougher sort interspersing their bids with humorous sallies at their opponents, and now and then following this up by pitching at each other crowns of Pine Apples. The auctioneer does not attempt to praise the stock ; each man is an expert, but a keen watch is kept on relative proportions secured, espe- cially by leading buyers. To look at the everyday appearance of the buyers a stranger would scarcely imagine that there are men here who could buy shiploads. Presently the bidding grows fast and furious;- the good nature that has hitherto prevailed is no longer in the ascendant ; the keenness of com- petition asserts itself, and red faces, contorted visages, and angry looks attest the agitation that prevails. It requires an expert and practised ear to follow the progress of business as bass and treble notes blend tumultuousness, now suddenly settling down, and then renewed, on a new lot being offered, with redoubled energy. Such is the interest exerted by the sale — such, shall we say, market necessities, that the room has long since become crowded. Bids grow to vociferations, especially with the choice lots, and by the time the sale is ended enough physical energy appears to have been expended to make a hue and cry for all the foxes in the king- dom. Some of the buyers have evidently gone in for quality, and buy none but the best ; others go in for quantity, doing no business unless they can buy cheaply. The piices brought were fair, and it was really remarkable how cheaply some of the lots went off ; but then the fruit trade, and especially the costermonger trade in Pine Apples, is an extremely risky one. With these the ability to sell qiii.-kly — and Pine Apples wUl not laat — depends on the weather ; and with a Pine Apple once 138 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDBNEB. ( August la, 1876. cut open its aroma rapidly disappears, and dissolution followB. After all, the best Pine Apples in the world, as the best Grapes, eotne from cur EngUsh hotbonses, and may always be had " at a prloe," as the saying is. As these are not for every- one, it ia well we secure from 50 to CO per cent, of the Bahama growth, for Americans are as fond of Fme Apples as ourselves. a I Pine Apples from the Island of St. Miohael's (Azores) have , per Fine. One sold some seven years ago realised as high been sent to London for the last six or seven years, increasing as 105s. in quantity every season. They arrive (packed in crates con- ' taining one to three Pines) by the clipper steamers and Bchoon- I THE LOWEK GROUNDS ASTON PARK ers employed in the Orange trade during the months of No- •DTcivrTXTr'TrA ivr ' xt ' vember to April inclusive, are of very fine quality and size, BIKMINGHAM. — No. 2. weighing from 5 to 8 lbs. each. In flavour they equal the j Bbietly returning to this noteworthy garden, it may be Pine Apples grown in England, and realise from 15«. to 30s. I mentioned as an instance of the influence of the Boyal Hor- Aagaat 13, 18TS. ) JOURNAL OF HORTIODIiTUBB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. J39 tioultnral Society in giving an impetus to horticnltnral enter- prise, that from (be date of the visit of the Society to Birmingham in 1872, the Lower Grounds have become in- creasingly popnlar. Before then they were appreciated by the nnmerons visitors, but their fame was only local, and they were regarded as a rendezvous for recreative purposes more than as an exemplification of superior gardening. But the pa- tronage of the great Society stirred-up a zeal for horticulture, and Mr. Quilter, quick to perceive the public taste, and prompt to provide for the gratification of his patrons, determined that the establishment should not only be a garden in name but in fact. The building which had been erected for the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Show was left standing. It was strengthened in every possible way, and half of it was covered with glass, the other half left to be covered with canvas to be ready for special pnrpoees and occasions. The glassed portion was divided into two divisions, the one part to afford a promenade in bad weather, and the other to be decorated as a conserva- tory. This portion, which is 120 feet wide and nearly 300 feet in length, is now made gay with flowers at every period of the year, and besides contains permanent plants of considerable interest and value. Not in many private gardens can be seen such thoroughly healthy examples of Dickeonias, Alsophilas, Araucaria excelsas, Strelitzias, Aralias, Seaforthias, Yuccas, Agaves, Cham»rops, Coryphas, Phormiums, Ac, to say nothing of Camellias and Azaleas, as are here planted out in this spacious conservatory. The vigour of these plants and their cleanliness betoken that loth time and skill are expended on them, and this for the gratification, not of an occasional in- flux of horticultural visitors, but for the steady stream of the general public who have been taught to admire and become interested in the higher forms of vegetation. Horticulture has thus been brought home to the great mass of the people in FiE- 1 IIIE bltTIvCncAL GAI.ILN. the best form and manner. To keep this edifice gay and to pro- vide the means of protecting the thousands of plants which are employed in the embellishment of the grounds, other extensive ranges of glass structures are erected. These are admirably adapted for the purpose of miscellaneous plant-growing, and are occupied by collections of plants in the good order usually found in the best-managed private establishments. But not only are choice collections of plants cultivated for indoor decoration, but the grounds also contain the best ex- amples of flower-garden embellishment. In order to keep pace with the times not only must there be bedding, and rib- boning, and carpet gardening, but there must be also a sub- tropical department. Now this, be it noted, is no mere apology for that advanced and deservedly popular mode of garden adornment, but is carried out fully and well. The site chosen is extensive and singularly appropriate, and is, indeed, an agree- able promenade on the banks of the lake, and is alike sheltered from the winds and shaded from the sun by the canopy of foliage of the overhanging trees. It is an agreeable retreat greatly patronised. It was easily formed by taking advantage of the natural features of the place, and turning them to ac- count— features that are existent in many other places, and the idea here given is one that might with advantage be acted on by others who are seeking to beautify their home sur- roundings. The plants employed in this section of the Grounds are rot inferior to those found in the London parks, and comprise Palms, Ferns, Cannas, Abutilons, Eicinuses, Ferdinandas, Dracasnas, Ficuses, Yuccas, Solanums, Grevilleas, Wigandias, Acacias, Aralias, &c., which are prepared and arranged by Mr, Spinks in a manner which has won considerable approbation. Besides the subtropical there is also the flower garden proper, and which at the present time contains an exceedingly fine example of bedding-out, and which is worthy of inspection by all who are interested in chaste and striking floral arrange- ments. This garden is novel in its way. It is a square of about two acres within lofty walls, and was once the old kitchen garden of Aston Hall. Along the centre of the garden are thrown-up embankments on either hand crosswise and lengthwise, and in the centre is a fountain and a circular em- bankment. These raised mounds are planted in geometrical patterns, and the effect is singularly striking and good. The quarters of the garden are turfed and formed into sunken panels, and a series of flower beds fringe the walks. It is im- possible to give an idea of this remarkable enclosure, the plan of which was so well conceived, and the working of which is so thoroughly carried out. It is an original example of flower gardening, and is admired each season by thousands of visitors. All who have the opportunity should visit these now his- torical grounds, and see what eau be acoomplifibed by a ready 140 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Aagaet 12, 187S. will and well-applied skill, and to note how parseveranoe and enterprise in a borticaltnral pursuit have won suocess. — W. NOTES ON VILLA akd SUBURBAN GARDENING. KITCHEN QAKDEN, CoNTiNOE to earthup all the forward Celery as time will permit, in order to have it well blanched for use at an early date. The later plantings may be allowed to grow much more before earthing, for as it is required for keeping, the stems be- come more hardened by long exposure to the air. Plant out a good lot of Endive of sorts on some of the best of the Potato ground. The same sort of ground will do for a bed of Prickly Spinach to be sown now. Cauliflowers should be sown shortly for handglasses, and in a short time another little lot sown, to be kept over the winter in frames or under other temporary protection. Cabbage plants for the spring bed must be raised at once and the ground be prepared for the plants. Lettuces may now be sown in quantity, to be planted out for autumn and winter use ; good sorts are Lane's Bath Cos and Hardy Green Cabbage Lettuce. For this planting I like the soil to be firm at planting time, but it ought to bo pretty good; merely pointing the surface soil up of sufficient depth to insert the plants will do. I of course allude to a soil that has always been well worked. Under such conditions the plants do not grow so large, but they become firmer in texture, and are therefore better able to bear the winds and wet of early winter. Continue to plant out Savoys, Coleworts, and Asparagus Kale. The frequent showers we are having will start them well. Sow seed of Tripoli Onions for spring use. All the forward Potatoes have been taken up, and so far are nearly free from the disease. The late sorts have not escaped, but if they were ripe I would take them all out of the ground, or treat them the same as Mr. Durey does at Hothfield. He pulls the haulm out and earths the rows up sharp and high, leaving the tubers there for a long time. He says they keep better in this way than any other. rsniT OASCEN. The wood of wall fruit trees in general should be constantly kept nailed-in. Strong shoots of Peaches and Nectarines often throw out many laterals, which should be pinched out at the lowest bud, and all other wood not likely to be wanted may be cleared out with advantage to that remaining. Always be care- ful of the foliage. Place a net over all trees with fruit ripening : the hexagon netting is the best, as it admits plenty of light and air, as well as keeping away flies and wasps. Plant out young Strawberries at once from those which were layered in pots. Take care not to plant too deep. The crown of the plant should be left well up, so that it may receive all the sun and air possible. Those required for forcing must be potted-on in the same way, only the soil must be made firm in the pot, and afterwards the pots be stood upon a hard bottom, so that they cannot root through ; they will then make good plants with well-formed crowns. FLOWER GAEDEM. Should the weather prove fine now the bedding plants will be in great baauty for some time to come; and as most of the Pelargonium class have grown considerably they will need a little regulating, and in some cases cutting back. These shoots so taken off may be struck, as it is now time to think a little about propagating for next season's supply ; but before doing that it is advisable to first determine what alterations, if any, are needed in the arrangement and associations of colours, and marking any deficiency in the growth of any plant, so that a more perfect system may prevail another year. By this mode much inconvenience will be spared in keeping useless plants over the winter. Give a finish to all parts of the garden by attending to neatness and order. Edgings of beds should be smooth and trim, and walks clean and free from weeds, and a garden will yield additional enjoyment. — T. Recoed. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HARDY rnUIT GARDES. The fruit room should now be thoroughly cleansed, if it has not been already done ; the walls whitewashed, and the stages, floor, &c., thoroughly scrubbed with a stiff brush and hot soapy water ; the doors and windows ought to be opened in fine weather afterwards to allow of it becoming thoroughly dry. The earliest Apples and Pears are now ripening, and are gathered as soon as the stalks part freely from the branches ; the trees require looking over every day, as a very slight wind causes the fruit to fall off. The Apple first to ripen is the White Joanneting; it is best gathered from the tree and used at once. Early Red Margaret is the next, followed by Red Aetraohan, and but very little later the Irish Peach ; the last-named is only a week or ten days later than the Red Margaret, but it is by far the best for flavour. Some of the fruit was ripe about the last da; in July, and a large basket was gathered on the 5th of August. At the same time as Irish Peach the Early Harvest was gathered. This is also a very excellent Apple. A tree of each of the above should be grown in the most select collections, except, perhaps, the Astrachan, for the tree is of very vigorous growth, which is not a point in its favour, except for orchards ; its fruit is the most beautiful of all, but the beauty is only skin deep, the fruit being too acid for dessert purposes. Doyennfi d'Etfi Pear is nearly over, but an old tree of Jargo- nelle that ripens its fruit ten days before another that waa planted ten years ago is now producing ripe fruit. The old tree has passed the meridian of its life, and does not make much growth. In taking a tabulated estimate of the time of ripening of different varieties the probable age of the trees ought always to be taken into account. Old trees on walla have not required any attention as to nail- ing or stopping of growths. A tree in full bearing does not make much growth, for when the fruit has taken its second swelling aU the vigour is required to ripen-ofl the fruit. Young trees continue to grow until stopped by autumnal frosts; tne growths should be nailed into their places, else the autumn gales, which are not far distant, make sad havoc. Leading growths must have special care taken of them, as on the care exercised in training them correctly the symmetry of the tree depends. All robust growths should be stopped up to the present month ; after the 1st of August no young growths should be stopped. Many of the old-fashioned gardeners, and some of the more modern school, would not stop the growths, but permit them to run 6 feet or more, and then cut back in autumn or winter. A wall tree under proper summer pinching will cover a wall in less than half the time that it would take to do so by the old system of allowing all the leading growths to mature without stopping. Take, for instance, a Pear tree horizontally trained to a brick wall 12 feet high ; it has a leading growth in the centre, and two side branches opposite to each other to start with. Now we want to place branches opposite to each other, and at 9 inches apart to the top of the wall. To do this the leader is cut at 9 inches from the first pair of branches ; a number of eyes will start, but three growths only are saved, one to form a leader and the others for side branches. Now, if the leader is not stopped no more side branches will be formed that year; it may grow 6 feet or more, but no side branches will be formed. It is again cut down to 9 inches at the winter pruning, and the same process of training is repeated annually, and only one pair of branches is formed each year. Now, instead of letting the leader run away let it be pinched back, and three pairs of side branches may be formed instead of only one pair, so that by pinching the tree will do as much in one year as it would in three by the other method. Apricots are now ripening, and some of the earliest Plums. It will be necessary to protect them by hexagon netting from birds, and the choice Apricots must be covered with gauze to preserve the fruit from flies. It is a good plan to mulch the borders with litter ; this prevents evaporation and protects the fruit that falls from being bruised. VINERIES. We do not have mnch warmth by day, and it has been so chilly at night that it is quite necessary to use artificial heat both in the Hamburgh and Muscat houses. A circulation of air is kept up by opening the front and back ventilators a little, and this circulation is further promoted by the heat in the pipes. Grapes colour best in well- ventilated houses, and a constant oir- cnlation is necessary. We fancy that black Grapes finish best in dull weather, sunshine in abundance being requisite for Muscats and all the white varieties. Trebbiano, White Nice, White Tokay, and others of this class seem to require more heat to ripen them than the Muscat of Alexandria, and, as a rule, when they are ripened the flavour is not superior to the Almeria Grapes that are sold at a shilling a-pound in the winter. In Essex Muscats can in most seasons be ripened very well without any artificial heat after the fruit is set. This year the sun heat has not been sufficient to ripen them. It is now a good time to have the early vineries painted. If this is deferred until later the work cannot be doue so satis- factorily ; the lights ought to be taken off, so that the paint may reach all the crevices. In fine weather all the permanent work may be done ; the lights to be placed in a dry place and reserved to the last in case the weather should be wet. Early vineries suffer more than later houses ; much heat and moisture early in the year is very trying to the paint. They ought to have three coats of good paint outside and two inside every three years. The pot Vines intended for early forcing have now nearly ripened their wood. Water more sparingly at the roots, main- tain a drier atmosphere, and ventilate more freely. The bads are now being formed for the future crop. CCCUUBER HOUSE. It seems almost needless to say anything about culture at this season, as any cottager with an ordinary box light can easily supply his family with Cacombers at this season, bat we are August 13, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTDBE AND COrrAGB GARDENER 141 tempted to notice them because the variety Tender and True raised at Loxford has been exhibited badly at a time when Cucumbers can be grown without difficulty. Wlien this is the case the first thing is to blame the seed. Now until this year the true stock has been grown at Loxford from cuttings, but the stock was lost last winter, and we were in the same position as any other gardener, and had to trust to seeds obtained from Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, and the Cucumbers obtained from their seeds were not different from the original stock. It was truly said by a good judge " that there are no bad sorts of Cucumbers ; the fault is always in the culture." The miserable specimens of Duke of Ediuburgh exhibited at South Kensing- ton for Mr. Monroe's prizes go a long way to justify this ex- pression. Cucumber plants in houses require to be kept free from insect pests, and the house ought to be ventilated pretty ireely all through the summer months. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. It a good supply of flowers have to be kept-up during the •winter and spring months, the plants intended to produce the supply must now be attended to. Of the most useful may be named Ci/clamrns. These continue to flower freely from Christ- mas until the end of March, and may now almost be said to be indispensable for cutting from. We are now repotting them, 8-inch pots are the largest used, and our largest plants have been in that size for two years, so that the corms are large. The ball is reduced to allow of some of the potting material being placed under it, and about an inch in width all round the sides. Younger and smaller plants that are now in 5-inch are repotted into G inch pots. It is not necessary to allow very much pot room for the Cyclamen, but the pots are well drained, and the drainage is protected by good fibry loam being placed over it. The plants grow and flower well in a compost of turfy loam three parts, one part leaf mould, and a liberal addition of sand if the loam is not naturally sandy. A little rotted stable manure may be added, but it is not necessary. The plants will not succeed if they are not placed near the glass and slightly shaded from scorching sun. Primula amcrna and its varieties serve to keep the houses very gay in April, but the plants are frequently neglected after the flowering period ; red spider, a desperate enemy of this plant, being allowed to feed unmolested on the leaves. The plants ought to be placed in a cool frame in a shady position, and the leaves must be kept green until growth is completed. They are also beiug repotted in similar compost to the Cycla- mens, and the other treatment as to size of pots, &o., is not materially different. Cinerarias are another useful class of plants for winter and spring flowering. Plants raised from seed grow most freely, and if the seeds are sown in April very large plants may be produced by September ; a succession may then be obtained from October until April. Specimen plants of Chrysanthemums that have been allowed to grow without much training until now are having the rambling growths brought down. Those plants intended for cut flowers have the upright leading shoots trained to sticks, and the side growths pinched back. Fuchsias and Zonal Pelargoniums in endless variety now serve to keep the show houses gay. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Seoeetaries will oblige us by Informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. National Carnation and Picotee Society. — August 13th and 14tb, in Manchester Botanic Gardens. Rev. F. D. Horner, Kirkby Malzeard, Hon.-Sec. BuRNOPFlELD. — Aogust 14th. Mr. J. Hood. Sec. Idle. — August 14th. Mr. H. N. lUingworth, Sec. Cartmel, North Lancashire. — August 14th. Mr. "W. Ci-agg, Hon.-Sec. Coventry (at Coornbe Abbey). — August 17th. Mr. T. Wigston, 3, Portland Terrace, Sec. Dover. — August 18th. Nortiileach, — AURUHt 18th. Mr. J. "Walter, Hon -Sec. Chard.— August 18th. Mr. T. L. Brown, Hon. -Sec. EAsrEoORNE— in the Devonshire Park. — August 19th. H. A. E. Bumble, Esq., 2tj, Hyde Gardens, Sec. Glastonbury. — August 111th. Eev. E. Handley, Hon.-Sec. PoNTYPOOL. — August 19th. Mr. Ernest Deacon, Hon.-Seo. Ulverston.— August 2Jth. Mr. Geo. Higham, Hon.-Sec. Coniston. — August 24th. Mr. Jas. Dickinson, Hon. Sec. Hartlepool, — August 24th. Mr. Councillor H. Magoris, HoD.-3ee. Newbury. — August 24th. Mr. H. Seymour. Hon.-Sec. BuETON-nN-TRENT.— August 25th. Mr. W. Shave, See. Isle of Thanet (St. Peters). — August 25th. TO CORRESPONDENTS. All cDrrespondenee should be directed either to " The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened nnavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so Bubjecta them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, 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. Heaviest STRAwnERuv (S. IF.l.— Wo have no remembrance of the state- ment you mention. An experienced gardener informs us that he once knew two berries ot the Oscar weighing 10 ozs., the largest of them weighing 5^ ozs. Tray of Pot-herbs {J. ifir.^/).— Not knowing the exact terms in which the prize is offered, we can only say that Angelica, Borage, Chervil, Mar- joram, Mint, Pennyroyal, Purslane, Sage, Savory, Tansy, Tarragon, and Thyme are pot-herbs, and that the prize probably will be given to the most numerous and best-grown collection of thotn. Early Bfvers Peach with Split Stones (P. P.).— This variety is peculiarly liable to be affected in this way. We have fruited it annually for the last live or sis years in the orchard hous^, and seldom have less than half of the fruit with split stones. This year only two or three fruits were sound and the tree had a good crop. We do net know any remedy. The cold wet season is probably the cause of it being so bad this year. Peach Leaves Glazed (<3. S.).— We believe that the syringing is the cause. You say the trees are not syringed after being removed to another house, but they must surely have been syringed previous to this, else how are the leaves free from spider? If " tte roof is freiiuently syringed with whitewash," this would be washed into the tauki, if you have any; or if you use hard water, the sediment might be in that. H this is not the case ws cannot account for it on the data you have given us. Peas Failing {A. .4.).— The stems and leaves become yellow because the roots cease from supplying them with sap. If the surface soil over the roots was mulched, and water given copiously in dry weather twice weekly, there would be no such failure. Bricklayers' RuHnisn ( Jona.s).— The limy portion of it is a useful ma- nure, but the briokhiits are useless except to fill underground drains or to add to the subsoil of Vine borders. Grapes Decayed (Mrs. C.).— The Grapes sent are in a deplorable state. If they are a fair sample of the crop we can only say that it is valueless. Grapes so extensively diseased are incurable. Cut out all the worst bunches and relieve the Vines of their burden by way of preparing them to bear better fruit next year. The fruit appears to be affected by shanking, rusting, scalding, and we suspect also the attacks of thrips. If they are infested by insects (of which we ca'hnot absolutely determine without seeing the foliage) smoke the house and syringe thoroughly— almost violently. Remove also the surface soil from the border, and replace with 5 or 6 inches of rich manure to afford nourishment to the roots. Admit air fresly yet judiciously— that is, do not close the house entirely at night, and increase the ventilation very early in the morning. If the growth is thick and overcrowded remove a portion, so that all the principal leaves can have the benefit of light. By this practice the Vines may be restored. Free root-action, pure air, light, a genial tem- perature, and freedom from insects, must all be provided to insure healthy Vines and satisfactory Grapes. Nectarines and Apricots for Mid- Yorkshire (S.).— Of Nectarines you mention— Balgowan, a Scotch-raised variety; Hardwioke, very hardy; and Ehuge. 01 the Apricots the Large Ked. Grapes Partially Shanked (d. B.).— The roots do not supply BUffieient sap to sustain so heavy a crop. Water copiouily with tepid very weak manure water. We advise you farther to remove entirely the bunches which are the most affected, even to the extent of one-half of the crop, not only for the sake of tiiose remaming, but in the interests of the Vines, which are greatly overcropped. Insect Preventive (E. M. Jf.).— Two ounces of soft soap dissolved in a gallon of water, and this mixed with another gallon which has been poured when in a boiling state on 2 ozs. of strong tobacco, wiU provide the liquid you require. If it is warm, say at a temperature of lOCI^ when used, no sediment will be left on the foliage. You cannot do better than follow the advice which you quote, and you will not be troubled with insects. Cucumbers not Swelling (X. Y. Z.).— The atmosphere of the house is too cold and moist. Give them more air, to do which you will probably have to afford more heal, and especially bottom heat, keeping that steady at from 75= to 80= ; the top heat 65= to HP at night, 70 to 7S= by day without sun, and 85= or 90= with sun and a full amount of air. Leave a little air on at night and in dull weather, and shut-up early in the afternoon, damping the hou!6 two or three times a-day, and especially at closing time, so as to main- tain a congenial atmosphere. The bed should be kept well watered, bat avoid making the soil sodden. Lord Grosvenor Apple (E. N., navibu,rgh)—li is known in England by the name of " Jolly Beggar" also. The following is the description of it in Dr. Hogg's "Fruit Manual": — "Fruit, about medium size, '2A inches wide, and 2 inches high ; roundish. Skin, pale joUow, with an orange tint next the son Eye, large and open, set in a plaited basin. Slalk, half au inch long, rather deeply inserted. Flesh, white, tender, juicy, sweet, briskly and plea- santly flavoured. A first-rate early cooking Apple from Ausust tiU October. The great merit of this variety is its great fertility, the smaU bush trees pro- ducing an abundance of fine yellow fruit. The tree bears very early, and la one of the most useful for garden culture." Hardy and HiLr-BABDT Plants for Bbddino (L. lIcO.—Aa yon wish for foUage more than flowers, our list is framed accordingly— Alyssnm (Koniga) variegata, 'Antennaria tomentosa, for edgmg ; ^Arabis alpina va- riegata aurea, 'A. mollis variegata, Centaurea candidissima, 0. ragusina com- paota *Cerastium tomentosum, 'Cineraria maritima, Coprosma Baueriana variegata ♦Dactylis glomerata elegantissima, 'Euonymus radicans variegata, Iresine Lindeni, I. Herbstii, Mesombryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, Polemonium csemleum variegatum, -Pyrethrum Golden Feather, »3cmper- vivum eaMfornicum, Senecio argenteus, Stcllaria praminea aurea. 'Thymus citriodorus aureus, ♦T. citriodorus marginatus, ♦Thymus Golden Fleece, •Vinca elegantissima, and Dell's Crimson Beet, and PeriUanankinensis, which may be raised from seed. Those distinguished by an asterisk are hardy. Pelargoniums Annie Keeler, Miss Batters, and Prince Arthur. Those hava golden leaves with bright zones. Silver-variegated are Bijon, Bright Star, and Queen of Queens, Prince Silverwings being effective; and in the Goldou- leaved we shall only name Crystal Palace Gem. 142 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 12, 1875, Plants for Gbeenhouse (P. F. S.).— We should provide a dozen at least of Show, and half a dczen cf Spotted and Fancy PelarsoniuiOB, a liie number of Tricolor, double-flowered, and Zonal PelargonioniB, a dozen Fuchsias, Cjclamen pertieum vaip., Primula eineusip, Cineraria, Calceolaria, and tree Carnation. These are all of easy culture, and after you have provided .tour- self with them you will probably have little epace left ; or you may fo limit the number of those named as to have space for othern, a few of which are — Acacia armata. Chorozema cordata Fplendcnn, Correa Brilliant, Cytisusrace- moEUs eleganp, Dracopbyhum gracile, Euiaxia fioribunda, Genetyllia tnU[,'i- fera, Hydrangea liorteuBin, H. stellata flore-pleuo, Kalosanthes coccinsa Buperba, Libonia floiibunda, Nfriuui rubium pk-uum, Pimelea decuesata, P. spectabilia robta, Poljgala Dalmaisiaua. EhudodeEdrou jaeminiflorum, Statice profuea, and YalUita purpurea. AzaleaR — Criterion, DucheHse Ade- laide de Kaesau, Karcit^Eiiflora. Madame Van Houtte, Ferdinand Keceljan. and Stella. CameUias— Alba-pleca, Fimbriata, Valtevaredo, Raffia, Matho- tiana, and Mrs. Cope. Erica caffra, E. gracilis, E. byemaUe, E. melanthera, E. bjbrida, and E. ventricoea Bothwelliana. Epacris Eclipse, E. The Bride, and E. hyacinthiflora. I'roin the above you may select, as we have probably named too many. Pelargonium Cuttings (Trffm).— Three parte light tnrfy loam, and one part each of leaf noil and silver sand. Instrt the cuttings around the sideB of pots well drained, placincr them in a cold frame and keeping close, but avoiding damp. Our "Garden Manual" would suit you. It may bo had by post from our office for Is. 8rf. Dixon's " Treatise on Tricolor Pelargoniums " will meet your requirements respecting those plants. Lawn Unlevel iH. A. P.).— The only plan will be to remove the turf in the autumn, and fill up the holes and make the surface even, and tben relay the turf. The soil used for filliog-up the hollows sin uld be made firm, treading ■well before laying the turf, for if only loosely filled the soil will settle, and irregularity of the surface will again follow. Names of Ferns {Idem].— I, Pteris serrulata; 2. P. flerralata cristata; 3, Adiantum formcsum; 4, Asplenium bulbiferom; 5, Polystichum angulare proliferum ; the flower is a Kalosanthes. probably coccinea. All the speci- mens are pcor, and not in character sufficient for correct identification. Pea (TF. .(4.).— "We cannot name a Pea from the pods. The varieties are too numerous, and many too nearly alike. PELAHOONirMs AM) CINERARIAS (E. H/.).— The Pclargoniums you may beep in your greenhoupe providing they have an abundance of light and air. If this cannot be afforded stand them in the open air in the full sun. The Cinerarias will be better in a coul shaded place out of doors than in the green- house for the neit six wetkp. They must not be under trees or they will not have the benefit of ni^ht dew, which is very refreshing to these plants. Pbopagating Clematis \An ^mfl(rur).— Layers made in September, or cuttings now of fiim short-jointed side shoots taken off close and inserted in light sandy soil under a handiight in a shady place, cr shade from bright sun. The layers should be of the ripe wood of the cunent j ear~ehort- jointed wood, and have a tongue or notch below the joint layered in the soil. Perpetuating Herbaceous Calceolarias (J. fl".).— The proposed keep- ing of the plants that have bloomed, for next year's display, is not new, but is now discarded from the fact that seedUngs are much more healthful, bloom- ing stronper and better in every way ihan the old plants, or plants from cuttings taken from them. We advise you to throw them away, and raise plants from seed for nest season's flowering. Constructing Hardy Fernery (Old Subscrifisr).— There is no objection to the Oak trees providing the situation be sheltered from cutting winds, for a bleak exposed po&itlon is nnt good for Ferns. The essentials of a hardy fernery are shelter, as that of a hollow, rock, or raised ground, shade from ^ scorching sun, and constant but not stagnant moisture, for Ferns are not bog plants, the water being required to percolate freely. If you do not propose to Lave rockwork. we should at least form a bank or earthwork, which will answer for the stronger-growing, but not for the smaller kinds of Ferns, which require rockwork, for the which you may possibly find some boulders, and these cropping out here and there will add immensely to the appearance, the form bticg given by any kind of rough material, as clinkers, fitonep, rubble, &o. You should provide drainage suflicient, and 9 inches to a foot thicknesa of soil, but where you have ruck it will soffice to have a less tbicknesB of soil; or if the boulders he large you will not require Boil before placing them, but merely fill the interstices, and place in any openings or upcn ledges that may be formed by the rock. Two parts fibrous brown and f andy peat, with one-third yellow fibrouR loam, will grow hardy Ferns well except a few kinds, which require limestone. Seeds from Siam ( ).— From the description you had with the seeds the plant IB probably Ilolmekioldia Bcandens, a climber with scarlet flowers. We should sow the eeeds at once in pots, covering them with soil about half an inch deep, and place in a brisk bottom heat, as that of a hotbed ; or they may germinate in a warm part of a stove. They should be kept moist, and when the seedlings thow the second leaves transfer to single small pots, returning to the bctbed. and keep rather close and shaded until established, and then transfer to the stove. We should advise you to only sow a portion of the seed at this time of the year, retaining a part for spring sowing, as the plants are more likely to fail sown now from damp, Ac, than were they sown in spring. Equal parts of sandy peat and light fibrous loam, with a eisth part of silver sand and good drainage, is a compost to giow the plants well. TiTis 0D0RATIS8IMA CULTURE (S. £.).— Train tbo shoots about 18 inches distance apart — that is, the permanent shoots, and the laterals from them stop at one joint. These shoots or canes will push numerous shoots next year, which should be rubbed off, so as to leave them a foot apart on opposite sides of the cane, or rod as it is after a year old, and have tbe shoots neatly trained to the wall. Stop each shoot at the sixth leaf if no flower appear ■when that length of growth is made; but thtro will be at that or there- abouts if the wood he ripe. Keep the laterals moderately stopped, for upon them, 9s well as upon the first shoots, will appear clusters of fragrance; reducing them in autumn, so as to admit air and light for the ripening of the wood of the principal shoots, which should be cut back to two eyes after the leaves have fallen. DucHEssE DE Caylus Kobe (Wcm).— Place it outdoors in an open sitna- tioD, and keep well supplied with water, potting at the close of September; and in October place in a cold frame, with the pot plunged in ashes, and in January prune and place in a light airy position ic the greenhouse. Banksian Roses not Flowering (A'. Y. Z.).— Train the shoots rather thinly, so that they may be full., exposed to light and air, and the wood thereby thoroughly ripened. The situalion or aspect should be a warm one- south or scnth-west. Prune but little, merely cutting out any wom-ont ehoots and the unripe points of the shoots of last year's growth, the pruning being deferred until spring. Wintering Alternantiteras (Idem). — Take up before frost, pot singly, and place in a house having a temperature of 50^ to BS'^ from fire heat, watering bo as to keep fresh, but on the other hand avcid too much moisture at first, or the plants will damp. They are beet upon a cool bottom, and after the turn of the year encourage with more moisture and heat, so as to footer prowth for cuttings. The Lobelias should be potted in the same way, and be kept in a light airy position in a house from which frost is excluded, LiLiDM auratum Flowering Outdoors (E. T.). — It is not unusaal, or only so because this beautiful kind is not more generally planted outdoors, where it thrives remarkably well ; it and many others thriving well in the open spaces iu Bhododendron beds or anywhere, the soil being rich and hght. BosEs Mildewed (Idem). — The leaves show mildew, and is unqnestionably a result of a poor soil and the want of moisture. Water freely in dry hot weather, and, after the buds show, with weak liquid manure twice a-week, or sprinkle guano lightly around the bushes, and wash in with water. It is necessary in the evening of hot days to water overhead, except when in bloom. The soil would be the better of a gocd dressing of manure. The mildew is a consequence of the dry east winds that prevailed Eome time ago. followed by the heavy rain. Oleander Propagation (A. T. W.). — Take cuttings of the current year's shootB when they are about half ripe, and insert them siL^ly in smaU pots in pandy peat and loam, and place in a bottom heat of ^0", and cover with a bell-glass if in ahonse, but in a shaded hotbed the moisture will be suflicient to maintain the leaves freeh without resorting to the bell-glass. In inserting the cuttings let the base of each rest on and be surrounded by silver sand. Cuttings of the firm young shoots root freely in phials of water placed in heat. Either mode may be practised now if your plants have the wood of the proper degree of ripeness. Poppies {LU-m). — The kind with large scarlet flowers 9 inches across is Papaver hracteatum, and the yellow the Iceland Poppy, P. nndicaule. Seed of the first-named maybe had of most seedsmen, but of the latter seed is not, that we are aware, sold, but plants may be obtained of most nurserymen at a very moderate price. Grapes Cracking (J. E. W.). — We should not attribute the cracking to the dryness of the border now ; but from its having been dry during the first Bwelling of the berries, and now they are taking the second swell the border, from the excessipe raius, beiog very wet, the atmosphere also moister, would appear to us the cause of the cracking. Apply more heat, so as by freer air- giving to keep the atmosphere less close and drier. Pomegranate not Flowering (E. D. B.). — It does nnt flower becaaso the wood is not thoroughly ripened. Against a south wall in your climate it would probably flower well were you to encourage the pmall twiggy growths and restrict the stronger shoots. If you wish to keep in a pot, place it in a light airy part of the conservatory, afford water only to keep it from flagging, and in winter keep dry. When it begins to grow in tpring repot, and en- courage growth in a moist growing heat, as that of a vmery, and when th© pot is full of roots remove to the conservatory, assiguiog it a light and airy position. It is not neceasary to place iu heat it the plant is not disrooted, which we advise, so as to keep in a moderate-sized pot. Pruning is to ba done in spring, preserving a majority of the twiggy shoots. Destroying Ants (Subscriber's Daughter). — Trap them, saucers of salad oil being placed so as to allure and druwn the industrionn but annoying and destructive creatures. Tbe cil will need to be renewed occasionally, as the ants will not enter to partake of it when rancid. The White Mullein (Verbas- eum Lychnitis) is not rare but local in its distribution, jours being a new locality for it. Names of Plants [Crat^Egus). — Escallonia macrantha, introduced from ChUoe in 1847. It requires a south wall and the protection of a mat in severe weather. (J. Kfr.sluke). — Tbe Michaelmas Daisy (Aster tripolium, L.). (E. J. 8.). — Your second btttch of Ferns does not correspond altogether with that previously sent, which we named in Jouriialof Hortiriilture for Aug. 5th. No. 2 of last lot is Asplenium viviparum. {Mrs C/itfl'H^ ;/).^Yes, a Spircea, hut we cannot determine the species from specimen sent. {Tkos. O'Qrady). — Rubua odoratuB. (G. B). — 1, Lepidium Draba; 2. Geranium dissectum; 4, Beta maritima. Remainder quite unnameable- Grasses apparently dyed for ornamental purposes. (O. P.). — Escallonia macrantha. POULTEY, BEE, AM) PIGEON OHEONIOLE. MOULTING. Feathers everywhere — in the honees, in the rues, in the dust- baths. We are glad to see them. We watch onr birds becoming daily more ragged and more naked with the greatest pleasure. We delight iu early moults, and we believe they will be general this season. These hot suns succeeding the late severe rains seem to have had a wonderful effect upon the birds, and the moult is feathers everywhere. Last year the moulting was a late one. We had birds not ready to show till January, and it was a recognised fact that at the Palace the majority of the old birds wanted five or six weeks more to attain their full plumage. To have valuable show birds well over their moulting is a grand thing to accomplish, for the winter successes depend upon it to a preat extent. It is not a very easy thing somehow to have highly-bred fowls well over their moulting, for many a good bird succumbs in inexperienced hands. We have known people buy-up valuable birds, exhibit them through the summer, and then expect them to come out as fresh as ever in the autumn dressed only in fresh feathers, Alas ! they are often disappointed, for the bird is perhaps two or three months perfecting his plumage, and when it is fully grown it often looks patchy, or many of the feathers come dis- colotured, and the whole effect is rough. August 13, 1876. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB, 143 We are convinced that birds which have been exhibited much during the summer usually moult-out but badly. They seem to lack strength to form new feathers quickly, and often waste away. "We have noticed time after time individual birds which have won in Anijust and September, but have not been fit to show again till January. The plan we always adopt is, about the first week of August to turn all our hens together into a good orchard near where there is a house large enough to accommodate them all, and there we leave them to moult naturally, feeding them well but not giving them enough to make them sleepy or fat — we are here speaking of the large breeds of fowls — and letting them have a copious supply of clean water. We do not pretend to recommend any particular feeding. This must be left to the discretion of the manager, as different birds and different strains have different peculiarities, and consequently here the manager must use his judgment ; but we again state the hens must bo kept in good order, and allowed to become to a certain extent heavy without approaching the possibility of being in- ternally fat. When we find two or three hens are losing their feathers faster than the rest and seem to be going in for a quick moult, then we take those away and place them in enclosed shady runs about G feet square, where there are no draughts, and get them on as fast as possible for the early autumn shows. The floors of these pens we make 4 inches deep of clean sand, and cover the top with coarsely-cut straw chafl. We find generally the birds which have to come to these little runs to be made ready for the early shows are those heus which have not been ex- hibited for some time, and which have buen allowed to have broods of chickens. The remainder of the hens moult-out, as we said before, naturally in their large run, and are singled out later on for the breeding or show pen as required. In the case of all light-coloured birds we would be careful not to use maize in excess. We have seen many a bird ruined, ©specially cocks, for the show pen for the year, through the ex- cessive use of this food, for it has a very bad eflect on the feathers and makes them yellow and coarse, and in White birds often almost straw-coloured. Thus much for our treatment of hens in the feathering season ; now for a word about the cooks. We find small runs beat for them ; in fact, the large feathered-legged breeds should always be kept in such places in the moulting season, and when once the feathers begin to drop it is surprising how quickly they get their fresh ones when thus confined. If there are many cocks to moult, and the number of these pens is limited, we have known large exhibition baskets used with success. We do not mean a bird is to be kept in one during the whole of his moult, but by keeping a cock in one for three or four days, and then putting him in a run, taking the cock which has been living in that for a little sojourn in the basket, and so changing them about, seeing at the same time they are kept clean and well-at- tended to — we have, we say, thus often known many valuable birds belonging to people with but very small accommodation brought successfully through the moult. We feed the cocks on the same food as we do the hens — good sound ground and whole corn, with a little Spratt's, but we sometimes add a pinch of some condimeiit if they seem to be at all dull, and this often appears to give the new feathers a fresh start. Those who want to put up a certain cock over a year old for breeding early January chickens, we would recommend to let such a bird moult as naturally as possible, and not exhibit it till the required chickens are hatched. We are sure that cocks moulted in places heated artificially or treated in any way con- trary to nature, or, again, cocks frequently exhibited in Novem- ber and December as soon as they have their new feathers, are but very rarely the fathers of early chickens, for in runs where this has been the case we have repeatedly noticed sitting after sitting of clear eggs. It is consequently important to have the birds to be bred from well over their moult early, and then reserve them entirely tor the breeding pen. If hens have laid just before they begin to moult it is often a good plan to let them bit on nests of china eggs, keeping them in good condition all the time. The old feathers seem to come off so cleanly, and the new feathers sprout up as thickly as possible. We shall never forget going to see Mr. Pares in 1869, and finding in July all his champion Brahma hens sitting to a=^sist them over their moult in good time. We have found, too, that a frequent application of sulphur ointment to the legs of the feather-legged varieties is often of grea,t service during the moulting season, as it keeps the legs free from coarse scales and scurf disease, and seems to help the growth and development of the foot and leg feathers at the same time. — ^W. ALEXANDEA PALACE POULTRY SHOW. As will be seen by our advertising columns the arrangements for this Show have been concluded, and the Exhibition will be held, as originally announced, on the 19th, 20th, and 2l3t of October, 1875. All the poultry classes are to be for birds bred this year, and there will also be classes for many varieties of young Pigeons. As this will be the first show of chickens held in London — in fact the first great chicken show of the season — we may expect to see moat of the future champions brought out which will do battle for their owners at the principal winter exhibitions, espe- cially as we hear the cups are to be very numerous, and the money prizes of considerable value. ALFOKD SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. The annual Show was held at Alford on the 3rd and 4th inst. in an extensive pasture close upon the town. Considering the population is so sparse in this locality this was a spirited venture, and the spirit and energy of the Committee most commendable. The pens were Billett's of Southampton, and were well arranged in double tiers in the centre, and singly on the aides. In poultry the entries were not large, no doubt on account of the occur- rence of other shows at the same time ; they were 163 in all, but the winners were generally good. Of Dorkings two pens were good and the rest rubbish. Cochins poor, except the first, a fair pen of Buffs. In Brahmas, Light, the first were a good pair, the second a grand cock with a hen in fine feather, colour, and marking. This must be a very late- hatched bird of last year. Brahmas, Dark, were pretty good but a little shaky in feather. Spanish a grand lot; three entries. In Ead Game cocks the winner of the cup was the bird in the same position at Doncaster, a Brown Bed, and Game all over; second a capital Black Red, and third Brown Red. In Red hens Brown Reds were the winners, and were all good, the first especially. In the Variety of cocks Duckwings won the first, a very good bird in all points, but the others were only moderate. Duckwings were also the recipients of the honours in hens. The winners good, the first most noticeable for style, and second more for colour and marking. Samburghs a fair lot, Messrs. Robinson, Long, and Pickles coming in for the prizes. Silver- pencils good, but not particularly nice in comb. Golden a little faded, but comb good ; Silver-spangles being better, and Golden best, and the cup awarded here. Game Bantams, with a few exceptions, were poor, but there were some fair Silver Sebrights, to one of which the cup was awarded. In French were two classes but only six entries, but there were some pretty good birds in each. Polish were pretty good, and all Golden. In the Local class nice Gold Polantis were first, Houdans and Brahmaa taking the other prizes. The Selling classes were a marked contrast to what we generally see at this time of year, some of the birds being very good, Messrs. Newbitt's Spanish and Wren's Brahmas particularly so. Pen 356 (Low) contained a cock with a spur growing out of the centre of the head, which, though detached from the skull, was grown to the flesh, and in our opinion had been inserted after the removal of the comb, this and the wattles being evidently cut. Chickens were pretty good as a class. Dark Brahmas and Dorkings dividing the prizes. Rouen Ducks were good, but of Aylesbury there was only one pen; and in the Variety White-faced Whistlers were first. Domesticated Mallard second, and Cross-bred third. Of Pigeons there were about 135 entries, and, the show at Driffield occurring at the same time, it is surprising that the entries were so large in these and the Rabbits. With Messrs. Fulton, Hammock, Tardley, Ord, and Woodhouse as exhibitors little need be said of the general quality of the birds. Carrier cocks were all noticed, and the cup for the first section was awarded to a grand Black, well developed in beak and eye wattle, very good in colour and style ; second a strong young Dun, and third a good Black, but with a stiff wing. Hens also good. First'BIack, a Carrier all over, and a capital match for the first cock ; second Black, not so heavy, and third Dun, wanting only in neck. All noticed. Many of the Pouters were a little shaky in feather, but were good classes. In cocks first a Blue in fine show, second a White quite as well up, and third a Black well marked, very sound in colour, but rather short. All were noticed, as also in hens, where the first was Black, second Black, and third White. Tumblers were an excellent lot of Almomis. First a cock very rich in ground and perfectly broken, with grand head properties, but slightly cloudy at the corner of the eyes ; second grandly broken, a little darker ; third beau- tifully broken, not so rich, and Mr. Yardley'a out of feather and looking ill. In Balds and Beards first was Black Bald, per- fect, but wanting a moult; second a Silver, good, but lost in head a little, and foul on one thigh ; third a grand Blue Beard, but rather lame. Barbs only a moderate class ; first Red, and second and third Blacks. With the exception of the first Red cock the Jacobins were poor. Dragoons good. First a Blue, second Yellow, and third Black-barred Silver. The cup for these classes was awarded to the Almond. Fantails were un- commonly fine, the three winning birds a close run, and all White. Turbits a nice lot, though some were a little dirty. First a Blue cock, second Silver, and third Blue. Owls were all foreign ; the first and third White, and second Blue, the cup going to the first-named bird. In Antwerps first was a good lU JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Angust 12, 1875. Short-faced Silver Dnn, second a me); B. Greaves (Lop); T. Schofield. jun. (Lop- eared), c. R. S. BcBsier (Angora); F. Pocblingtnu. Boston (Himal-iyan); B. Greaves (Himalayan and Belgian Hare); J. M. Atkmson. Point Cups won by Mr. Greaves. CATS. English.- 1, T. J. Wood, Boston. 2, E. Baxter, Dalatem Lane. 3, D. Moun- tain, Alford. „ Foreign.— I, T. Weightman. Hatfield. 2. E. Clark. 3, C. E. Berry, Horn- castle. )i(', Mrs. L N. Bradley, Alford; E. Clark. Judges. — FouUry : Mr. Teebay. Pigeons and Rabbits : Mr. E. Hutton. Cage Birds and Cats : Mr. Billett. WHITWICK SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This was held Angust 3rd. The Judge was Mr. James Dixon^ North Park, Clayton, Bradford, Torks. Gaut..— Black and Brown-hreaMed Itedft.—Cock.—l. J. Richardson, Lough- borough. Hen.—l, — Tillotson, Coates, Leeds. 2, J. Richardson, he, J. Mee, Griflvdam, Leicester. , ^ ^ Game.— .4nj/ other variety —Coek.—l and 2, Earl of Loudoun, he, S. Perry^ Ibstock; E.Bell, Borton-on-Trent. H^n.- 1, E. BelL 2, J. Richardson. vhc,E. Winwood, Worcester, he, W. Tillotson. Dobkings —Hen.—\, W. H. Crewe. Etwall. 2. T. E. Pilgrim. Hinckley. Spanish.— Cocfc— 2. R. Hill, Nottingham. Hen.—l. Hon. G. Hastinga, Don- ington Park. 2, R. Hill. .,„ „ ^ u ,^ x Cochins.- Cocfc.— 1. H. Tomlinson, Birmingham. 2.W. H. Crewe, he, E, I. Draper, Burton-on-Trent. Hen.— l, H. Tomlinson. 2, E 1. Draper. Bbahmas.-Coc/c.-I, W. Whitely. Sheffield. 2, H. Feast, Swansea. vhc,T.. Hincks, Humberstone ; H. Feast. Hen.—l, W. Whuely. 2 and he, H. Feast. Hamhurghs.— (3o?(f or Silver pencilled.-l, C. J udaon, Peekham. 2. H. Feast, Een.-l and 2, C. Judson. , „ , „ t. . rr in Hamburghs.- 6foiti or Silver-tpangUd.-Cock.—l, H. Feast. Hrrt.— 1, H, Any OTHER VARiETY.-Cocfc,-l,H. Feast. 2, J. E. Pilgrim. Hen.— 1,W. H. Crewe. 2. H. FeaPt. ^ ^ „ ■,, ,• Bantams. — Cocit. — l, E. Bell. 2, J. Mayo, Gloucester, he, J, Calladine, Heanor; T. Cropper, Bacup. Hen.— 1, A. L Nixon, Barton. K, J. Mayo. he,. T. Cropper, Bacup. Docks.— 1. Earl of Loadotm, 2, W. H. Crewe. PIGEONS. Carbiers.- 1, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, W. Sheffield. Wh>twick. PoiTERS — 1, H. Yardlev. 2, Mrs. H. Pickworth, Moulton Marsh. Spaldingi Fastails —1. J. F Loveridge, Newark, 2, H. Yardley. he, G. De Lisle. TuMiiLEKS.-l,H. Yardley. 2. G. De Lisle. „. ,, ^ ^ ^^ t - i ir Antwerps.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, A. Farndon, Hinckley, r/ic, G. De Liole; J. Any othek Variety.— 1, J Gamble, Hngglescote. 2. R. Williamson, Whltwick. he, W. Siddons, Swannington. Rabbit9.—1,H. Pickworth. 2, W. Hunter. Walsall, /ic. A. Petcher, Ibatook; W Kirby, Hugglescote; J. Brotherton. Loughborough. Canaries- iV»oir.— l.T. Moore. Thringatone. 2, G. Gadd, Leicester. An)^ o(hfrrane(j/.— 1,— Kirk, Whitwick. 2, E. Arnold, r/wr, S. Gadd. Angast 12, 1875. ] JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 145 CiTS.— Tortoise. — 1, J. H. Pallft, loaghborough. Tahby.—J, H. Boyer Leicester. 2. Mian F. Earns, Ketterini!. he, J. Parker. Newhall. Ucrby. Jni/ otner colour.— 1, J. Brolherton. 2. W. Hulse, Nottingham. Heaviest.— 1, W. Bulse. LOCAL CLASSES. GAME.-BIacfc and Brown-breasted lieUs.-Cock.-l, J. Mee, Qnffydam. 2, r. Clifford, Wbitwiek. /ic. G. Mee. Griffydam. Hen.— l.G. Mee. 2, J. hirLy, Dou- ington. /ic, F. Vnun.jun., Coalville. „ , -,. « t^ tt Oahk.— Any other I'ltriety.—Cock.—I, J. W. Weston, Coalville. 2, F. Vann, inn. Hfn— J.S. Mee. 2, F. Vann, jun. „. , ..^ -. - , rr Spanish.— Cocfc.-l, J. Hallam. TlirinBstone. 2, S. Clark, Wlntwick. Hen. — 1, J. Mte. 2.T.H.a\vthorne, Coalville. „ , , BEAHMiS.— foct.-l, S. Wavte. Thnnustone 2. C. Thompson, HngRlescote. <;, G. Walker, Griffydam ; S. Clarke. H.n.-l, S. Wayte. 2. C. Thompson. Hauborohs.— Oolited.—Coc}{.—l, E. Aykroyd. 2, R. Hemmingway, Shelf. he, J. Mason, Manchester. Game.— ^«j/ other variety. —Cock.— \, H. C. & W. J. Maaon. Birstal. 9. J. Ma8on. he, W. Spencer, Haworlh : E. ATkrovd. Ben.—\, M. Jowett, Clayton. 2, R. Walker, Gomerf al. he, E. Holland, Ovenden. Game.— BMrfc or Brown Hed.-Hen.-l, A. S, SuRden. 2, A. Kershaw, he, TV. Spencer; E. Aykrojd. GiME.-jHy rnritiv.— Chickens.— \ and 2, F. H. Wright, Halifax, he, A. Bentham ; E RollaDd ; Mies A. Clavton. Spanish —Black —1, H. Beldon- 2, F. Bentley, Little Horton. c, J. Thresh. Cochin-Cbina— 1, C Sedgwick. Keishlev. 2, H. Beldon. Bbahma Pootpa.— 1. W. P. Connell. Clay'.on. 2. H. Belr^on. Hambobghs.— S)h'crs«(inoZ€d.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. SUvcr-p€neiUed.—\ and 2. H, BeHon. HAUBrFons.— GoMfn-,«j)n»fl/cd.— 1, T. Dean. Keighley. 2 and he, H. Beldon. Colden-pfnc tiled —1, W. Driver, Moreton Banks. 2, H, Beldon. Hambufghs —Black.— \ and 2. H. Beldon. Any htber Variety.-I and 2. H, Beldon. ftc,T. Dean ; M. Booth, Thornton. Any Variety except Cih^w.—Chickens.—l. C. Sedgwick. 2. H. Beldon. S, C. Can-. W]Ieden vhc, .T. Naylor, Goodley, Oakworlh. he, C. Carr, Wileden ; W. Scholefield, Birkenshaw. Game Bantams —Cock —1, J. Wright, Wibsey. 2, J. Blamires, Great Horton. nc, W. F. Entwisle, Wvke; A. S. Sngden, Swinlev, Cleckheaton. Bantams,— Gn»)c.—1, J. Blamires. 2, W. F. Entwis'e. /ic, W. F. Entwiale ; J. Wright, Wibsey. Any other varicty.—l and he, H. Beldon. 2, Milner and Beanlaod. Ducks.— 1, J. R. Pollard. Wibsey. 2. J. Newton, Silsden. PIGEONS. PocTEBs— Cocfc or Een.—l, H. Yaraley, Birmingham. 2, W. Wilkinson, Beldon Hill. Caeriebs.— Cocfc or Hen— I, H. Yardley. 2, F. Hodgson, Driffield ; J. Holden, he. W. H. A. Miller, Walsall. Dragoons,— Cocfc or Hen— I, R. Woods, Mansfield. 2, Ward & Rhodes, Otley. ftc,H. Yardley; R, Woods, c, Boalt & Stairmand ; Ward&Rhodes. Ov/LS.— English.— Cock or Hen— Special and J, Ward & Rhodes. 2. E. Rhodes. Lidge t Gref n he, E. Phudes (3) : J. Thresh. Tdrbits —Cock or Ben—1, E. Aybroyd. 2, E. Rhodes, c, J. F. Crowther, Mirfield; T. Foster, Binpley. TcMULEBs —Lonq faced.— Coek or Ben— I and 2, W. Ellis, Idle, he, Garbutt and Sedt^wick, HovinKham ; H Beldon. Barbs.- Coc/i- or Hen.— I, H. Yardley. 2, J. Thresh. Jaccbins.— TncA- or HeJi.-\ ard 2, T Holt, Bradlord. AtiTM^EiPS.— Long- faced. —Cock or Een-l, W. Ellis, Idle. 2, Cockett end Sunderland, Great Horton. he, J. Illingworth. Moorehouse, AJlerton ; W. Ellis, Idle; Tordoff & Wilkinaon. Wib°ey. r,W. F. Entwisle. Antweeps.— .S'/f'-ri/arfrf.- Cocfc or Hfn.—l and Spccal. ^\ Eastwood, Little- boroogh. 2, W. F. Entwisle. he, H. Yardley; W. F. Entwisle. e, Mrs. A. Bottomley. Antwerps — Medium- faced— Coch or Ben.—'i, TordofF & Wilkinson, Wibsey. 2. T. Holden. he, F. Eastwood, Littleborough ; W. F. Entwisle; J. Walker, Newark; T. Foster, Bingley. Ant other Variety.— l, H. Yardley. 2. Boult & Stairmand, Great Horton. Selling Class —1, T. Foster, he, S. Smithies, Great Horton. RABBITS. Lop-eared.- Bifcfc or Doe.—\, A. Hawley. Girlinpton. 2, R. Mnrgatroyd. he, E. Murgatroyd ; J. Moore. Keighley : .1. Wharton, Bramham. Himalayan.— Buc A: or Doe.—[, F. Bowles. 2, G, S. Burton, Leeds. Any other Variety -Buck or Doe.— I, T. H. Shaw. 2, J. Gelder, Bradford. ftc, — Chappell, Wiatborough. Dewebory (2) ; Mrs. J. Halmshaw, Dewebury. Judges. — Poultry: Meesra. Dixon and Martin. Pigeons: Mr. Alleopp. Babbits : Messrs. AUsopp and Martin. GLAMORGANSHIRE POULTRY SHOW. This Society, which is upwards of one hundred years old, held its annual meeting on the banks of the river Taff at Ponti- pridd on the 6th and Gth inst., and it will be long ere a more sequestered and romantic corner can be chosen for such a purpose, the almost perpendicular mountain on one side, with the river on the opposite side of the large meadow, presenting such scenes as are alone well worth a visit. Unfortunately, however, this place is not the most accessible for the stock of the English exhibitors, and the consequence was that many pens "were empty when the arbitrations were commenced, though most arrived before many classes had been judged; but these being objected to by one exhibitor, the Secretary had no alter- native but to disqualify for competition, and place cards to this effect upon the pens, among which were Messrs, Long's and Silvester's. This, however, was done reluctantly. The pens were from Mr. Billet of Southampton, whose attendant also rendered great assistance in the penning and superintendence of the birds, though a regular attendant was provided. The marquee was a most spacious one; the weather splendid, and immense numbers visited the grounds. Dorkings headed the list ; these being a fair lot. Chickens of this variety were good ; the second the largest, but the cockerel had one spur outside his leg. Brahtnas, Light, old and young both good as regards the winners, although the second-prize cockerel was a little yellow on the wing-bow. DarkBrahmas were not as good as the Light. In Game were many good birds, the winners being only superior in feather; the first and third were Brown, and second Black-breasted Eeds ; a capital pen of Duckwings being very highly commended. In Game chickens the winners were all Black-breasted Reds of very promising quality. Spajiish were a grand lot, and the competition close; the second losing in comb only. The chickens of that variety were very good. In Cochins the winners were Buffs and good. Only one pen of chickens were shown, and these of that colour also. Hamburghs were mixed classes, Spangles and Pencils competing together, and they were very good in both classes. In Golden, Spangles won first and second, and Pencils third. The third prizes in most cases beiog awarded as extras ; some prizes were withheld in the classes where the quality was poor. In Silvers, Spangles were first, and Pencils second and third; these were very good. PoJands poor; first Black, and second Silver. Black "Hamburghs good ; but Mr. Pickles' pen empty. Game Bantams poor except the first Black-breasted Keds ; but in the next class the Blacks were good. DiicJi's, Aylesbury were of very good quality; Rouens mode- rate ; but the Variety poor after Mr. Silvester's were excluded. Geese and Turkeys were very poor, which is very uncommon in this quarter; but there were some fair birds in the Selling classes, especially the first-prize Rouen drake. Dorkings.— 1 and 3, E. Leyshon, BridgeDd. 2, H. Feast. Pantyffynon. he, J Saunders, Cernttwn, Bridgend, c, A. Airdrie, Talygarn. Chicktns.—\, R. Levsbon. 2. R. Packer. Forth. Brahma Poi^tras.— ii-y'if — 1, T. A. Dean. Warden. Hereford. 2. H. Feast. e, H. Dean, CaroifF chickenf^.-l, H. Feast. 2, T, A. Dean, fee, Mrs. RoUs, Monmouth, c, E. Davies, Oowbridge. Brahma Pootras — DarA-.— 1, M. H. Dean, Cardiff. 2, H. Feast, he, 3. H, Price, Bridgend, t'/iicfctiw— 1, H, Fea&t Game. — 1, R Pearson, SwHnsea. 2, H. M. A. Eslick. 3, T. Treharne. Gwernymol. v>ic, H. Fea&t he, J. John. Ystrad; W. L. Blake, Llandaff ; J. G. Thomas & J. W. Morris, Caraiff; E. ^iuwood, Worcester, c, G. Malthewa, Abe'gavennv- Chickens —I.E. S.Godaell, Stroud. 2, J. P. James, LlwynMawr, he, O. John.'Hafod ; G. Matthews, c, W. L. Blake. t^pANibH.— 1. G. K. Chilcott. Montpelier. 2 and vhc, T. Moore, Cardiff, he, E. Winwood. Chickens.— I, H Feast. 2, G. K. Chilcott. he, R. backer. Cochin-Chinab.— 1, E. Winwood. 2 and 3, H. Feast. Chickens.— \, H. Feast. Hamburghs.— Go'denpennl/erf and Spangled.— I and 8, H. Feast. 2, Mrs. Rolls, like, H. Pickles, Earby, Leeds, he. J. Carr, Swansea ; J. Long, Bromley Common; Mrs. Rolls. e,J. Carr. Silver-pencilled and Spangled.— 1, J. Carr. 2 and 3, H. Feast, he, J. Carr ; H. Pitkiea. Btocfc.-i, H. Feast. 2, J. G. H. Morris. Bridgend. PoLANos.— 1, H. Feast. 2, S. W. Thomas, Swansea pRcNcn.- 1. H. Feast. 2. S. W. Thomas. 3, R, Packer. Bantams.— Game. ~], H. Feast. 2, W. HaTcock. 3, G. Lewis. Swansea, he, J. Majo, Gloucester. Any ottier variety. -1, R. H. Ashton, Mottram. 2, J. Mayo. 3, H. Feast. Ant other Distinct Breed.— 1, H. Feast. 2, D. WiUiams, Treherbert. 8» E. Winwood BvcKs.— Aylesbury— I. S. Gulhver. Aylesbury. 2. H. Feast. 3, "W. Jenkms, Anceltown. Hridgend. Rouen.— 1, H. Thompson, Tregroes. Bridgend. 2, T. Arthur, Ewenny, Bridgend. 3. J. Saunders, Corntown, Bridgend. Any other imritty. — l, Mrs. Rolls. 2, H. Feast. Geesi^.— 1 and 2, Mies M. I Harrys, Crotta, Ystradowen. TUHKEYS.- 1. Miss M. I. Harrvs. Selling Ci.asb.— Fowls —I, J. Carr. 2. T. John, Forth, Pontypridd. S, H. Thompson. 4, E. Lawrence, Ewenny, Bridgend. Selling Class —Ducts.— 1, J. Saunders. 2, H. Thompson. 3, H. Feaat. 4, T. Arthur. Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. CROOK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. This Show was held on August 4th. The following are the awards : — Turkeys.— ir/tj'/f.—l.W. Canney, Bishop Auckland. 2, W. Love. "Wolsing, ham. Any other variety.— l,1ilia& Kirk, Govendale, Ripon. 2, Young & Holmes Driffield. Geese.— 1, Vonng & Holmes. 2, W. Love. DvcKS.— Aylesbury —I and 2. F. E. Gibson, Middleton-in-Teesdale. Any other breed.— I, W. Canney. 2. W. Love, he, J. Wray. Oakenahaw Colliery. Game.— Black-breasted or other lied.— I. W. Younghusband. Darlington. 2, G. Carter. Bedale. he, W. Bearpark, Ainderby Steeple. Any other variety,— 1, Young & Holmes. 'A T. Grey, ^^tanhope. SPANisH.-l, Simpson & Dodds, Bedale. 2. H. Dale, Ormeaby. Dauiiinos- White. -1. W. Love. 2, J. T. Proud, Binchester. Any other varitti/.—l, C. Widdaa, Beechburn Grange. 2, Simpson ADodds. Bhahma Pootra.— 1, G. B. Bell, Caldwell, Darlington. 2, R. N. Hopkinson, Darlington. Hamuurgus— Golden-pencilled.-'^, R. Keenleyside, Aycliffe. 2. J. Foreter, Tow Law. Silver-pencilled —\, R. Kcpnlevside. 2, J. Jackson, Tow Law. HA^hVBQHs.—Golden-spangled-], R. Keenleyside. 2, Young & Holmes. Silver spangled.— 1, R. Keenleyside. 2, Young & Holmes, he, J. Gibson Staiihope. HAMBtTRGHS.- B/acfc.— 1, J. T. Pr©ud, Binchester. 2, W. Robson. Crook. Bantams.— 6'am«.—l, J. Robson. Bishop Auckland. 2, W. Gray, Tow Law. he. Young & Holmes. Any other variety.— 1, Wells & Sherwin, Ripon. 2, J. H. Cartwngbt, Willington. Cochin-China.— 1 and 2, G. H. Proctor, Durham. PoLANDS.— 1, W. Bearpark, Ainderby steeple. 2 and Extra 2, J. T. Proud. Extra ChAss.-Any other iHtrifty.—\, Welis & Sherwin, Ripon. 2, G. B.Bell, Caldwell, Darlington, /u-, Mrs. Sanders 'U (Guinea Fowls); Young & Holmes. Selling Class.- 1, J. T. Proud. 2, J. Glbaon, Stanhope, /ic, J. Gibson; E. Crosby, Etherley. CHICKENS. ^ Game.— 1, W. Summerson, Hougbton-le-Skerne. 2, Young & Holmes. hc,W, Younghusband, Darlington ; G. Carter, Bedale, Spanish.— 1, W. Bum, Crook. Anffiist 12, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENKK. 147 DOKKINOB.— H7it(c— 1 and 2. J. T. Prtrnd. Ann other variety— 1 and 2, C. 10ViddaB. Beechburn Grange, he, J. T. Prumi. Brahma Poutka —1 and -i, F. E. Gibsop, Middlctnu-iij.'IVinilalo. Haubitrghs. (!olden-pencillcd.~l mur.:. 'r. a l'. bnt in your prize list you print S. H. Seur8(there was no such exhibitor) instead o( T. H. Lewis." Eeakinc Guinea Chicks (O. fl,).— Ton may rear your Guinea chiols like ordinary chickens, or like Pheasants. There is much difleren.-e in the parents. Some are domesticated, and livo in the farmyard with other poultry ; some are always about the fields or rickyards in a semi-wild state. Those that are in the yard require more feeding than the wild birds, but we much prefer them. They are more easily caught when they are wanted. This is no small advantage. If a couple are wanted for Thursday they should be tilled on the Monday, as they are the better for keepiug. It is no easy task if they are in the fields They cannot, perhaps, be caught till the day before they are wanted, and then they are hard. You may feed tlio chicks on chopped egg, ground oats or barleymeal slaked with milk or water, and mixed with some <:hopped green onion tops, bread crumbs either dry or steeped in milk. They want this for the first three weeks. Then they may have bruised corn, and then whole. It keeps them tame to feed them daily at the same place. Silver-Gkey Babbits IT. D. L.).— Messrs. R. Poland & Sons, Queen Victoria btreet, E.C., are the largest dealers in all sorts of furs, and will pro- Dahly buy yours. Selling" Podltey IMcm).—Yoa will not have ranch difficulty in disposing of your Golden-pencilled Hamburghs if yon will keep them long enough, but they are not saleable just now. This is the worst time of year to sell any- thing, especially chickens, because they are not yet in hard 'feather or fully grown. The diflloiiHy complained of in selling surplus slock is, those who have It to dispose of want to get rid of it on favourable (not unreasonable) terms whenever it is " de trop " in their yards. The time to sell satisfactorily 18 when there is a real demand. At this moment almost everyone who breeds wishes to dispose of surplus stock. The little chickens of March and April are now taking the room of fowls. The young cocks ore beginning to crow, and, like the lads who are home for the holidays, they have large appetites. It IS a question only of cost where there is sufficient room for them to run. Much as they eat, the cost of keeping for two months is not large, and these ■will bo sold the end of October when people return home again. One word more— Do not keep faulty birds. They will never pay for their food, and a Hamburgh chicken is very good roasted, boiled, broiled, or in a pudding. If they must be sold send them to Stevens's, King Street, Coyent Garden, for one of their periodical sales. Fecpndation of Beiss' Eoos ( r. E. (5.).— It is a subject not suitablo for ■our pages. Iii.jiYinRE Dhones {.Elm Lodge).— The wretched weather we had in June and .July has doubtless so impoverished your bees that not only have they laUed to build or store in your anper, but we think you would find on inspec- tion below that they are actuaUy in a half-starved state; at least they were 80 on tne IHth of July. Hence in ejecting their drones they were fain to solace their hunger or to economise their stores by devouring the soft and juicy coctonts of the bodies of the immature dronelings which bees eject simultaneously with the drones at the proper time when swarming is given up or when famine stares them in the face. We advise you to feed your bees at once should they require it. Bee-keeping Queries {A Young Beriinner). — No. 1. Your bees have ceased working in the glass, strong as they are, for want of materials. They neither can nor will build comb when it is unnecessary. Failure of honey in the flowers this wet summer is the cause of the evil. No. 2. Driving bees has been again and again described in this Journal. It is the simplest of all operations if you know how to set abont it. But we refer you to an article on the subject which will appear in this or next week's Journal by an experienced hand. No. 3. We think it certain that if the show takes place at the Crystal Palace there will also be a repetition of the manipulations so saccessfully carried ouj before the siiectators last year. Food for J^k^h {Young Aitiarian). — Beer is not good for bees if it be not perfectly sound, and even after boiling it is apt to get sour. Use water instead; we now never use any other diluent of the sugar. Our plan is to fill a vessel with sugar and pour hot water upon it, stirring it well till the whole is dissolved ; just enough water to make the syrup when cold of the consistency of rather thin honey. If you like to add a little brandy or gin it can do no harm, but we never do so ourselves. Apiary Qdery (J. P., jun.). — We hardly advise transferring now. "We should ourselves probably wait till next spring. But why not, if so disposed, make the trial with one of the swarms? Choose that wiiich has the stoutest comb and is least heavy. We would first drive the bees into a common hive temporarily ; then we would carefully adjust each comb to a bar with very narrow strips of wood, and with the smallest tacks. When all was ready and the bar-frame hive in its place, we would bring the driven bees and dash them down bodily over it, the holes at top being fully open. We should thea commence diligent feeding, and at the end of a week or so remove the strips of wood. If this sncceeded you might proceed to manipulate the other swarms. Otherwise feed them well up to the mark before the middle of October, and cover with thick hackles. The best way to feed straw hives in autumn is to arrange a quantity of empty combs with deep cells, drone comb if possible, at the b;jttom of an empty box reversed. Over this place a board with convenient slits close to its sides, and the hive at top of all having its entrance closed. Feed at night and remove in the morning. METEOROLOQICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camden Sqoabe, London. Lat. 61° 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 Jeet. Date. 9 A.u, In the DAT. ■ t. Hygrome- °i Shade Tem- Radiation .a Barom ter atS andSe Level ter. ti u h'o'S perature. Temperature. tt August. In On Dry. Wet. S'o Mai. Min. Bun. grass Inches. deg. deg deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. We. 4 80.074 61.5 65.6 N.W. 610 70.4 49.7 1214 46 6 — Th. 6 80.021 57 6 6!.6 N. 59.5 71.2 47 9 liO.2 44.7 0.016 Fri. 6 20 872 62 4 60 8 N. 60.1 79.3 Efi.7 120.9 65.7 — Sat. 7 29.967 66.2 61.4 N 61.5 79 2 59 8 117.0 57.4 0.450 Sun. 8 30.026 60.S 63.1 N.W. 62 5 76 6 623 in.2 52.0 0.010 Mo. 9 29794 03 3 63 9 .S. 63.0 75.2 61.1 128.6 68 6 0/32 Tu. 10 29.913 C3.7 61.1 S. 62 6 78.0 58 7 H7.8 57 4 0106 Means 29.952 63.7 60.1 618 75.4 65.2 120.0 68.2 0.618 REMARKS. 4th. — A very fine pleasant day, but rather cool. 5th. — Dull early, fine iu the middle of the day, and showery after 3 p.m. Gth. — Fair but dull in morning, fine at noon, cloudy in the afternoon and evening. 7th. — Rather cloudy early, but fine before 11 am.; severe thunderstorm with heavy rain about 2 p.m. ; very dark, thick. and stormlike from 5 to 8 P.M. 8th. — Very close and warm all day, though rather cloudy and hazy. 9th. — Dull and etormlike in the morniug, fine in the afternoon, but cloudy at night. [sunset. 10th. — Hazy at 8, rain bsfore 9, fine at noon, dull soon after, but a bright The temperature very similar to last week, except that the nights have been warmer; and the stormlike appearances have indicated that though we have had but one storm, other places have been loss favoured.— G.J. Symons. COVENT GARDEN MARKKT.— August 11. OuTDOoa fruit ia making its appearance in large quantitiea; but trade is very duU, and a difliculty is experienced in effecting sales. d. 6. 6t0l 0 2 6 1 0 Apples 1 sieve o Apricots dozen 1 Cherries lb. 0 6 Ohf 16 George Beckett Clayton 2i 10 James Palsbury ■Viceroy 25 18 John Wynne Red Jacket 25 16 William Ridgway Talfourd 25 0 ,Tohn Downs Macaroni 24 18 J. C. MinshuU Eskender Bey 23 21 YELLOW. Charles Buckley Leveller 28 19 Francis Oldfield Einger 26 20 Charles Buckley Bagstale Hero 2i 12 William Ridgway Lady Popham 25 16 William Ridgway Catherina 25 16 Thomas Burrows Drill 25 13 Thomas Bradley Mount Pleapant 24 22 James HiL-ginbottom Peru 24 15 Francis Oldfleld Lady Iloughton 24 12 William Sanders Mr. Boocock 24 10 Failhful .Tamesoa Mr. Clough 24 14 Daniel Bower High Sheriff 24 10 GREEN. James WarburtoD Shiner 30 3 William Sanders Telegraph 29 7 John Downs Stockwell 25 22 Charles Leicester Hospool 25 6 James Salsbury British Oak 25 0 William RiiJgway Souter Johnny 24 10 James Warburton Rough Green 24 Ifi Samuel Bivcheoall Green London 24 13 Thomas Bradley Sir Oeoree Brown 24 12 Charles Leicester Stedling Cheerful 24 11 Charles Buckley Matchless 24 10 William Ridgway Birchen Lane 24 5 WHITE. William Ridgway Antagonist 26 18 Thomas Bradley Hero of the Nile 25 22 James .Salsbury Faithful 25 14 William Ridgway King of Trumps 25 12 William Sanders Transparent 24 18 Samuel Birchenall Mitre 24 11 Robert Downs Careless 24 'J Daniel Bower Overseer 25 0 George Beckett Succeed 23 9 Charles Leicester Weatherproof 22 22 Samuel Bircheuall Snowdrop 22 15 James Salsbury Queen of the West 23 6 SEEDLING SHOW. BED. DwtB. Grs. •loseph Briggs Dr. Woolley 28 6 William Sanders President -* j* Charles Leicester, iun Negro ^J 11 John Bennett Not named ^i- 10 YELLOW. Joseph Wardle Not named 26 0 Charles Leicester Thatcher 24 15 James Warburton Pretender 22 18 William Wilson Clara 21 17 GBEEN. Charles Leicester, sen Cheerful 30 9 William Jones Boughton Heath 21 20 Charles Leicester, jnn Sir Warren 21 6 Francis Oldfield HoUin 21 9 WHITE. Joseph Weston Falstafi 23 4 William Sanders Practice 21 11 John Kitchen Not named 21 8 John Partington Bnry Lane 20 1 PRIZES FOR THE BEST-FLAVOURED GOOSEBERRIES IRBESPECTn'B OF SIZE. 1st prize for 12 Red Gooseberries . . John Downs Ploagbboy. 2na 1st 2ud Ist 2nd 1st 2nd Yellow Green Charles Leicester . , Lord Derby. Daniel Bower Levelltr. John Bostock Seedling. Daniel Bower Telegraph. JohnBiistock Stockwell. , George Beckett .... Succeed. Thomas Ber^ett . . Careless. — Cn.\BLES Leicester, Nurseryman, Macclesfield. CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES. Mb. Dodglas need not have " swallowed me up quick" for the observations I made upon the exhibition of Carnations and Picotees, for I thought I very carefully guarded myself from the charge of imputations of bad practices against any of the exhibitors ; but I noted it as a curious instance of the ethics of the exhibitors of florists' flowers, that one flower may be metamorphosed with impunity, whilst in another it is a dis- qualification. And when I said the public are deceived it was nothing more than this, that outsiders believe they have only to procure these sorts, cultivate them well, and they can obtain such blooms. And the burden of my statement is this, that if ever so well cultivated, an exhibitor who can dress a flower well can beat to nothing one who is not up to it. As to Mr. Douglas's flowers, I made no allupion to them in particular. I heard a somewhat similar observation to that which he alludes to, but these words were added — " a little more dressed." I am also aware that all flowers do not require this dressing. Let me take two in the same class. One, Edith Dombrain, never splits a pod, the flowers open regularly, and it hardly requires the placing of a single petal ; but take Mrs. Fordham, a large, full, end thick-podded flower, and I maintain it is utterly impossible to exhibit it as it was shown at South Kensington without pulling out a considerable number of petals and so altering the entire build of the flower, and it is that which constitutes the great difference between north and south. Such flowers will not be tolerated at the National Show; and I should very much like Mr. Homer to tell us what is the meaning of the rule that if a flower be mutilated the stand is disqualified. Say what one may, I contend it ii a very curious matter this dressing of Pinks and Carnations. It places them in an entirely different category to many other florists' flowers. You may arrange the truss of an Auricula, the spike of a Hyacinth, and the petals of a Dahha, but it makes no material alteration in the character of the flower ; but let a split-podded Carnation be placed in the hand of a good dresser, and " its own mother would not know it again." And with all due deference to Mr. Douglas, I do not think washing his hands will alter the case. I have no doubt he thinks anyone with care could grow as good flowers as he exhibited, but as to their being able to exhibit them as he did without some lessons and a good deal of practice I beg leave to differ. Let two instances snflice to bear out my position. I was last summer standing in the garden of a very valued friend in the north of England. We were looking over his Pinks, which were very fine. He gathered one and said, "Give me ten minutes, and I will so metamorphose this flower you would not know it ;" adding, " in my day I was the best dresfer of Pinks in my neighbourhood." While I heard at South Kensington another friend bemoaning that his wife was not well, and unable to attend to the flowers, for, said he, " I never met her equal in dressing a Carnation." And again let me repeat it, alongside of such, an ordinary mortal would have no mora August 19, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1C9 chance than would a country dressmaker beside M. Worth or Augustus Ahlborn, even though they had the same person to dresB and the same materials to work with.— D., Deal. THE VINE BORDEE. As the growth and fruitfulness of the Vine depend iu a measure on the border, its construction and material, I beg to call the attention of intending planters to a few points worth notice. After the site is cleared it is often necessary to case the bottom of the border. This is effected by putting on rubble and pouring on soft mortar, spreading evenly, allowing it to set, taking care to give a fall for water to the drain in front. Observe, it is usual to place the crooks, &a., inside the pot, not under it ; the drainage should not be too rough or sparse — 6 inches is ample. Partitions of single brick and mortar are useful, enclosing the border with a substantially-built wall, preventing rats, itc, from burrowing into it. The dry bricks will answer the first year or so, making half the border. Any free soil will grow Grapes. There is nothing better than turfy loam chopped as for other plants, with a free admixture of char- coal and building rubbish, passed through an inch sieve. It is important that the whole of the compost should be thoroughly oxydised, adding very little manure, well mixing and making firm in the border. Avoid treading in future, wet or dry. The next point ia manure. For young Vines solutions are easily applied, also for fruiting Vines a freely soluble manure applied during growth is the best stimulant. I have no idea of burying bones. Bone dust and blood manure with stable dung will give an unusual increase of fruit if properly applied. The bone dust should be put on after the Grapes are cut (December) with a sprinkling of blood manure or guano, and covered up with fresh manure and shutters if outside. Blood is again served out twice or thrice during growth with plenty of water. I need scarcely add, with other proper attention first-class Grapes will be produced. N.B. — I am perfectly satisfied much of the shanking, waet .Chestnut is one of the most useful trees we have at this season, its appearance being alike good when gathered as wheu .growing on the tree; while the general aspect of the tree, Jiaing of a darker hue than most others, is also in its favour, the 'Edliage generally being good. The Oak is a less attractive tree in spring than in autumn, its foliage being its principal feature, but that being of a sturdy kind is often brought into use at an earlier age than that of other trees; while in autumn, when it is loaded with fruit, it is very pretty. Other trees have also their beauties : the Norway Maple, Oriental Plane, and Sycamore have all a some- thing-in-common in their copious handfals of seed ynssels ; the winged character of these, with other objects of interest attached to each cluster, render them all beautiful in thtir way ; but we have not space to pursue this object further 1 amongst large trees, otherwise some would say that the cones : of our Pines are each capable of forming some pretty objeot, 1 and, in fact, are pretty in themselves. We now pass again to objects of more humble growth. ... The Bird Cherry is a shrub not so much inferior to the Dentzias as might be supposed for its beautiful blooming qualities ; and still more showy and certainly rendered more ■ conspicaons, is the Elder, trees of which seem almost entirely covered with bloom this season. The Elder is a very con- l spicuous tree in the dusk of the evening when it is in flower. 164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 19, 1815. Not lesB beantifal, but in a different way, and like the Elder, is perhaps offensive in the odour it emits, is the common Privet, which blooms abnndantly, and when allowed to do it produces abundance of shiny black fruit or berries in conical clusters of great beauty in autumn ; while in the wet and marshy places the Alder may be met with, producing its globular seed vessels in abundance with its bright green leaves, to be succeeded by a fruit vessel or husk, that looks weU the following year if allowed to remain on the tree. Amongst still lower growths we have the Bramble, ornamental when in ripe fruit ; the Clematia while ripening its seed vessels, and when its bleached remains clothe some rugged hedge or cop- pice with tufts of cottony-looking down, appropriately called the Traveller's Joy ; while descending still lower we have Heaths. Enough has been said to draw attention to the merits of gome of our most common trees and shrubs, the most, if not all, of which are of British origin, and consequently in gene- ral within nearly everyone's reach ; and the part they are all capable of taking in assisting the now-a-days all-important duty of ornamenting a table, room, or other given space, is Buoh that unless we have the means of falling back on some- thing that can be had in great abundance, there is a fear our exotics will fall short of what is required of them. It is, therefore, with a wish to call attention to the merits of very common thingi that the above is penned, and possibly a return to the subject by way of calling attention to other hardy plants and their claim to notice may be acceptable ; and who knows but amongst the vagaries of fashion our ditches and wastes may have to take their turn in furnishing materials to decorate the drawing and dining-rooms of the great and wealthy, and after the Antipodes have been ransacked of their Horal treasures it may be found that many at our back doors are still good? Some good may, perhaps, be obtained by urging the attention of those concerned in that direction. — J. Eoeson. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Mb. Edward Lcckhurst writes from near Uckfield in Sussex : — " The whole of the Peach and Nectarine Trees here are in splendid condition, and the crop is abundant and fine. Early Beatrice Peach ripe the middle of July, and a daily dish of it Bent to table till last week. Early Rivers Peach keeps up the supply ; the first ripe fruit August 2nd. Lord Napier Nectarine is a fine crop; its fruit is just colouring, and some of it already measures nearly 8 inches in circumference. Early Elvers Plum ripe the last week in July, and plenty of its fruit still upon the trees. Early Eivers Damson planted last season also has ripe fruit upon it ; this is a great advance upon the older kinds." We have received from Messrs. Thomas Kennedy and Co., Dumfries, yellow frnit of Eed Aston or Warrington Gooseberry, arising from a bud sport on a bush of the normal red form. This occurred between thirty and forty years ago in the garden of Mr. Archibald Gorrie of Annat Cottage, Perth- shire, who propagated the shoot producing yellow fruit, from which plants were raised which continued to preserve this new character, and which became known as Yellow Aston. ■ The collection of stove and greenhouse plants, the property of A. Basset, Esq., Sister House, Clapham Common, were sold on the premises by auction by Mr. J. C. Stevens on the 5th and Gth inst. Azalea Eclatante was knocked down for £i 10s. ; and A. Extranei for £i 15s. ; A. Mrs. Fry, £(', 1(U. ; A. Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt, £7 10s. ; Croton undula- tum, £7 7s. ; Alsophilasquarrosa, £i 10s. ; Dendrochilum fili- forme, £5 ; Masdevallia Veitchiaua, £5 15s. lid. ; Camellias Countess of Derby and Princess Bacciochi, £7 7s. each ; Camellia Mathotiana alba, £14 14s. ; Ehododendron Princess Eoyal, £7 17s. M. The 535 lots sold for £1006. A CORRESPONDENT informs us that Mr. Sowerby, the head gardener at Hackness Hall, of which we recently gave an account, completed on the 8th inst. his fiftieth vear in the .SERVICE of the Johnstone f amUy. He is still hale and vigorous, and to all outward appearance likely to continue his services lor many years. It is a noteworthy fact that there have only been three head gardeners since the formation of the gardens, which took place in 1795. There is a charming bit of romance about the recent wedding of Harry, the eldest son of Mr. Charles Turner, the florist of Slough, to Miss Elizabeth Poole, only daughter of the late Samuel Bacon, M.D., of Camden Town. The young couple met Bome years since, boy and girl, when the gallant youth presented to the blushing maiden a Golden Apple plucked from the garden of the Hesperides — or, to put it more prosaically — an Orange. From the seed of tliat Orange, sown fcy her own hand, sprang an Orange tree. When the Orange tree bloomed for the first time, from its tiny branches were plucked the blossoma which adorned the hair of the bride at the Savoy Chapel. An old English garden — *' The wholesome Sage, the Lavender still grey, Kauk-smellm^ Rtie and Cummin go'xi for ejcs, The Rosea rei-^uioj:: in the pride of May, Sharp Hyssop good for green wound's remedies. Fair Marigolds and bees-aUuriog Thyme, Sweet Marjoram and Daisies decking prime. Cool Violets and Orpine growing still, Embathed Balm, and cheerful Galinsale, Fresh Costmary and brea'hful Caraomile, DoU Poppy and drink quickening Setulae, Vain-healing Vervain and bead-purging DiU, Sound Savory and Basil hearty hale, Fat Coleworts and comforting Perseline, Cold Lettuce and refreshing Rose marine." We have received the " system of classification " of the United States Centennial International Exhibition, which is to be held in Philadelphia in 1876. There are twenty- five classesforhorticultnre, including ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers; hothouses, conservatories, graperies, and their management; garden tools and accessories of gardening ; and garden designing, construction, and management. Pomology comes in under the department of agriculture, and consists of two classes — fruits of temperate and semi-tropical regions, and tropical fruits. WEN8LEY. Well, what of Wensley, and where ia if? It is the capital of Wensleydale in Yorkshire, so much celebrated for its cheeses. It is a small, neat, picturesque village on a declivity on the northern bank of the river Yore, sheltered from the north and exposed to the fnll sunshine of both summer and winter. What struck me as interesting was the neat cottages and well- kept gardens enclosed by iron fencing, displaying their floral occupants to every passer-by. There are two triangular vUlage greens ; on one stands a monster Elm, the girth of bole at -1 feet from the ground being 20 feet 6 inches, one of the principal branches being 10 feet in girth near the bole, extending 85 feet, the circumference of the branches being something near 250 feet. Round the base of this tree stonework is erected, fastened together with iron brackets in lead, forming a piece of solid masonry, where in days long past formed the gathering-place of old and young when the toils of the day were ended, or probably on those festive occasions when the peasantry and their lords used to mingle in old athletic sports, or may be ages past when the " guid housewives " of the dale here vended their dairy and other produce beneath the shade of this forest tree. In all proba- bility this is one of the oldest trees extant. They used to be seen on all the village greens in the dale, but this la the only one that has braved the storm and ia now glorious in decay. Beneath its shade stands the town pump in a atone case of huge dimensions, and which must have stood for many genera- tions past. The beautiful entrance to Bolton Park is close by. The other green with the fine clump of trees open to the road forms a delightful retreat for the children of the village. Many of the trees here are of immense size, especially Elms and Sycamores : such trees I have seldom seen. Many of the walls in the village are partly covered with Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Sedum acre, S. album, and Saxifraga tridactylites. Following the road at the foot of the hill a magnificent stone bridge spans the river Yore, whose banks are fringed with beautiful forest trees ; this with the church close by forma one of the loveliest landscape scenes that eyes can look upon. It seems strange that the water-power of tbe dale haa not been utilised for manufacturing purposes, as that power is immense. There are lead mines in the neighbourhood, but I believe they are capable of greater development. Crossing the bridge on the south side of the river I saw on the bank Sweet Cicely, or Myrrhia odorata, in abundance. The hedges and roadsides are flower gardens themselves ; such masses of Origanum vulgare and sheets of Bluebells (Campanula rotnndifolia), and the Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia), Vicia oracca, and Ononis arvensis are seldom met with ; there are also Geranium pratense and other native plants. I did not attempt to resist the desire to entei the ohuioh- Angast 19, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 165 yard while paeaing, for there is always something to learn there ; and what interested me much was an epitaph which I copied as follows : — " Mr. William Parham, gardiner to the Duke of Bolton, left to the poor of Wenaley the use of a 100 pounds for ever. March 20th, 1670." — Rusticos. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Propaoation — Oaca more the time has come round when it is necessary to propagate all kinds of bedding plants for next season's supply ; and it is as well to say that much time and trouble will be saved if, before the work is begun, a thorough plan is framed according to the means at command for storing these plants during winter. As a rule that plan is chosen which is likely to take up the least space to carry out — that is, the plants are stored away in as close quarters as possible consistent with their health. The aim should be to have these plants well rooted and established for their winter confinement, and not to grow them too much at this time of the year, leaving this to be accomplished on the advance of spring. Pelargoniums of both the green and variegated class will root readily enough if put in on a warm border of well-prepared soil in the open ground, but then there is the trouble of taking them up and potting them, and some risk of their not being well established before the dull month of November comes in. For an amateur whose wish is to manage things economically, and without involving too much labour, the following plan would be preferable : Procure some boxes about 2 feet long, 18 inches wide, and from 3 to 5 inches deep; make a few holes at the bottom at different places for drainage, and place a piece of broken pot over each hole, and then pnt a thin layer of the Biftings of soil over these ; afterwards fill the box level fall of fine soil, composed of loam, leaf mould, and sand in equal parts, well mixed together with the hand, press it into the box firmly. Such a box will hold from sixty to seventy cuttings, according to size. They could be made to hold more, but this number is sufficient to ensure their well-doing; if thicker they would be liable to damp-off in winter. Make every cutting firm after insertion, and make sure that the bottom of it is firm upon the soil at the bottom of the hole made for it. Water them well, and remove the boxes to some warm sunny spot on a south border, or under a wall. They may be allowed to have the full sun, which will make them flag at first, but it will do them no harm. Clear the boxes from the ground by placing them on bricks or boards to prevent worms getting in. In three weeks or a month the cuttings will be well rooted, as will be seen by their beginning to grow and flower. The flowers should be picked off, and just the point of each shoot taken out. They ought not to be encouraged to grow too fast; recollect that what is wanted for successful wintering is a close or stocky firm growth, not a strong sappy one. The plants may remain where they are rooted until there is danger from frost, then put them into cold frames or any light airy place where they can have the benefit of sun and a little fire heat occasionally to dispel damp. The boxes may be placed close together, and in this way many hundreds can be stowed away in a small space, and if moving is required it is quickly done at any time. Variegated sorts of Pelargoniums. If these are rooted in the same way, by which they will do equally well, it may be necessary to take them in sooner, or even in heavy showery weather it will be well to place some elass over them, but it is not neces- sary in striking them. The variegated sorts require a little longer time to root, and as they are slower in growth also it is well to put them in first. In large establishments, where there is plenty of glass, the cuttings are at once placed in the pit, not in boxes ; but the soil is prepared as it is in the open ground, and the cuttings inserted in it. Of course in such places there is the means of applying fire heat when necessary throughout the winter. There is one thing I ought to mention — that is, do not attempt to pull off the dead leaves which of necessity appear during the process of striking root. If you do the chances are that the cutting becomes loosened in its place, and probably does not root for some time after, it it does at all. These dead leaves do no harm at that time, but when the cuttings are rooted then is the best time to clear them off. With respect to other classes of bedding plants, such as Verbenas, Heliotropes, Lobelias, etc., they will root easily in a frame, say a two-light frame, filled up to within a foot of the glass with first rough leaves beaten firm, then about 3 inches of light sandy soil over these made even, and the cuttings dibbed in about li inch apart each way. Keep the frame moderately close, but shade from the sun, and at times sprinkle the cuttings with water to keep them fresh. After they are rooted they are dibbed into pots or pans about the same dis- tance apart, and after establishing themselves here they are stored away for the winter. There is another division among bedding plants, which I call the hardier class ; these are Gazanias, Variegated Alyssuma, and Calceolarias. Now these I always treat very similar — that is, they are rooted in the bed of soil in the frames, and here they remain all winter, protected from frost by cold dung linings at the sides, and mac and straw coverings for the top. The Alyssuma take longer to strike than the others, and should ba put in as early as possible, and treated similar to Verbenas; but the Gazanias are not put in till October, and are treated exactly as for the Calceolarias. I always divide my stock into about four classes ; first there is the Alternantheras of sorts, and such-like tender plants, which require heat to root and grow them ; then come the others as I have named above, and many thousands are stored away in a very small space. — T. Record. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHKN GABDEN, We do not sow our Cauliflower seeds until the last week in August, and sometimes not until the second week in September, but taking the average run of seasons the first-named date is the best ; the plants become strong before the frosts set in, and are better able to resist them. It is best to make two sowings, about two weeks at the utmost between each. In Scotland and the north of England it is necessary to sow a week earlier. Plants from the earliest sowing are planted in handlights ; those later out of doors under a wall or pricked out in a frame, the glass to be used to protect them from frost or from wet. The sorts best adapted for sowing at this time are Early London and Walcheren. Where a large supply is required Lenormand's may be added. A sowing ought now to be made of Prickly Spinach. The soil ought to be rich, and the quarter should be in a sunny yet sheltered position. The spring-sown Onions are nearly ready for pulling up, and if the weather is fine they will be merely laid on the surface of the ground for a few days until they are dry enough for storing. In wet weather we have found it answer to tie them up in bundles, and hang them on hurdles fixed in the ground. We grow four sorts of Onions, and these answer our purpose very well both for autumn and spring sowing — viz.. White Spanish, Brown Globe, James's Keeping, and the Two-bladed for pickling. It may be as well to note in passing, that in gardens where the maggot attacks the spring-sown crop, the autumn sowing invariably escapes. The reason of this is no doubt owing to the Onions being consider- ably advanced in growth before the dry hot weather sets in. Our early kidney Potatoes have been stored, the variety being Veitch's Improved Ashleaf ; there is no trace of disease in any of them as yet. The Extra Early Vermont is also free from disease ; but this variety is so degenerated that it is really not worth growing. There is an excellent crop of Dalmahoy Re- gent in the garden. The haulm had been very much affected by the disease, and a few tubers had also taken it ; all the haulm has been removed, and the rows earthed-up. We are not san- guine of this stopping the disease, but it may arrest its pro- gress. We have been digging vacant ground, and planting it with Coleworts and Sprouting Broccoli. Hoeing the ground, and carefully gathering-up all fallen fruit, and in other respects doing our utmost to keep the kitchen garden neat. PINEBIIS, Queens, intended to produce fruit in May and June next year, have had all the suckers removed from them ; they will not receive very much water at the roots with a dryish atmosphere and abundant ventilation. Of course the plants will not be what is commonly called dried-off, nor will the ventilation be so much that a greenhouse temperature would be produced ; but at pre- sent the night temperature out of doors ranges between 55° and 60°, so that without artificial heat 65° as a minimum can easily be kept up. The suckers do not require any other artificial heat, except so much as may be obtained from the fermenting tan. The lights are closed early in the afternoon after the sur- face tan and walls of the house have been sprinkled with water. The young suckers are watered with caution until the roots have taken hold of the sides of the pots. A few plants of Charlotte Rothschild and Smooth-leaved Cayenne are swelUng in the fruiting house. It is not convenient to remove those plants that have not yet thrown up, but if it could be done a treat- ment similar to that of the Queens would be desirable, the plants would then throw up in winter and fruit early for next season. Cutting over those plants that miss has been tried, but this is not always satisfactory; it answei-s sometimes when th» tops can be plunged in a brisk bottom heat, and extra attention be given to watering them. OBCHABO H0T3SE. All sorts of fruit are plentiful this season, but so far the flavour is not satisfactory, and amongst the early varieties split stones are not uncommon. Royal George Peach is now coming in, and the fruit of this is of large size and fair quality. In a few days Bellegarde, Violette Hative, Grosse Mignonne, and all other mid-season sorts wiU be plentiful. Hunt's "Tawny Nectarine we have not grown in the house this year; it wilt not pass for flavour, but it is a certain cropper, and the fruit 166 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Angnst 19, 1876. when well grown has a fine appearance. It is very subject to mildew, eo that it will probably not be grown again. Rivera's Lord Napier has again proved itself to be a sterling variety ; the fruit is quite as large as Elruge, and it comes in a few days later than Hunt's Tawny. Stanwick Elruge, although it has not much of the_ Stanwick about it in appearance, is distinct and very good ; it ripens with ElruKC, and is also coming in. It is now necessary to withhold syringing altogether, and to admit air freely night and day. PLANT STO^'E AND ORCHII) HOUSES. The stove is being thoroughly cleaned-out and repainted. To do this it is necessary to remove all the plants to another house, in order that the woodwork may become dry before the paint is laid on. It is very little use painting a house at all if there is any wet in the wood, the paint prevents the moisture from getting out as effectually as it excludes it. Indeed it is a question whether paint is of any use to preserve the wood when a very high moist atmosphere is required. It certainly eaves it from splitting by the sun ; but decay is not arrested in places that are continually wet. If any substance could be invented that would exclude wet from the wood it would be a great boon to Orchid-growers and cultivators of exotic plants. Insect pests increase very rapidly at this season, and should be carefully watched, else irretrievable mischief is done in a day or two. We have been much pestered with thrips on the Orchids this season, and it has required much care and per- severance to destroy them. They have attacked Cattleyas and Dendrobiums principally on the young growths. They hide quite in the centre of the growths, where they cannot be sponged- out. Even after being washed-out two or three times a-week they still continue to appear. Persistent washing, however, ul- timately destroys them. We use rain water and soft soap only. Fumigating with tobacco smoke destroys thrips, but it is very dangerous to use it in Orchid houses when the plants are making their growth, and at that time the insect does most mischief. It is well to fumigate freely during the winter months, or late in autumn after the growths are formed. White scale is also a very troublesome pest, and does much injury to Cattleyas, Lffilias, and other Orchids that have the peeudobnlbs covered with a thin ekin fitting closely to the bark. The scale works be- tween this skin and the bark, and cannot be destroyed until the covering is removed. Where the insects can be reached they are easily destroyed with soapy water. This insect is imported from the Brazils and other troj-ical countries with the Orchids. Eed spider ought also to be mentioned, as it often does much damage to the young growths before it is observed. Many of the smaller Dendrobes suffer from its attacks; if the plants are syringed daily this will hold it in check. In the cool Orchid house the difficulty is to keep down the temperature without shading too closely. Our house is a small span-roof well exposed to the sun. A house of this character does very well in winter when all the light and sun possible is not too much. But if only one house is to be available for this class of plants, let it be a span-roof on a wall facing north. Odontoglossums adapted for the cool house are seldom attacked by insect pesta. Green fly will make its appearance on the flower spikes and spoil the appearance of them, but it can be easOy removed with a small brush. FLOWER GARDEN. The Gladiolus beds are in full beauty now— at least our own seedlings that have not previously flowered. The named varie- ties that have been purchased at considerable expense at dif- ferent times daring the last eight or nine years are very poor indeed, and the longer the roots are grown in our ground the worse they become; whether a change of soil would restore the leaves to a healthy green has not yet been decided, possibly it might. Many growers of this fine autumn flower complain of the unhealthy growth this year. We have been placing sticks to the spikes as they advance in growth. The heavy rainfall has saved us much labour in watering. Hollyhocks we have not grown since the disease has become 30 prevalent. Sulphur will destroy the parasitical fungus that attacks the leaves. The spikes ought to be fastened to the sticks as they advance, and all decaying flowers be removed. The growths of Dahlias ought also to be trained to their sup- ports ; tbey are easily broken over at the neck with high winds. The same may be said of Phloxes and Pentstemons. How seldom one sees a collection of either in a private garden ! but nothing can be better for decorative purposes in autumn, and they are bo easily cultivated. The spikes must be tied to sticks as they advance. Late cuttings will just now be coming into flower. Those who have still Carnations and Piootees to layer should see that the loam used is free from wireworms. A few of them had not been observed in the loam we used for ours, and they have burrowed into the centre of the stem where the notch was made and destroyed a number of our best plants. It is well always to layer more plants than will actually be required in case of accidents. In a few days we shall be busy putting in cuttings of zonal Pelargoniums, beginning with the Gold 'Tri- colors, and getting in all the shy-growing sorts first. Verbenas and Calceolarias of the shrubby section delight in a dripping season, consequently they have made good growth this year. Koses that were budded two or three weeks ago have been looked over and the fastenings loosened. Placing sticks to Asters, hoeing and weeding flower beds and borders, have occupied a portion of our time. — J. Douglas. TBADE CATALOaUES RECEIVED. James Carter & Co., 237, High B.olhOTn.—Oatalogue of Dutch Flower Roots, n. Manchester. S, A. Darby, Shr^wnhnry. he. H. Wilkiusun, Lends ; G. K. Chilcott. Bristol (.'I'CHrNS, — Bu^ or iJinnamon.—\ and 2, C Sidifwick, Keitrbley. 3 and he, A. Tindiil, Aylesbury. Fartridgf.—l and 3, C. Sidgwick. 2, Mrs. A. Tiudal. he, Mrs. A. Tiiidal ; J. U. Jnnps, Uandforth BBiHMiS.— iJarit —I and 'i, T. F. ADsdell, Cowlev M'^unt. St. Helen's. 3. W. A. Wrish:. Ilirkdale. Southport. he, J. Brnokwell. \Vnjan ; E Pritch«rd. Tetten- haU. f.J.K. Fowler; W.A.Wright. Light. — 1 and 2, J. Birch, sefLim, Liver- pool. S, W. McMellon, GIoBsop. C^kME..— Black breasted Reds.—l, J. HaliaH. Widnea. 2. S. Ruckler, Winsford. S. J. Piatt. Jan., Swaulow. Brotvn-breasted Reds -l.T. Oynou, Halifax. 2, J. Plait, jun. S, J. Wood, Wigan. he, J. Wilkinson. Any other vartrty —}, J. F. Walton, Manchester. 2, J. Halaall. 8, S. Buckley, c, E. Kendrick. jun , Lichfield. HAiiBVRGTiB.— Goldc'n'PeneiVed.—l. H. Beldon.Goitstock. 2, Duke of Suther- land, Siuke-on- Trent. S, C Jndson, Peckham. he. G & .1 Duckworth, Accrintr- t.)n; C. Juds'tn. .•iilverpeneiUed.—l and 3, Duk<- of Sutherland. 3. K W. Bracewell, Leeds hs, H. BpMon. Golde n-gpangled —1 and 'J, T. May, Wolver- hampton. 3, T. Blakeinan, WoWerhampton. ^i*. [)uke of Sutherland: G. & J. Duckworth; H. Picklea. Hiiver-spangled.—\, H. Be don. 2, Duke of Suther- land. 3. H. Pickles. Cfac^i.—l, H. Pickles. 2 and S, C. Sidgwick. /ic, Duke of Sutherland. Polish. -1 and I, J. Feamley, Newton-Ie-Willows. 2 aniJ he, H. Beldon, Goit.Htock. FKE^CEr —1 and 2, W. Dring, Faveraham. 3, G. W. Hibbert,MancheBter. he, G. Merry. Middleton; A Tindal. Ant other V*hiett.— 1, Mri*. A. Tiodal. 2,T. Anpden. 3, A. Brooke, Shrews- bury, v/ic, J. K. Fowlf.r (2) /ic. H. Beldon ; E Williams. B4NT1M3.— GdTTje, Blar.k-hreasted Reds.—\, E. Waltun. Rawtenatall 2. G. Hall. Kendnl. 3, W. Shentnn, Lancaster, vhc. G. Maples. Lirerpoul. he,Vi. V. Entwisle, Wyke. Any variety except lilack-hrfa>tted Reds —\, 2, and 3. W. F. Entwisle. he, E. Walton. Any variety except tlam'. — l, Milner &. Beanland, Keghley. 2, N. Conk, Mancheater. S, J. Partington, Leigh, he, H. beldon; R. H Aahton, Mottram. DuoKa.-itou«n.— 1 and he. J. Brookwell, Wigan. 2. P. West, Wigan. 3, S. Pu^'e, Newton-le-Willows. he, Haslam & Scot»on, Wigan; J K Fowler; S. Puge. Ayletbury.— \ and 3. J. Walker. Rochdale 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. he, J. K. Fowler (8). Any other variety.— 1 and 2. J. Walker. 3, T. Wakefield, he, J. K. Fowler. GRESM.—Grev and Mottled— \ and 2. J. Walker R T. Wakefield, Newton-le- WilluwB. vhc.L. H. Stott, Preston. lV/tii(r.—l, J. Walker. TcHKBya.— 1 and 2, J. Walker. 8, Rev. N. J. Ridley, Newbury. Judge. — Mr. Teebay. CASTLE EDEN SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The eighteenth annual Show of the Castle Eden Agricultural Society was held at West Hartlepool on August 12th in the cricket field, which, though roomy, we caunofc commend as a nice place for such a purpose, and the morning being black and sultry, the smoke of the town passing over made it more un- pleasant. By the activity of Mr. Alderson, the well-known amateur of this district, the poultry and Pigeon section was well managed. The pens were of wood with wirework fronts, and, being placed in a row without atent, the birds looked quite different from what was the case on the previous day, and in one marked case the awards were reversed. The entries in all were about IGO, but in some of the classes of poultry only the winners were of any use, the Cochins and Hamburghs, however, being exceptions. Game and Game Bantamn were poor except the first Brown Eeds in the Game class. The variety of Bantams was very good; first Black, second Silver Sebrights, and very highly commended Blacks. Geese, Ducks, and Turkeys were large and good in all respects ; and in the Variety class the first-prize Gobi Polands were a grand pair; Silver Polanda were second, and Black Hamburghs extra second. Mr. Carver winning the point cup. Pigeons were very good; and the point cup was well won by Mr. Bcckworth, Mr. Alderson coming next. In Carriers firs: and second were Black, the first in nico order, but the second heavy, but a little spouty. Pouters measured well, but did not show, and were rather shakey in feather; first Yellow, second White, and highly commended Black and Blue respectively. Tumblers a large class, and all noticed; first an Almond cock, rich in colour, good head, and moderately marked ; second a Yellow Agate in fine order; very highly commended a Black Mottle, best in the class, but dirty and oat of order; and a Red Wuole-feather, with best head, beak, and eye of all, but out of sorts. Tiirbits a large aud good class ; first a Blue and second a Silver, both very good ; an extra second going to a nice Red. In Fantails the wiunerd White, and very fiue in carriage and tail; the others poor. In Owls the winners were White; foreign first, a hen very good in Owl properties, and email; and second a cock, also good. In the Variety class first was a well-known Mottled Trumpeter, second a Black Barb cock, aud two extra seconds were given to a Black Magpie and a Blondinette. In Rabbits only the Lops were good. Dr. Boden having made the mistake of showing two does as a pair, was awarded an extra first at the instance of the Secretary, Mr. Tait ; the first for pairs going to Grey-aud-white, 23i by o ; and 22 by -IJ second. A pair of good young Blacks, Dr. Bodeu's, measuring 22 by 5, and 21.i by 4J, were Tortoiseshell, Spanish. -1, T. P. Carrer. Langthorpe. DoRKiNOi.— 1, J. N. LawBOu, Hyhope. CociiiN-CHrNAS.— 1 and 1. G. H. Procter, Durham. Bkihma P.ioTRAs.— 1, C. Venablei, Sheraton. 2, T. P. Carrer. HiHDuaoH>i. — SUver-pe nettled. -1, W. Bearpark, Ain.ierby Steeple. 2, G. Ald^raon, West Hwrtlppool. GiHden-pencilled.—i.T.P.GATver. 2, J. N. Lawson. he. J. G W»Iker. H.iidon. Sundf^rland. Hk-iiavRiius.—G:ildr,i-Hp'in.jlrd—l. T, P. Caryer. 2. G. Alderaon. hc,y7. S. Whittiekl. Hettontf-Holr. iiitlverspangled.—l.G. Alderson. 2, W. Bearpark. e, A. Witaon. NewtDn. York. GAyiK.—Black-breosted or other Beds— I, W. Bearpark. ?, J. Hamilton, West Hartlepool. BANTAM3.— (7am^ — 1. J. Muir, West Hartlepool. 2. R. Higja. West Har le- pool. Any other variety.— 1 and he, T. P. Carver. 3, A. & W. H. Silvester, Sheffield vhe. R, Youll, Sunderland. Dvcs.9.—Aylef^bury.—i, T. P. Carver. 3, C. Venables. Bouen—1, T. P. Carrer, 2. W. S. Whitfield Ant Vakif.iy —Chickens.— \, G. H. Procter 2. A. Wilson. Newtm, York. Fxtra 'i. T P.Carver. /iC, G. Mderson (2); C Venablea (3). c, Miaa Stephenson, EaatMerton; G. Alderson (-2) ; C. Venables. Geesk.— 1 and ?, Miss Stepbenson. vhc, A. Snowdon, Stranton. Turkeys —1. T. P. Carver. Anvother Varict?.— landrftc, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, W.Bearpark. 3.T.P. Carver, he. Miss Stephenson ; C. Venables (2). Selling Class —1, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, T. P. Carver, he, A. Peaojck, Catcote, West Hartlepool; J. N. Lawson; G. Alderson. PIGEONS. Carrier.— 1 anl 3, E. Beokwortb, Sunderland. vhe,G. Pyman. Jan., West Hartlepool; L bowser, Seatou Carew, Weat Hartlepool, /k, G. Pyman, Jan. ; E Beckworth. PoUTBR —1, 2, and he, E. Beokworth. c. J. D. O'Cockhill, Mi idlesborriusb. TCMBLBH.— 1, E. Beckwortb. 2. A. AW. H. Silvester. vhc.E. Beck^vortb; A, & W. H. Silveiter. he. J. D. O'CockhUl; J, Lawter. MiddleibL>'ou;^h ; E. Beckworth; G. Alderson. c, Dr. Boden, West Hartlepool {i) ; C. Caldcleagh, Durham. „ Jacobin.— l.G. Alderson 2, J. D. O'Cockhill. y/ic, E. Beckworth. C.H.Lamb, Seaton Carew ; J. VVethenll, Northallerton ; E. Beukworlh ; C. Caldclengh ; 0. Aideraon , „ TasuiT — 1 and 2, G. Alderson. Extra 2. A. & W. H. Silvester, vhe, E. Beckworth; G Alderson. he, J. D O'Cockhill; H Maddison, Durham (2) ; A. & W. H. Silvester, c, H. Maddison ; G. Alderson (S). Fantail.— 1 and vhe. K. Heckwortb. 2 and he. J. Wetherill. 0\rL— English or Foreign.— 1, vhc, he. and e, G. Alderson. 2 and he, E. Beckworth. Any OTHER Variety.— 1, A. & W. H. Silvester. ?, E Beckworth. Extra2.J. Wetherill; A.& W. H. SUveater, u/tc, E. Beckworth (2). /»c, J. WetheriU ; J.D. O'Cockhill. c, C. Caldclengh. 'Ri-QTtiTH.-Lop-eared.-l. J. T. Combs. West Hartlepool. Extra 1, Dr. Boden, West Hartlepool. 2. W Corner, Hartlepool. Any other variety.— i,T, Smith, HariK-puol. 3, W. Corner. Judge.— Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey, Leeds, ^ WHITBY AGRICDLTDRA-L SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. This Show was held on the 11th inst. in the Union Mill Fields. The entries were not as large as last year, when the numbers were '278, against 193 this year. The pens were well arranged round two sides of the field in the open, and were boarded at back; the attendance on the birds being all that could be desired. The number of visitors was very great, the day being unusually fine and enjoyable. The classes of poultry were divided into old and young. A cup offered for the best pen in the Show being awarded to a splendid pen of Spanish, in which the hen was unusually good ; the second in this pen were a pretty good lot; but Messrs. Newbitt's pen was empty. Old Dorkings were good, but the young better; but young Spanish were not forward. The first pen of Cochins, Buffs, were a grand pen ; the second moderate. Of old Brahnias only two pens, but Whites mustered better, a pair of the best Light-coloured chickens we have seen this season standing first, with good Dark birds second. In old Game Brown Reds won, and in the Variety class Duckwings were the winners, a capital pairof Duckwing chickens first, and Black Reds second; most of the others were noticed. Gold-spangled Hamburghs were very good as regards the winners, Silver-pen- cilled moderate, and Spangles good. In Spangle chickens the winners were Silvers, but in Pencilled chickens first were Gold and second Silver. In Game Bantams, old, only two pens were noticed, but the next class was good, Blacks first and second, 170 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDENER. [ Augnat 19, 1875. and White-booted third. In the Variety class first were Silver, and second Gold Polish. In the Selling class Buff Cochin chickens were first, old Spanish second, and Rouen Ducks third. Ducks were a fair lot in each class; the old Rouens were, how- ever, the best as regards the winners. In Pigeons Pouters, Tumblers, and Trumpeters had but one pen each. Carriers only moderate in quality ; Fantails very good, as also Barbs, and in the Variety class first were Silver Owls, and second Blue Turbits. Dorkings. — 1, J. Newton, Siladen. 2, G. Pounder, Kirbym^orside. he, Simpson & Dodd.Bedale ; E. Barker, Stokedey. C/jjcA-chs.— 1, J. Carr, Whitby. 2, Lady Middleton, BirdRall. he, J. Carr ; W. J. Oaea, Hr.vinclmm. Spanish.— 1 and Cup. H. Beldon, Goitstock. 2, J. Thresh, Bradford. Chickens. —1. J. Thresh. 2, G. Pounder. CocHiN-LHiKAB.— I. Urwin & Ibeston, 'Whitby, 2, Clark & Pennock. Whitby, he, H. Beldon. Chtckens.—l, W. Santon, Driffield. 2, Clark & Pennock. Brahua Pootras.— 1. p. C Bedlington, Whitby. 2, Mrs. Stonehouse, Dam- holme. Chickens— i. H. Beldon. 2, T. Pye, Lancaster, he. J. Welford, Hilton, Yarm; Dr. Holmep, Whitecott^s, Chesterlield; G. Lennard, Whitby. Game.— Black- breasted or other Reds.— I, C. Stampfr. 2, G. Carter, Bedale. Any other varieUi.—l and fee. J. A. & H. H. Staveley, Tibthorpe, Driffield. 2, G. Holmes, Driffield. Chickens.— \. G. Holmes. 2. G. Garbutt, Sinnington. he, J. Dowson. Darlinfrton; J. A. &. H. H. Staveley; G. Carter; Blackburn and Maynard, Ingleby; T. Dvson, Halifax. Hamburohs.— fl(.i/f?(n spanf7/-frf,— 1, H. Beldon. 2, R. Keenleyside, Aycliffe. he, G. Holmes. 8ilvcr-!'pangled.-\, H. Beldon. 2, G. Holmes. Chickens.— \, G. Garbutt. 2, H. Beldon. ^kUv.vB.(iua.~Goldtn-peiicilled.~\, H. Beldon. 2, W. Clayton, Keighley. Sihfcr-peTiCi/Zcrf.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, W. J. Caea. C'/tic/iTiis.—l, W. Clayton. 2,H. Beldon. BANTAM8.— f7ame.— 1, G. Holmes. 2, G. Carter. Other than Game.—l, H. Beldon. 2. J. H. Cartwright, Willington. 3, O. Walker. Whitby. Any other Variety.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. he, G. Walker, Boroughbridge ; Lady D. Yeoman. Selling Class— 1, Urwin & Ibeaton. 2, J. Thresh. Bradford. 3, W. J. ■Weatheiill, Whitby, he, W. J. Weatherill; Lady D. Yeoman; G. Carter; Urwin & Ibeslon. DrcES.—AiileHbury.—l, E. W. Snell. Barrowden, Stamford. 2, C. J. Young. Driffield. Ducklings. — 1, J. Newton, Silsden. 2, A. J. Coates. J)vcKs.—Itouen.—l and 2, J. Newton, he, G. Garbutt (2); E. W. Snell. Ducklings.— 1, J. Corner. Whitby. 2. G. Garbutt. Geese.— 1. E, Garbutt. Amplefortb. 2. J. Wilkinson, Whitby, he, E. W. SnelZ; C. J. Young. Goslings —1, Lady Middletun. 2, C. J. Young. Turkeys.— 1, Miss Kirk, Givendale, Ripon. Poults.— i and 2, Mrs. "Ward, Eskdale. PIGEONS. Pouters.- 1, T. Cooper. Whitby. Tumblers.- 2, J. Downie, Rosedale. Cabbiers.- 1 and he. H. Simpson, jun., Whitbv. 2, F. Hodgson, Driffield. Fantails. — 1, T. S. Stephenson, Beverley. 2, T. Peirson. Roaedale. jACoBrNS.— 1, C. Wroot. Hull. 2, 1. Jefferson, Hinderwell. Trcmpeters.— 1, J. F. Loverfiidge, Newark. Barbs.- 1, J. Thresh. 2. C. Wroot. he, J. A. Thompson, Whitbv ; C. Wroot. Ant other Variety.— I, J. Thresh, 2, T. S. Stephenson, he, T. Peirson ; C. Wroot; H. A. AjTton. Selling Class.— 1, J. Downie. 2, R. Noble. Rabbits.— 1, W. Watson. 2 and 8, J. Ainsley, Whitby, he, G. Cooper, High Whitby Lighthouses. Judge. — Mr. James Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford. OLDHAM SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The second annnal Show of the Oldham Agricultural Society took place on the 14th inst., and was immense, whether regard- ing the number of variety of claBses or the viBitore ; the latter were so numerous as to be quite beyond computation, and the receipts at the gates must have been enormous. Pens on Turner's principle were used and well arranged, but there was no tent or marquee, and had it been wet the birds must have suffered much. The classes were very numerous, the Show having originally been got up for young birds, but at the suggestion of some exhibitors several classes for old were added ; but the schedule is still faulty and needs revision. In Ga)ne Mr. Brierley's old birds were good, the two cockerels in Brown Reds only being good in chickens. Spanish poor, but Dorkings good. Silver- Greys being first in old birds. In Brahmas were some good birds, the first in cockerel and pullet very good in all respects, but smaller than the second, which were, however, not so good in style or tail. Cochins were a fair lot, some very forward birds winning in the Buffs. Hamhurghs had eighteen classes, the Gold-pencils a moderate lot only, but the first in Silver-pencils very good. In Gold-spangle chickens the first-prize pullet was a gem, but the second-prize cockerel was by far the best, and likely to make a grand bird. Well- known birds were to the front in old birds. The first in Silver- spangle chickens were a good even pair, the others moderate, but some of the old birds were rather shabby; the winners, however, being in nice form, but pen 429 (Long) might have been put second with advantage. In pullets all were noticed. Black Hamhurghs were about the best of the Hamhurghs, the old especially ; but by far the best pen ia other respects were left out in chickens, the pullet's wing being a little brown. In the Variety class for old birds the first were Gold Polands, very ^ood and in fine feather, and eecond Partridge Cochins ; Silver Polands and Cuckoo Cochins highly commended. Aylesbury Ducklings were large and in the pink of bloom, the Rouens being also good. In Gerse Whites were first and Toulouse second. Numbers of poultry, 180. There were eighteen classes for local competition in Pigeotis, in which were some fair specimens, especially in the Carriers. In the general competition Messrs. Harvey, Walker, and Rich- mond won well. In Carrier cocks first was a Dun, very good in beak-wattle and moderate in eye ; second a Dun, good in eye, but rather flat-wattled and a little out of order. The winning Duu hen was grand and well shown ; second a good Black. Pouter cocks, first Blue and second White, hens being similarly placed and all good. Red Turbits were first and Blacks second. In the next class, pen 550 (Ashton), Reds, were very good. Jaco- bins were first Reds and second Yellows ; the Reds grand in mane and hood, but the cock foul flighted, but the award correct. Fantails were first White and second Blue. In Owls a very neat pair of Blue African were first, and Whites second and well placed. Nuns, first Black and second Yellow; Blues winning the first and Yellows second in Dragoons, Trumpeters were both Mottles, and grand massive birds. There were only three pens of Long-faced Antwerps, but we did not admire the awards, the second Silver Duns being by far the best, Red Chequers being placed first; the Short-faces being also a great mistake as regards the awarda. The first Reds and second Silver Duns ought by all means to have been reversed ; but with these ex- ceptions the Show was well judged. In the Variety class first was a very pretty pair of Fairy Swallows, and secund equally good Spangled Ice Pigeons. Almonds pretty good. Tumblers, Beards and BaUls, were first nice Short-faced Yellow Balds. The second Blue Beards were notgood ones, but there wasa nice pair of Black Long-faced Balds. The entries in Pigeons, 105. In Rahhits, Lop-ears, there was nothing of note, but Angoras were good; first and second very fine in fur, but young highly commended a large Rabbit, but out of fur. The first Himalayan was a very good one in points, the second and highly commended very fair. Silver- Greys were very poor, one dark in head and the other deep in moult. In the Variety, first was a Tortoise- shell Dutch buck, a good Rabbit; second a Siberian in nice order, and highly commended a Blue Dutch. Entries, twenty- one. Of Cats there were nine in one class. The first a Black and second a Grey Tabby-and- white ; several TortoiseshtU-and- white also noticed. GAME~0/ucfcfTW.— I, F. H. Wright, Halifax. % J. Carlisle. Earby. Leeds. Chickens.— \ and 2. C. W. Brierley. Middleton. Cockerel.—\, F. H. Wright. 2, J. Carlisle. Pi/»^f —1, J. Carlisle. 2. O- Taylor, Delph. SpAsiSH.— Ou'cfccn,"!.— 1 and 2, J. Roberts, Siladen, Leeds. Chickens.— I, H. Williinson. Earby. Leeds. 2, J. Chadwick, Littleboroagh. Cockerel.— I, J. Roberts. Punci.—l, J. Roberts. Dorkings.— t'/iicfctfn«.—l, J. Walker. Rochdale. 2, Bntterworth & Howartb, Broadley. Chickens.— \ and 2. J. Walker. Cockerel.— I, Bntterworth and Howarth. Pullet —1, Bntterworth & Bowarth. 2, H. Digby, Lindley, Hudders- ffeld. Brahma Prnd. Draooonb.— 1, R. Woods, ManBtield. 2, S. Dronsficld. Trdmpetehb.— 1 and 2, W. Harvey. Ant OTHER Vabietv,— 1, J. i;ichmond. 2, W. Harvey. TOMBEHS.— .•J/monci.— 1. A. 4 W. H. Silvester. Sheffleld. 2, W. Harvey. B^nj/ o^ft^r colour.-l, Davidson & Patterson. 2, W. Alton. Philadelphia. Game BANTAMs.-Bcd.— 1, T. Dowell. 2, Q. Soartb, Houghton. Any other olour.—i, D. Troup, Moorslev. BiKTiUs— Any variety —l.'Wens & Sherwin. 2, T. P. Carver. PoLANDS.— 1. J. T. Proud. Any other Vabietv.— 1 and 2, G. H. Procter. PIfiEONS. PonTERS.— 1, R. H. Blacklock. Sanderland. 2, W. Laidlow, Haswell. Tdmblers.— 1. Wells & Sherwin. Fantails.— 1. W. Laidlow. 2, J. T. Thompson. Owi.s. — 1 and 2. R. Hall, Moorsley. TRi-MPETF.aB.— 1, Wells & Sherwin. 2, R. T. Magee, Helton. B*RTis.— 1 and 2. Weils & Sherwin. ToHBiTs — I, G. Robinson, Sunderland. 2, A. Stokoe, Hallgarth. ,Tac..uins.-1, R. S. Magee, 2, G. Wilson. Hetton. Dkaooons.— 1, Wells & Sherwin. 2, R. Welsh, Durham. Any otheb ViRiliy.— 1 and 2, Wella 4 Sherwin. RABBITS. L op-EABED.— 1 and 2, J. S. Robinson, Darlington. Art other Fancy Bbf.bd.- 1. J. S. Robinson. 8, R, Crowther, Sunderland. Common Breed.— 1, R. T. Day, Hetton. The Judge was Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. CAPTAIN HILL'S BANTAMS AND PIGEONS IN THEIR HOME AT EALING.— No. 2. Now, though possessing, as we have seen, valuable and rare Bantams, it is as a Pigeon fancier that Captain Hill is chiefly known. Like many amateurs who really love their birds, he is only a winter, or occasional exhibitor. In judging of the number of breeders of valuable Pigeons we must always remember that first there is a large number of fanciers who will not show their birds on any account, and these are among the truest fanciers, and often hold a good social position. They are not smitten with the love of prizes, and prefer having their pets at home enjoying themselves, and they enjoying their pets. Then there is another large class, who show occasionally and only in the winter, who will not break their pairs or harrass their birds to death by railway travelling, and of whose stock not one could be said to be suffering from that cruel-man- caused disease "over- shown." Among the latter class of fanciers and occasional ex- hibitors is Captain Hill. Leaving the Bantams strutting about in their glory on the sunny side of the buildings on the inside of the right angle, I proceed to inspect the Pigeons which are, as one might eipect so near London and away from the owners, kept shut up. The stables are numbered, and as a rule may contain, for aught I know, splendid cattle — here a match pair, there smart riding horses, here ponies dear to children's hearts; but in Captain Hill's stables the inhabitants are much more numerous, being hundreds of Pigeons. Turning the key we enter, and I find each stall wired-in, and with all the fittings up of a complete Pigeon loft. It must be borne in mind, too, that in a London or London-like mews there are rooms over the stable in which the coachman and his family reside : these rooms are also de- voted to and inhabited by Pigeons. But I am as yet at the entrance of the stable. In two of the staUs are excellent Dra- goons, some of the London, others of the Birmingham style, happily and rapidly uniting and producing a better style — namely, the composite style, or show Dragoon of the future. Partisans of each extreme variety have shaken hands, each say- ing, " Brother, brother, we were both in the wrong." London brother saying, " I was wrong about that thick head and over- large Carrier-look in my Dragoons." Birmingham saying, "Well, my birds were a trifle too Skinnum-like, and were rather fit for flyers than for the show pen." Captain Hill possesses excellent Blue Dragoons, good Whites, and Reds and Yellows of Mr. Betty's strain, forming altogether a fine sight. Passing the stalla I come to the loose box, which was full of feeders. The harness room contains some invalids, particularly a Black Carrier hen afflicted with that strange disease, the meagrims— an affliction of the brain doubtless. The coach house contains Pigmy Pouters. To these birds Captain Hill has de- voted six years' study and experiment in order to breed them to the standard colours of their larger brothers, together with leg- feathering— in short, to make them perfect high-class Pouters in miniature. In this endeavour, or rather in realising his wishes, Captain Hill has, as yet, been only partially auccessfnl; still, he can report progress. In the same loft— no, coach house —I saw excellent Magpies and good Blue Carriers; also true Antwerps, not Barbs-cum-Antwerps ; also Cumulets or White Eyes, a variety of Pigeons which, for flying, Captain Hill thiuks, from former outdoor experience of them, unequalled. It is a German-bred bird, or probably from the Netherlands, and has the finest, clearest pearl eye of any Pigeon, and hence its second name. White Eye. Having gone through the ground-floor rooms— stalls, loose box, saddle room, and coach house, I now ascend the staircase. On the landing are numerous prize cards— trophies of victory. Then comes the coachman's sitting room, where one would expect to see the coachman's comely wife, with a baby in the cradle, and two older children, one a boy making a chair mto an imaginary carriage and pretending to take his sister out for a drive : coachmen's children are specially given to this kind of play. But no : no pouting wife, no noisy children there, but in their place Pouters pouting from pleasure, not temper ; and quiet Pigeon-pairs of juveniles in their " procreant cradles," as Shakespeare calls the nests of " temple-haunting martlets." Before me is a Red Pouter cock, seven in limb and nineteen in length, with a wonderful crop and the darkest tail I CTer saw, so stained with red that one would imagine it to be almost possible to get a real red tail ; but that I suppose cannot be. He is well matched to a hen of even darker body colour than his own. I note, too, a Blue cock, a young bird perfectly marked, and a Yellow of good colour; also a White hen, formerly Mrs. Ladd's of Calne ; a Mealy hen second prize at the Palace, and a grand Black cock and Mealy hen. I am amused with the room. Over the fireplace, boiler and oven— that oven in which the coachman's supper was to be kept hot, perchance a remnant of Aagast 19, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 173 Pigeon pie — were boards, and on them Pouters cooing and yonng birds hatching. Next the coachman's bedroom— (I really feel as if I were writing a hounehold-furniture catalogue, and feel prone to add " containing tent bed with dimity hangings)— but recol- lecting myself, as school girls say, I look around, and am told that this is the variety room, and an uncommonly good variety class are in it. There are first Jacobins, famous Blacks, of raven plamage — the most telling colour in Jacks, save that the rose shows best in Yellows. There were also excellent Reds and Yellows. Nuns, too, of the ubual colour, the black-headed ; and of the unusual colours, red and yellow-headed. Priests, too, and more Dragoons, and Archangels of an unusual marking- viz , with white heads and flights, which look as if they might be related to Priests. This is a variety which was mentioned by a Mr. Purer in 1858 as having been seen by him in some parts of Germany. Mr. Tegetmeier quotes his words, which are as follows, "Besides the Red, and Black, and Yellow, and Blue there are several varieties, as, for instance, those having white flights either with or without a white spot on the forehead ; but those with a clear white head and flights are most prized." Such are Captain Hill's, and very pretty birds they are, to my mind much prettier than the other Autwerps. Among the Jacobins were some Reds of a very solid and rich colour. The variety room had also in it some Black Beards ; Black and Chequer Smerles, the supposed original Antwerps, some with a little touch of Owl-like frill — very quick active birds, giving token by their indoor activity of their outdoor powers. I next enter the back parlour, devoted to Pouters, Reds, Blacks, Blues, and Yellows. Here was the old champion Blue ■with a splendid hen matched with him, one of the best in Eng- land. I notice also a Black hen with good rose pinion, and a Black cock, a very perfect Pouter. I have mentioned in these stables (for there are others to inspect) only the cream, for the birds are so numerous that it is impossible to mention more than those that are most conspicuous to the eye from their special beauty. Having now seen the inhabitants of the stable proper, I am taken to see the birds which Captain Hill calls his " rough lot," kept in another stable of similar external appearance ; but on opening the door I find the building unfinished, the divisions made, bat the living rooms not ceiled and ready for a family. In the ground floor of the stable proper is the place for the Bantams ; there they lay, and sit, and sleep. Above, with mnch wing room, the space being open to the slates, are the Pigeons, which fly from rafter to rafter in mnch enjoyment, and though called a rough lot would not wish, I am sure, to exchange their wider range for the closer-penned superior birds in their grander home. Do we not sometimes see ths like to this among man- kind? Ah ! we do many a time. Amid the rough lot there are Borne good birds, Camulets of different colours and Smerles ; and in the back parlour, a little separated by netting, I found good Pouters of the two colours Red and Yellow, and a perfect model of a Black hen. Such is a brief outline or slight sketch of Captain Hill's two pigeonries, situated at half a mile or so from his house, the distance affording a nice walk, and the Pigeons forming a nice object at the end. Captain Hill is an old fancier, and told me that one of his greatest griefs in early boyhood — a grief which he remembers 80 well — was his losing a favourite Almond Tumbler, seeing his bird seized upon by a cat and being wholly unable to rescue it. Boyhood's griefs are photographed on the memory, and, like childhood's tears, are very bitter. "Edina" is full of Japanese curiosities, amongst them two Japanese spaniels, no doubt the original, as Sir Rutherford Alcock supposes, of our King Charles dogs. With us in process of time the King Charlie has been altered, I may say for the worse, and the dogs of the breed now exhibited are black and tan with no white in them. In King Charles's time they had much white and were a great deal prettier. In proof that they had much white I refer my readers to our vol xiiv., page 58, January 16th, 1873, where is a picture of John Rose presenting the first English-grown Pine Apple to that king. The dogs with the king in the picture have more white in them than black ; so of other pictures of the doge of that and near succeeding days. No one seeing Captain Hill's pair of dogs, soft and silky in coat, and rich black and white in colour, will dispute the point with me that modern fanciers have spoilt the dog by breeding-out the white. Dog fanciers seldom have an eye for beauty, but delight chiefly in what is difiicult to attain, no matter how ugly it be when attained. Witness the King Charlie, the pug, and the prize blaok-and-tan terrier, which is scarcely a terrier at all. I hope the fox terrier will always be judged by his true merits or proved capacity for work, and then the half beagles will dis- appear, and the true fox terrier be kept. Captain Hill may well be congratulated on his Bantams, Pigeons, and dogs, and I congratulate myself on a most agree- able visit. The pleasant air and view at " Edina," the sight of the beautiful birds, the stroll through the hay, the visit to the anticiue and picturesque little toy of a church near, " Perivale church," and most of all — above all, the real kindly Scotch wel- come, make my two days at Ealing as pleasant to look back upon as they were to me when there. N.B. — If a reader has a stable and coach house and no horses, a good thing now that hay is £6 a ton, my advice to him is to fill them with Pigeons. — Wiltshire Rector. DRIVING BEES. " Line upon line, precept upon precept," is an old text npon which many a sermou has been preached. How often has the process of driving bees been explained in these pages, with the utmost minuteness and particularity ! yet the question recurs again and again, "How is the operation performed?" When ouce the practice now adopted at some horticultural shows — as recently at Grantham — becomes common, of performing various bee manipulations in public, doubtless an answer to the question will be readily found without constant recurrence to the authori- ties of our apiarian journals ; till then we must not shrink from reiterating information. Once seen performed by a master hand, anyone gifted with coolness and perseverance will find driving bees a very simple operation. Of course " practice makes perfect." In my own case I discard much of the paraphernalia which I once thought necessary, and am content with nothing more than some sort of bee-dress, a little smoking brown paper, and an empty box or skep to fit the hive which is to be driven. I begin operations by blowing a steady current of smoke in at the entrance of the hive, which immediately drives the bees up among the combs in a panic of fear. From that moment they are absolutely at my mercy. I proceed then to break the hive from its board, and to turn it upside down upon a chair or pail — anything to steady it. A whiff or two more of the smoke blown in among the combs finishes the courage of the bees, already auifieiently alarmed at the treatment they have received and their sudden exposure to the light. The empty box or skep is now brought into requisition, and is gently placed over the reversed hive, after which a few taps smartly given to the sides of the hive will cause the whole population, queen and all, to ascend into the empty chamber overhead. A mighty hum is heard at the moment of the rush, which may last a minute or more till the bees are assured of the safety of their queen in her place of exile. When this baa toned down to something like silence I lift off the once-empty box, now full of bees ; and if I see that most of the beea are in it I put it gently on the stand where the old hive stood, while I proceed to diive out the remainder of the bees into another empty box or skep of similar dimensions. These I carry to their companions on the old stand, and dash them down on the top of it. The parent hive thus emptied of its inhabitants is now ready for any treatment that may be desired. The driving part of the business is done. As for the driven bees they, too, are in the hands of the bee-master to be dealt with at his pleasure, either for transference to a permanent hive like an ordinary swarm, or to be treated otherwise ad libitum. — B. & W. A SAD CASE. The Rev. L. L. Langstroth of Ohio, the author of the best work that ever was written on the honey bee, and the simul- taneous inventor with Dzierzon of the frame hive, is prostrated by poverty and sickness, having been even compelled to part with all his bees. This unhappy result appears to have been in a great measure brought about by worry and litigation in defend- ing his apiarian patents. The bee-keepers of America have this present summer subscribed both bees and money once more to start their old friend in his favourite pursuit. May their good intentions prosper. — J. Honteb. THE HONEY SEASON IN HEREFORDSHIRE. Pf.rttaps it will interest the readers of the Journal of Horii- culture to hfive a resume o( the experiences of a bee-keeper in the west of England during the past honey season. I say the " past " advisedly, seeing that all honey-gathering ceases in this district when the lime-tree flowers are gone. Up to the 1st of June or a little later " all went merry as a marriage bell," and a large glass super was taken off full of the most beautiful honey, and a large glass super which was in- tended for exhibition at the forthcoming show at the Crystal Palace was rapidly filling, many of the cells in fact being sealed. I even had an Utopian idea that I might gain a prize, but since that date not an ounce of honey has been gathered. All hives and supers have been decreasing in weight, and so rapidly that it might be midwinter instead of summer. Several swarms were in the last stage of existence for want of food, and dozens kept in the old-fashioned skeps by cottagers in my neighbour- hood have died outright for want of timely feeding. My hives have indicated their poverty by throwing-ont the 174 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Angust 19, 1B75. young bees from the cella in the pupa stage, and Reneral robbery and anarchy prevail in the apiary. Where I conld count last season on having hundreds of pounds of honey, I cannot count on tens. A cottager's bees, which I took the other day in order to save them from the sulphur pit, had scarcely any honey, and the poor bees were, of course, in the small skeps ; and most difficult it is to impress upon the cottagers here the utility of larger and better hives. They will not believe in the well-known fact, the larger the hive the greater the population, but I hope in time to get them to give larger and better homes to our hard-working little friends. I shall at once begin feeding actively, and thus save many hives, the fate of which would inevitably be death long before the winter, and I would strongly advise bee-keepers to weigh and feed if necessary at once.— H. W., Boss. AN APIARIAN INCUBATOR! The latest idea of our go-a-head friends, the Americans, is to hatch bees by steam; not from the egg as we hatch chickens, but from the pupa or chrysalis, and it is meant to be applicable for queen-raising only. The apparatus is styled a " lamp nursery for hatching queens." It is a double hive made of tin, with a space beneath the walls to hold water. A kerosene lamp keeps the water at the desired temperature of 80° to 100°, at an expense of about a halfpenny per day. The maker facetiously says, " Without a doubt the machine would hatch eggs (perhaps it would also scratch food for the chickens, we haven't yet tried it) ; but it hatches everything in the bee line quite satis- factorily." The mode of operation is described as follows : — A clean workercomb is put into the hive containing the queen it is desired to breed from, who stocks it with eggs, and when these are found to be hatching the frame is put into a strong queenless colony having no other brood ; queen cells, many or few, are at once formed. The operation is repeated every three days, and as soon as the cells on any comb are found to be all capped over the bees are brushed off very carefully (avoiding shaking), and the comb transferred to the lamp nursery. As the queens will all be hatched before any working bee, no bees need be at any time in the nursery. When the queens are expected to emerge the nursery must be examined several times a-day, and as soon as found the young queens must be removed, and it is said if put among any bees that have no queen thev will act and be received precisely as if hatched there, provided they have never seen other bees, and have been hatched but a few hours. To make a colony with such a queen it is only necessary to lift out about one-third of the bees, combs and all, from any strong hive, and drop the queen among them or let her run in at the entrance. Our notions of how the young queen would be received by such a newly-deprived section of a stock is rather different. I should have expected her majesty would have been at once taken into custody if not executed as an usurper ; but it may be the queen's virginity stands her in good stead. The experiment is at any rate worthy of trial, and the first opportunity I will put it to the proof, although I won't promise to set up a "lamp nursery" this year. — John Hunter, Eaton Rise, Ealing. OUR LETTER BOX. Food for Dotes (J. J.). — The best food is bnckwheat, wheat, and Canary Beed, though they will eat almoat any kind of Bmall grain or eeeds. Do not give tares, as they are fatal to them. They are very fond of hempaeed, but it must be given sparingly, or they become fab, unhealthy, and lose their feathers. CANARras AXD THEIR COMPLAINTS (M. L., a Subserififr).—Oa.ua.neB are Bubject to asthma, but when so afflicted they are better separated from healthy birds. When kept together each has to drink out of the same vessel, and it is far better to prevent other birds from becoming afflicted with so dis- tressing a complaint. It is just possible the other birds might not take the complaint. Being in a room which is low and near the Blates, the present weather in particular would not cause the bird to suffer; but a draught or current of air would more likely injure the birds. Generally Norwich birds are as free from illness as those of auy other breed. Give your afflicted bird now and then a drop of cod-liver oil, and let it have occabionally a bread-and- milk diet. Keep it in a cage alone with a cover over it. Treatment of Canaries During Moulting (Bluf BrU). — Thistle heads will not harm your young Canaries. The seed is more beneficial, just now in particular, to Goldliuchesi. The occasional baths during moult will tend much to invigorate your Canaries during the moulting sicknefia. The water will assist in keeping the feathers in good trim, and encourafie the buddiug of the pin-feathers. The ten Canaries (if all male birds) will learn to ping just as well as thnugh they were separated. If they agree well together there will be no necessity to part them this side of Christmas. If you require exceptional songsters, and the young are under a good tutor, you can select one or two and place in single cages side by side. Bees not Ligdhian (C. T. Salushury). — The bees you sent are not pure Llgurians ; indeed, they have no marks or red bands indicating the Tiigorian type. All pure Ligurian working bees have distinct and beautiful red lines or bands across the upper parts of their abdomens. Comb and Honeycomb {F. J.). — You aek the difference between comb and honeycomb. I suppose you know what honey is. Honeycomb, as Mr. Petti- grew used the term, was doubtless intended to mean pure honeycomb — that is to eay, comb which the bees constructed to receive honey alone, and which has never been de&led by the breeding of young bees or the introduction of pollen. His advice was sound. If you want honey in quantity regardless of cjuality use ekes, give the bees the amplest space in one chamber of enlarged dimensions; but if you want pure honeycomb use supers. In this case you may obtain what you want; you will certainly do so in good seasons. Tho clump of bees that eeemed half dead on the flight-board only seemed bo. Had the sun come out they would have quickly disperaei in fulness of life. On very web days in close weather the hive becomes very hot and stuffy, which causes many of the bees to cluster outside, preferring the wetting to the stifling. Sometimes they get numbed, and if cold suddenly comes on may die in their rashness. If you can afford to plunder your hives this poor season you can take out one or two combs from each strong hive, but take a whole comb in preference to cutbing-off a piece of two or more. Take care you do not overdo it; and if you do, feed-up liberally to the desired weight, making allowance for the hive's weight. Knife for Cotting-out Combs (A. W.). — It is formed of a strip of steel 2 feet long by one-oighthof an inch thick; the handle is 20 inches long by half an inch broad. The turn-down blade, of 2 inches in length, is spear- pointed, sharp on the odges, and bent so as to form aa angle of 90'^ with the handle ; the other blaJe is 2 inches long by \h inch broad, and sharpened all round. The broad blade cuts and separates the combii from the sides of the hives ; and the spear-point, which is also sharp on each side, admits, from its direction and narrowness, of being introduced between the combs to loosen them from the top of the hive. METEOROLOaiCAL OBSERVATIONS. Camden Sqdaee, London. Lat. 5V 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altibade, 111 feet. DiTB. 9 A.M. In the Day. .o Hygrome- oi Shade Tem- Radiation .9 1876. ter. ■Ba perature. Temperature. a AngaBt. 1 In On Dry. Wet. a" Max. Min. BUD. grass Inches. del?. deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. We. 11 29 869 64 9 6!,6 s.w. 62.5 73.9 61.3 119.2 59.0 Th. 12 29 842 65.0 63.4 S.E. 62 8 72.1 60.1 115 7 58 8 0.09.1 Fri. 13 29.766 64.7 62 4 w. 62,6 75.1 59 4 123.0 S6 3 0.013 Sat.U S0.056 63.0 62 6 s.w. 63.0 7«.0 59.8 131.0 S7.S — Sun.15 3).169 68 4 04 2 w. 63.2 79 6 68 8 126 4 57.2 — Mo. l(i 30.097 76,7 69.0 s. 64 0 861 67.5 123.4 63 5 — Tu. n 80.028 72.0 62.0 w. 65 8 82.1 61.0 126.2 659 ~ Means 29.975 67.8 63.7 6S.4 77.8 59.7 123.6 66.9 0.135 REMARKS. 11th. — Dull morning, but a very fine day, and splendid sunset; rain at mid- night. 12th.— Rain early, bet fine by 8 a.m. ; showery in the middle of the day, but fine after. 13th.— Bain early, and till about 9 a.m.; fine till 1.30p.m.; sharp shower about 2.3U P.M. ; but very fine afterwards. 14th. — Fine but cloudy ab ti a.m,, hut fine by 10, very slight shower at 11, but very fine day. 15th.— A dull morning, hub very fine day, only rather too -warm to be pleasant. 16th.— A most splendid eammer day, bat very hot indeed, and scarce any wind. 17th. — A very hot night, fine morning, and rather cooler; very fine and very hot in the middle of the day, but pleasant breeze sprang up about 8 p.m. Mean temperature about S° above that of last week, partly caused by the intense heat of the last three daya.^G. J. Symons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 18. Market still very quiet. Large qaantitiea of French Pears arriving — Williams's Bon Chrt-tien, Baurre d'Amanlis, and Duohesse d'Augouleme. FRUIT. B. d. B. d. 8. d. tol 6 Mulberries lb. 0 6tol 0 Nectarines dozen 2 0 10 0 Oranges 1^100 12 0 20 0 8. d, 0 6 Apples i sieve Apricots dozen 1 Cherries lb- 0 6 Chestnnts bushel 0 i» Currants 4 sieve 2 0 Black do. 2 6 Figs dozen 1 0 Filberts lb. 0 6 Cobs lb. 0 " Gooseberries...... ynart 0 0 Grapes, hothouse.. .. lb. 1 0 Lemons ^ loO 8 0 Melons each 2 0 1 6 0 0 3 0 S G 3 0 1 n 0 0 0 0 5 0 12 0 6 0 Peaches dozen 3 0 Pears, kitchen., dozen 0 0 IS n n n 8 0 [esBert dozen 2 PineApples lb. 3 0 & Pluma 4 sieve 16 3 0 Quincea dozen 0 0 0 n Raspberries lb. 0 6 0 i) Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 '■i Walnuts bushel 8 0 12 0 ditto ^100 1 0 1 G vegetables. Artichokes dozen 8 Oto6 0 Aeiiaragns ^ UiO 0 0 0 0 French bundle 0 0 f 0 Beans, Kidney.. . . i sieve 2 0 2 6 Broad (sieve 0 0 0 0 Beet, Red dozen 2 0 4 0 BroccoJi bundle 0 9 16 Brussels Sprouts 1 sieve 0 0 0 0 Cabbage dozen 0 6 0 9 Carrots bunch 0 6 0 8 Capsieuma *» lOO 0 0 0 0 Cauliflower doz^-n 3 0 6 0 Celery bundle 16 2 0 Coleworts.. dOK. bundles 2 0 4 0 Cucumbers each 0 3 10 pickling dozen 0 0 0 0 Endive dozen 2 0 0 0 FennGl bunch 0 8 O 0 Garlic lb. 0 6 0 0 Herbs bunch 0 3 0 0 Horseradish...... bundle 4 0 0 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce dozen Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress punnet Onions bushel pickUng quart Parsley..., doz. bunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart Potatoes. bushel Kidney do. Radishes., doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Salsaf y bundle Scorzonera bundle Seakale basket ShaUotB lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes dozen Tnmips bunch Vepetable Marrows doz. a. d. s d. 0 4 too 0 1 0 n 4 6 August 2«, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 175 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day o( Month Day of Week. AUG. 26-SEPT. 1, 1876. Ave rage Temperature near London. Son Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Rises. Moou Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day 01 Year. 26 27 28 29 80 81 1 TH F S SCN M To w R. H. S. of Ireland— Autumn Exhibition. Dundee Bishop Auckland Show. [ Show opens. Wakefield Show. 14 Sunday after Tkinitt. Deal and Walmer, and Chippenham Shows. Kojal Horticultural Society— DahUa Show. Fruit and [ Floral Committees at 11 a.m. Bath Show opens. Day. 72.5 73.3 72.7 71.2 74.5 71.5 71.1 Nieht. 48.4 49.1 49.7 47.6 48.2 47.4 47.5 Mean. 60.4 61.2 61.2 59.4 61.3 C9.4 69.3 m. h. 6af6 6 6 8 6 9 5 11 6 12 6 14 5 m. h. 69af6 57 6 54 6 52 6 60 6 48 6 46 6 m, h. Slafll morn. 12 1 38 2 4 4 27 5 49 6 w. h, 6af 5 51 6 22 6 43 6 58 6 11 7 21 7 Days. 25 26 27 28 O 1 2 m. s. 1 39 1 22 1 6 0 47 0 29 0 10 after 238 299 240 241 242 243 241 Fiom obBerratioQS taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week ia 72.C- : and its night temperature 48.0". OLLA PODRIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUE.— No. 2. LEFT off (page 111) at Aix-les-Bains. It is not my intentioa to inflict your reader.? with a chapter out of Murray, as, if they wish it, they can consult tliat vahiable guide book for themselves. I do not, consequently, wish to enter iuto details with regard to our route, but merely to make a few observa- ^^ y tions which I hope may prove acceptable to ^ your horticultural readers. On the Monday we started from Aix for Turin by the Mont Cenis tunnel. The scenery the whole way is very grand and beautiful, and what is particularly interesting is to note how, as the railway begins to ascend, the character of the foliage and vegetation begins also to change. Ihe rise from Chambery to Modane is vex-y rapid, especially after passing the valley of the Isere and ascending that of the Arc. The mountain sides, espe- cially those to the north and east, are very precipitous, and show the traces everywhere of injury done by sudden thunderstorms washing down the debris of rock, stones, and gravel over the vineyards, which in the lower part of the valleys, nearer to Chambery, are placed on every point of vantage. As one ascends the valley of tlie Arc the vineyards gradually give way to patches of Bye and other corn, the Vines being confined only to the cottages or garden grounds ; but after Mont St. Michael these too cease, though the thrift of the native mountaineers is very manifest in the way in which they turn every bit of ground into use, and Potatoes and Eye are grown wherever there is sufficient soil to form any staple to work on. Thus — though this is to a certain degree anti- cipating matters — I saw on the Swiss side of the St. Gothard Pass after leaving Goschemen a crop of Potatoes in one field grown on the top of three large boulders of rock which had fallen off the cliffs, and which were lying on the surface of the ground, the tops of the stones being about 7 or 8 feet above the level of the field. One thing, however, may be safely remarked as a general rule in all these mountain districts, especially in the valleys down which the i-ivers from the glaciers flow, that the native peasants know full well the value of every square yard of soil, and lose no opportunity of turning it to account. Among other things they are gradually form- ing alluvifil fields in the wider parts of the valley of the Arc by damming up the water, and making it deposit its debris of mud from the glaciers by spreading it equally over the ground by side channels, dams, &c. It is interesting to watch this land in process of forma- tion, the lower part of it growing crops of Clover, &c., while the middle can only support marsh plants, as Mari- golds— i.e., Marsh Eanunculus, Iri.^, &c., and the upper part is still a pool of muddy water. All the glacier streams bring down a great quantity of detritus, chiefly of the softer whitish granites or the mountain and mag- nesian limestones. This glacier action seems very con- stant, as in the Isrre, the Are, the Doria, Po, Adige, &c., and the debris which is brought down must be very great ; No 762.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeiss. and though it may be perhaps a bold conjecture to hazard, I cannot help fancying that the flat alluvial plains of Lombardy have been formed in process of time by the action of the glacier rivers overflowing the plains, carrying their detritus with them. It is certainly very singular to notice the way the plains of Lombardy run quite up to the foot of the Alps. The Alps rising from the plain like cliffs from the sea, not so abruptly perhaps as water- worn cliffs ; but everywhere in Lombardy the plains, which are almost on a dead level without any undulating or rising ground in them, commence immediately at the base of the mountains, and lie like a level sea between one range of mountains to the other from the Alps to the Apennines. The line of rails rises up the valley of the Arc about 100 feet in each mile till it reaches Modane, when the rise up to the north-west entrance of the Mont Cenis tunnel (3942 feet high) is very rapid. This was, at the time we passed it, the least pleasant part of our journey, as an avalanche had broken in the arched roof of the last gallery previous to entering into the great tunnel ; and while the gallery, or shallow tunnel cut in the side of the hill, was being repaired, the line of rails was carried on a temporary platform of timber and poles, the poles being supported on loose stones on the side of a precipitous cliff overhanging the town of Modane which we had just passed, but which a horseshoe curve of a mile long had brought under our feet again. The train did not go much more than two mOes an hour over this temporary viaduct, and it was a relief to get into the tunnel. The tunnel itself is well ventilated, and lighted at intervals with powerful lamps ; the carriages, too, are well lighted ; and instead of the atmosphere being at all op- pressive, as many persons were led to expect when the enterprise of making a tunnel eight miles long through the heart of the Alps was first entertained, it was far clearer and purer than any of the metropolitan under- ground railways. One reason which accounts for this is that there is a gradual ascent from the French to the Italian side till within about a mile of the Italian entrance to the tunnel, so that the column of air which enters on the French side is always inclined to ascend. The height of the south end of the tunnel being 4380 feet above the sea, or higher than the northern by 438 ; moreover, the air at that height is always rarefied, and generally con- tains an excess of ozone. As one approached Mont St. Michael on the French side the vegetation rapidly changed, vineyards giving way to Eye grass. Eye grass to alpine plants and short grass ; the sides of the hills where the rocks were not too precipitous being clothed with forests of Fir. Mont St. Michael itself is a very striking and precipitous cliff rising from the valley close to the railway, and being remarkable for the great variety of the curvature and character of the strata, and also for the colouring of the mountain limestone. However, I do not wish to detain your readers with any attempt at any geological descrip- tion of this Mont Cenis range of alpine hill, as the vary- ing character of the strata is most striking. On emerging No. HM.-VoL. LIV., Old Eeeies. 176 jodbnaij of horticultuee and cottage gardenee. ( Angust 26, 1876. from the tunnel the line of rail rapidly descends from Eardon- neche to Susa. Here the character of the scenery is very wild and rugged ; at first the railway being carried in a series of tunnels and galleries cut along the face of the cliff overhang- ing the valley of the Dora Reparia. By degrees the valley opens out, and the different changes of vegetation again commence. First, alpine plants and short herbage where goats and moun- tain cows graze ; then patches of Eye grass ; then Potatoes, with Walnut trees. Apples and Cherries grown round the cbilets; then a little lower down Vines on the cottages, till by degrees we come to Acacias, Spanish Chestnuts, and fertile vine- yards, with crops of Indian Corn ; and then, as we reach the plains before entering the town of Turin, the interminable rows of white Mulberry trees, with Vines trained from tree to tree, begin. The whole of the plains from Turin to Venice are planted with rows of these white Mulberries on which the silkworms are fed. The leaf is different to that of the Mulberry which we usually grow in England, and the growth of the young shoots much more rapid. The trees before we reached Turin were not as yet fit for gathering the leaves from, but as we approached nearer to Venice we saw the leaves being stripped. The silkworms are very voracious, and it is surprising what a quantity of leaves are daily consumed where the larger silk- worm-feeding establishments are kept. They are fed in out- houses well shaded and ventilated, but not allowed to be too cold, on large tiers of wood, trays, or shelves raised one on the top of the other, about 12 to 14 inches apart. They are supplied with fresh leaves two or three times a-day, which are gathered in sacks — men, women, and children all assisting in stripping the leaves by means of tripod ladders, much the same as those used by French gardeners for pruning their trees. The trees are kept pollarded and cut-back, and the young growth is very rapid, making shoots from S to 5 feet long in the season; these are stopped twice, sometimes three times a-year. The produce of silk in the plains of Lombardy is very great, and the monotony caused by the never-ending rows of pollarded white Mulberries is equally great, the average distance be- tween the rows of trees for many miles in succession being not much more than from 10 to 12 yards, and only about 10 feet or from that to 15 feet between the trees. The inter- vening space of ground is cropped chiefly with Indian Corn, although Eye is also grown ; and between Milan and Verona, where the fields are irrigated, there are also crops of paddy or Eice. The general effect of the plains of Lombardy, though impressing one with their great fertility, is certainly very monotonous, and where whole rows of Mulberries are stripped of their leaves, with bare stems and branches they look very unsightly. Turin was our first resting-place on the Italian side. It is a city that would delight the Americans, as all the streets run parallel to each other, and are divided by other streets crossing at right angles. It abounds in straight avenues of cropped trees. I had not time to see the public gardens here, but must give Turin credit for the best turf I saw in Italy or, I might say, on the Continent. This was in the square in front of the central railway station, called Piazza Carlo Felice, and, for a wonder, it was well cut and also well watered. The river Po rushes by one side of the town, and advantage is taken of its enormous water-power to supply the streets with water by means of water-wheels. I saw the same again in the Adige at Verona. They are erected in the middle of the river, with undershot paddles, which the force of the current turns round. The periphery, or outer rim of the wheel, is hollow, formed, in fact, of a series of boarded-in boxes in which the water is col- lected and lifted from the river, and they empty themselves when they get to the top of the wheel by means of small spouts into a larger trough, from which it is conveyed by pipes. The whole apparatus (I am describing one or two I took espe- cial notice of at Verona) is exceedingly rough and simple, but at the same time effective. Thanks, however, to the use of the scythe and irrigation, the grass in the Piazza Carlo Felice was really more like an English lawn. I cannot say the same for the public gardens at Milan, although there they had equal opportunities for irrigation ; but unfortunately they ap- parently trusted too much to irrigation there, and took no pains to cut it, and the grass was merely laid flat by the action of the water, and the undergrowth was brown ; the effect of the lawn being more like one of our English after- math, or (as in Yorkshire we call them) fog fields, in autumn after heavy rains. I will, however, continue my remarks upon the Milan and Venice gardens in another number. I had more time at Milan and Venice than at Tarin to make notes on the public gardening. — C. P. P. EARLY SUMMER FRUITS. The first fruit of summer is always looked for more eagerly, eaten with greater zest, and is also more closely criticised than the more abundant and varied supply of autumn ; it is, there- fore, highly important that it should be as good in quality and quantity as is possible. That both these important properties are liable to suffer from the baneful influences of an unfavour- able season has been fully exemplified in the present year, and, unfortunately, when fruit is cultivated extensively, little if anything can be done to avert the evils attendant upon fre- quent rain, a sluggish moisture-laden atmosphere, and a cloudy sky. Stkaweerbies. — Immense quantities of Strawberries have been spoiled. A magnificent crop of La Marguerite, with some fruit measuring fully 0 inches in circumference, and which I particularly wished to keep for a few days after it was ripe, was almost totally destroyed by wet, the dense clusters of fruit lying spotted, mouldy, rotten — a lamentable sight not easily forgotten, and an evil as difficult to remedy, for we have no other early Strawberry equal to La, Marguerite either in size or appearance. The fruit of Vicomtesse Huricart de Thury withstood the effects of the superabundant moisture better than any other. It is undoubtedly a useful sort, but I would not give the preference to a Strawberry simply because its fruit keeps better than others. La Marguerite, President, Sir C. Napier, Cockscomb, Dr. Hogg, and Frogmore Late Pine are the sorts upon which I depend for a regular seasonable supply. Newer varieties are on trial, but I have as yet seen nothing worthy to take rank with my select half dozen. A white variety having been asked for I have again planted Bicton Pine ; its really fine fruit forms a novel and handsome feature in a dessert. Easpbebeies and Cubbants. — Prince of Wales is pre-eminent among Easpberries, its fine, large, handsome fruit being very abundant. Much of its earliest and best fruit was spoiled by the rain. Red Currants also suffered from the same cause. The finest Bed Currant is Knight's Large Bed, answering ad- mirably to its designation in every respect ; stem, branches, foliage, and fruit, both in bunch and berry, are all considerably larger than the ordinary type. This kind, with Victoria for a late sort, merits extensive culture. GoosEBERKLEs. — Split fruit have been very prevalent among large prize Gooseberries, many bushes not affording a single sound berry ; the smaller kinds have not suffered so much. A collection of Gooseberries forms an interesting feature in a fruit garden. Many of them are without doubt comparatively worthless when ripe, yet all are useful in the green state. From upwards of a hundred varieties I may select Early Sulphur, Ironmonger, Warrington, Keens' Seedling, Dan's Mistake, a fine, large, red kind, of good flavour, and not apt to crack ; Langley Park Green, White Raspberry, Green Wal- nut, Pitmaston Green Gage, Overall, Red Champagne, and Roseberry, Cherbies. — Among fruits of loftier growth none are more easily cultivated than Cherries, for no matter what may be the nature of the soil, if it only possesses ordinary fertility the Cherry will flourish in it and yield abundant crops. Unfortu- nately there are two evils from which its fruit is particularly liable to suffer — the birds and rain. For the rain there is no remedy, but the ravages of birds are easily avoided by the use of Haythorn's netting, which is decidedly preferable to the fish netting, being more durable, and keeping out small insects as well as birds. In order to render this valuable means of protection available a comparatively dwarf mode of culture, either bush or pyramidal, must be adopted, preference being usually given to the latter form as the most productive in a given space, trees of 12 or 14 feet being as readily screened as others of half that height. The best, most useful, and cer- tainly most attractive way of doing this is to plant two parallel rows, and about 10 feet apart, with a path between the rows ; the netting is then easily put over the whole of the trees, stretched upon a slight wooden frame, thus forming in favour- able seasons a charming avenue, equally useful and orna- mental. The netting should not rest upon the soil, but should have a neat calico binding along the bottom, with small brass rings at regular intervals, by which it is attached August 26, 1875. ] JOUBNAIi OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 177 to hooks in rough wooden sills laid upon the ground alongside the trees. This simple plan is worthy of attention, as it pre- serves the netting. No loophole is left for the birds, and access is easily gained to the interior. The present ungenial season has rendered the duration of the fruit of early kinds extremely brief. I have between twenty and thirty sorts, and will name a few which fruited well this season, and may be strongly recommended for general culture. Man Duke. — This forms line symmetrical pyramids on the Mahaleb stock, and is very prolific. The fruit is large, very Bweet and juicy, and earlier tban most others. Imperatricc Eugtnie is very similar to May Duke, but cer- tainly not earlier. This season it was quite a week later. Erroneous opinions as to the earlinees of any kind of fruit are easily formed, and it would probably prove a mistake if I were to insist that May Duke is the earliest kind of the two, and yet I might do so in perfect good faith, judging simply from the results of the present season ; but upon inquiry what it was that brought about those results, it was found that the crop of Imperatrice Eugenie was more than twice as great as the other kind, its fruit clustering so thickly that sunlight and air could not act freely upon it, hence the result. It is an excel- lent variety of compact growth, very prolific, and is therefore admirably adapted for small gardens. Arclulukc is another excellent kind of this section, coming in soon after May Duke, and affording an abundant supply of fine and very dark-coloured fruit, very sweet and rich in flavour. Transparent. — This is quite the most delicious of the Duke Cherries. Its pale red fruit is tender and very sweet, with a remarkably thin skin. To the connoisseur this may be recom- mended as one of the choicest of dessert fruits in its season, a veritable honne boiiche. Reine Hortense. — A remarkable and striking variety with very large bright red fruit, oblong, tniwith flattened sides. It has yellow fle--h, which is very tender, sweet, and juicy when fully matured. Its magnificent fruit has been of the greatest ser- yice this season, and has been much appreciated. Of a com- pact yet free habit of growth and form ; a fine pyramid. Kentish. — One of our most useful Cherries for culinary pur- poses; quite indispensable for jam, for bottling, and other methods of preserving, and is in constant request for stewing and tarts when in season. It forms fine pyramids on the Mahaleb, aiid is most prolific. Belle Mar/ninqtu'.— This, I think, may be fairly termed a late Kentish but with much larger fiuit. I have only one plant of it, but that is ctrtainly a "Belle," surpassing all the other pyramidal Cherries ia its fine growth and elegant form, which I frequently point-out to visitors as my ideal of what trees so trained should be. One ia tempted to extend the list still further, and it is difficult to refrain from dwelling upon the merits of such fine kinds as Early Rivers, Early Purple Gean, Dnchesse de Palluau, Governor Wood, Late Duke, and several others, but I must not give undue prominence to Cherries in a paper of this kind. Plums. — Of these Eivers's Early Prolific stands out pre- eminently among a collection of nearly forty kinds for its early and abundant crops, and its free, vigorous, and sym- metrical growth. The dark purple, medium-sized, and very juicy fruit is of the highest excellence for tarts. It ripens in July before all other sorts. liivers's Early Damson is another excellent culinary fruit, ripening early in August, and forming a valuable connecting link between Early Prolific and older sorts of Plums. The fruit is of medium size, and is very sweet and juicy. As Mr. Bivers states in his catalogue, it is a charming addition to Damsons. Most other Plums are more justly ranked with late fruits ; but I may add that Bryanston Gage, Jodoigne Gage, Lafayette, Giaborne's, Mitchelson's, Victoria, and Coe's Late Bed are bearing heavy crops. Almost all the Gages are form- ing fine pyramids. Peaches and Nectakines.— Among these the honoured name of Eivera stands pre-eminent. I have almost a com- plete set of the Sawbridgeworth seedlings in cultivation, but several of the trees are too young for fruiting this season. Early Beatrice had an abundant crop, and the fruit was certainly finer than heretofore, highly coloured, and tolerably well flavoured. Early Rivers Peacli fully answers my expectations, or rather proves precisely as Mr. Bivers defcribes it. " Large, colours pale straw, with a delicate pink cheek ; flesh melting, or rather dissolving, with a rich racy flavour, most remarkable." Its Bnper-exceUence in flavour this season affords additional proof of the truthfulness of Mr. Rivera's descriptions. The vigour of the tree is remarkable, and I am fully inoliaed to allow it ample space for its full development, and however long its leading shoots may grow they will not be much shortened when pruned for next season. If we want large fruit we must have a free robust growth. Early Louise ia planted in asnug warm corner to see it it will ripen its fruit as soon as Early Beatrice, which is desirable, as it is said to be superior in flavour. Early Alfred also his a favourable position. Rivers's Early York ia a magnificent Peach. Maoh of its fruit thia season is very large and highly coloured, and is excellent in flavour. Dr. Hoyy is another fine Peach, large and of rich flavour, carrying on the succession well till the ripening of my old favourite Grosae Mignonne. Of Nectarines the only kind which may fairly takj rank among early fruita is Lord Napier. It is a splendid variety fully answering to the description given of it on page 110. It is very prolific, and of robust vigorous growth. — Edwakd LnCKHURST. NOVELTIES IN THE EOYAL GARDENS, KEW. In the Orchid-house porch are collected several plants of much interest, and we can there conveniently commence our inspection. Agapanthus umbellatus major is a larger and finer form of that well-known and invaluable decorative plant. It is from the late collection of W. W. Saunders, Esq., where we have known it for several years, but from the slowness of its increase has been but little diatributed. With one or two exceptions the stock is in the hands of Mr. Green of Eeigate. It may seem auperfluous to say anything in favour of a plant with such an established reputation, but having recently seen a fine display of the species grown in a window we may mention it as suited to that kind of culture. Kaiphofla MaoOwanii, a dwarf type, we have before described ; it is again in flower, and a short time ago was figured from specimena sent by Mr. C. Green, who holds the stock of this as well as of the above. To Oxalis Smithii we would call special attention. It is a free-flowering Cape species, producing a profusion of rose- coloured flowers. The leaves are very pretty ; each segment is deeply divided into two narrow lobes. Thia ia a perennial, and in favoured situations is perhaps hardy. 0. rosea, an annual, was very effective a short time ago in small pots, such as would nicely finish off the front of a conservatory bench. Though the present is a dull season of the year for Orchids, several beautiful kinds are in flower with othera of botanical interest. The new Cypripedium Sedeni has two epikes with four flowera each of a fine pink colour. It has the pink flowers of Schlimii with the free habit of C. longifolium, and is cer- tainly one of best autumn and winter-flowering Cypripedes we have. It ia interesting to obaerve that the parents just mentioned produced precisely the same plant when in reversed relationship as to sex. C. Veitchii has three fine flowers. C. caricinum and C. Dominiannm may also be mentioned. Dendrobium sanguinolentum, blooming at intervals aU the year round, is in good condition. D. eburneum ia very attrac- tive. Among Epidendrums are E. erectum, E. radiatnm, and E. cinuabarinum, with E. cochleatum and its several varieties, which are never out of bloom. Oncidium Wentworthianum has a good spike. There is also a fine plant of Oncidium Lanceanum with two fine spikes. Here is the interesting Dove Plant, or El Spirito Santo, so called, as is well known, from the fancied reaemblance of the column to a dove. Pholsenopeis grandiflora is scarcely ever out of flower, and is now repre- sented by a fine form. Also we note P. cornn-cervi, Lajlia xanthina, the sweet-scented Ccclogyne corrugata, Masdevallia amabilis, and the beautiful Disa grandiflora. The Victoria regia ia now in vigoroua flowering condition, and almoat every evening from about five to six o'clock may be seen in perfection. Bound the tank are several extremely fine specimena of the only genuine aquatic Fern, Ceratopteris thalictroides. It is one of the prettiest of Ferns, though quite a rarity in cultivation, perhaps from its being an annual. The light apple-green tint of the fronda is refreshing to look at. Spores are produced in great abundance, and should be sown about March or April, when they germinate in a few days and make rapid growth. The whole plant is viviparous, and plantlets are often freely produced. Passing through the Economic house we remark in fruit a hybrid that to cultivators of the useful parents must he of 17 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Angast 26, 1876. intfrest, as well as to the Bcientifio. The Feeds were presented by Colonel Trevor Clarke, who obtained them as the result of crosfing a Melon with Telegraph Cucumber. It partakes chiefly of the character of the Cucumber, the leaves being much the fame in form and roughness, while the fruit in shape has a close resemblance but is covered over with a fine network, the most evident trace of the mother. Sageret and Naudin seem to have before tried to cross these plants, and meeting with no snecess considered them as specifically distinct on that account. It may seem superfluous to say anything on the point of dis- tinctness, but we read in Parwin's " Animals and Plants under Domestication " that " There is a race of Melons in which the fruit is so like that of the Cucumber, both externally and internally, that it is hardly possible to distinguish the one from the other except by the leaves." Further on we have information that, we venture to say, is not known to cultivators as a rule. Some Melons weigh as much as CO lbs., while others are no larger than small Plums. One is not more than an inch in diameter, and is sometimes more than a yard long, twisting about in all directions. A variety from Algiers is remarkable from announcing its maturity by spontaneous and almost sudden dislocation ; deep cracks suddenly appear, and the fruit falls to pieces. The varieties of the Melon are endless. Naudin after six years' study had not come to the end of them. Ou Ihe rockwork we shall mention one very charming plant . — Erpetion reniformis, the Australian Violet. It is now placed in the genus Viola, and has only been distinguished by the lower petal wanting a spur and the anthers a dorsal appendage. The leaves are reuiform, clothing the ground with a carpet of preen, while the flowers rise erect on slender stalks, the centre jilac, each petal tipped with white. At the Jardin des Plantes of Paris a short time ago we saw a perfect specimen. It was growing under a bell-glats in a shaded position, and so situated is quite at home for the summer ; but not being thoroughly hardy, must be preserved in a frame during winter. In the Succulent house are t vo plants of Decabeloneelegans, each with a flower. It U closely allied to Stapelia, but has funnel-shaped flowers. As a new plant we gave a detailed description at page 485, June 18th, 1874. In the Herbaceous ground Clematis Davidiana is very attrac- tive from the dense fascicles of its pale blue flowers. It is allied to C. tubulosa. Campanula isophylla alba is a welcome compinion for the blue-flowered species ; it originated here among a batch of seedlings. Linum salfoloides is one of the most choice and distinct for rockwork; the stems are very slender, and support a multitude of white flowers tinged with lilsc in the centre. Eucomis punctata from the Cape seems to be hardy ; it now has stately flower spikes, and though green- flowered it is worth growing from its distinct character. Eryngium Snmbul unfortunately has not matured fruit, pro- bably from the extraordinary continuance of wet weather during the time of its flowering. We understand that fruit has been ripened at St. Petersburgh. TAKING-UP AND STORING POTATOES. Mr. Kecoed has, on page 110, recommended a plan adopted by Mr. Durey of Hothfield in order to mitigate the effects of the disease. This is the very simple process of pulling-up the haulm and leaving the tubers in the ground. It is a pretty- well-ascertaiued fact that if the haulm is pulled away from the rows soon enough — that is, before they are in any way affected by the murrain — the crop itself is safe ; but if the haulm is once affected, even if only slightly, the removal of the haulm then is no safeguard against the disease destroying the tubers ; these will decay as rapidly as if the haulm had not been removed. By experiments extending over a series of years I have found that by removing the haulm from early Potatoes in July, before any signs of the disease have been manifest, the tubers if left in the ground for months are not afterwards affected by the murrain however virulent it may be on the later crop, and also on the early crops, from which the haulm had not been removed, or had not been removed soon enough. Cutting off the haulm is not nearly so effectual aa pulling it up, and pulling off is of no real use unless it is done before the plants are affected. After the haulm is removed the tubers do not swell, and the utmost watchfulness is needed to determine when the work can be the most profitably done, f jr by pulling too soon we sacrifice the bulk of the crop, and by postponing even a day too long the work of removing the haulm is futile. When the disease has once become established in the plants it spreads through the tubers whether the haulm is removed or not, pro- viding the weather is propitious for fungus growth. For the rapid increase of the Potato fungus moisture is not only needed but also a high temperature. If a moist high temperature is provided the tubers will decay whether they are out of the ground or undug; therefore an all-important point to determine, by way of arresting the murrain, is — in what place the tubers can be kept the most cool, whether In thin rows under ground or in stores above it. Moisture alono without heat does not foster the spread of the disease germs which are already in the tubers nearly so much as does heat without moisture. As an example, take up tubers from an affected crop and bury a portion thinly in a cool moist place in the garden, and at the same time introduce another portion into a heated structure of any kind having a minimum tempe- rature of 7U'. Those in the heat, even if kept dry, will decay with great rapidity, while those which are cool, if moist, will remain apparently sound for a great length of time. Merely storing thinly will not check the spread of the dis- ease unless the temperature is cool. A single layer in a tem- perature of 70° will decay, while a layer a foot thick with a temperature of 50° will remain sound, or at any rate the dis- ease will be quiescent. This is an important point to bear in mind in the storing of Potatoes. In the large Potato-growing districts it is a common prac- tice to cart the Potatoes into heaps by the side of corn stacks, so that poles can be leaned over them and covered with tar- paulin to protect them from rains until the bulk can be sorted by women and children. I have seen such heaps on the south side of stacks a mass of rottenness, those on the north side not being nearly so bad. The difference in temperature was plainly the reason of the difference in the decay. No practice can well be more reprehensible than to pile a disease-infected crop into large heaps, where they must necessarily remain for a consider- able time before they can be sorted. A practice such as that, and it is a very common one, is really an invitation to the disease to come and do its worst. It is, by the heating which must inevitably take place in a large heap of newly-dug Pota- toes, creating the very medium in which the Potato fungus luxuriates, and which must end in the destruction of the bulk of the produce. Better, far better, than this is it to leave them in the ground until November, where the tubers will be cooler and an infinitely greater portion of them will remain sound. I am one who believes that there is a great deal of force in the practice of Mr. Durey as quoted by Mr. Record, simple as it may appear, and unlikely as, at the first glance, it may seem calculated to mitigate the destruction of the tubers. The storing of Potatoes is an important matter, and by in- judicious treatment in this respect thousands of tons of valu- able produce have been ruined. So far as I have been able to judge it is a vital point to keep the tubers cool. If they can be stored cooler out of the ground than in, take them up ; but if they are cooler in the ground than out of it, leave them undug until November. This advice is not founded on theory alone, but actual practice. I cannot, however, go further into the matter at the present, but the question is worthy attention, and cultivators would do good service by recording their ex- perience of the best treatment of the crop at the time of its harvesting. — Yobkshireman, FEUIT ROOM. In all large places, where a quantity of fruit has to be kept in good condition until its proper time of ripening, a good fiuit-room is an indispensable adjunct. This season there is every prospect of good crops of fruit, and no doubt many a gardener will be puzzled to know where to store it, and will be compelled to make use of many makeshift plans where it will he impossible to keep it, or to examine it as it ought to be. It will be thrown in heaps like so many Potatoes, where decay will speedily take place after it is gathered; and on the first general examination, which will probably take place the first wet day that happens after it is all collected, it will be found that a great quantity of the fruit is iu all stages of decay, and that basketful after basketful of the once beautiful Pears or Apples has to be consigned to the rot-heap or a dessert for the pigs — a waste which the gardener can in no way avoid if a suitable structure is not provided for storing. Gardeners who have a large quantity of fruit to keep, and who are not provided with proper structures, should point out Angnat 36, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 170 to their employers the necessity of erecting such. Let them explain minutely the necessary requirements, and perhaps there may be found some existing building that could with a very little expense be fitted up as a fruit room ; or, in the absence of that, he will be able to point out the most suitable site for one, and the most convenient and best mode of fitting it up, &c., and there is no reasonable employer but will accede to hia request. I send you ground plan and section of a fruit-room which has been erected here for my employer, W. Hatton, Esq., as it may, perhaps, be of some assistance to those who contemplate erecting one. Fig. 23 ia a section of it, and shows the ventilator at the far end of the room. It ia at the back of the north wall of the garden where it is erected, so that the aspect ia north. One-half of the door of entrance to the room is louvres with slide, so that we can have a current of air through the room, or shut it up as required ; the windows open also as ventilators if required. There ia an air space in the walls with ventilating air-bricks bottom and top, which prevents all danger arising from a damp inside wall, and ia also much more effectual in resisting the frost than a solid wall. chemist, and his garden is in close proximity to his works; but on entering the exhibition tent and after a careful inspection of the plants all idea of the smoke, the dust, and dirt of the "east end " of London ia removed ; the plants and flowers are as clean and healthy as if they had just been removed from the bracing air of the country. The principal competition was in the collections of plants, and these were arranged much in the same way that the princi- pal nurserymen arrange theirs at the large exhibitions — foliage and flowering plants, either stove, greenhouse, or hardy, mingled together to form the best effect possible. Mr. C. Parker, from Clay Hall Works, Bow, had the best collection, it occupied 30 feet run of staging ; another very nearly equal to it from Mr. H. T. Deacon, British Street, Bow, of the same extent was second. In Mr. Parker's collection were some very well-grown j Palms, and in the front row dwarf Cockscombs of excellent quality. Mr. Deacon also exhibited a splendid Dicksonia antarc- tioa, five hardy Ferns, and six fine pots of Gladiolus Brenchley- ensis. Liliums were very fine indeed, the best were sent by Mr. Hare. Dahlias were exhibited by Mr. Whendon, High Street, Poplar. Fuchsias very well grown indeed by Mr. Hanson. There were also collections of fruit, showing that pomology is not neglected where floriculture flourishes. Mr. TuU of 10, Fig. 23. Section. a, Tables. B, Pathway. Scale 8 feet to the inch. c. Trellis Bhelves. d, Air space in walls. The interior arrangements, as will be seen from the drawings, consist of trellis shelves all round, and opposite each window ia a table with drawers underneath ; the former is useful for examining or comparing fruits, the latter for storing any choice sort. There is also a table down the centre of the room 20 feet long, and a pathway all round laid in diamonds with 6-inch paving bricks, red and blue alternately. In the pathway will be seen two lids ; these are to admit heat if necessary from hot-water pipes underneath. The pipes are mains, flow and return, which supply a range of houses on the opposite side of the wall. The ceiling is covered with match-planed boards, and all the woodwork is planed smooth, and the sharp edges taken off the strips to prevent any indentation of the fruit ; and the uprights and strip in front of each shelf. The ceil- ing and table-tops are all varnished, so that the whole pre- sents a very neat appearance, and my employer along with his friends enjoys a walk round the fruit-room quite as much as round the garden, examining the different sorts of frnita, which are laid out singly and named, and with their suppoaed time of ripening also noted. — J. Anderson, Hill Grove. EAST LONDON AMATEUR FLORICDLTURAL SOCIETY. The summer Exhibition of this prosperous Society was held in the grounds of the Grammar School, Tredegar Square, Bow, on the 16th and two following days. On the present occasion a large tent was quite filled with the productions of amateurs in the vicinity, and the excellent exhibition which they made was an instance of what can be done when men are thoroughly in earnest. Their gardens without exception are of very limited extent; their glass houses are also necessarily small, and are not always built according to the latest designs and on the most im- proved principles. The men who own the houses and gardens are hardworking men, and are engaged by day either in business or mechanical pursuits, and their hours of relaxation are de- voted to their flowers. In nearly every instance is their garden- ing carried on under difScultiea, but these are only there to be overcome. One of the principal exhibitors is a manufacturing e. Lids for admitting hot air irom pipes ondemeath. f. Ventilator. Frederick Place, Bow Road, had Muscat and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Pears, Apples, &o. Mr. Parker had Peaches, Plums, Pears, and Apples ; and Mr. "Whendon also showed a creditable collection. The Balsam is a popular flower at the east end, and it was represented by a large number of well-grown plants. We must not omit the dinner-table decorations and the baskets of flowers. Some of the baskets were very well ar- ranged, but the largest number were too heavy and stiff ; and in respect to the dinner-table decorations, while none of them could be said to be first-rate, the largest portion were well arranged, the fault throughout being an over-abundance of flowers. Even the first-prize vases were not faultless in this respect. Great praise was due to those exhibitors who sent plants and cut flowers not for competition. Mr. S. Hill of Alfred Street, Bow, sent a large collection of well-grown plants. Mr. W. Paul of Waltham Gross sent stands of Eoses and Zonal Pelar- goniums ; and Messrs. Paul & Sons, Chesbunt, cut Eoses, both exhibitors having very fine blooms of the leading varieties. We were informed that many thousands of visitors were admitted to the show during the three days that it was open, and in many a heart the love of flowers must be fostered and encouraged. The Committee, which is composed of the exhibitors themselves, deserve thanks for providing such an interesting source of re- creation in this densely populated neighbourhood. MR. THOMAS TAYLOR. Much do we lament the death of this contributor to our columns. In all the relations of life he was estimable. As a member of the firm of Webber & Co., fruiterers in Covent Garden Market, he was an able and courteous man of business. Having a love for and sound knowledge of fruit and its culture, he aided in the effort to establish the Pomological Society, and to within a few years of hia death he continued a member of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of the Royal Hortieultnral Society. He died on the 1.5th inst., aged sixty-seven. MuLCHiNO Strawbebbies. — Some years ago I read in this Journal that bean chaff was excellent for mtUching Straw- 180 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Angnst 26, 1875. berries. I have need it ever since, watering them with weak liquid manure, and then putting on the chaff just when the flowers were setting. I never see a slug, and my Strawberries are splendid. I have only a man of all work, and we have belter fruit than onr neighbours with several gardeners. — A I'ooE Lady. ALEXANDRA PALACE. THE METROPOLITAN FLORAL SOCIETY'S SHOW, August 24th. When we find nearly i'SO in prizes offered for Dahlias, up- wards of .i'20for Hollyhocks, £35 for Gladioli, and ±18 for Asters— when we find this, also at the helm the Rev. H. H. Dombrain, V e are satisfied that neither by a lack of energy in management or encouragement to growers shall this autumn exhibition of florists' flowers fail. Added to this we have recently had fine weather to finish the flowers which constituted this two-days exhibition. The display may be fairly considered a good one, and s.Dch as should afford encouragement to the promoters in their laudable endeavours to promote the cultivation of such garden flowers as may be — but are not — grown in every garden. As to the intrinsic beauty of these flowers none can dispute it. What more brilliant and yet more stately than a collection of Gladioli, either in the garden or on the exhibition table ? What more rich and imposing than the symmetrical and massive Dahlias, or more commanding than the towering forms and varied masses of colour of the Hollyhocks ? Where can we find a more diversified display of colour combined with beauty of ffirm than is afforded by the varieties of Asters ? And to these may be added brilliant Zinnias, Verbenas, and Roses, and we have the material to make the garden gay and the show room attractive. The collections were arranged down each side of the great hall, reachicg nearly the entire length, the centres of the tables being occupied by well-grown Ferns, Begonias, &c., furnished by the Palace Company. These plants afforded a great relief to the formal masses of cut flowers, and broke up the monotony which otherwise would have prevailed. The most effective display in the Exhibition was undoubtedly afforded by the Gladioli. These were staged in considerable numbers, and many of them were of high quality. In the nurserymen's class for thirty-six varieties Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, were in the ascendant. Their collection was a noble one, being massive, varied, and brilliant. In the high-coloured section some of the most striking were Prome- theus, fiery scarlet; Meyerbeer, vermilion scarlet ; Autiethenes, Oscirus, and Victor. Of salmons and roses, Astra, Serapis, Alector, Carbala, Pythias, and Agrius were the best, the last- named having a certificate of merit awarded it, it is a stately flower of fine form. Among the lighter colours Shakespeare was pre-eminent, followed by Chromius, Mansolus, Clymenus, and Veronica. Certificates were also awarded to Titus, a fine flower flaked with lilac purple and magenta, and Brennus, a rich flame- scarlet variety. Messrs. T. Bunyard & Sons had a third prize for smaller spikes. For twenty-four varieties Messrs. Kelway again distanced their competitors with a collection which had not a poor spike or indifferent bloom amongst them. Mr. Walker, Thame, and Messrs. T. Bunyard & Sons had second and third place respectively with attractive collections. In the amateurs' classes also splendid spikes were exhibited, those from Rev. H. H. Dombrain and Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., being equal to those of Messrs. Kelway. For eighteen varieties Mr. Douglas had the post of honour. With the exception of Delicatissima and Madame Furtado the whole collection were seedlings raised at Loxford. One of these had a certificate of merit, and was named Mr. McKenzie. It is a smooth flower of perfect form, and a warm salmon rose colour ; it has a good spike, and worthily heads the list in this section. The remainder of the seedlings were fine, one cf them having twenty-four blooms and buds, and embraced a great vaiiety of colours. The Rev. H. H. Dombrain was placed second with very fine spikes of Mejeibeer, Horace Vernet, Robert Fortune, Psyche, Seda, Ginerva, and seedlings. For twelve varieties the Rev. H. H. Dombrain had the first place with admirable spikes, in which the rose-featheied varieties predominated. Very fine indeed were Murillo, Meyerbeer, Legouvc, Lady Bridport, and Pactole. The last-named is a distinct sulphur- coloured variety, aud had a certificate of merit awarded. Mr. Douglas was placed second with, principally, seedUngs richer in colour but not so fine in spike as the preceding. Mr. Stadden, Chipping Norton, aud Mr. Catley, Bath, were placed second and third respectively with meritorious collections. For six varieties first honours went to Mr. J. W. Minchin, Eastend, Hook Norton, with capital spikes of Eugene Scribe and Madame Furtado, the rest being seedlings ; Mr. Fewkes being second. Messrs. Kel- way also exhibited a miscellaneous collection of sixty varieties. Dahlias were the next important feature of the Exhibition. Owing tothe cold and wet July these have not quite reached their zenith of perfection, yet many very fine blooms were staged. In the nurserymen's class for forty-eight varieties Mr. Keynes, Salisbury, had a collection of great excellence, but owing to the names having been hurriedly scribbled in pencil on blue paper they were nearly invisible to the spectators. For twenty-four varieties Mr. Walker, Thame, had the first place, his best blooms being Grand Sultan, John Kirby, Thos. Gardener, W. P. Layard, Jas. Cocker, Julia Myatt, John Standish, Royal Queen, and Hugh Miller. For twenty-four Fancies Mr. Keynes and Mr. Walker were placed first and second respectively. In these boxes really splendid blooms were exhibited of Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Rose Flake, John Lamont, Letty Coles, Fanny Stort, and Egyptian Queen. In the amateurs' classes for twenty-four varieties, Mr. Fewkes, Tyburn Erdington, Birmingham, was first with charmingly finished blooms of Leah, Lord Derby, Flag of Truce, John Standish, John Neville, Miss Turner, James Service, Mrs. Boston, Walter Reid, &c. Mr. Southgate, gardener to J. Petti- ward, Esq., Frimborough Hall, Stowmarket, had the second place. In this stand Charles Backhouse, Juno, Criterion, and Norfolk Hero were perfect, and the rest good. Mr. Petfield, gardener to J. Thornhill, Esq., Deddington, third. For twelve varieties H. Glasscock, Esq., was placed first with a collection of great merit, every bloom being good. They comprised Royal Queen, James Service, Cremorne, Thos. Goodman, Flag of Truce, Queen's Messenger, Vice President, Ovid, Mr. Harris, John Standish, Picotee, and Willie Eckford. Mr. Hurst, Putney Road, Enfield Highway, was placed second. Mr. G. Smith, New Villa, Hedge Lane, Edmonton, third; and Mr. Griffith, Brocket Villa, Wood Green, fourth. For twelve fancies Mr. Petfield, gardener to A. J. Thornhill, Esq., Deddington, had the first award with grand blooms of Mrs. Saunders, John Lamont, Flora Wyatt, Fanny Sturt, Grand Duchess, Mrs. Bennett, and some well-marked seedlings; H. Glasscock, Esq., Mr. Southgate, and Mr. Fewkes following in the order named. Certificates of merit were awarded to Mr. G. Rawlings, Romford, for Mr. Quennell, orange tipped with red, a richly-coloured flower of good form, and John Bennett, crimson scarlet, an immense bloom of good shape ; also to Mr. Keynes for Henry Glasscock, bright maroon, smooth, and of very fine shape. Hollyhocks were the weakest part of the Show. For nine spikes, open, Mr. Chater, Saffron Walden, won with Rose Supreme, Alba superba, Leah, Purity, Midnight, Fire King, Perfection, Mrs. Chater, aud Exhibitor. Mr. Minchin also had a minor award. For twenty-four cut blooms Mr. Chater was again placed first, Mr. Minchin second, and Mr. Walker third, but except the first-prize collections the blooms were very small. Amongst amateurs, for twelve blooms Mr. Catley and Mr. Minchin were placed first and second respectively, and for six blooms Mr. Petfield was first with the best blooms in the Exhibition, Mr. Fewkes having the second award. Roses were particularly bright and fresh. In the nursery- men's class for twenty-four varieties the redoubtable Cheshnnt firm of Paul & Son had the first place with a collection worthy of a June show, Mr. Keynes being placed second with a good collection, and Messrs. T. Bunyard & Sons, Ashford, third. Messrs. Paul & Son also exhibited a collection of the best varie- ties in quartets ; Mr. Prince, Oxford, exhibiting equally well in triplets. Mr. 'Turner, Slough, staged a box of Rev. J. B. M. Camm, the sweetest of all sweet Roses, excepting perhaps the old Provence Cabbage, and with its sweetness a fine form and a rich salmon rose colour. This should become a highly popular garden variety. A first-class certificate was awarded. Amongst amateurs Mr. Fewkes was the only exhibitor; his blooms were very good. Asters were an extensive and excellent display. For thirty- six varieties of French Asters Mr. Walker was placed first in the open class for very perfect blooms, followed by Mr. Chater, Mr. Betteridge, and Mr. Meadmore respectively. Amongst amateurs the honours fell in the following order — Mr. Morgan, gardener to Major Scott, Wray Park, Reigate; Mr. Petfield, Mr. Catley, and Mr. Anderson for highly creditable collections. The Quilled or German Asters were a charming display and a source of great attraction to the visitors. The awards went in order to Mr. Betteridge ; Mr- Benham, Newbury ; Mr. Webb, gardener to J. Pennystones, Esq., Chipping Norton; and Mr. Petfield. Mr. Betteridge also exhibited fine named varieties. For twelve Zinnias Mr. Chater was placed first for brilliant aud very double flowers, followed by Mr. Walker, Major Scott, and Mr. Hooper in the order named. i?or Verbenas Mr. Turner was tbe principal prizetaker, and Mr. Hooper exhibited Phloxes. The Exhibition being extensive and the quality good, with fine weather and a large attendance, it is hoped the success is com- mensurate with the efforts which have been made to aecare it. Flowek Mission, Hojie of Industey, Commercial Stbeet, SpiTAiFiELDs, E. — The work of this Flower Mission, and that at the Conference Hall, Mildmay Park, N., which has been such a cheer to hundreds of suffering ones, is falling off terribly for want of flowers. We ehoald be most thankful for ont Angnst 26, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HOBTIOUIiTUBB AND OOTTAGB GARDENER, 181 flowers, or pota of flowers, or packets of flowering bulbs ; also for Lavender and fresh fruit. I am sure our need bas only to be mentioned to secure the kind help of voir readers — the possessors of gardens and orchards. — E. A. H., Sec. Flower Mission. KNIGHT'S NUESERY, HAILSHAM. Having accomplished a peep at Piltdown, a rosarian's next desire during his stay at EaBtbourne will be to visit the birth- place of that very charming Kose Princess Louise Victoria. This Rose is of a colour quite new among English seedlings. It is of very vigorous growth, and certainly almost an ex- hibition Rose. I was very sorry to hear that there were no sisters likely to follow. Mr. Knight has not since then been doing much in the way of English seedlings. He took me over his gardens in a very obliging way, and we had an agreeable chat as to the coming Roses of the period. I saw some very fine blooms, considering the season and the want of rain at Hailsham, and shall venture to transcribe my notes, as, judging by myself. Rose gossip in your columns can generally meet with a reader. The soil of the Hailsham nurseries is a good loam with clay underneath, and the Roses flourish accordingly. Capitaine Christy was only good on the Briar, the Manetti he had taken to very unkindly ; Niphetos was magnificent. Marguerite de St. Amand good. This was also particularly fine at Pilt- down. To the Duchess of Edinburgh I desire to make my apologies for what I lately said of her. As bloomed at Hail- sham she is almost as good as Marguerite de St. Amand, and very fragrant indeed into the bargain. As Miss Ingelow says in one of her charming Lincolnshire poems — " A sweeter woman ne'er drew breath Than my son's wife EHzabeth," I never held a sweeter Rose in my hand than the Duchess of Edinburgh with which Mr. Knight presented us. Among other new Roses Albert Payf. appeared a lighter kind of Mdlle. Marie Finger, and decidedly good ; Maxime de la Bocheterie was new to me, it is of enormous size and very dark ; Princess Beatrice is here also very taking. There was a most charming box of this last June at the Alexandra Palace. Susannah Wood was one of the most striking Roses. It is as large as Paul N6ron, and very like him, but has the petals beautifully imbricated, almost after the fashion of the Tea Rose HomOre. I am inclined to think it will come to the front. Mr. Knight pointed out to me another new Rose with which he is much pleased, and which can hardly fail to be ap- preciated in " the box." It is called Souvenir de Spa, and is of vigorous growth. It has all the compactness of Senateur Vaisse, with a depth of colour that is worthy of Reynolds Hole ; it is a Rose that I have not as yet seen anywhere mentioned. The Roses I understood received comparatively little dressing, except one of burnt earth mixed with weeds and other refuse. They certainly do credit to their place and culture. — A. C. POROUS GARDEN POTS. Mr. Simpson and myself judge from different standpoints, therefore it is not likely that we shall agree except to diiifer. It is for others to determine for themselves the advantages of a dirty over a clean pot, and a glazed over a moderately porous pot. I advocate cleanliness and moderation ; my friendly opponent dirt and dogmatism. I discriminate between the nature of plants and their adaptability to a given character of pot, admitting that some flourish in glazed pots ; he admits no such distinction, but believes that epiphytal plants may be well grown in poreless pots, and clinches his argument by stating that Mr. Thomson is transferring even his Orchids to glazed pots. Well, someone must be the horticultural Colum- bus to teach us the process of making an egg stand on its end. I confess that I have failed, and have had to remove Orchids out of porous pots and material into others more porous still, and I have seen the advantage of doing so. But Mr. Simpson requires " reasonable evidence." I can give no better than that the Messrs. Veiteh of Chelsea, instead of using pots with perforated sides (porous enough, one would think), are finding the advantage of growing many specimens in open latticework cradles. This practice has not, that I am aware of, been hitherto alluded to in the horticultural press, but the " utility " of it is proved to demonstration. The fact is that many plants which flourish in close airproof pots and material do so mainly by the roots that are outside .the pots feeding on the air, and not by the roots inside the pots, which often convey but little nutriment to the plants which they are fondly supposed to support. I have readily admitted that very soft and coarse clay pots are not the best for the general use of general growers of plants, and the same experience compels me to say that clean, well-burnt, earthenware pots are the most safely recommend- able of all the sorts that I have used. I have been potting plants for twenty-five years, and have Mr. D. Thomson's testi- mony as to being " practical," and other proofs which I value, if possible, even more than that. That is my excuse for writing. I do not complain of anything that Mr. Simpson has said, but, on the contrary, welcome his experience, which will set others a-thinking and lead to further experiments on this important matter. I have nothing more to say. — Ex-EXHIBITOK. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. Mertensia alpina. Nat. ord., Boraginacea:. Linn., Pent- andria Monogynia. — Flowers blue. " A lovely little rock plant, a native of the higher parts of the Rocky Mountains, and, like many such, inhabiting an immense stretch of latitude — namely, from 3',» N. to the Arctic seacoast. It is an extremely variable plant. M. alpina was imported by Messrs. Backhouse of York, who flowered it in May last." — {hot. Mag., t. 6178 ) Michelia lanoginosa. Nat. ord., Magnoliacete. Linn., Polyandria Polygynia. — Dr. Hooker says, "Described as a lofty tree in Nipal, according to Wallich, by whom it was dis- covered in 1821 ; though I never saw it forming anything but a small tree in Sikkim, where I found it at an elevation ot 6-7000 feet in 1848. It has also been collected in Bhotan by Griflith, and in the Khasia Mountains by Lobb. The flowers, which are very sweet-scented, vary much in size, from 3 to 4| inches in diameter, in the number of sepals and petals, and in the depth of their straw colour. " Michelia lanuginosa was sent to Kew from Sikkim by Dr. Thomson, when superintendent of the Botanic Gardens of Calcutta, about twenty years ago, and was planted out in the Temperate House about ten years ago. It now forms a small sparingly-branched tree, 1'2 feet high. It never flowered till the present year, when many buds formed in March, and which, owing to the cold and cloudy spring, never opened till May, by which time most had fallen off unopened. Wallich observes that the scent of the flowers is less powerful, and therefore more agreeable, than in the other common Indian species of the genus, of which the Champaca is the best known." —{Ibid., t. 6179). Ttphonium Brownii. Nat. ord., Aracete. Linn., Mono'oia Polyandria. — Spathe purple. " A very curious Aroid, belong- ing to a genus that extends from Western India to Australia and the Malayan Islands, and of which probably many species are still to be discovered in New Guinea and the eastern islands of the China sea. It is a native of Eastern Australia, extending from Port Jackson northward to Rockingham Bay in latitude 19° S., and, according to Mueller, varying in the length of the club-shaped apex of the spadix from 1 to 5 inches, as also in the breadth of the spathe. Under these circum- stances it is not surprising that Robert Brown referred this to the T. orixense (Arum orixense of Roxburgh), a plant very widely spread in tropical and subtropical India, and which yet may prove to be a geographically-separated variety of this. Typhonium Brownii was flowered by Mr. Bull in April last from bulbs imported by him from Rockhampton in Queens- land."—(/(xU, t. 6180.) Eranthemdm hypockateriforme. Nat. ord., Acanthaoeaj. Linn., Diandria Monogynia. — Corollas scarlet above and yellow beneath. " The genus Eranthemum, of which there are so many Indian, Pacific Islands, and Brazilian species, is com- paratively scarce in Africa, where only six species have been hitherto detected, though no doubt many more await diecovery. Of these the present is much the handsomest, and is indeed one of the most attractive of the genus. It is apparently con- fined to the west coast, extending from Accra to Sierra Leone, from which latter place seeds were received in 1870 from the Rev. Mr. Bockstadt, a very intelligent gentleman attached to the mission there, to whom the Royal Gardens are indebted for many interesting plants, and who has since fallen a victim to disease contracted in that pestilent climate. E. hypocra- teriforme flowered in the Royal Gardens in May of the present year."— {Ibid., t. 6181.) Allium naboissiflorum. Nat. ord., Liliaces. Linn., Hex- 182 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ August 26, 1875. andria Monogynia. — Flowers purple. " Thia is by far the most showy in its flowers of all the Alliums. It is a native of the limestone mountains of the south-east of France and north-west of Italy, and belongs to the large group of species in which the annual bulbs arise from a creeping perennial rootstock, which is covered by a dense coat of matted fibres." —{Ibid., t. C182.) CoLDMELLiA OBLONGA. Wat. or(J., ColumelliaceBe. Linn., 1)1- andria Monogynia. — Flowers yellow. " There are but two species known of the genus, and both are natives of the Andes, where, however, they have no wide range, being apparently confined to the Andes of Peru and Equador. C. oblonga inhabits an elevation of 9000 to 13,000 feet, and is very common in the heights above Quito. It was raised from seeds sent by Dr. Jameson to J. Anderson-Henry, Esq., who forwarded a young plant to Eew in 1870, which flowered in the Temperate House for the first time in January of the present year." — [Ibid., t. 6183.) Peach. — Dr. Hogg. — " It is a very handsome high-coloured fruit, likely to take a high place on the exhibition table, as well as in the garden and forcing house. The following is the description of this variety in the new edition of Hogg's " Fruit Manual : " — " ' Fruit large and round, with a very distinct suture, which is deeply cleft at the apex. Skin thin but tough, lemon- coloured, dotted with crimson on the shaded side, and with a faint crimson cheek next the sun. Flesh yellowish-white, somewhat firm, but melting, with a rich, full, and sugary flavour, which adheres to the palate notwithstanding its fine briskness ; it is very deeply stained with red at the stone, from which it separates freely. Flowers large. Leaves with kidney- shaped glands. " ' This ripens about the 10th of August, and is a very large early Peach. As an exhibition variety it wiU be in high repute on account of its size and remarkably full flavour; and for market purposes its earliness, size, and the ease with which it bears carriage, will render it one of the most valuable Peaches in cultivation. The tree is a very strong grower, remarkably vigorous and healthy, and it bears immensely. " ' It was raised by Mr. Kivers from a French Peach he received from Brittany under the name of Pi;che Deniaux ; and first fruited in 1865."— (FZor. and Pom., 8 s., viii., 185.) KOSE ELECTION, 1876. No. 1.— PERFUME. Name the Eoses which you consider most agreeably scented, underline the twelve most esteemed, and limit the list to twenty-five names. After thinking the matter over some time, this seems to me the most feasible plan. I am quite prepared for startling results, because perfume after all is like the preference for " Apples " or " Onions." I at one time thought of limiting the Teas. This to some might seem arbitrary. I therefore adopt the plan above, and ask all readers of our Journal in- terested in the matter to give me their lists as soon as possible. No. 2. Name the best twenty-five Eoses introduced since 1869, the Marquise de Castellane's year, including that year, and underline the best twelve of these. I shall be glad to have replies to these two queries as soon as possible, though it is not my intention to close the poll untU, perhaps, the middle of September, but of this due notice will be given. — Joseph Hinton, Warminster. STRAWBEEBT CULTURE. In answer to " C. P. P.," I beg to state that I find La Grosse Suor6e a first rate Strawberry, fully a week earlier than Keens' Seedling, good quality, ripens its fruit well, bears a good crop, and continues in bearing a long time. I have about a quarter of an acre in Strawberries, and I shall have this year upwards of forty sorts growing, and my experience so far for the best ten or twelve sorts would be as follows : — Early Croj)— La Grosse Sucr6e, Keens' Seedling, and Princess Alice. Main Crop — The Amateur, Sir Joseph Paxton, and Ne Plus Ultra; and for Late Croj)— British Queen, Elton Pine, and Victoria. President, of course, I find to be a splendid Straw- berry for main crop, also Filbert Pine for late crop; but one drawback is that they do not fruit well the first year. My practice is to plant-out rnnncrs in June and July in a bed of well-prepared soil, at the distance of 1 foot apart, and trans- plant into their fruiting quarters during August and Septem- ber, minding to choose suitable planting weather. By this means I always succeed in obtaining a large crop of splendid fruit on first-year plants. This year I gathered from sixty plants of Sir Joseph Paxton and Ne Plus Ultra 67 lbs. of beautiful fruit, such as would have made Is. to Is. Gd. per lb. in Covent Garden Maiket, and which I sold at 8d. to Is. per lb. These were first-year plants, and planted last September. I am busy now preparing the laud for planting, and my plants in the nursery bed cover the land. I shall have great pleasure in sending Mr. P. a few plants of La Grosse Sucree if he wishes to give it a trial. A dozen nice plants can be sent by post for id. postage. — Willum Lovel, Weaverthorpe, Yorks. GARDEN EXPENSES IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. How little many of us know respecting the horticulture of former days ! I wish that some enterprising spirit among ua would furnish us with copies of old Gerarde's " Herbal." Much am I interested by details of the olden time ; and knowing others who are so, I have thought that the following extracts might be interesting to others of the readers of our Journal. They are extracted from the Hampton Court books. " 1529. Swete williams were purchased at iiiid. the bushel. Gillavers slipps, Gillavers mynts, and other sweete flowers, at the same price. Croseais at iiiid. the c. Payd to JohnHutton of London, gardener, for bourder of rosemary of iii. yeres olde to sett about the mount in the kynges new garden, iis. viHcfci(M';if7, or any other vam-ty not named.— Cockerel.— 1. G. H. Fitz- lierbert, Sevenoaks. 2, H. E. Martin. 3, E. Bell, Burton-on-Trent. lie, D. Harley. Pullet —1. G. H. Fitzhorbert. 2, J. F. Walton, Thorncliffe. 3, D. Uarley. he. H. Barlow. (JrA^iiE.— Any variety, vot duhbed.—Cock or Cockerel.— I, J. F.Walton. 2, T. Dyson. Halifax. 3. S. Matthew. HAMUiJBGii3.—G()/(i or Uilver-spnngled.—Cock or Cockerel— I.T. Blak^min, Tettenhall. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Long, Bromley, he, W. S. Evans. Heji or Pullet.— 1,T. blakcman. 2, Stott & Booth, Huntley Brook. 8, W. 3. Evaua. he. U. Beldon. Hambprghs.— .-Ini/ other variety.— Hen or Pullet.—i, A.. F. Faulkner. 2, C. Judaon, Peckbam. 3, J. Long. P0I.AND3.— C'oc/i or Coekerel.—\,'R. Beldon. 2,G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. 3 and he, P. Unaworth, Lawton. Hen or Pullet. — 1, H. Beldon. 2 and 3, G. Adkins. ftc, G. C. Adhios ; P. Unaworth- HouDANS.— Cocfccrei.— 1, U. H. Allen. 2, he, and c, W. Dring, Faveraham. 3, J. H. Rabj-.Gr-atWitley. Piii/'-f —1,G. Berry, Little Eaton. 2, S. W. Thomas, Sketty. 3, W. Dring. vhe, W. Whitworth. he, W. Dring; U. H. Allen ; R. K. PenS'^n. Cbeve-Ccedrs, or any other French Variety.— C'ocfcerel.—l, H. Feast, Swansea. V, \V. H. Crabtree, Levcushulme, Mancheater. S, W. Dring. Pullet. —1, J. K. Fowler. 2. W. U. Crabtree. 3 and he, W. Dring. Any other Variety except Bantams.— Cockerel. — 1, Miss Brooke, Shrewa- bury. 2, A. Kitchen, Westerham. 3, R. R. Fowler. Ac, J. Croote. Pullct.—I, Miss A. Broukft (Malay). 2, K. R. FuwJer. 3, A. Kitchen (Brown Leghorn). Game BiHTAUS.— Black or Brown Red.— Cockerel. — 1, E. Walton. £, R. Brownlie, Townacnd. 3, J. Calladiue, Heanor. Pullet —1, R. Y. Ardagh, St. John's. Worcester. 2, R. Brnwulie. 3, — Walton, he, A. Smith ; A. Darby. Game Bantams.— i>itcfcH'iH(/, or any other variety.— Cockerel.— \, E. Walton. 2, R. Brownhe. 8, A. Darby. PuUet.—i, Mra. E. Newbitt. 2, J. Oscroft, Nottingham. 3, D. C. Wingfield, Worcester, he, R. Brownlie; —Smith; E. Walton ; J. Oscroft. c. P. Unaworth. Game Bantams.— .^nj/ variety.— Cock.— I, — Bell. 2. E. Walton. 3, — Bell. Heu.—l, G. Bell. 2, K.'Waltim. 3, W. Admana, Ipswich, he, J. Long. Bantams —Gold or SUccr-laced —Cock or Cockerel.— 1, A. Robertson, Kilmar- nock. 2 and 3, M. Leno, Dunstable, he, J. Walker, Hen or Pullet —I, M. Leno. 2, A. Robertson. 3. E. Pritchard, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, he, M. Leno ; J. Sambertiin ; G. Hnlloway, jun. c, C. H. Poole. Bantams.— iJiacA: or White Bose-combed.—Cock or Cockerel— 1, H. Beldon. Goitstock, Bingley, 2,W Shaw, Kilmarnock. 3, D. C. Wingfield. c, J. Long; T. Cropper. Hen or Pullet.— 1, J. Mayo, Gloucester. 2, Wella & Sherwin, Ripon. 3, T. Cropper^ Bacup he. A. Smith, c, Mias Carter. Bantams.— .4hj/ other variety.— Coek wr Cockerel— 1, H. B. Smith, Preston. 2, N. Hill. Ealicg. 3, R. A. Boissier. Hen or Pullet.— 1, J. Walker. 2, R. A. Boissier. Penaburst. 3. H. B. Smith. Bantams.— .4ny vartety.-l, A. Smith, Halifax. 2, J. Watts, Birmingham. 3, W. Shaw, he, K. Newbiit ; D. C. Wingfield. c, M. Leno. ToBEEYs.— CVcfcorI7cn.-l, J. Walker. 2, Rev. N. J. Ridley, Newbury. 8,E. Kendnck, jun. GnsLiNGS.— Co-rfc or Hen —1. J. Walker. 2. F. G. S. Rawaon, Halifax. 3, R. R Fowler, he. E. Snell ; W. H. Crewe. DvcKn.-Wldte A>tlesbury.-1. T. Kicgsbv, Tring. 2, J K. Fowler. 3, J. H-dgee. Birmingham /ic, J. Walker :J. K Fowler; T. Kingsby. Rouen— 1, J. Gee, Oxford. .'. J- Breakwell. 3, G. F. Whitehouse, Birmingham, he. W. Meanhy; W. H. Hubaon. c, W. H. Robson; J. N. C. Pope; J. Watte. Black East Indian. — 1, 2. and he, G. Sainabury, Devizes. 3, Misa Hayne, Dorchester. Fancy Waterfowls.— ..iH?/ ot/ur variety.— \, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Bir- mingham. 2 and c. M. Leno. 3, — Walker, he, M.Leno ; Mrs. Arkwright; H. B. Smith; R. Wilkiuson. Selling Class —Dnctes.—l, T. Wakefield, Newton-le-Willow3. 2, T. Holton, Aylesbury. 8, J. Hedges, he. J. Hedges ; .T. K. Fowler ; E. Kendrick, jun. Selling Class.— Pairs or Sinole.—\, T. Holton. 2, K. Newbitt, Epworlh, 3, H. Yardley. , . , , Sklli:jg ChkBS —Pair or Single Bird, other than Domestic Poultry, to include Hybrids. Pheasants, Cockatoos. Parrots, Pea Fowl. Gylineas, it-c.—2, F. Voight, 3, F. Schweiss, Birmingham, he, W. Tedd; J. Watta; M. Leno; F, Schweisa ; F Vol^t c J W^attfl 'Domusoa— coloured -Cock.— \,k.T>arhy. 2, W. H. Crabtree. 5, Mrs. Ark- wriKht. Oheaterlield Hen.—l, A. Darby, a, W. Badger, Shrewsbury. S, Rev. E. Banram, Berkbampstead. c. W. H. Crabtree. Dorkings.— vJny ot'ier variety— Cock.— 1. Hon. Mra. Colville, Burton-on- Trent. 2, J. Walker. 3. Miss M. Fairhurat, Ormskirk. Hen.— 1, W. W. Rntt- lidue. 2, J.Walker. S. A. Darby. Cocmns.—Buff.-Cock —1 and lie. H. Tomlinson. Birmingham. 2, Mrs. Allsop. Worcester. 3, 11 P. Percival. Hen.—l, W. A. Burnell. a, K. P. PerciTal. 3 and he, H. Tomlinson. Cochins —Fartri'bje.—Cock.—1, T. A. Dean, Hereford. 3, Miss Dickinson, Kind's Weston. Hen ~1, J. H. .Tones. 2, Mra. Tindal. 3, H. Tomlinson. Cochins.- Wkite —Cock.—\, W. Whitworth, jun., Longsight, Manchester. 2, W. Badger. 3, H. Tomlinson. Hen.—l, Mrs. Tindal. 2, W. Whitworth, S, W. A. Burnell. „,..., Cochins.— Biacfc — Cocl.— 1, A. Darby. 2, W. Badger. S, — Forty, Shrawar- dine. Hen.—l, G. W. Hibbart, Godley, Hyde, Manchester. 2, H. Feast. 3, W. Whitworth, juu. „ „ . , „ , Beahmas.— Darl-.- Cock.- 1, W. H. Crabtree. Sand 3, T. F. AnsdelL he, 3. Lon» ■ F. J. Colterell. Hen - 1 and 2 T. V. Ansdell. 3, J. H. Pickles, Formby, Liverpool, he, T. Lewis ; Kev. J. D. Peake ; J. Holmes ; J. H. Pickles ; E. Ken- Brahiia's.- Lia^if.- Cocfc.— 1 and 3, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, T. Webb, Sutton Cold- field lie R. P. Percival ; W. H. Crabtree ; P. Haines. Hen.—l, Rev. G. Wat- son Exeter. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. 3, J. Turner. )ic, C. L Boyce ; W. H. Crabtree, Game.-Coc*:—1,S Matthew. 2, H. K. Martin. 8. E S. Godsell,Strond. he, .T.Forsyth. Hen— 1, S. Matthew. 2, J. Forsyth, Wolverhampton. 8, J. Peet, Ormskirk. he, A. Cameron. . „. , „ r^ t> French.— Coet.-l. G. W. Hibbert. 2, C. Moms, Chester. 3, F. Brewer, Losiwithiel. Hen.—l, W. H. Crabtree. 2, J. K. Fowler. 3, E. Walton, he, W. H. Copplestone. ^ „ ^ , Ant other Variety except Hambdrghs, Polands, and Bantams. — COCK. —2. Rev. N. J. Ridley. Hen.— 2, J. Metcalf, Queen's Koad, London. Silky.— 1, A. Darby. 2, R. S. S. Woodgate, Tunbridge Wells. 3, C. Judson, Rye Lane, Peckhara. ■ , „ , x t HAManROHS-Btact—Coefc— 1, H. Beldon. 2, C. Sidgwick 3, J.Long, he, T. A. Wright. Htn— 1, C. Sidgwick. 2, Stott & Booth. 3. J. Long. ToEKEYS — CocJ:-— 1. E. Kendrick, jun,, Lichfield. 2, H.J. GunncU, Milton. Hen.—l, H. J. Guonell. 2 and S, E. Kendrick.jun. PIGEONS. CAERiERS.-BIttcJ;.— CocJ;.— 1 and 2, R. Fulton, Harefleld Road, London. 3, E. Burton, Truro, he, E. Beckwith; H. Yardley. e, G. F. Whitehouse; J. 'cAHRi'ER8.-Z>un.— Cocfc.-l, W. G. Hammock, lUord. 2, R. Fulton. 3, J. Siddons. Birmingham. )ic,J, James, c, E. Burton. „„.„,, „ „ Carrie RS.-B(aefc.-Hen.-l and vhe, R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley; W. G. Hammock, c, E. Burton. „„,. „ r. -n ... i.,»t^ Careiees.- Dan.-Hen —1 and 2, R. Fulton. 8, E, Btirton. vhe, W. O. Hammock, he, P. R. Spencer. ,..,..„„ . . „ CiKEiBES.— youno Cock or Hen.— Medal and 2, w. G. Bammook. 1, 3. 192 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t August 26, 1875. Warrell, Spalding. Sand c R. Fulton. vhc,W. Bnlmer. ftc, W. Bulmer; S. ■Warrell; R. Cant. Vuvrzus.— Black or Bluepied.—Cock.—l and Cnp, H Pratt, Hampton-in- Arden 2, R. Fulton. 3, J. Baker, he, R. Fulron ; E. Beckwith. PorxEKS.— Jny other colour.— Cock.— 1, L. W. Watkin. 2 and he, R. Fulton. 3, H. Fratt. VvvTERS.— Black or B1ue-pied.~Hen.~l, R. Fulton. 2 and 3, E. Beckwith. Pouters. — Any other colnur —Een. — 1. L. & W. Watkin, NortUampton. 2, R. Fulton 3, E. Beckwith. he, H. Pralt; R Fulton. BARBS.~Cock—l, R. Fulton. 2. H. Yardley. 3, C. G. Cave, Spalding, he, R. Fulton, c. E. Burton, flfn.-l, R Fulton. 2, W. J. Hyde. Pilleton Kineton. S, H. Yardley. he, J. C. Adams, c. K. Burton ttAhm.-'ioiiTig.—l.E. Burton. 2, E. Beckwith. 3, F, Smith, he, C. G. Cave, c, H. Yardley. IVMBhEBB.— Short-faced Almond —Cock or Hen,—1 and 8, R. Fulton. 2, H. Tardlt^y. he, J. Ford ; W. G. Hammock ; R. Fulton ; J. Baker. TvKBLERs— Short faced Bald or Beard.—Cock or Hen.— 1 and B.^W. Wood- houBP, King's Lynn. 2. W. P. Mapplebeck. jun., S"lihuH- Tvj/iBLE,RB.— Short-faced, any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—l.J. Baker. 2, E. Beohwith. 3. "\V. G. Hammock, he, R Fulton ; J. F. While ; T. W. Milla. "luMBLEB'. — Long-faced Flying Eosfu^ing, litdhreast, or M^-ttU'd Muff-legged. —Cock or Hen— I and Cup, J. H. Mott. 2, W. P. Mapplebeck, Jan. 3, R. OuBtoD, jun , Birmingham TruBVRBB.— Long faced Flying Saddle-badge, or any other Muff-legged —Cock or Bt-n.—l. W. P. Mapplebeck. 2, — Pittaway, BirminRham. 3, C. E. ChavasBe, Sutton Coldfield. IvMBLERs.— Long faced Bald or Beord.—Cock or Hen. — 1, W. P. Mapplebeck. ?, Garbult & Sidgwick, HorninghHrn. 3, H. Y'ardley. TrUBLERS.— Z-OTiff/fiCfd Flying Clean-leqgcd.-Vock or Hen. — 1, J, G. Orr, Beith. 2. J. Ford, Monkwell Street, London. 3, J. M. Bott. FiNTAiLS.— Tr/tt7r.— Cocfc or Een.-^. J. Walker. 2, E. Beckwith. 3, J. F. Lovereiflpe, Newark, he, J. F. Lovertidf^e ; J. E. Spence ; J. Baker. FANTA1L9.— .47iy other colour.— Cock or Hen.-l, H. Yardley. 2, A, Robeitson. 3, Q Bluhm. Maiuhestc-r. he, E. Beckwith ; P. R. Spencer. Jacobins.— iffJ or Yellnw.-Cock or Hcn.—l and Cup, G. & A. Manders, King's Lynn, 2, R. Fulton. 3, C. Martin, he, W. Woodhouse; R. Fulton; J, Baker. Jacobins.— Jtii/ o(7jcr colour.— Cock or Hen.— land he, R. Fulton. 2 andvhc, G. Richardson, Rochdale. 3, J. Baker. TuBBiTs.— iled or Yellow.— Cock or Hcn.—l, J. Gardner, Preston. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. Tvt/rf Typc.—Cock or Hen —], J. Baker. 2. R. Fulton, Owls. — Foreign.— Cock or Hcn.—l, E. Beckwith. 2, J. E. AdamH. Rochdale. P, G. H. Gregory, Taunton, ftc, E. Beckwith; J.Baker, he, H. W.Webb; J. Baker. Dragoons.— B/ue —Cock or Hen.— I and 2, R. Woods. 3. F. Graham, he, R. Woiids ; H. Yardley. c. R Fulton ; H. Yardley ; F. Graham. Dragoons. —if(vf or Yrllou\—Cock or He?! — 1, 2, and Cnp, R. Woods, Mans- field. 8, F. Grab im. he, F. Graham ; G H. Gregory ; J. Baker. Dragoons.— .4ny other colour —Cock or Uen.—l and 3, F. Graham. 2, D. Young, LeamiDgton. ftc.R. Woods; F.Graham. DKKGonris.-Any colour.— Hen— 1,2, &uCi 8, R. Woods, he, G. F. Whitehead; H. Yardley; F. Graham. Dbagoons.— yot/Hp Cock or Hen. — 1 and 2. F. Graham, South Birkenhead. 8. C E. CbaTasse. vhc, H. Yardley. he, W. Smith, c. E. Beckwith; F. Graham. Astv:erpb.— Short-faced. Blue or Silver.— Cock.— 1, J. A. Bradley. 2. W. Gamon, Chester. B,J.F. While, he, J. Forrest ; J. A. Bradley. c,H. Yardley; T. Marsh ; C. F. Copeman. At^rv^ERPB -Short-faced, any other colour.— Cock.— 1 and Cup, W- Gamon. ?, J. W. Ludlow. Birmingham. 3, W. Gamon. c, H. Yardley : H. C. While. KsiyfEB-ps.—Short faced. Blue or Silver.— Hen.— l.C F. Copeman. 2, J. J. Bra'-ileytffe-mingham. S, J. Forrest, Birmingham, he, J. W. Ludlow, c, H. C. While. ^ A-HTV.ERPB.— Short faced, any other colour.— Sen.— 1 and 8, J. W. Ludlow. 2, H. Yardley. he, W. Gamon. Antwebps.— 3'oH7jp, any colour.— Cock or Hen.— 1. C. F. Copeman, Solihull, Birmingham. 2, F. Smith, Birmingham. 3, F. Woodhouae. I'hc, F. Copeman. he, T. Clulee ; D. Young ; W. Woodhouse. c, W. Gamon. Aj^ivTER-ps.— Long-faced Homing.— Cock or Hen.—l and 2, W. Gamon. 8, H. Yardley. he, J. W. Barker. SwALLows.-Cocfc or H'-n.-l, J. W.Ludlow. 2, J. H. Inchley, Loughborough. 8 and c, W, Tedd. he. J. Gardner ; H Yardley. Magpies —Cocfc or Hen.—l and 2, W. Tedd. 8, F. P. Bulley. he, H. Yardley ; W. Tedd. e, A. Maurice ; W. J. Warhurst. Archangels.— Cocfc or Hfn.—l and 2, H. W. Webb, Lower Sydenham. S, R. Wilkinson, Gui'dford. he, H. W. Webb ; J. H. Inchley. Any other Variety.— Cocfc or Hen.~l and 2, J. W. Ludlow. 8, H. W. Webb. he, J. W. Ludlow ; H, Yardley ; J. H. Inchley. Any Variety.— Cup, J. Ford. 2 and i, W. G. Hammock. 3, L. & W. Watkin. he, A. Simpson ; E. F. Booth, c, H. Yardley ; N. P. StUgoe. Selling Class.- Pair.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Ford. 3, Hon. W. T. Sugden. 4, D. Young, he. Wells & Sherwin; D. Young, c, G. W. Hammock; E. Beckwith, Selling Class.— Sinj/itf Bird.— 1. E. Collier, Birmingham. 2, W. D. Richard- son. 3, Wells A Sherwin. 4, W. Nottage, Northampton, he, 3. Foster ; W. G. Hammock; J.Ford; H. Yardley; E. F. Booth, c, C.E. Chavasse. Selling Class.— 1, F, Voight. 2, 3, and he, F. Schweiss. Mr. Hewitt jadged Dorkings, Hamburghs, French Ducks, and Fancy Bantams ; Mr. Teebay, Brahmas, Game, and Game Bantams; and Mr. Felton, Cochins and Spanish. lu Pigeojxs Messrs. AUsopp and Esquiiant made the awards. IRISH ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. This was held at Londonderry on the 17th and following days. Capt. Hamilton was Judge. Dorkings. — Si(f'er-Gr(ir/c.— 1, D. M. Smyth, Fairy Mount, Derry. 2, A. Boyle. Chickens.— 1 , H. J. M'Bride. Gilford. Lioht.—l and 2, E. T. Herdman, Strabane Chickens.— 1 and 2, E. T. Herdman. Hor-DANS.—l, E. T. Herdman. 2, S.M Moore, Londonderry. Hambdrgus.— GoW or Silner-pencilled —1, R. A. Maednnald. 2, Miss J. R. D. Smyth, Orumahoe, Londonderry. Gold or Silver-spangled.—l,J. C. Corscaden, Loti don derry. Any other Variety.— 1 and 2. Miaa L. D. Smyth. CuTTAGEKb' Class.— 1, J. Young. Newtencunningham. 2 and 8, W. M'Neill, Granahaw, Londonderry. Dcckb. — ifoweH — 1 and 2, W. Simpson, Londonderry. Aylesbury.— I, F. Robertson. '?. s, M. Moore. Geese.— irh/fe.— 1, S. M. Moore. Ooslinos.-l. S. M. Moore. Orey or Mottled.— ], W. Simpson. 2, T. H, Graham, Bridge End, Co. Donegal. Goslings —1. T. H. Graham. 2, D. Glen. Any other variety.-l, C. A. Smith. 2, T. A. Bond. TcRKEYB.- 1, C. A. Smith. 2, E, T. Herdman. Poults.— I.E. T. Herdman. 2, C, A. Smyth. HOLMFIRTH SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. Tnis was held in the cricket field on August 21st. It waB thought that the Show was in advance of its predecessors both in the number of entries and in the quality of a great proportion of the birds exhibited. "We may take exception to the Water- fowl and the Dorkings, which were not up to the mark. The cup for the best pen was awarded to a very good pen of Spanish, and the cup for the best pen of Pigeons to a capital pen of Carriers. The Hanihurghs in most of the classes were very good, both adults and young. The same may be said of the Brahmas, particularly the chickens. Some very good Gavie were exhibited, and with a little more age some of the chickene will be difficult to beat. Geese.— 1, J, Addy, Hey, Upperthong. 2, J. Roberts, Cliff. I>-ucE&.—Ayleshury.—),J. Hey, Honiey. 2, A. Ihewlis, Meltham. Bouen.— 1 and 2, J. Bey. he, G. H. Hirst, Mellham. Any other variety.— 1, A. Thewlia. 2, H. Brook. Turkeys.— 1, W. H. Barber, Hinchliff. 2, W. Lodge Lamma Wells. DoBKiNGs.- 1, R. Stringer. 2, W. Buttrey, Carr, Upperthong. Chickens.— 1 and 2, J. C. Arkwritiht, Hoimiirth Spanish —CMrfc.— Cup and 2, J. Battye & Co., Nether Hillhouse. Chickens. —1 and 2, J. Batlye A Go. Cochin-Chinas.— C'lnTinmon and Buff.— land 2, Moore & Cartwright, Holm- firth Chickcns.—l, J. Battye & Co. 2, J. Coldwell. Cochin-chinas.- y4;(j/ other rinXy.— 1, W. Coldwell. 2, Moore & Cartwright. Chict^-Hs— 1, J. Beaumont. 2, T. Blakey. Victoria, Holmarth. Brahma Pootras.-I, Moore & Cartwright. 2, B. Locfcwood, Malkinhouse. Chtfkem.—l, J. Battye &. C". 2, Moore & Cartwright. HiiiihVRGHs.— Golden-spangled.— 1, G. Haigh, Hogley Green. 2, Broadhead and Booth. Holmfirth. he. Moore & Cartwright; Broadhead & Booth. Chickens —1, W. BenUey, Birdriding. 2, Moore & Cartwright. he, Broadhead and Boolh. HAUBVRGna.—Silver-spangled.—l and 2, Broadhead & Booth. Chickens — 1, Broadhead ft Booth. 2, J. P. Floyd, Holmtirth. he, Broadhead & Booth ; Moore & Cartwright. Hambvegus —Golden-pencilled —1, J. A. Brook. Holmfirth. 2. W. Bentley. Chiekens.-l. W. Bpntley. 2. G Woodhead, Brockholea. he, J. A. Brook. HiiidBCRGue.-Silver pencilled.-i, J. C Arkwright. 2, J. Hirst. Chickens.— 3, Moore & Cartwright. 2 and he, J. C. Arkwiight. HAMBDRGua — B/ncA;.— 1, W. Bentley. 2, Moore & Cartwright. Chickens. — 1 and he, W. Bentley. 2, Moore & Cartwright. PoLANDs.- 1, J. Battye & Co. 2, Moore & Cartwright. Chickens.— 1 and 2, J. Battye & Co. Anv other Variety.— 1, J. Battye & Co. 2, W. Bentley. Selling Class.— I. W. BenUey. 2, D. Hepwortb & Co , Holmfirth. he, R. BeiRhton, Clongh, Thurstonland ; J. A. Brook ; J. Battye & Co. Game.— Cocfc.— 1, W. H. Peace, Shepley. 2, J. A, Brook. Any Variety except Game.-C'oc/:.— 1, Broadhead & Booih. 2, Moore and Cartwright. Any Variety.— Hen.— 1, Moore & Cartwright. 2, W. Bentley. he, E. Batley, Liphill Bank. Ga:j.e.— Black-breasted and other Reds.—l, W. H. Peace. 2, J. A. Brook. Chiekens.-l, W. H. Peace. 2, W. Bentley. Game.— Duckicings and any other variety.— 1, W. H. Peace. 2, Moore and Cartwright. he, J. A. Brook. Chickens.— 1, W. H. Peace. 2, D. Littlewood, Newniill. Game BAHTk^a.—Black-breasted or any other Rcds.—l and 2, J. Roberts, Holmfirth. Chickens.— \, J. A. Brook. 2 and hr, R. Beighton. Game Bantams.- Z)ucfcicinj)'.s or any other vuriety.—l. R. Stringer. 2, G. Beaumont. Chickens.— 1, G. A. Qaarmby, Holmtirth. 2, R. Stringer. Bantams.- .4711/ other variety.— 1, J. Battye it Co. 2, J. Wbitwoith, Holm- firth. PIGEONS. Carriers.— Cup, J. Battye & Co. 2, A. Thewlia. Pouters.— 1, A. Thewlia. 2, Arkwright & Brook, Holmforth. he, J. Battye and Co. Tumblers.— 1, A. Thewlis. 2. B. Boothroyd. I-'antails.- 1 and 2, A. Thewlia. Jacobins.— 1, J, Battye & Co. Babbs.- 1, J. Battye & Co. 2, Arkwright & Booth, he, E. Lookwood, Malkin- house (2). Owls.- JS/i^hsh.- 1, A. Thewlis. 2, W. Kaye, Shepley. he, Arkiivright and Brook. Common Dovecote.— 1, W. Bower, Parkhead. 2, J. H. Turner, Somerfield. Any other Vabiety.— I, J. Battje & Co. 2, G. Swallow. RABBITS. Spanish.— Buefc or Doe.—l, N. Lookwood, Moorcroft. 2, F. Brown, Holm- firth. Common.— Buefc or Doe.—l and he, "W. H. Sykes, Honiey. 2, J. Battje & Co. 3, W. Blakey, Victoria, Holmfirth. Cats.— .4ni/ rnnV/y.— I.Mrs. Heap. 2. W. Wright. S, G. W. Riley, Holmfirth. 4, W. Uolmea. he, V. McNiah, Holmfirth. Judge. — Mr. J. Dixon^ Bradford. MEIGLE POULTRY SHOW. The tenth annual Exhibition of this Society was held on Wednesday, 18th of August. As this Show is the first in the district which offers prizes for chickens, it is of considerable interest to breeders, especially in a season such as this has been, when each is anxious to see if his neighbour has been as unlucky as himself. The classes were, with a few exceptions, not par- Aagnst 26, 1875. ; JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 ticnlarly well filled, but the quality of the stock shown was ex- cellent, almost all the birds being far advanced, and Riving one the idea that while very early-hatched birds had done well, thcRe reared about March and April had been a failure. Young D^li•kfngs^eTQ both numerous and good, the first prize and plate going to a pair of really grand Darks ; second to a pair of same colonr, and little behind the winners. Toune Sjianish were first-rate and well placed. Brahmas were a small entry of two pens only, but of capital quality; first splendid Light, second Dark. Game were not so good as we should have ex- pected from the Forfar district; we preferred second to first. In Cochin'^ first went to a nice well-matched evenly-coloured pair from Mrs. Stevens, while Samhurghs were headed by a pair of fine Golden-pencilled ; second good Silver-spangled. Mr. An- derson's two pairs of Brown Red Game Bantams won easily. In pairs of pullets. Any variety, Mrs. Armitstead won with good Silver-Grey Dorkings ; Mrs. Stevens second with good Cochins. Cockerels, Any variety, first and second nice Dark Dorkings. Ducks were very good, and what there were in the way of Geese and Turkeys were fair. Pigeons, Any variety, fifteen entries, but very badly judged. First went to Fantails, a fair hen with a coarse cock in bad order; second to very poor White Pouters; third to Blnck Barbs of no merit whatever. By far the best pens were 124 (Kennedy), 120 (Glenday), and 123 (Kennedy), all Almond Tumblers and good. The other classes were confined to Meigle. DoRKiNos.— CTictens.— 1, A. Bruce, West Hill. 2. Mrs. Dickie, Alva. C.P- Leslie, Rathven. t.i'A.Ni8H.— C/iicfre;i3.— 1, J. Norval, Cljickniannan. 2, J. Walker, Stirling, c, J. Wackie, Blairfiowrie. Brabmas.- ChickeTis.—l, X>. Gellallv. 2, J. A. Dempster, Stirling, Game.— 1, J. Njcoll. Forfar. 2. D. Kennedy, Forfar. Cocm:i-Cnis&.— Chickens.—}, Mrs. W. Steven, Montrose. Hamburghs.— C/kcAths. ~ 1. G. Caithness, Carnoustie. 2, T. Thomson, Blairtjowrie, c, Mrs. Brown. Abercairay. Bantams.— 1 and 2, J. Anderson. Glairgowrie. he, J. D. Donald, Montrose. c, J. Grant, Blairgowrie. Ant ViEiETT.— Piidffi!.— 1, Mrs. Armitstead, Inclitnve. 2. Mrs. W. Steven, Montrose, /ic, P. M'Donald, Montrose, c. J. Sandeman. Dundee. Cockerels. —I.P.Leslie. 2, A. Bruce, ftc, P. M'Donald. c, G. Cuthill, Drumkilbo. Selling Class.-I, G. Sandeman. 2, \. Shepherd, Meigle. /ic, Mrs. Ander- son, Meigle ; P. M'Donald. c, .T. Macintosh, Forfar. DncKB.— 1, 2. and e. Miss A. M. JI. Graham, Redgorton. Geese.— 1, Mrs. Alexander. 2. W. G. Knight, .lordonstone. Tdreetb.— 1, Mrs. Hill. 2. .1. D. Carmiohael. Arthuratone. Dorkings.— Coiowrerf or Sitver.~l, J. Mackenzie, Langiogie. 2 and he, D. Gellatly. S.A.Bruce, c, G. CuthUl. C/iictciis.-l.P. Leslie. 2, Mrs. Sinclair. S, G. Cuthill. c, A. Bruce. Spanish.- 1. Mrs. Anderson. 2, J. D. Carmichael, Artharstone. 3, Miss Anderson, Meigle. C/(icfce7?s.—l and 2, Mrs. Anderson. 8, Miss Anderson, c. Miss M. Lnustlen. Any other Variety.- 2, — Soutar. 3, W. Simpson, Meigle. Chickem.—l, — SoHtar. Docks. —I, Mrs. Alexander. 2, Mrs. Hill. S, Mrs. Kidd, DrumkUbo. c, A. Bruce. Z>HcfeiiHOS.— 1 and 2, Mrs. Kidd. 3. Mrs. Guthrie, Ruthven. CniCKENS,—l, J. D. Carmichael. 2, A. Bruce, Hole. 3, G. Cuthill. Pigeons.— 1 and S, R. J. Wilson, Durn, Perth. 2. A. G. MacNeil, Coupar Angus, ftc, J. Glenday, Broughty Ferry, c, J. Matthew. ROCHDALE POULTRY SHOW. This Show took place on the 18th inst., and was a very great success. The schedule was for chickens only, and the classes were all for single birds. We think this a good arrangement this season, as so many have a few pood odd birds that have not their large pick of ordinary years. The prizes were 30s. and 10s. We think the difference too marked, and believe three prizes of 20s., 10s., and .5s. would pay better, and yet entail -5s. in each class to the good of the Committee. The Judges were Mr. Teebay and Mr. Martin, and both seemed to give much satisfaction. Spanish came first, and were two small classes of fair quality. Cochins were two nice classes. The winning birds were well ahead, and were in nice bloom ; first going to Partridge and second to a Bufi in cockerels. Mr. Sidgwick cleared the four prizes. Brahmas were two capital classes, the pullets especially numerous and good. A very nice light pullet seemed almost worthy of a place in the prize list, but it must have been hard work to pick out the winners among so much quality. The Game were a nice lot. A capital Brown Red cockerel won, and deserved his pl;ice. In pullets we noticed one or two extremely promising Piles. Polands again only made up half a dozen pens, but the quality was good, and we were much pleased to see three such nice pens of White-crested Black Polands. We admire this breed for its striking appearance, and hope Oxford wo'n't forget it in its schedule this season in spite of the dis- graceful way in which fanciers supported it last year. Ham- burghs were beautiful. We suppose no season, however bad, can put out our Lancashire and Yorkshire friends ; certainly the quality and quantity here were far above what the season led us to expect. Mr. Beldon sent a fine team, and carried off deservedly the Hamburgh cup. His Golden-pencilled pullet is a gem ; we thought, too, the Golden-spangled very good. Black Hamburghs were two nice classes. Mr. Sidgwick's name was not in the prize list; we hope he will not give up his old loves. Dorkings were all classed together, and were two fair lots. The first cockerel was a beauty, and so were the winning pullets. The next class was a mixture, and out of the lucky bag winning cards were pulled out for Houdans, a Malay, and a Crcve. We certainly think French now deserve a class to themselves. In the Variety class Minorcas and Sultans won. Bantams were good classes, Mr. Cook's Silver-laced chickens being especially good. Waterfowl were beautiful. Mr. Walker did not exhibit in his own town, and so gave outsiders a good opportunity for a card, which they seemed to make the most of, for the entries were numerous and the quality extremely good. Mr. Gibson won the cup. The Selling classes were good, but the entries few. A nice White drake won first in one class, all the other prizes in both Sale classes falling to Dark Brahmas. We hope the money taken at the gates was up to the average, and that the Show may go on as successfully as it has this season. NEWBURY SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. This was held on August 21th. The following is the list of awards : — Brahmas.— Z)arfc.—1. O. E. Cresswell. 3, E. Ayre. he, Mrs. C. Radclyffe, J. R. Way. Li(iht.—l and 3, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, J. Long. Dorkings.— CoJourcrf.— I, J. Gee. An;/ other imriely.—l, O. E. Cresswell. 2, E. Woodford. Cochins —Cinnamon or Buff.— I, Mrs. A. Tindall. 2, S. R. Harris. 3, H. Tomlin8.>n. Any other variety.—} and Cup, C. Bloodworth. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. Game.— I, W. R. Pratt. 2, S. Jeffery. Spanish.— Cup. F. Waller. 2, G. K. Chilcott. lie, G. Thomas. Polish. — 1, H. Pickles. 2, J. Long, he, G. Lias. Hamburghs.- frolrfen or Silver-spanoled.—}, 3. Long. 2, J. Carr. vhc, H. Feast, lie, 3. Gee. Golden or Silver-jieiicilied.— 1, J.Long. 2, H. Feast. hc,H, Pickles, G. Lias, C. JndsoD. Any other Variety.— 1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, H. Feast. 8 and he, Rev. N. J. Ridley. Bantams.— Gfam^.—l, J. Buckeridge. 2, Lady Su'ton. Any other variety,— 1, M. Leno. 2, H. Brooks, Marlborough, he, G. HoUowav. jun. Any Variety.— C/n'cfceiw.—l, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2. O E. Cresswell. 3, W. R. Pratt, rhc. W. Dring, J. Gee, H. Feast, he, G. B. C. Breeze, J. K. Harris, J. L. Hawkins (21. R.J. Pratt, F. Bacon (21. Mrs. A. Tindal. Ducks.- Aylesbury —1 and 3, S. Gulliver. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. Rouen.— \, J. Gee. 2. S. Gulliver. Any other variety.—}, M. Leno, Dunstable. 2, 8, and he, G. S. Sainsbury. PIGEONS. Pouters.- 1, H. Pratt. 2, G. Holloway, jun. 8, H. Yardley. vhe, W. G. Flanaghan. he, Hon. W. Sugden. Carriers —1, L. Allen. 2, H. Yardley. S, W. H. Smith. DR.AGOONS.— 1, L. Allen. 2, H. Yardley. 3, J. Baker, he, W. D. Richardson, W. H. Boys. Tumblers— Cup, J. Baker. 2, W. R. Pratt. 3, H. Yardley. Antwerps — 1, J. W. Barker. 2, E. E. Pigott. 3. T. T. Cooper, he, H. W. Weaving, Plumb & Jones, T. T. Cooper, H. Yardley, W. G. Flanaghan, J. Albury, jun. Jacobins —1, L. Allen. 2, J. Baker. 3, J. Andrews. /(C, W. G. Flanaghan, Fantails.— 1, J. F. Loversidge. 2, W. G. Flanaghan. 3, J. Baker. Homing Antwerps.- CocA:.— 1, W. Tomlins. 2, B. Fielder, vhe, F. Benham, G. Parker, he, C. G. Butler, H. W. Crosse, T. T. Cooper, W. Fielder. Hen.— 1, A. Clark. 2, H. W. Crosse, he, T. T. Cooper, W. Tomlins. c, W. Norris. Any other Distinct Variety.- 1 and 8, L. Allen. 2, H. Yardley. vho, L. Allen, G. Holloway. he, A. P. Maurice, W. G. Flanaghan. LOCAL CLASSES. Brahmas —Light and Dark.— I, Rev. N. J. Ridley. 2 and 8, A, Stradling. Dorkings. — 1. J. Staples. 2, Lady Sutton. Cochins.- 1, T. C. Johnson. 2, — Colbom. Hamburghs.— Goide?i and Silver.—}, J. Wallin, 2, H. Bartholomew. 8, F. J. Coldicutt. Spanish or Polish.— 1, Mrs. W. Money. 2, Rev. N. J. Ridley. Docks, Geese, Tobkeys.-Cup, Rev. J. N. Ridley. 2 and 3, W. D. Strange. he. Rev. J. N. Ridlev, A. Bums, Mrs. Hslbrook, E. Wilson. Pigeons.- 1 and 2, A. Stradling. he, Capt. Brace. Judge. — Mr. W. J. Niohol. MALMESBURY POULTRY SHOW. This Exhibition was held in conjunction with the Horticul- tural Show in Col. Miles's Park, kindly lent by him for the day. Mr. John Green the Secretary, with a good working Committee, arranged everything well, and the result was a very successful meeting. One great drawback to the Show is that Malmesbury is seven miles from the station, and the exhibitors do not care to send their birds all that way in carts ; but we are told that the new railway will be open in about two months' time, so with good management this Show may turn into a very popular Wiltshire meeting. The attendance of visitors was good, and nearly i'25 was taken at the gates in excess of last year. We confess when we see how well those little Wiltshire shows are patronised, that we are annoyed to think that Devizes, even under Mr. Sainsbury's leadership, had to put up its shutters. At Malmesbury next year there are to be cups, and so the managers are willing to push their show. Mr. John Martin judged, and his awards gave the fullest satisfaction. We did not hear one word against a single award. Mr. Martin's name was announced on the schedules as the Judge, and we wish all secre- taries would do the same. Had it been done at Cirencester the false reports would never have been circulated to the effect that Mr. Martin had only been engaged a few days before the Show. But to return to Malmesbury. Dorkings came first, only three pens, and not superior. Span- isli next, the first and second prize birds were tidy pens. Gatne had two classes, but there was not any very good, Mr. Winwood's bird being about the best. Among the Cochins there were three good pens. The first-prize pair were in beautiful order and good in colour, the hen just through the moult. There were only two pens of Dark Bralimas, and they were adults going 194 aOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Aagast 26, 1875. into a deep monlt. lu Light Brahmas two really grand pens of chickena won first and second. They were really good all round. Hambwrghs were all classed together. Fair Silver- spangles were first, and very nice Golden-pencilled second; the pullet very good in markings. In the Variety class a grand pair of Polands were first, and a nice pen of Malays second. In Bantams, Game, Mr. Mayo won first with a nice pair of Black Eeds. In the next class Blacks and Silver-laced won the prizes. Rouen Ducks were good in colour and bills, but lacked size. A nice pair of Aylesburys won, but the drake's bill was a shade too dark, still Mr. Martin picked them out cleverly. In the variety Duck class Mr. Kelleway sent a nice pair of black duck- lings, and won first. Geese were good, the first going to Greys, second to Whites. Pigeons were small classes, but the quality good. Mr. Spencer of Hereford won in Carriers and Pouters with fine Blacks and Blues. In Pouter cooks a good Red won ; second going to a capital White. Tumblers were fair, the prizes going to Almonds and Balds. The first pair of Antwerps were the only good pair, and in Jacobins extremely neat Blacks won. Fantails were good, but the Variety class contained the cream. There was pen after pen really good. The Judge picked out two good pairs of Barbs from the collection for the prizes, and highly commended nearly the whole of the rest of the class. Babbits were good, seventeen good Lops putting in an appear- ance. The ears of the first-prize specimen measured 21* inches in length and 5 inches in width, while the measurements of the second were 21 by -IJ. Himalayas were good, Silver-Greys fair, and in the Variety class a beautiful White Angora won first. We published awards last week. Messrs. W. J. Nichols and P. H. Jones have resigned their connection with the Crystal Palace Poultry Show, the former as one of the Honorary Secretaries, and the latter as one of the Committee. These gentlemen have now undertaken to act as Honorary Secretaries of the forthcoming Show of Poultry and Pigeons at the Alexandra Palace. Mr. C. Howard continues Secretary of the Crystal Palace Show. THE JACOBIN. Tms age is very generally termed one of progress, but I think it is evident that in many matters it has a downward tendency. There seems a desire all over to destroy and rebuild in a new form, and this also applies to fancy Pigeons. The Jacobin has been destroyed to a great degree, and one of the last and ugliest additions which English breeders have given this bird is the mane. The bird is named after an order of friars who wore a hood or cowl to protect their shaven heads ; but there is no mention of the friars wearing a mane as well, or anything of that appearance on their dresses. Moore, to whom so many refer, does not name this appendage, which he would have been sure to do had the bird in his day possessed such. He describes the bird minutely, and tells us, among other things, that it is the smallest of all Pigeons. Is it so now, or is the true bird to be found in this realm ? Not that I know of ; for many years I have not seen a real Jacobin. " Wiltshire Eectob " truly says " the fancy is an historical thing, not an affair of the last few years." Fortunately there are a few of us who do not intend to allow the " historical thing " to die out so long as we have our pen and our Journal conserved to us. I saw the other day, in a work now publishing, two cuts of the head of this bird— one of the new stamp, showing the mane in grand style ; the other evidently a get-up for the sake of con- trast, a perfect caricature of the once elegant little Jacobin. I never saw a Pigeon answering the appearance of the latter cut. Oh, shades of Moore and Sebright ! The Jacobin was a small, gentle, soft-feathered, elegant bird, exotic looking in every sense of the word. Now, the bird bearing that name in this country la a coarse, bold, strong feeder; he will fly at large, and provide for himself m the streets of a village, as I have seen. " Wilt- shire Rectob " has, I think, hit the mark very well bringing to our remembrance the Mottles. The finest birds I have ever seen were light mottled, nearly white, and mottled slightly with red, flights and tail always white. Why discard them ? I think the English breeders have put a cross into the Jacobin for the sake of colours to get the solid red, black, itc, and the con- sequence has been that the birds now are short in feather, large in girth, and coarse all over. The word " smallest " in Moore's account does not, I think, mean short, but thin. The true Jacobm is the smallest bird in girth I ever handled; in fact ■while in the hand it felt like a bunch of feathers, long and taper- ing from the shoulders, long flights and tail, and of by no means a robust-looking habit. Small as the African Owl is, the Jaco- bm should not be larger in the hand. I have had this bird in hand so fine in girth that my thumb and middle finger almost met round the shoulders of the bird. T ^ °'v '^■"'i^'^ C**"^- Hill) now long since gone, who lived in -Lieith, obtained from a Dutch captain a pair ofijYellow Jaoobina from which he produced a large number of young birds. They were all of this type, rather large-looking on the floor, but in the hand a mere bunch of feathers. They had no mane, and for hood and chain were perfection. Such are not seen now. It is quite absurd to tell us that without the mane we cannot get the hood and chain. We had it before the mane was introduced, and we shall no doubt have it again if by no other means than importations. The Jacobin has been indigenous to other lands than ours, and from its native country we must import it before we can show the true bird bearing all its original charaoteristioB. — J. HniE. RABBIT HUTCHES. Before purchasing your stock of Rabbits it will be well to provide a place to keep them. For the common Fiabbit pens partitioned-off in some outhouse or " court," either above ground or sanken, are most generally in use, but for the fancy varieties hutches are by far the most preferable ; in fact, perfect success in the development of the Lop-eared variety can be attained under no other system of management. The hackneyed saying which has appeared in nearly every work on Rabbits, that " any man can make a Rabbit hutch," is very far from true. I grant that most any man can make a box in which a Rabbit may be confined, but a box and a hutch, in my estimation, are two very different articles. A very good substitute for a breeding hutch may be made out of a shoe box, by partitioning-off 0 or 10 inches of the small end, leaving an opei iug in the partition 5 inches wide, and 6 or 7 high at the back end. The front of this apartment should be tight, and hinged independent of the door of the larger apartment. This latter door should be of wire or wire netting, and hinged on top or at the side. One of the simplest styles of plain box hutches is illustrated in the accompanying engraving (fig. 29). This is 3 feet long Fig. 29. 18 inches high, and 20 inches wide, the corner posts projecting 2 inches below the floor of the hutch in front, and 1 inch behind, thus giving the floor a little descent, so as to carry off the water. The door a is swung from the top on a screw or pivot, and is held up by a pin or hook, D. A partition, either fast or sliding, is shown at c, shutting-off a space 10 inches wide for a breeding or nesting pen, a door, b, hung on hinges opening into it. A hole should be made in this partition about 6 inches in diameter, for the ingress or egress of the doe. It would be more satis- factory to our young friends to make the front of the large apartment of lath or of wire (see fig. 30). The floor should pro- ject at the back from a half to three-quarters of an inch, aud a space of one-quarter of an inch be left between the floor and the back of the hutch. A small tin or zinc gutter may be tacked to the under part of this projection, letting one end be a Uttle the Angnst 26, 1875. 3 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 195 lowest. All the liquid drainings of the hutch may thus be caught in a pail or basin. Three or four of these hutches may be placed one above the other, and one pail serve for all. A hutch for the buck, and also for younjij Rabbits after weaning, may be built the same as fig. 30, only leaving out the partition, and making the whole front of lath or wire. Hutches built in this way are within the reach of nearly every- one, and answer as good a purpose, if kept well cleaned, as those more plaborately and expensively built. A very great improve- meuf; to the hutch shown in fig. 30 is an extra or double floor. The bottom floor should be made of tongue and grooved boards painted, or else of plain boards covered with zinc; the upper floor of lath, with the edges rounded, or of three-fourth-inch round rode, placed about one-half inch apart, and elevated 1 inch above the lower floor. This arrangement, if well covered with litter, makes a very warm as well as dry hutch. Of course these conveniences and others may be added by the fancier to any extent his purse and fancy may warrant. The ornamenta- tion may be as elaborate as he plea3es. I have heard of slate floorp, polished mahogany doors with porcelain knobs, and fixtures, ttc, to match, but none of these conduce to successful breeding. Just as fine Rabbits may be raised in such a hutch as we illustrate in figs. 29 or 30 as in a more expensive one. The main requisites in a hutch are cleanlii:esp, which will keep the iumates in health, and convenience for feeding, cleaning, and examining the young. Keeping these in view, a simple hutch is as favourable to success as a more expensive one. — {Americayi Fancie'^-s' Journal.) LIVERTON BIRD SHOW. An Exhibition of Cage Birds in connection with a horti- cultural show was held on the IJith inst. in a marquee in a field near to the Liverfcon Mines. The Exhibition was a good one. The awards : — CANARIES. BELGiANa— C/^ar or Ti^'ked Yellow or Buf.—\ anil '2, Baxter & Spence, New- castle, e, E. Winter, GmsboTODsrh (^l ; W. H. Wriirht. Whiiby. Norwich -Clear Yelloic.—l, G. & .1. Macklpy, Norwich. 2. .T. Adams, Coren- try. c, Baxter & Spence ; Moore & Wynne, Northampton. Clear Buff.—l and c, G. &, J. Mackley. 2, Moore & Wynne, c, H. Winter. lloRwicH.—Evcnly-marked Yellow or Buf.—l. G. & J. Mfickley. 2, W. & C. Buroist'in, Middlesbrough, c, G & J. Maekley ; W. H. Wright; Moore and ■Wynne ; T. Cleminaon. Norwich —Tfcfc^rf and Varieaated YeUou\—l. G, & J. Maekley. 2, J. Adamg. c, W. Marlborongh, Marske. Ticked and Variegated Buff.— I, j. Adams. 2, G. and J. Maekiey. Norwich.— Cr^s(t-d.—l and c, G. & J. Maekley. 2, Baxter & Spence. CiNNAiioK.— FeUoiP.— 1 and c, Cox & Hillier, Northampton. 2, Baxter and Spenca. B^tff.—I, J. Adams. 2, Baxter &, Soence. Marked.— I, Baxter and Spence. 2, W. & C. Bnmiaton. c. J. Adams; Messrs. G. & J. Maekley; P. Kawnaley, Bradford ; T. Tenniswood. Middlesbronsih. hiZKKTiS.— Golden-spangled. ~ i, Baxter & Spence. 2, J. Adams. Silver- si)anolfui.-l, W. & C. BorniBton. 2, Baxter & Spence. YoKKsniRE. —Ci?(ir Tellow.—I, P. Rawosley. 2. W. Agar, Cistleton. c, J. Thackrey, Bradford (2); J. & H. Garhutt. Great Hnrton ; C. Worth, Skelton ; J. Rowland. Skelton. Clear Buff.~1, R. yimpson, Whitby. 2, G & J. Macklev. c. W- Marlborough, Marske; J. Calvert, Guisborough ; J. & H. Garbutt; J. Rowland. YonKSHiKE.—Ercnhhmarked Yellow or B^^ff.~^,P. Rawnslev. 2, T. Clemin- aon, Darlington, c, W. & C Barniston; J. & H. Garbutt (2); K Fritschler, Hartlepool; P. RawnsJey. Ticked or Variegated Yelloir or Buff —1, P. Rawneley. S, J. Thrackrey. c, M. Jackson, Gmaborough. Grbrn.— 1, J. Rowland, Skelton. 2, T. Tenniswood, Middlesbrough. Any OTHER Vasiety.— 1, J. & H. Garbutt. 2. Baxter & Spenca. c, Baxter and Spence ; J. Thackrey ; R. Pearson ; G. & J. Maekley. MULES. GoLt-FiscH AND Canaby.— Eu#.— 1, Baxter & Spence. 2, W. & C. Barniston. c, G. & J. Maekley. Any utheb Variety.— 1 andc, Baxter & Spence. 2, W. & C. Bumiston. c, J. Rowland. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIRDS. Goldfinch.— 1, W. & C, Bnrniston. 2. Baxter & Spence. Ltn-net.— 1, R. Pearson. 2, T. Tenniswood. c, Baxter & Spence; W. H. ■Wright. Any other Variety.— 1, J. Rowland. 2. W, & C. Bumiston. c, R. Rout- ledge, South Stockton ; J. Fletcher. Liverton Mines. Parrots.- fircu.— 1. J. Parritt, Lofthouae. 2, T. Henry, Liverton Mines. Green —1, J. Little, Liverton Mines. 2. G. Henrv, Liverton Mines. Any other Variety of Foreign Birds.— 1, G. & J. Maekley. 2, W, & C. Burniston. The Silver Cup, given to the exhibitor who made the greatest number of points, was awarded ti Messrs. Baxter & Spence with seventeen points, Messrs. Maekley making fourteen. BELGIAN CANARIES.— No. 4. Ix aformer chapter I drew attention to tbe carelessness exer- cised in the removal of hampers of cages during the transit from place to place. I have had cause for this complaint, for it was during the return from one of the past exhibitions held in the south of England that I lo6t a very good Belgian bird — a prizewinner, which met its death through a want of care. The cage the bird was in when delivered was a shapeless puzzle to behold. This is not the only instance of loss I have met with ; for since the above I failed receiving back from the same place a bird and the cage it was in, the only recompense received beini; words to the effect that the bird and cage were not seen in tbe show room, although my two other cages containing birds, which were parcellc-d-up with the lost one, put in an appearance at the exhibition. This was a still greater puzzle to me ; but I have long given up aU hopes of tidings respecting either bird or cage turning up, as did my half-dozen birds and cages last year from an exhibition not one hundred miles from Brighton, after they had been knocking about in London for a week with my name and the bare address of London, instead of Derby, upon the label. I had, before sending them from Derby, properly addressed the return labels. The telegraph wires set matters somewhat right, barring the annoyance and extra expense I was otherwise put to. As I before remarked, it ia better when birds " can be conveyed to an exhibition under the immediate care of the owner," Belgian birds in particular. In my previous notes upon Belgian birds I referred to speci- mens upon the show stages ; but before such can reach that desired position they have to pass through various phases. To my thinking there is no period during the youth of birds that Belgians appear more attractive and charming than in their nest feathers at about tbe age of six or seven weeks. A some- what fascinating loveliness prevails at that particniar jnncture, with great promise to the enthusiastic possessor, if he can satisfy himself that true Belgian form prevails. "What with the youthful freshness of plumage, the fullness of piercing bright eyes, elegantly-chiselled limbs, and aristocratic forma- tion, backed-up with closeness of feathers possessing a soft and silky tendency, the snake-like head and neck, pipy tail, high shoulders, and a pair of wings meeting each other at the tips, all combined, claim the especial attention of one and all who make the Belgian Canary fancy their hobby-hor.se. And there are many who do so, and others who do otherwise and denounce them as "ugly birds." But it is the extreme ugliness to the minds of some individuals which make the birds more prizable to those who fancy them. As the young Belgians approach a more mature stage their cleanly and smart appe.arance gradually becomes marred, owing to the birds beginning to undergo a change through casting-oS nearly the whole of their nest feathers, and becoming more freely clothed with feathers of a richer hue. At this period (about eight weeks old) feathers strike forth as an additional covering to the underneath portions of their bodies, after which the outer body feathers bud out perceptibly. The neck and head feathers are the last to cast, and it is at this particular period that the lives of young Belgian birds are somewhat endangered if they should happen to be exposed to draughts of cooler air. I give the following as my modus operandi in their more youthful stage and during the moulting sickness : — "When the young Belgian birds have been parted from their parents die- continue the green food, and after they are accustomed to seed abolish the egg or soft food. Tempt them with canary seed in addition to the egg food when about a month old, and when you find the birds shelling the canary seed supply less of soft food, until you gradually and entirely wean them from it. Place each young bird when about six weeks old in a cage or partition to itself, covering each cage with some light cloth. Do not darken the cages. Colour, as with Norwich birds, is not BO much to be aimed at as true Belgian position. Furnish each cage with seed and water receptacles, besides providing one for special food occasionally, such as crushed biscuit (sometimes moistened with a few drops of sherry wine), a few groats, and maw, lettuce, and cress seeds, with now and then a little stale soaked bread, which, after the water is extracted, may be other- wise further moistened with three or four drops of cod-liver oil. This occasional food will nourish the birds during sickness. A piece of snet may be placed betwixt the wires at the end of the perch. No sugar, but a small piece of salt, which tends to regulate and purify the system. Canary and millet seed may be supplied. The foregoing diet will be good during the moult- ing or any other time. If at any period constipation should occur, put half a teaspoonful of treacle in the water. Do not moult Belgian birds with cayenne pepper. I always prided myself in bringing my Belgian birds up to the mark, and I have bred and exhibited successfully a good many in my time, treating them as I have set forth above ; but in addi- tion, a day or two prior to exhibiting them, add a little sherry to theii' water, besides blowing them with some. The best of sherry must be used. Tbe "blowing" is effected by taking within the mouth half a teaspoonful of wine, and forcing the same from betwixt the compressed lips over the bird in a fine mist. This operation may be repeated two or three times. Mind and do not make the mistake by swallowing the sherry yourself. I was once instructing a would-be Belgian fancier in the art of blowing sherry over birds, but he made what ap- peared to me the intentional mistake of swallowing the wine, remarking, " For the life of me I cannot afford to part with it." The sherry " blowing" may be periodically practised during the moulting, after each of which occasion (the wine, if well de- livered from the mouth over the legs of the birds, having a titillating effect) give your Belgian bird pupils, whilst inclined to prance about somewhat and stretching their legs, a leseon or two by "fiddling them up against the wall" with the thin magic wand now and then occasionally rubbed on the sandy floor of the cage bottom, and also gently moving it about beneath 196 JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Aognst 25, 1876. the perch the bird ia standing upon. By-the-by, let there be bat one top perch in the cage, or you will habituate your Belgian bird to the hanky-panky actions the Scotch Fancy birds have of jumping from one perch to another. — Geo. J. Babnesby. EGYPTIAN BEES AT HOME. Half a generation ago our late friend Mr. Woodbury described how he was obliged to banish the Egyptians from Devonshire in consequence of their untameable ferocity ; and according to the following account, condensed from Swineforth'a " Heart of Africa," they do not appear to keep " company " manners at home : — " As our towing-rope was being drawn along through the grass on the banks it disturbed a colony of bees. In a moment like a great cloud they burst upon the men who were rowing, who all plunged into the water and sought to regain the boat. The bees followed them, and in a few seconds filled every nook and cranuy of the deck. I called out to know the cause of the noise and confusion, but only got excited gestures with cries of ' Bees bees ! ' I tried in vain to light my pipe. In an instant thousands of bees are about me, and I was mercilessly stung all over my face and hands. Vainly I tried to protect my face with my handkerchief, and the more violent my motions the greater was the fury of the bees. The maddening pain was now in my cheek, now in my eye, now in my head. The dogs were frantic and burst out, overturning everything in their way. Losing well nigh all control, I flung myself in despair into the river. I dived, but all in vain, for the bees still ramed down on my head. I crept through the reedy grass to the swampy banks, and with lacerated hands tried to gain the mainland to find shelter in the woods, but was dragged back by my servants with such force that I was nearly choked in the mud. Again on board I dragged a sheet from my chest, which afforded me some pro- tection, while I gradually crushed the bees enclosed within the sheet. By great courage on the part of my people my large dog was brought on board and covered with cloths ; a smaller one was never recovered, stung to death no doubt by the bees. Cowering down under my sheet I lingered-ont full three hours, whilst the buzzing continued uninterruptedly, and solitary Btings penetrated periodically through the linen. Everyone became equally passive with myself — perfect silence reigned on board, and the bees gradually subsided. Some of the crew then went stealthily up the banks and fired the reeds. The smoke scared away the bees, and the boat was drawn to the other bank. With the aid of a looking-glass and pincers I extracted the stings from my face and hands, but could not reach those under my hair. These produced ulcers which for two days were very painful. I felt ready that evening for an encounter with half a score of buffaloes or a brace of lions rather than have any more to do with bees ! Several of our party suffered from violent fever. Of sixteen boats which followed us all were pestered by these bees, and two persons were stung to death." APICULTUEAL SHOW AT STRASBURG. The Association of German and Austrian apiculturists have chosen for the place of their twentieth annual meeting the city of Strasburg in Alsace, on the 11th, 1.5th, 16th, and 17th Sep- tember, and there will arrange in the buildings and grounds of the Orangerie, which have been placed at their disposal by the city, an International Exhibition of Apiculture, together with a prize lottery of apiculture products. The participation in the Exhibition is open to all. Living bees, as well as all articles and products relating to the culture of bees, will be received for exhibition. A jury named by the Association will award the prizes. The Association, desirous of giving every facility in their power to strangers visiting the city on this occasion, have named a special committee for the reception and lodging of guests. Mr. Louis Henry, President of this Committee, will willingly give any information that may be desired, through inquiries addressed to him at the Mairie at Strasburg. All communications should be addressed to the President of the Exhibition Committee, Dr. Itaymond Schramm, Doruengasse No. 11, Strasburg ia Alsace. advice to bee-keepers, as well as his workings in the apiary. — {Philadclplua Practical Farmer.) Moses Qoinby. — This distinguished bee-keeper died at his residence at St. Johnaville, N.T , May 27th, aged sixty-five years. Mr. Quinby was the author of " Mysteries of Bee-keep- ing," a work that is highly piized not only by American apia- rians, but in the library of almost every noted bee keeper of the European world. He has for a number of years past been a valuable correspondent of the leading agricultural papers and bee journals of the United States. He served one term as President of the North American Bee-keepers' Society with credit to himself and honour to the Society. He also held the office of President of the North-eastern Bee-keepers' Society for a number of years, as also that of many other organisations pertaining to agriculture. He was extremely practical in his OUR LETTER BOX. HouDAN CuicKEN FfiATnERiNG [Houdan). — It is a characteristic of Houdao chickens to feather very early, but we have seldom found their tail and winp feathers grow tilt they were fuUy twelve weeks old. The first chanf>o of plumage is not moulting; it is a substitution of feathers mora fitted for the wear and tear of iucreasing age than the downy covering of the first few weeks of life. You will often see a young cock with his neck covered with stubs as though he were in deep moult: but it is not so, it is the gradual formation of his first adult plumage. 'That will last till the regular moult comes on. Moulting is the process by which every feather is dropped and replaced by a new one. It comes on as soon as the duties of the breed- ing season are over. The old clothiag, warm enough for the hot summer, would be a poor covering in the winter. After incubation, confinement, and the care of a family, the plumage has lost beauty and utility. The work of the breeding season is done. The feathers then begin to fall, and are replaced by new ones. This is generally in June, July, and August. The process is a slow one, but sure ; the feathers grow in strength and beauty. Winter fiuds the bird well protected, aud the breeding season finds it clothed in nuptial plumage. CaYSTAL Palace Honey Show {BiUingay}. — Mr. Hunter of Eaton Rise Ealing, will be happy to give you all necessai-y information ; also the proper price to put on your honey and honeycomb. Prices probably will be high this year in England, as honey ia not plentiful. Hybrid Liourians {C, T. S.). — The hees you sent in your last note have the Ligurian marks, and appear to be hybrids or half Ligurian. It is a com- mon occurrence for the queens of common bees to be mated with Ligurian drones from hives several miles distant. Many of our queens are thus mated, and we know not where the drones come from. Canary \yith a Lump on its Neck (A Pet's Keeper). — Your Canary is not suffering from a confirmed disease of any kind. The outward application of fatty matter in some instances would be good, but in the case of your pet the oil about the neck would cause the bird to feel more uneasy through the cloggy tendency it would have upon the feathers, besides closing the pores of the skin. All outward eruptions are caused by a defective state of the blood — the same in birds as other animals, therefore it is better to go to the root of the evil. In the first i>lace we will advise you to administer one or two drops of castor oil, inwardly of course, and in the next place to alter the diet of the bird. Instead of only giving your bird canary seed, reduce the same at least one-half, by letting soaked and scalded rape seed take the place of it. Keep the bhd upon a free vegetable diet also, letting it have lettuce, water- cress aud groundsel. The common weed known by the name of plantain ia growing in abundance just now, and supply your bird with as much of it as it will eat. The weed is known by its peculiar spiked, closely-seeded stems, aud grows freely on roadsides. Not having seen the bird to see what sort of a " lump " it has upon its neck, it would be dangerous to recommend a sur- gical operation with the kuifo. If the protruberance or callosity is of a hard tumorous nature you may cinterise the immediate surface of it with caustic. Do not be fearful that it will be painful to the bird. It may possibly wane it away. Place a little stick liquorice and a rusty nail in the water. No sugar or other sweets. Keep a small piece of salt in the cage. With the above treatment it is just possible that the " lump" may disappear oyer the moult . If it does let us know. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Cajuden Sqoarb, London. Lat. 61- 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet^ Datf. 0 A.U. In the Day. c3 ^ □ J HyRTome- oi _ Shade Tem- Radiation .9 1875. ; ■S-B h'o'S perature. Temperature. oi August In On Dry. Wet. So Max. Min. Bun. grass Inches. deg dcg. deg. deg. deg. deg. deir. In. We. 18 30.084 68 2 61 6 S.E. 66 6 75.6 612 123 0 58 5 0 010 Th. 19 S 1.182 61.0 60.8 N.N.W. 65 7 719 55 2 105.8 53 2 0.659 Fri. 20 30210 645 59 5 N. 64.2 74.3 53 7 117.2 50.0 — Sat. 21 30.367 64.8 58 2 W. 64 0 74.0 55 0 112.0 50 6 — Sun.2J 80.26 ) 644 53.8 N.W. 63.3 75 9 52.7 118.7 48 6 — Mo. iS 30 110 63 7 59 4 S.W. 64 0 76 0 50.0 117.9 45.2 — Tu. 21 20 893 03.2 ,'.7.0 W.N.W 63.5 75.8 51.0 110.0 4G,9 — Means 30.159 61.7 59.4 64 6 74.8 6U 1119 60.4 0.669 REMARKS, llritb. — A very pleasant day, being much cooler; showery ahoat 5 p.m., but Une after. 19th. — Very fiue morning; midday dull, dark, and togi^y, particularly bo abont 5 P.M. ; tremeuduQBly heavy rain about nine, and continuing ou till midnight. 20th.— A little rain in the mornint?. and very eoon dark, but a pleasant day. 2l9t. — Fine morning; rather cloudy at uoun ; but a very fine afternoon and evening. 22nd.— Hazy in the morning, but sjon clearing off, and followed by a very fine day. 23rd. — A verj pUiisaut day throui^hout. 24th. — Cloudy morning,', and occaMonally so during the day; on the whole a very plesKant dty, and splendid starlit ni-jht. A very pkasaut suojiuer week, tbe only remarkable feature being the un- usually heavy shower ou the 19th, when U.12 inch of rain fell in one minute : the total fa.l in the day was 0.659 inch. The mean temperature was about 3'^ below that uf the week previous, except underground, which was 1^ in excess. — G. J. Symons. COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 25. A LARGE quantity of all kinds o( goods have been cleared during tbe week, with no alteration in prices. Heavy snpplies of Kent Filberts, realising from 32.S. Gd. to 37«. Gd. 100 Ib-s. Jersey Grapes 8d. to lOrf. a pound, good samples of English Grapes fetching very little more. September 2, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 197 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day ol 1 ot Month Week. 2 Th » P 4 8 o Sot) 6 M 7 Tn 8 W SEPTEMBER 2—8, 1875. Alexandra Palace— International Fruit Show. South of Sootlantl Show at Dumfries. Manchester Show cloaes. 15 Sunday afteii Trinity. Cryatal Palace Great Aatumn Fruit and Flower Show. Glasgow Show. Avera^re Sun Son Moon Clock Day Temperature near London. {Usee. Sets. Bisee. Sets. Age. bun. Year. Day. .NiRht. Mean. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Days. m. 8. 71.11 47.6 , 69 3 lUa(5 4:3 aJ 6 1 8t8 31 a( 7 3 0 27 245 71. K 477 69.2 17 5 41 6 15 9 42 7 4 0 48 246 71.0 487 68 9 19 6 89 6 80 10 64 7 5 1 li 247 70.4 47.1 68 8 20 5 37 6 44 11 10 8 G 1 26 248 7J.li 40.8 58.5 22 5 34 a after. 30 8 7 I 45 249 70.3 47.5 68.9 24 5 33 6 10 2 59 8 J 2 6 260 69.-1 48.0 68.7 25 6 SO 6 17 8 89 9 9 2 26 251 From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.0'^ 47.3'. and its night temperature WHICH IS THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN OUTDOOR PEACH TREES? ^"~|^ URING the autumn of 1872 I purcliased thiity maiden Peaeb and Nectarine tree.s, in- cliuliugthe bestof tlie old kinds and some of Mr. Rivers's newer varieties, never dream- ing for a moment that tlie latter were such acquisitions as they have since proved themselves to be, and I should bave been more than satisfied if they bad only turned out half as well as they have, for we always expect everybody to think bis own geese are Rivers, however, seems to be free from that common failing, and to be able to judge with impartiality liis own productions, and only to let us outsiders become acquainted with such as are worthy of being associated with his honoured name. Although I wanted to test some of the varieties, my main object was to test a whim of my own for quickly covering a wall ; for as a rule Poaches do not flourish at all in this neighbourhood out of doors, and indeed the trees do not live many years in the particular spot I have charge of, tlie soil being extremely cold and heavy, the atmosphere humid, and frost visits us every month in the year; it completed the cycle this year by coming in August, and leaving its visible effects on Heliotrope and Coleus. Under these conditions it is hardly worth while to go very elaborately into a system of training which will t.ake eight or ten years to cover a wall, for it is a hundred chances to one if the trees ever live to such a respectable age. Again, I always bad an idea that the severe mutilation Peach trees undergo for the purpose of producing what are called trained trees has much to do with their habit of gumming in after life. If you should be so fortunate as to procure young trees evenly balanced, it is a very Jiflioult matter to keep them so. Strong sappy shoots will occasionally start, and if not attended to immediately will rapidly rob the weaker growths; and cut, pinch, and train afterwards as you will, the balance is irretrievably lost, and probably you have gumming as well. In fan training no three branches can have equal ad- vantages, because of their being placed at all the different angles between upright and horizontal ; and although there is no ditliculty in managing the Plum and the Cherry owing to their hardier nature, yet Peaches and Apricots are very seldom satisfactorily trained in this manner out of doors. Well, then, if a system can be found which is simple and gives every shoot an equal chance, and which also hastens the maturity of the wood in autumn, and produces a crop of fruit in half the time, I think that system is to be preferred. The simple cor- don docs all this and much more. My soil, however, I consider too strong for simple cordons ; unless the walls were much higher the trees could scarcely be kept with- in bounds. The double or treble cordon has nearly all the disadvantages of the fan-trained tree by giving some Iranches greater facilities than others. What I bave No 753— Vol. XXIX., New Sebies. adopted I suppose must be called a compound cordon, although it is still extremely simple, and 1 find any boy of average intelligence can be taught by the aid of one or two lessons how to manage the trees after they are fairly established. Maiden plants are selected in autumn as if for simple cordons, only their growth must be untouched, and it must be ripe ; we want moderate-sized firm wood, not pith and water. They are planted obliquely at an angle of 45° and about 4 feet apart, measuring in a horizontal line, and have just one tack to prevent them being blown about. Nothing more is done to them beyond giving a little protection in spring and taking care of the insects till the following June, when the buds which are not wanted to produce long shoots are picched-back to two or three leaves, not pulled off; and mind, they are still unpruned, their laterals being all left on them as they were produced the previous summer. As soon as the young trees attain a real healthy growth, say about midsummer, such as are wanted of these same laterals are nailed-in at right angles with the stem at a distance of 9 or 10 inches apart, while those not required are cut-back, leaving if possible shoots at the bases to be kept pinched-in. The laterals laid-in at right angles with the stem are trained to fill the space between the two trees, and are treated exactly on the closely-pinched cordon principle. There may be some blanks at first, but these, if the stopping and training is attended to, will be filled up by other wood buds pushing from the main stem. It is quite a mistake to suppose laterals on Peach trees are useless ; I never cut them out if there is room for them and they are produced sufficiently early in the season to ripen, even on fan-trained trees, and on fan- trained trees indoors especially ; by utilising them you can cover your space in a much shorter time. On my compound cordons, as a rule, the only buds which are removed are those which are on the side next the wall, all others are kept pinched only, unless they are likely to become too crow^ded. I think it very important to have the main stem especially covered with foliage, as thereby the sun's rays are not likely to act injuriously on it, and it swells very much more freely than when denuded. As I said at the commencement, I bought thirty maiden plants in 1872, that being all my exchequer would allow at that time, and my wall being a good length would only allow the plants to be about 8 feet apart ; but the follow- ing autumn— that of 1873— being encouraged by the ap- pearance of those I already had, and having brought my ideas into practical shape and experimented to my satis- faction on the system of midsummer pruning, I procured other thirty plants, and filled up the wall so that the plants were about 4 feet apart. Thefo last-planted trees now, owing to my understanding better what to do with them, are superior to the first lot, being about the same size and very much better clothed with foliage, and I have the satisfaction of seeing such a crop of fruit on tbem for quality and size as I have never had here before. No. ur;.— Vol.. LIV.. Old Sebies. 198 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Septemter 2, 1875. Some kinds, however, have gummed badly, and Bome, although in excellent health and promising well for another year, are not fruiting much now : this is the case with Salway and Ear- rington. The latt-uamed has made splendid grontb, not a eingle fault in the four plants I have, and I expect great things from it next year. I believe Barrington to be the hardiest Peach in cultivation ; it is not subject to mildew, and the fruit is of good quality. Early Beatrice seems to be early in more ways than one, two trees of it planted in 1*<72 and Iti/S produced at least four dozen fine fruit of good flavour ; the tirst fruit was suili- ciently ripe to pull off on the 26lh of July. Early Louise was about a wef k later, and the first Early York was plucked August 10th. I have other early kinds, but have not yet had Buiiicient experience with them to say much as to their doings. At present Early Beatrice seems to have the best constitution among the earlies. Among the good old kinds Bellegarde is growing will and fruiting abundantly ; and Nectarines Violette Hative, Hunt's Tawny, Elruge, and Murray, are all in splendid health and bearing full crops. The wall is 12 feet high, and is covered to an average of 8 feet ; some kinds, as Downtou and Violette Hative Necta- rines, Slirlirg Castle and Bellegarde Peaches, have nearly filled their allotted spaces. The bottom of the wall is covered to within an average of 18 inches. I do not find any shoots taking the lead, for the growth is very regular when trained on this system. My present intention is to plant another length of wall in the same way during the coming November, and I hope to have it in full bearing in 1877, by which time the one I have now will probably be past its best and ready for renewal. The border will merely require trenching, and a little ftehh rather poor soil placed round the roots of the plants to start them ; road edgings are capital for this purpose. It is quite a mistake to plant the Peach tree in rich soil, it makes more solid growth and ripens earlier in soil that is rather poor and sweet. A stimulant if necessary can always be applied during winter or early spring, but never after the fruit has commenced its second swelling, or the trees will be induced to make late growth. Drainage is of the first necessity on cold soils, not merely a pipe-drain or two, but a good layer of broken bricks or stones 8 inches or a foot deep, not so much for the purpose of carry- ing off the water as for giving warmth to the border. Jf for advocating the foregoing system of training I am acoufcd of deserting a former text — that a tree should be trained in the way its natural habit suggests — I have only to say that the habit of the Peach tree here is to make long sappy growths which our summers cannot ripen, and thereby suggest the desirability of limiting them to such growth as can be matured. I have temporary wooden coping-boards about 13 inches wide ; these are placed in position in spring and remain till summer weather sets in ; but as nothing of the sort has evtr reached this part of Wiltshire this season, the boards are there still, and there they will remain till the growth of the trees is fairly ripened. — Willum Taylos. CTLTUKE OF THE CTTISDS. The culture of the Cj tisus is not so generally known amongst gardeners as it ought to be, for if it was known to be so easily grown it would be one of their most popular plants. Many a gardener as he walks through Covent Garden is stiuck with amazement to see such large and well-bloomed plants in such comparatively small pots. I offer a few cultural remarks on this valuable plant. The present time is the best to put in the cuttings, which should bo of the side shoots, about 2 inches long, of mode- rately firm wood, not too hard or too soft, which the plants abound with at this season of the year. They will strike just as well without a heel as with, but it would be safer for be- ginners to take them oil with a heel. They should be put in well-drained pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, with about half an inch of Eand on the surface, and have a gentle watering, and then placed in a close cold frame. By keeping them carefully watered they will shortly callus, and then if the pots can be placed in gentle bottom heat the cuttings will be well rooted in a month. At this stage they should have their points taken out, and when they have broken pot them off into middle 60's in two parts turfy loam and one of peat. Keep them rather close till they begin to grow, when they should have plenty of air and light. Keep them plunged in ashes in a cold frame till the latter end of March, when they should be repotted into 18's in two parts turfy loam, one of peat, and one of cow dung well rotted. Keep them in the cold frame till the middle of May, when they should be plunged in ashes in the open air in an exposed situation where they can receive abundance of tun. Being grown in such small pots it is impoitant that the plung- ing, also regular watering, be attended to. Keep the shoots closely stopped till the beginning of August, when the pinch- ing should be discontinued. Let the plants remain in the open air till there is danger of frost. When the pots are filled with roots the plants will be greatly benefited by some weak liquid manure twice a-week till they are placed in their winter quarters, which should be in cold frames or a greenhouse,, where they will soon set their flower buds, and by placing a few of the forwardest in an intermediate temperature a suc- eession of bloom can be provided from the beginning of March till the latter end of May. The most useful species are C. raeemosus and C. attleanns. C. attleanus by its compact habit does not require so much stopping as C. raeemosus. Eew plants in the spring months are so bright and effective as are these ; they are dense masses of gold when grown as above described. Generally they are seen of loose straggling habit by too tender nursing and insufficient stopping of the shoots in summer. By proper culture (and it is exceedingly simple) the plants when in bloom at eighteen months from inseiting the cuttings are 18 inches high and through, the yellow tresses hanging over and almost hiding the pots. It is only in Covent Garden and in a few places round London that such perfect plants are seen, but they may be as easily pro- duced in country gardens if the above details are carried out. I have omitted to say that the pots must be frequently twisted round in the summer to prevent the roots penetrating the ashes ; to further prevent this each pot should be placed on a. piece of broken slate. — A. Y. IN. THE "WEST CODNTRIE.— No. 3. No three places could be more distinct than those which on the day before the Exeter Rose Show I was enabled to visit through the kindness of my friend Mr. Baker, who lent me his ponies for the purpose. In Wenslade one has a good specimen of what is called in gardening parlance a dressed place. Pol- timore is a good specimen of the old-fashioned style of garden- ing— not that I mean by that anything backward or out of place ; while KUlertou derives its main interest from the beauty of its position and the fine trees with which the park abounds : and as each in its way is characteristic of the horticultural taste that so widely prevails in our land of gardening, a few notes on what I saw may not be unacceptable to the readers of our Journal. Wensiabe, the seat of Joshua Dixon, Esq., is only a few miles from Exeter, and the house itself is a plain substantial building surrounded by admirably kept grounds. There is a conservatory attached to the house, very handsomely built with a dome-shaped roof, and the domes of each end were furnished with fine plants of Tacsonia Van-Yolxemi and Tac- sonia exoniensis, a garden hybrid, both of which were in fine flower, and their exquisitely beautiful pendant flowers were very attractive. Some fine specimens of Dicksonia and Cyathea filled, with other plants, the centre of the house ; while to the side walls, which are in such buildings generally bare, were affixed baskets filled with moss in which Ferns of various kinds were planted, such as Adiantum, Davallia, and Pteris. The effect was very good, and I thought worthy of imitation. There is in front of the mansion a very handsome terrace garden, the upper terrace depending mainly for its beauty on foliage plants, such as Alternantheras, Pyrethrnms, and Coleus. The lower terrace is lined by a row of Golden Y'ew, and the beds were well filled with the usual bedding plants. Verbena venosa was largely used and was very attractive. There was near this garden a very tine specimen of Pinus insignis 50 feet high, and a large Cedar which had been transplanted by Mr. Barron of (Jhiswick, and was a living witness to his skill and experience. There was a bed of herbaceous Paonies which must have been very fine when in bloom, and in the shrub- beries were some specimens of Viburnum with noble trusses of white bloom. What, however, was to my mind the most characteristic feature of the place was a broad walk, into which September 2, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 199 you turned from the terrace and by which you approached the kitchen garden. In front of this ran a canal, and a handsome stone balustrade was continued the whole length of the walk. On the loft-hand side was a wide border, at the back of which was the wall, but this had been most judiciously hid by a line of Thujas, Irish Yews, Liurus, Colohicums, A'C. In front of this was a belt of Rhododendrons, then a row of Kalmias, and the front of the border was filled with Phlox Drummondii and Larkspur. The kitchen garden was well stocked, and in the houses were some pot Vines exceedingly well done, and which had been fruited three years in succession. The croquet ground (although, alas ! croquet is becoming unfashionable) was circular, and surrounded by a thick belt of Rhododendrons. The place was in excellent order. At PoLTiMOEE I was kindly received by Mr. Lang, who has lived aa gardener there many years, and who conducted me over the place. It is, as I have said, no way remarkable, but all about it bore witness to the intelligent care of one who evi- dently loved his calling. The Conifers seemed, as were all in this part of the world, in good condition. There is also, which is not unusual in Devonshire, a very fine avenue of Iiimes leading up to the house, which the bees much delight in. Visitors to Torquay will remember the very fine one existing there, and Mr. Lang told me that there was an idea that they were planted as a compliment to William III., the Linden being the favourite Teutonic tree. There were also some mag- nificent beds of Rhododendrons, and in the pleasure ground a very pretty circular rosery planted with all the best Roses. The kitchen garden contained some good houses of fruit. Peaches and Grapes being well done ; and as the soil of the garden is a favourable one, vegetables of all kinds were in luxuriant growth, while there were some of the best pyramid Pear trees that I have seen for some time and well laden with fruit. In fact the whole place, while containing nothing very remarkable, was yet just what an intelligent gardener would make it ; and this is no slight praise, for jnst as it is said the test of a gentleman being well dressed is that you would not notice anything in particular, so in a well-cared-for garden all is well done, and yet nothing may come out very prominently. KiLLEKTON, the seat of Sir Thomas D. Acland, differs from the other two places, and has an advantage over them in the beauty of its position and the scenery surrounding it. The house, a plain one, stands at the foot of a hill, with a pleasant park stretching in front of it, the kitchen garden being at some distance from the house. Owing to the peculiar condition in which the property has been the glass has become old and out of repair. Indeed for some years, I believe, the garden was farmed by the gardener, and it is well known how very sue- oessful Mr. Garlind has been in vegetable culture. Here again a favourable soil helped him much. He is also a bee-keeper, and I saw here some of the best-filled supers that I have seen in this sadly indifferent year for bee-keepers. Bat the feature of Killerton is the Deodar valley, and in the course of a few years it will be an unique sight. The valley is perhaps a little more than a quarter of a mile in length, and nearly the same in width. The Deodars are judiciously planted amongst the others which occupy the glen, and as they increase in growth spaces are cleared away for them. Already they make a re- markable feature in the landscape, and it was a happy thought to place them there. The beautiful little chapel in the grounds with its avenue of Deodars leading to it is also a noteworthy object, and the whole place is one of those charming residences for which our island is so famous. — D., Deal. DESTKUCTION OF ANTS. Ik our Journal of August I'.tth " Beta " says he has often smiled at the advice given in answer to the question, How to destroy ants? — viz., sugar in a sponge, oil in a saucer; and now I am going to add another means of destruction which I have found perfectly successful on my lawn. One remedy is useful in one case, another in another. For instance, the other day a neighbour asked me bow to get rid of ants that infested his kitchen cupboard. Here neither the slate nor the flower pot would be likely to answer, but syrup of sugar or oil in a eaucer could easily be used. Again, on my lawn close to the windows a slate or a flower pot would be unsightly, even if my numerous "olive branches" would leave slate and flower pot unmolested. But my remedy is free from all these objections, and is simple and easily applied. It is simply liquid manure from the stable. If the first application does not entirely do away with them a second application will complete the cure. I have no doubt but liquid manure of other kinds will equally answer the purpose. I can corroborate "Beta's" experience with the slate, for the other day, on lifting a flat stone in the garden, I found a strong colony beneath it, but after being disturbed they ske- daddled : so do not lift till you are ready to destroy. Another plan, but which I have not tried, is to put an empty flower pot over their nest upside down. Thoy will build up into this, and it can be taken up with a shovel and handed over to the chickens or young pheasants, or be otherwise disposed of. — H. C. Ripley. THE PHLOX AND PENTSTEMON at LEA BRIDGE ROAD NURSERY. I HAVE frequently had occasion to recommend the Phlox aa a very valuable easily-cultivated plant for autumn flowering. My reason for doing so baa been founded on the fact that, although it is a fit subject for a royal garden, it may be grown quite as well and to as high a state of perfection by the most humble cottager. Its management may be summarised in a very few sentences. First as to propagation. In spring when the young growths are about 2 inches in length, which they will generally be in March, they may be taken oiT and inserted one in the centre of a thumbpot. The pots should then be plunged in a little bottom heat in a hotbed ; the cuttings will soon strike roots, and when a little growth has been made the plants should be potted into 5-iuch pots. The compost most suitable is four parts turfy loam, one leaf mould, and one of rotted manure. A little sand should be added if the loam is not naturally sandy. The plants should be grown in a sheltered position out of doors, and be removed to the greenhouse when the flowers begin to open. When the flowering period is over the plants may then be cut-over and plunged out of doors, or else planted-out at once, for these are the plants that will make a splendid display out of doors the following season. Some of the plants will throw-up a large number of spikes, others only two or three. The last number will be enough to allow on each plant, and it the ground is deeply trenched and well enriched with rotted manure the plants will be certain to give satisfaction. When the stalks are cut-down in the autumn the ground between them should be mulched with frame dung that has been well decayed, when a good growth may be ex- pected the following season ; but cuttings should be taken from the plants in the spring, aa after the third year the old plants should be dug-up and destroyed. The Phlox needs but little attention ; the spikes merely require fastening to a stoutish stick, as they very easily snap-over at the surface of the ground. I was induced to make the above remarks after visiting the nurseries of Mr. John Fraser, Lea Bridge Road, where hun- dreds of plants comprising all the best of the old and also the newest sorts may be seen planted-out in beds. Mr. Fraser was good enough to go round with me, and together we selected the following as the very best in the collection : — Riviere, bright salmon, purplish crimson eye ; Mme. Joubert, purplish salmon, carmine eye ; Madame Meuret, rosy lilac, crimson eye ; Josephine Towest, blush shaded, crimson centre ; Deliverance, mauve, crimson eye ; Esperance, deep rose, crim- son centre, each segment of the petals marked with white ; Mons. Thibaut, salmon, purplish centre; White Lidy, fine blush white ; Chanzy, bright rosy purple, small crimson eye ; Menotti, lilac, large white centre ; Rose d' Amour, very bright crimson salmon, darker centre; Coccinea, bright crimson scarlet, very fine variety ; Mdlle. Hermine de Turenne, crim- son, darker centre, splendid spike ; Madame Marin Saison, white, large purple centre ; Madame Rendatler, striped lilac, large flower; Etoile de Neully, white, large crimson centre; Madame la Comtesse de Turenne, white, very fine rose centre, grand spike; Souloque, blush, large purple centre, large flowers; Virge Marie, white, purple eye, fine spike; Mrs. Mitchel, white ; Mrs. Hunter, blush, crimson eye, fine flower. With the exception of the two last-named sorts, all the others belong to the decugsata or late-flowering section, which suc- ceeds best in the south of England. The early-flowering section succeed best in the north. Pentstemons are another class of autumn-flowering plants requiring similar treatment to the Phlox, except that the cut- tings are taken from the plants in autumn, and the pots are wintered in cold frames, and when growth begins in the spring the pliuti are potted-off, and th^-y are planted in beds in 200 JOURNAX, OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ September 2, 1879. March or April. It is bfst to propagats a liesh stock every year. There ia a great variety amougst them, but I only noted a few of the btet and most distinct flowers : — De CandoUe , purple, white throat ; De SauEfcure, blight red, white throat; Grand St. Bernard, bright purple, white throat ; Grand Patriot, purplish crimeon. white throat, beautifully pencilled with purple ; Drapeau Nationale, bright red, white throat, pencilled red; Union, rose, white throat, pencilled purple; Concord, reddish purple, the throat of the same colour, darkpcncillings ; Michel Buchner, splendid flower with crimson purple throat, beautifully pencilled ; W. E. Gumbletou, large flowers, light purple, white throat ; Stanstcad Rival, scarlet, white throat ; Valerie, crimson, white throat. In conelufion, it may be stated that the Pentstemon is better adapted than the Phlox for cutting to till large vases or other decorative purposes, as the plants last longer in beauty ; the Phlox fades very soon after the spikes are cut, so that the peculiar beauty of the flower is best admired on the growing plant. — J. Douglas. STRUCTUEES FOR FORCING AND PROTECTION. No. 1. The inquiries of many correspondenis will be answered, and those of others anticipated, by the submitting of a few of the various means which are adopted for the protection of plants against the inclemency of the weather. The means submitted are those which have proved their utility by actual practice, and are adapted for different plants and ciroamstances. As it occasionally, or it might bo said commonly, happens that what is required is not an expensive and elegant con- struction, but something plain, inexpensive, and effectual — it may even be of lude material, and of primitive appearance, Buch that may occupy a place in the back kitchen, the frame ground of tbo garden, that we first draw attention to the simplest of all protective aids, by going literally to the root of the matter — i e., the earth. These earth pits were found of great value by the late Mr. B. Fish. Fig. 31 is a simple excavation where the earth is hanked Fig. 31. highest at (he north side, afi'ording a tharp slope to the cover- ing to carry off the rain. Fig. 32 is of the same nature but with sloped sides. The em- Fig. 32. bankments if surfaced with asphalt will exclude the wet, and the pit will last for many years. Fig. 33 is a turf pit above the ground level, and dryness ia consequently better secured. F g. 33. The pits rnay be .5 fett wide and of aoy convenient depth, say 2,J feet at th(» bick and 15 inches in front. The pits, especially those having vertical sides, should have upright posts driven in at intervals, and be lined with rough boards with cross pieces wedged in to keep the sides from pressing inwards. They may ba covered witla glass, shutters, straw hurdles, or tarpaulin to exclude wet or frost, of which neither will find entrance except by the top. Such pits are useful for wintering Endive, Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Calceolaria, and Gazania cuttings. Lobelias, Pentstemons, Pansies, ap, indeed, all plants which are not really tender, but which still require a measure of protection. They are admirable for Tea and choice and tender Roses, also forplunging in them hardy Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Deutzias, &c., which require protection at the root, which saves both pots and plants. In the spiing they are capital aids to an early crop of Potatoes, also for Tomatoes, Vegetable Marrows, and Cucumbers in summer. They are always ready for seed- sowing, cutting-striking, and plant-nursing ; indeed they are rough and ready aids to any gardener. A more perfected earth pit is devised by Mr. Abbey. It ia thoroughly substantial, neat, and undoubtedly useful. For this pit a dry site should be selected, and it should be well drained. The walls are built hollow on a broad foun- dation of asphalt. A well-made frame or sill with lights (double glazed) are affixed, the whole to be finished in a workmanlike manner, and spouted to carry off the water. This is unquestionably a first-rate and invaluable earth-bound structure, of which Mr. Abbey says — " We have in this pit a winter mean temperature of 38°, or we have that temperature in the earth, and may have it in the pit providing suflicient covering be given to retain it. Though sunk in the ground the pit will be fairly dry, for the walls a a will keep damp from Fig. 84. the inner walls b h, and damp cannot rise up them on account of the lower courses being laid in asphalt. Any water accumu- lating in the area or cavity c c will descend to the bottom,, and pass, as regards the back, into the drainage through the pigeon-holes, whilst the front will take the water from the drainage, and that in the front cavity should communicate vrith a drain. Any damp rising in the cavities is to be dissi- pated by removing the weod plugs that close the pipes d d; which will cause a change of air in the pit at any time, and that may be effected without opening the lights in dull damp weather when the heat of the pit is deficient. Much may be done in the way of securing more heat by keeping the lights closed in sunny days and ventUating through the pipes d d ; and another use of the pipe ventilators is, when the external air is warmer than 38 they may be opened for a few hours in the middle of the day, and a change of air thus given the plants as well as the temperature increased, and this withonS removing the covering. The pipes all have wood plugs, kept close when the atmosphere is below 38', and open when above that temperature, day and night. Without protection 10" oJ frost will be kept out when not of longer continuance than an evening or a night, and with a O-inch covering of dry straw or litter of any kind, which must extend over the pit as far as the pipes d d, the pit is proof against any frost occurring in our climate ; but a 0-inch covering will in most cases be sufficient." The next, which is a cheaply-erected, substantial, and very useful protector, is built above the ground level. Fig. 85. This pit, both for protecting plants in winter and growing them in summer, is an important adjunct to any garden. The ground should be sloped up the front wall and tarred to cany off the wet. The next is a sunken pit and adapted for the protection of tali September 2, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 201 plants. TUe walla of these pits are represented as of 9 inch solid briokworli, bat it would be inlinitely preferable that they be l-J-inoh hollow walls, which would more than doable their frost-resistiri;; power. The glosa if sufficiently covered with mats and straw will render theee hollow-walled pits frostproof Fig. 36. in any ordinary winter. However, a pipe or smoke flue along the front of Fig. 35 is strongly recommended. frames attached to communicate heat to tho frames and house at the same time. A dry site U necessary, and thn plan is carried out by sinking the walls 5 feet below and raising them 6 feet above the ground level. The house can be made of any requisite width and length. Fig. S8. In most of the plans submitted the earth is mainly relied on and turned to account as a protective medium. This is fupple- mented by coverings; and the introduction of a pipe, flue, or stove, as is the most convenient, will prevent the temperature falling so low as to injure plants which without protection Fig. 39. Another earth pit still further advanced has been commu- nicated by a journeyman gardener. It is heated by hot water, and is a neat and admirable contrivance, not only for protect- ing bat for cultivating plants. A lattice-work platform could be substituted for the soil if required. Fig. 37, a a, is the ground level; h, a line of pillars, on the tops of which is laid a strong beam for the support of the planks on which rests the soil of the bed ; c c, hot-air chamber, with flow and return hot-water pipes ; d d, pipe in connection with the hot-air chamber for the regulation of atmospheric heat ; c c, a connection between the pipes d and the eva- wonld be destroyed. These plans will be saggestive, and may be followed by others more pretentious in character yet of practical value for many gardens. — -Compilek. Fig. 87. porating pans on the hot-water pipes, by which means water can be poured into the pans, and moisture admitted to the atmosphere at pleasure. Fig. 38 shows the sashes of this pit and the mode of fixing and ventilating. This pit besides its usefulness for plants is adaptable for forcing vegetables, as French Beans, Asparagus, Radishes, Potatoes, Sea-kale, Rhubarb, Ac. Another idea (fig. 39) is submitted. It was originated by Mr. Geyelin, C.E. It is a house for wintering plants with hotbed OUR BORDER FLOWERS— MILKWORTS. When the earth has put on her mantle of living green it !s truly said that flowers are blooming everywhere. Turn onr eyes where we will they meet oar gaze at every step, and our senses are regaled with their sweet perfume. While strolling along the woodland bank, by the rippling stream, the cheerful mead, the browsed heath, or the verdant lawn, the wandering eye is often caught and charmed by that little inhabitant of those scenes, Polygala vulgaris, with its lovely blue flowers ; and have we not paused and said to ourselves. What can it be ? Perhaps we have torn it from its bed to secure a plant for cul- tivation or to store-up in our herbarium. Various shades of colour are met with in this little group of plants from dark blue, rosy purple, pink, to white, yet they are Polygala vulgaris still. They may be brought into cul- tivation and afford pleasure to the cultivator on the rock or in the border. They will grow well in sandy loam, peat, and leaf mould mixed in the ordinary soil of the border. They are met with on the dry bank as well as in the moist meadow, and where we find them they look at home. They may be increased by division after flowering. When well established the less they are disturbed the better. Polygala paucifolia, said to be from America, is of very dwarf habit, and requires sandy peat and loam ; it should have a favourable place on the rockery or among the alpines in pots. Polygala alpestris is only to be met with in choice collections; it should have a sunny situation on the rockery, and be attended to with water when required. Polygila mnjor is of rather stronger habit; 202 JOUENAIi OF HOnrXGULTUBE A.ND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1870. it may have a place on the rockery or border planted in the compost named above. Pol.Tgala cbamaibuxus ia the largest of the race, and of half- ehiubby habit. Its leaves have a Box-like appearance, and the plant ia of prostrate growth. It is said to have been intro- duced into this country more than two hundred years ago. It might be asked, Where has it been since ? for seldom is it seen except in some nursery as a store plant. It is an early spring- blooming plant with two shades of yellow pea-like flowers, and what adds to its charms is that it affords us a most delicious perfume. It is increased by cuttings and divisions. It is invaluable for the spring garden, rockery, or border, and only needs to be known to be appreciated. — -Veeitas. EOYAL HOKTICDLTORAL SOCIETY. September 1st. This Exhibition is designated the Dahlia Show, but Dahlias constituted a very small portion of the display, and the blooms generally were small. The plants as a rule are backward this year owing to the wet and cold month of July, and on this account mauy notably good growers cannot exhibit in their usual style of excellence. By far the most attractive classes were the Gladioli. Of this, the Innest of autumn flowers, splendid spikes were staged. Asters were also exceedingly fine. The Exhibi- tion was not large, and did not show to advantage in the lengthy corridor, whereas iu a smaller place, as for instance the Couucil- room, the effect would have been quite imposing. In the open class for thirty-six Dahlias, distinct, Mr. J. Keynes, Salisbury, was the only exhibitor. His collection com- prised beautiful, symmetrical, but on the whole not large blooms. Some of the besli were Prince Arthur, Edward Purchase, William Keynes, Henry Walton, Juno, Flora Wyatt, Julia Davis, and two very fine seedlings. In the nurserymen's class for twenty-four blooms Mr. Keynes was sgain without an opponent. Iu this stand Pauline, James Cocker, Hugh Miller, Arbitrator, Queen's Messenger, John Staudish, Annie Neville, and Henry Glass- cock were very perfect. In the amateurs' class for twelve blooms were five competi- tors, the most perfect stand coming from H. Glasscock, Esq , Bishop's Stortford. The blooms were not large, but their finish and refinement was very noticeable. They consisted of James Cocker, Miss Henshaw, Willie Eckford, Vice-President, John Standish, Acme of Perfection, Lady G. Herbert, Cremorne, Her Majesty, J. N. Keynes, Mrs. Harris, and James Service. The next best blooms in this class came from Mr. G. Smith, Edmon- ton. They were small but of perfect form, especially Charles -Backhouse, Edward Purchase, and Willie Eckford. Larger blooms were staged by Mr. Ansliss, Brill, Bucks, aud some cf them were very perfect, especially Flora Wyatt, John Standish, and Edwaid Creed. Mr. Griffiths, Wood Green, was placed third with smaller blooms. In the open class for twelve Fancy Dahlias Mr. Keynes was the only exhibitor. The most at- tractive blooms were Flora Wyatt, Fanny Sturt, Pauline, Parrot, Mrs. Saunders, and Egyptian Prince. In the corresponding class for amateurs, six blooms, Mr. Glasscock had charming blooms of Flora Wyatt, Louis Haslam, Grand Sultan, Viceroy, Pauline, aud Mrs. Saunders ; Mr. Anstiss following. His best blooms were Eev. J. B. M. Camm, Egyptian Prince, and Mrs. Saunders. Gladioli — In the open class for twenty-four varieties some magnificent spikes were staged, as maybe expected when such a grower as Mr. Kelway ia beaten, as he was ou this occasion by Messrs. Robertson & Galloway, Glasgow. This was a noble collection :— Monsieur LegouvC, Ondine, Hercules, Orpheus, Pactole, Psyche, Warrior, Adolphe Brogniart, Sylvia, John Waterer, Seda, Madame Desportes, and Amalthea were the best varieties. Messrs. Kelway had the second place, noticeable being Felix, Shakespeare, Osci, Serapis, Mrs. Reynolds Hole, Hermannii, Palamedas, and Xerxes. 'The varieties named com- prise some of the finest iu cultivation. Mr. Douglas also had a collection which embraced some good spikes aud bright-coloured flowers, aud took the third prize. In the open class for twelve varieties, Bev. H. H. Dombrain was first with grand spikes, every one of them good. Meyerbeer was especially imposing by its long symmetrical spike, and Le Vesuve by the brilliancy and texture of its flowers. Trium- phans. Princess Mary of Cambridge, and Talisman were also very fine. Mr. Douglas, Loxford Hall, had the second place with mostly his own seedlings, but we fancied that this able cul- tivator was scarcely equal to himself on this occasion. In the amateurs' class for six spikes Rev. H. H. Dombrain was again in the ascendant, and Mr. Douglas was very close at his heels. A seedling, bright mauve and white, in Mr. Douglas's collection was very striking. The third prize went to Mr. Harding, gar- dener to Mrs. Benham, Syon Lodge, Isleworth. AsTEKs were very fine indeed, but, as pointed out by the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen, the ornamental aud serrated paper in which some of the blooma were set detracted from the beauty of the flowers, which undoubtedly showed to advantage on plain circular bases. P'or twenty-four French Asters in twelve varieties (open), Mr. Wheeler, Warminster, had the first place with some of the finest blooms which have ever been staged, Mr. Stickler, gardener to — May, Esq., Reigate, being second; and Mr. Morgan, gardener to Major Scott, Wray Park, third. And for Quilled or German Asters Mr. Wheeler was again in the first place ; Mr. Benham, Baguor, Newbury, being second. Mr. Morgan also exhibited, and Mr. Turner sent a collection of remarkably compact and distinct blooms of great merit. For twelve pots of Asters (open), Mr. Dean, Ealing, was the only exhibitor, with massive pots of Victoria. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, offered prizes of silver and bronze medals for collections of twenty-four Asters in twelve varieties, which were won by Mr. Morgan and Mr. T. Benham respectively. The blooms were very fine, and creditable alike to seedsmen and growers. Hollyhocks. — In the nurserymen's class for twelve cut blooms Mr. Wheeler, Warminster, was the only exhibitor with fair blooms, which, however, had received injury from the weather or in transit. In the class for twelve double Zionias Mr. Wheeler had the first place with very good aud distinctly- coloured blooms, the second prize going to Mr. Morgan, gar- dener to Major Scott, the bright colours iu this stand being particularly dazzling. Fcr six Liliums in pots Mr. Turner, Slough, was the only exhibitor. He had six pots of L. auratum averaging twelve blooms each, several of which measured 12 to 1-5 inches in diameter, and were very fine. Mr. B. S. Williams exhibited an attractive collection of mis- cellaneous plants, amongst which Odontoglossum R)ezlii and Catleya gigas were noticeable amongst the Orchids ; Berto- lonias. Ferns, and Palms were exhibited iu small but healthy plants, and conspicuous was half a dozen gigantic Cockscombs measuring 30 inches each from tip to tip. Mr, Aldous also staged a group of well grown decorative plants. Extra prizes were awarded. Feuit. — In these classes there was a nice but not a large dis- play, and in regard to the Apples some mistakes were apparent. For nine fruits of Irish Peach Apple the premier award went to Mr. R, Dean, Ealing, for a dish bearing a greater resemblance to Red Astrachan than Irish Peach. For the same number of Early Julien, Mr. Harding, Syon Lodge, Isleworth, had the first prize for a conical-shaped Apple, which if Early Julien at all is of an abnormal shape; a dish of what appeared to be the true Early Julien by its side being passed by unnoticed. For six fruits of Lord Suflield. Mr. Brush, gardener to Lady Hume Campbell, The Grove, Piuner, was placed first, and Mr. Dean second, for very good fruit. In the class for nine fruits of any kind of dessert Apple the first award went to Mr. Benham for Red Astrachan, Mr. Douglas being second with Kerry Pippin. This is an instance of quality succumbing to colour, of intrinsic table merit to outward show. For six fruit of Souvenir du Congres Pear Mr. Douglas had the premier award for a very fine dish. For six fruits of Madame Treyve Mr. Wheeler, Warminster, and Mr. Douglas were placed first and second respectively ; and for the best dish of any other dessert Pear Mr. Doiiglas won with a splendid dish of Wilhams's Bon Chretien; Mr. Gardiner, gardener to B. P. Shirley, Esq., Lower Eatington Park, being second with smaller specimens of the same kind. Plums. — For six varieties of nine fruits each the first award went to Mr, Bridgeman, gardener to J. S. Cocks, Esq., Great Marlow, for Kirke's, Green Gage, Jefferson, Washington, Reiua Claude Violette, and Diamond. Mr. Burnett, gardener to Mrs. Hope, Deepdene, being second with Dennistone's Superb and Victoria in addition to those above named ; the third award going to Mr. Record, Vinters Park, Maidstone. These collec- tions were very good, the third being nearly equal to the first, and quite so to the second. The class for three varieties Mr. Bridgeman had the first place with Kirke's, Jefferson's, and Washington ; Mr. Burnett being again placed second, and Mr. Record third. For the best single dish of Peaches the award went to Mr. Dean, Ealing, for fine fruit of Grosse Mignonne ; and for the best dish of Nectarines Mr. Douglas won with a handsome dish of Pine Apple. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. Dean for Moorpark Apricots. Fruit Committee. — Henry Webb, Esq., iu the chair. Two sorts of autumn-bearing Raspberries — viz., Surpasse Meryeille Saisons Blanc and Saisons Rouge were sent from the Society's gardeus. The autumn fruit of Raspberries ia generally wanting in flavour. Melon Duke of Connaught was sent by Mr. C. Osman of the Metropolitan District Schools, Sutton ; it was not iu good con- dition. A hybrid Melon was also sent by Mr. G. Anderson, The Gardens, Slopes Wallsey, but the flavour was very bad. Seedling Damsons No. 1 and 2 were sent by Mr. W. Horley, Toddington, Beds, but they are not materially different from. the ordinary Damson. The Rev. A. Rawson, The Vicarage, Bromley Common, sent September 2, 137S. ] JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OABDENEB. 203 branches of Siberian Crab and Denyer's Victoria Pinm, loaded with frnit, to show their free-beariuf; character. A. Smee, Esq., Finsbury Circus, sent fruit of Benoni Apple, an excellent early sort, very distinct in appearance. A new early seedliuf? Apple was sent by Mr. T. Thirkel, seedsman, Wisbeach. The frnit was very highly coloured, conical-shaped, but deficient in tlavour. Mr Dancer of Chiswick sent a dish of the Sultan Plum from a standard tree. It is an excellent kitchen Plum. A wbite-spiued Cucumber was sent by Messrs. Kelway & Co,, Langport. From the accompanying photographs it is evidently a very free-bearing sort; but it was not thought superior to other white-spined sorts. Mr. R. Dean of Ealing sent specimens of Cobbett's Maize and the new Japanese Radish reported upon at the last Meeting. Excellent specimens of Lord Suflitld Apple and Black Diamond Plums were sent by Mr. T. Smith of Iver. Mr. Voice of Horley sent an improved Cucamber frame, very light in appearance, and seems exceedingly well adapted for growing the fruit. The frame G feet by 4 had twenty fine specimens, some of them 20 inches long. Mr. G. Sage of Ashridge Gardens sent a collec- tion of eight sorts of Filberts and Cob nuts ; the branches were loaded with fine fruit. A vote of thanks was given for them. Mr. W. Paul oi Waltham Cross sent a collection of fifteen sorts of Apples, seven sorts of Pears, and five sorts of Plums, in very good condition. Flor.\l Committee. — Mr. B. S. Williams in the chair. First- class certificates were awarded to Mr. J. Croucher for Begonia metallica, a bulbous-rooted variety with lustrous foliage and a pink flower ; also for Fourcroya variegata. To Mr. Rawlings for Dahlias J. C. Qaennell, orange, and John Bennett, yellow and vermilion. Also to Mr. C. Turner, Slough, for Dahlia Triumph, a perfect miniature bloom of maroon-scarlet colour ; and tor Rose Rev. J. B. M. Camm, the queen of sweet Roses, which should find its way into every garden. To Mr. Keynes for Dahlias Lord of the Isles, a splendid yellow of fine shape ; Mag- gie Fairbairn, rosy lilac, of fine form ; Charles Leicester, a rich maroon red, of great quality; and John Downie, a purple ma- roon, a large full flower; and to Mr. Eckford, for Verbena Ann Spiers, blush, with a pink eye, large truss and pip. Second- class certificates were awarded to Mr. Bull for Pescatorea Dayana splendens; to Mr. Turner for Dahlia Yellow Globe ; and to Mr. Keynes for Dahlia Dr. Livingstone, rosy lilac and yellow. Mr. Williams exhibited a collection of plants consisting of Orchids, Dracontias, itc. Mr. Harris and Mr. Turner staged Dahlias; and Mr. King, gardener to Col. Holder, Binfield, Berks, sent a Silver-variegated Pelargonium Marion Harper, very free. Cut specimens of Aristolocbia gigas came from Mr. Smee, Finsbury Circus ; Crinums from Mr. Williams, Fortis Green, Finchley ; and from Mr. Green Streptocarpus Greenii, a distinct greenhouse plant previously noticed. From Messrs. Osborn & Sons, Fulham, Pyrethrum laciniatum aureum, var. Cut specimens of Clematis from Mr. Noble, Bagehot, Gladioli from Messrs. J. Kelway & Son, and Phlox Drummondii from Mr. Dean. THE YUCCA, GOOD SPECIMENS. I THINK it will be admitted that few plants give a more tropica! aspect to outdoor vegetation than the Yucca, more especially where it is met with in a thriving condition and its surroundings are of a becoming kind. Bat it is not one of the class of plants that admits of being shifted about from place to place, nor will it submit to the ever-changing cha- racter that fashionable flower gardening has now-a-days sub- jected 60 many of its tenants. Although when grown in a pot it can be moved at pleasure, but when planted out it ought to be allowed to remain several years in the position chosen for it, taking care that no encroaching neighbour invades its ter- ritory ; and if the situation, &c., be a suitable one for it, and the season favourable, its flowering may be depended upon in due time. It flowers freely, especially after fine hot summers or dry autumns ; that of last year being on the whole favour- able, the display of blooms this season has been better than for some years, and we all know that when they do bloom well they are not easily excelled by flowers of any other kind. The spikes of fully expanded blossoms being certainly longer and more dense than even the best-grown Hollyhocks, and the rigid upright growth enhances its value. Unfortunately its season of blooming is not like that of most other plants limited to a particular time of year, but it would seem that whenever the plant attains the flowering condition it endeavours to do so, and if that should be in autumn, well then all hopes of a successful issue is gone ; and such being the case last autumn, several plants that had shown bloom and advanced a little way towards that object were arrested by the severe weather, and were truly and prac- tically "nipped in the bud." Rome, however, did not ad- vance thus far, and have bloomed well this season in most places where they are grown. Amongst others in this neigh- bourhood was a fine plant in the garden of L. D. Wigan, Esq., at Oakwood, near Maidstone, which had three fine spikes of bloom upon it ; and as we all know only a comparatively small proportion of plants bloom every year, and with only one spike each, the other is the more remarkable, and I have only once seen it equalled, and that was here seven years ago, when a plant, I think of Y. recurva, had three spikes of bloom upon it all at one time, and each about 10 feet high ; but we have not any this season with more than one btem, and as several were destroyed, or rather their bloom spikes were killed in the winter, we have not had sc many this season as has often been the case. Neither have those of Y. recurva been so good as they often have been ; but one of Y. gloriosa, or what I have always called gloriosa, a rigid-leaved one, the leaves in the centre slightly ribbed — no doubt to afsist their stiffness ; this plant I thought had bloomed so well that I took the trouble of counting the flowers, as well as measuring it. The plant alluded to grew in a border along with several others in a sheltered place. A wall 10 feet high sheltered it on the north, and trees and shrubs did the same in other directions, it being, however, tolerably open to the south. The stem of the plant was destitute of leaves for about 18 inches np ; after which a dense mass of foliage terminated in the flower spike, which up to the last remained as nearly upright as possible from the collar of the plant to the tip of the spike. The said spike consisted as usual of a central stem and a number of branchlets of each from 9 to 18 inches long, and so densely loaded with flowers that the weight of the whole must have been no slight matter packed as they were so closely together. The height of the plant and stem to the base of the lowest branchlet was ."> feet >i/M).— No shrub that we know would thrive in "bankers' rubble," which we presume is some kind of stone ; but if yon have good soil on either side, or upon both, you may plant Ivy, the common or the Irish would grow well, and trained over theiubble would give a fine gieen covering. Cotoneaster microphylla might do well were you to provide some soil •jhere you plant so as to give the plant a start, and the growth spreading over the surface would have an effective appearance. Grapes Shanked (T. rplon).—" The berries on some of the bunches rather fhriveiled, smaller than the others, of a muddy-red colour, and in flavour sonr," are shanked, which is occasioned by the roots not supplying sap to meet the transpiration taking place by the leaves. To prevent this there is no better means known than to have an increased extent of foliage, not necessarily great, but by attending well to stopping from the first, keep- np a steady increase of fohage and active root action, and with the roots in an active state, and the stores of tap in the leaves, the greatest freedom from shanking is found. The allowing of the laterals to extend considerably and then removing them all at once by a severe cutting- back diminishes the rooting power, and the stores of sap are inadequate to the demands of an excessive evaporation consequent on a hot and dry day or period succeeding one of doll weather. Slow and steady progress is what is needed to maintain the balance between the head and roots, and where this is provided the Grapes do not shank. SlATlJia THE WHEREABOtJTS (An Old Subscriber). — We endeavour to do what you rightly suggest is usefuL Correspondents should always state the place where the plants they cultivate is situated. Watercress Culture (W. A. IT.).— Full instructions for making Water- cress beds are given in vol. ssv., new series, page 278. Improving the Colour of Roses (/rft-mi.— No manure that we know will cause the plants to have the blooms intensified in colour, but strong soil and cool manures usually afford blooms higher in colour than a light soil and stimulating manures. Exhibited blooms are shaded and kept from rains, which preserves their colour. The climate of Devon is warm, and warmth promotes the vigour of Rose trees. Planting Vines lAmateur).—The best time to plant 'Vines in an outside border is, the Vines being kept in a cool house up to planting, when they are commencing growth; or if there is danger of rubbing off the eyes through in- troducing them through the apertures, you may plant them in March when the eyes are commencing swelling, and spreading-out the roots, laying them out evenly over the surface of the bordtr, and covering with soil 4 to 6 inches deep, watering with water at 70'. Other suitable Vines iKsides Black Ham- burghs and Foster's Seedling, are Black Piince, Buckland's Sweetwater, Dnke ot Bncdeuch, Muscat Troveren, Venn's Black Muscat. Onions RtjNNiKG to Seed (W,tt Coast of Irelan,l>.—V!e cannot account for their running to seed other than that they have attained to the seeding state from a check occasioned by a prevalence ftr a time after they had began to form bulbs, of dry weather, heinu. stationary for a time, and then from wet weather succeeding they formed thick necks and run to seed. In no other way 1 an we account for it, unless, indeed, the seed was old, the early sawing and season causing them to attain early development. - — Peopagatino Chassulas (/i(, W. J. Ford. HuDiberstone. 2, J. T. Hincks, Hnmberstone, Leicester, he. Rev. R. L. Storv, Derby ; Dr. J. Holmes, Whitecotes, Chesterfield ; W. H. Crabtree. c, H. Draycott, Leicester Game — 1. S. W Hallam, Whitwick, Leicester. 2, E. Winwuod. Worcester. Cock —I ana 2, W. T. Everard, Aehby de-la-Zouch. Chickenit.—l and 2, T. B. Lowe, Leicester, he, A C. Barclay, Leic.Hter ; W T. Everard. Hambubohs.— 6'o/rff n or Sileei-niiaiigled.—i, S. W. H .Ham. 2, J. Ward. Bantams —Giime.—\, J. Mayo, Gloucester. 2. W. Gritlin, Leicester. Clean- legged, any oilier variety —I, H. l>raycott. 2, Withheld, KELLINO Class.— L'oc/c or Cockeret.—i, T. Rogers (Buff Cochin). 2, J. E. Pilgrim, Hinckley (Houdan). c, .T. H. Watkins; J. T. Hincks; M. Brown. Hem or PulletH.—l, H. Yardley, Birminuham (Partridge Cochins). 2, A. C. Barclay (Brown Ited Game), vlic. W. S. Black, laeltun Mowbray, he, H. Dray- cott; M. Foxwcll, Hinckley; M. Brown, c, T. bheppard, Humberstoue, Leicester. Ddcks. — Ayleehiiry — 1. Mrs. Deacon, Oundle. vhe, T. Sear, .^vlesburv. he, W. H. Crewe; W. Snell, Earrowden, .Stamford; H. E. Emberlin, Oadby. Leicester. iJow^'H. -1, W. Whitworth, ]uu he, R.& H. Gi'l, Holwell, Melton Mowbray ; W. T. Everard. Any otlier variety.— 1, H. Yardley (Carolinas). Turkeys.— 1, W. Wykea, Wolvey, Hinckley, he, W. H Johnson, Braunstone, Leicester (2). Geese.— 1, W. Snell, Barrowden, Stamford, he, W. H. Crewe. PIGEONS. Caeriebs.-I, H. Yardley. 2, W. Nottage, Northampton, he, C. Bream, jun , Leicester. PouTEEe.— 1, H. Pratt, Hampton-in-.\rden, Birmingham. 2, W. Noltage. he, H. Yardley. Fantails.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, J. F. Loversi'lge, Newark, he, J. 'Walker, H. K. Emberlin. TuHBiTS. — 1, H. Y'ardley. 2, U. Jacob, Humberatone, Leicester. Magpies.- 1. A. H. Wayne, Humberstone, Leicester, 2, H. Jacob, he, H. T, Hincks, Humberstone, Leicester. Any other Variety —1, U. Yardley (N'ew variety). 2, H Draycott (Red Swallows). 2 extra and c, J. H. Inchley, Mountsorrel (Fire Pigeons and Yellow Fairies), vlic, H. Yardley (Black Barbs); W. Gamble, Thorpe Satchville, Melton Mowbray (Black Trumpeterb) he, J. H. Ineh)ey (Frillbicks) : C. Bream, jun., Leicester (Red Mottled Tumblers); W. Nuttage (Bine Hoi semen). Selling Class —1, C. Norman. Westeifield, Ipswich (black Barbs). 2, H, Yardley (Red Barbe). he, R. 4 H. Gill; W. Mattock, Smeeton, Kibworth, Leicester. RABBITS. Lop-eared.— 1, Mrs. H Pickworth, iloulton Marsh. Spalding. 2, T. S. Barrows, Leicenter. he, W. Green, Nonnanton-le Heath ANY OTHER Variety.— I, .1. Spencer, Hose, Melton Mowbray (Grey Pata- goniau). 2 and ti/tc, H. T- Hincks (Whits Angora and SUver-Grey). /ic, J. E. Pilgrim, Hinckley 'Gro,7 Patagonian); G. Crossley, Leicester (Himalayan! ; J, H. Incblev ( Hare Rabbit) ; Mrs. H. Pickworth, Moulton Marsh, Spalding (Grey Dutch). Judge. — Mr. Edward Hewitt, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. PBNNISTONE SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The twenty-second annual Show was held at Pennistone on the 26th of August. There were forty classes for poultry. Pigeons, and Rabbits, with 223 entries. Tomer's pens were used, the day very fine, and the number of visitors very great. Poultry were divided into old and young classes, the quality in many being only moderate, while in others it was very good indeed. In the large varieties this remark applying most par- ticularly to Cochins in both classes, the first in Buff chickens an especially grand pair. Brahmas were only moderate, but the Hamburghs were pretty good throughout, tho old Gold-spangled and Pencils in the first- prize pens being two of the champion pens of the season; the Silver-pencil chickens also a most noteworthy pen. The first iu old Red Game were very good and in moderate feather, and lleFsrs. Mason's Duckwings most perfect iu colour; the first in chickens of this variety uncommonly good. As may be seen from tho names of the winners the Piles were very good and well placed. In both old and young birds the first in both classes were full of style. In old Game Bantams there were but few good pens; the winners were Black Beds. In the Variety class Blacks were first and Gold-laced second, capital Silver Sebrighls being highly commended. Ducks were very first rate in every section, the Variety class being particularly interesting. Pigeons but one clas.i, and that for the best three pairs, the first going to Carriers, Pouters, and Archangels, and second to Carriers, Pouters, and Trumpeters. Babbits were poor, except the Himalayan shown by Mr. Hallas. DoRKiNOS.-l, J. Walker, Rochdale. 2. W. Harvey, Sheffield. ChiA-ens—1, J. W^alker. 2, Burch & Boulter, Sheffield, he, H. Digby, Acres Lindley, IJudderefield. SPANISH — Black.— 1, Burch & Boulter. 2, W. Harvey. Chickeyis.—l, Batch and Boulter. 2, H. Wilkinson, Earby, Leeds. Cochin-China.— 1. C. Sidgwick. Keighley. 2. J. North, Fartown, Huddera- field. C/ii'A:cits—l, C. Sidgwick. 2, C. C'arr, Wilsdcn, Bingley. /ic, J. Denton, Pitsmoor, Sheffield. Bbahmas.-I, W. Harvey. 2, Moore & Cartwright, Hollowgate, Holmdrth. )ic. J. North. CInekem. — 1, J. Heeley, Hepworth. 2, H. Digby. he, W. McMellon, Glossop; H. Digby; W. Harvev. HoODANS —1, O. W Hlbbert, Godley. Chickens.— I and 2, G. W. Hibbert. Pheasants —Goi(?f».—l. T. Dean, Keighley. 2. Moore & Cartwright he, Broa-ihead A Bouth, Holmlinh. Chickens.— 1, S. Arnold, Hudderstie.d. 2, Broa head & Booth. )ic, Moore it Cartwright ; Burch & Boulter; W. Bentley, Bird Riliug. Holmflrth. Phi-asasis.— Silwr.-l, W. McMellon. 2. BroadheaJ & Booth. Holronrth. Chiekins.-\, W. McMellon. 2. Broadhead & Booth itc, Moore & Cartwright. Hamburghs.— GoMfU-lJenci//e(i.—l, W. Driver, Keighley. 2. J. A. Brook, Holmlirth. )ic. H. Digby. Ciuckcns.—l. W. Bentley. 2, W. Driver. HkyiBURaiiB.Silver-liencHled.-Chickens, — I, H. Smith, Keighley. 2, H. Digby. (jiLME.—Btnck-hreasted and otlier Reds.—I, A. S. Sugleu. Swinley, Cleck- heatou. 2, C Travis. Thnrgoland lie, J Denton. Cliickem.—l and he, B. Burton, Thurgoland Bauk. 2, T. Johnson, Eeclesfield. Game.— Ditcfctciiiffs and otlier Greys and Blues.— \, H. C. & W. J. Mason, Birstal, Leeds 2, W. Marsh, Nook. Chickens.— 1, B. Burton. 2, T. Johnson, Ecclestie'd. he, H. Burtim ; T. Johnson. Game.— ir/i ifcs and I'iles.-i, H. C. & W. J. Mason. 2, R. Walker, Oomersal. L -eds. he. IL C. & W. J Mason ; Jloore & Cartwright ; R Walker. Chickem —'. and 2, R. Walker, he, U. C. & W. J. Mason. September 2, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 213 Any other Vapiety — 1, G. W. LIil)bert,Gii(lley,Maiiohefltcr. 2. W. Uentley ■ A. & W. H. SilveettT, Stipffi.'ld. he, G. W. Hibbert; T. Dean, Kei«hley; A. and W. H. Silvester. Chickenn.— l. S. Arnold. HuddcrHield (Black Hamburgh). 2. G. W. Hiiibert vUc, C. bi'l{,Mviek, he, G. W Hibbert ; W. Woo-I, Waktlli^IiJ ; li. H. Norton, Huvlanii Oomiiion (Hhie Scandiuavinu) ; W. PcDtlcy ; A. iS W. U. Silvester; .1. Thornley, L nglanda, Godley. c, H. Digby (2), Bantamh.— Gdfiic — 1 and he, A. S. Sugden, Swinley, t'leckhenton. 2, J. A. Brook, Holmlirtb. Any otUtr breed. -i, Biirch & Boulter. 2, J. Simpson, Wortley. he, A. & \V. H. Silvester; J. North. PODLTS.—l, J. Walker. 2, J Pearson, Snowdon Hill. Goslings.— l.G. Jat-ksou, Ingbircbwortb. 2, T. Crawshaw, HuQBhelf. he, J. Brooke. DrcKLiNOS.— l(7ii(f .^i/I(\16ItrI/.~l,. T.Walker. 2,J. Denti.n. rhc, J. Denton ; J. North, he, a. Digby. Rouen.— \,. J. Walker. H. G. H. Hirst. Meltham Mills. Any other v<(riety.~l and I'ftff, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, J. Walker. Special VnizEs.— Whitc CfosUngs.—i, T. J. Crowcroft, Doncaster. Duck- lings.~l, H. Digby. PiGEONS.-l and 2. W. Harvey. hc,.T. H Sykes, nudderetield. Habbits.— Lop-fared —Doe.~l, U. Warmby, Kotherbam. 2, J. Wliite. High- flatts, Denby. Any other rnrit-ty ~Iiuck.-l, J. Hallaa, Hudderblield. 2, H. Digby. Doe— 1, J. Hallas. M, J. Hoiley. Hepworth. Judges. — Mr. W. Canuan, Adolphaa Works, Bradford ; Mr. J. Dixoc, North Park, Bradford. SKIPTON SHOW OF POULTRY, &o. The Craven AKricultural Meeting took place on the 27Lh of August, when the day wa3 Buch as the Society has not enjoyed for many years. The pena used for poultry are substantial wooden ones, which are sadly too small for the large varieties, the greatest disadvantage, however, being that open both back and front, causing a strong draught, by which many young birds catch cold. The classes were divided iuto old and young, and in the young division the entries were good. Dorkings headed the list with one pen. Spanish four, in which we would have put the second first, and Mr. Thresh (highly commended) second, though the first-prize pen had the best hen in the class the cock was quite down. In Red Game Brown Reds won, but they were mostly out of feather; and in the Variety first were Piles and second Duckwings. Of Cochins two pens, and both Buffs. Gold-pencils good for the time of year, and Silver-peucils in the finest order. In Silver-spaugles the cup was awarded; but the hen having a broken tail, and the hen not so good as the second, these might have been reversed. Gold-spangles a grand lot, as good in fact as we have ever seen together, and well placed. Black Hainhurghs — first good and second moderate. Polands — first Silver and second Gold, and the cup awarded to the first-named pen. Game Bantains were out of feather; the winners Black Reds. Bantams of Any other colour being all Black, and a good claes. In the Variety class Brahmas won, a splendid pen of LaFJeche highly commended. In young poultry the Dorkings were good, and Spanish even better, but here wo would have placed Mr. Powell's hishly-com- mended pen first, and the first-prize pen eecoud. In Red Game were some promising chickens but not forward, and the pens being small they did not show well. In the Variety class tiret- and-cup for Game were Piles, and second also Piles, not quite as old as the first. In Cochins first were Partridge and second Buffs, both good pens. The first-prize Golden-pencil pullet was a gem, and will no doubt be heard of again. Silver-pencilled very good, the Silver-spangles being also a moderate lot. Black Hamburghs not forward, but full of colour and neat, as Ham- biirghs should be. In Polands the winners Golden. Game Baotams were a good lot ; the first Piles were very Gimey-look- ing, and hard pressed by the second-prize Reds. Black Bantams were moderate in quality, and in the Variety class first were Dark and second Light Brahmas, a very good pen of Red Malays highly commended. Geese only one pen, and Aylesbury Ducks two, these v*.^ry good, although the Rouens were even better. In Pigeons the Carriers were well placed in both cocks and hens, as also the Pouter cocks; but in hens the second-prize White had a lame wing, Mr. Horner's Red being a superior bird. Almonds were not wrll placed, the second being best in all re- spects, the first too light, and hen had a bad eye, and we would have placed pen G44 second ; and iu Owls pen 652 were by far the best in the claes (Harriaou), while the first were fairly entitled to second, though showing a touch of Foreign. Barbs — first good and rightly placed, but the second should have gone to pen 655 (Yardley), Yellows; the second-prize hen being almost dead could not carry her wings. Jacobins veiy good, and well placed; tbe first Reds very good iu hood and chain. Mottle Tumblers — first Yellow Short-faces, and second Red Long-faces. Baldpates were first Black Long-faces, and second Blue Short, and well placed also. Fautails a good class, bat Dragoons poor, except the first Blues, which were young birds. In Long-faced Antwerps the best as Antwerps were Mr. Lister's Red-chequers, but these were no doubt left out as too short, the winners being much longer. In Short-faces the best were left out altogether. Pen 60S (Harrison) should have been first, and the tiret should have been second. Iu the Variety the first were Red Turbits, and second Red Magpies. DnsKiNGS.— !, J. Walker, Rochdale. Spanish. — 6'/(t't.—l and 2, H. Beldon, Goitstock, Bingley. he, J. Threnh, Bradford; H Wilkinson, Earby. Game.— fiiacfc breasted and other Reds.~\, A. S. Sngden. Swindley, Cleck- eaton. 2, E. Lund, Cowbiuse, Callingworth. he, H. Fortoae, Keigbley. Duckwings or any other vai iety.—l, R. Walker, Gomeraal. 2, W. Spencer, Haworth. he, H. Wilson, C'rookrise, Skipton. Cochin-china.— 1. .1 Walker. 2, C. Si.igwick, Keighley. Hambdrgiis.- Ooldinpcneilled.—l and 2, H. Beldon. 'he, J. RobinBon, Gnr- Btang. c, W. Clayton, HawKholmo, Kfighlcv. Hambdroh ok CimiEi'H&TT —Silver-pencilled— I and 2, H. Beldon. he, J. Robinson. HiMBURGHg -Oolden-spangled.—l and he, H Beldon. 2, T. Dean, Keighley, Silver spangled —i:a\i and 1, J. Kobinsnn. 2, H. Beldon. HAMEUftOH3.-Biij>anglcd.—], H. Bel'ion. 2 and c, H. Robinson, Paildon, Shipley. B Kitav nona.— B lack.— 1, C. Sidgwick 2, C. Sidgwick; H. Beldon. he, H. Robinson. CoL.ANDS.— J and 2, H. Beldon. B isTiiiS.- Game —\ and 2, E. Walton. h% A. S. Sugden, Swinley, Cleck- heatou ; G. Noble, Stiinclifto, Dcwsbury. Any colour.— I, Milner & Beanland. 2, W. £l. Robinson, Keighlt^y. he, H. Beldon. Anv other Variety.— J, T. Pye, Lancaster. 2, H, Beldon. he, W. Hartley, Earby. Geese.— 1, J. Wji'kcr. DccRs.-AyleHbury. -I and 2, J. Walker. Eouen.—l and he, J. Newton, Siladtn. 2, J. Wa'kt-r. Any other variety.— I and 2, J. Walker, he, C. Brown, jun., Bradiey. Turkeys.— 1, J. Walker. 2, T. Ellison, Skipton. PIGEONS. Carbiess.— Cocfc.— 1, E. Horner, Harewood, Leeds. 2, J. Walker, he, H. Yardley. birniingham. H'u.~l,J. Walker. 2. E. Homer, he, H. Yardley. PcUTtiKs.- C'O'.fc.— 1 and 2, E. Homer. Hen.—l, E. Horner. 2, A. Hawley, Giiliogton, Bradford. Tumblers —Almond.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, E. Horner. Mottled.— 1, E. Homes. 2, A. Hawley. Owls — 1, E. Horner. 2, W. Hardcastlc, Bingley. /le, J. Thresh, Manchester, Barbs.— 1, E. Horner. 2 and he, J. Thresh. Jacodins.— 1, T. Holt, Bradford 2. H Nutter, Skipton. he, E. Horner, Baldpates.— 1. W. Ellis, Idle. 2, W. Harrison, Burnley. Bunts-— 1, H. Yardley. Fantails.— 1 and 2, E. Homer, he, J. F. Loversidge ; A. Hawley. Dragoons —1. E. Horner. 2, V. Rateliff, Ferncliffe, Bingley. he, H. Yardley. A:iTWE,fiPA.—Longfaced. - 1 antl 2, W. Ellis, Idle, he, J. Lister, Keighley ; W, Whittinghain. Skipton Short-faced.— 1, J. Bishop, Skipton. 2, W. Ellis, he, W. Harrison, Burnley ; J. Ives, Skipton. Ant other Variety.— 1, E. Horner. 2, A. Smith, Nortbowram, Halifax, Judge. — Mr. R. Teebay. BRECON SHOW OF POULTRY, Ac, The first annual Show was held at Brecon in the Markei House on the 25(h ult. Billett's pens were used and well arranged; those for the Cats, with red cushions and sand, looked very neat. For a first attempt the entries were very good. There was an excellent Committee, this department being under the special management of W. W. Cnunick, Esq. Dorkings headed the list with three good pens; Ihe Cochins though good were shabby. Brahma Pootras, Dark, were good, but out of feather; the Lights being better. In Hamhurgha Gold-pencils and Spangles were very good; the first Spangled, and second and third Pencilled. The first in Silvers also being a well known pen of Spangles, and second and third Pencils. The first in Polands were Silvers, very first-rate; second fair Blacks, but the others poor. In Game, Reds, the birds were very good in style and quality, but mostly out of feather, thou.'h the first Black Reds were iu fair trim; Brown Reds were second. Duckwiogs had three pens, good, but out of feather. Whites and Piles were but moderate ; the first Pile, and second White, a fair pen for this colour. In French first and third were Creves, and second Houfians ; the first a real grand pair. The variety was one of the best classes in the Show, and two firsts were awarded to Malays and Black Hamburgh?, second to White Malays, and third to Sultans. Bantams, Game, were in bad feather in both classes; but in the Variety the birds were in splendid form, first Gold, and second and third Silver Sebrights, In cockerel and pullet of the larger varieties Light Brahmas were first and Dark second. The class for other varieties of chickens, first were Silver-spangles of rare quality, stcond good forward Spanish, third Brown Red Game, and extra third Gold- pencils, a capital pen of Black Reds being also very highly com- mended. The winners iu Rouen Ducks were uncommonly good as far as regards the winners, but many of the others, though very good in other points, were bad iu bill. In tbe Variety class White and Brown Decoys won the prizes. In Geese first were Toulouse, and second White Embden, both pens Urge and in flue order, while some good pens were also noticed. In the Selling class for poultry there was nothing of note; but Ducks were very good and cheap, and the winners Rouen aud Aylesbury. 214 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1875. The one class for Canaries had thirteen entries; first a Cinna- mon Norwich, second Variegated Norwich, and third a Clear Bnff Yorkshire; altogether a good class. There were eleven classes for Pigeoiis] first in Carriers was a grand Black, with very good eye and heak-wattle ; second a Black cock, good in beak, but not equal in eye ; highly com- mended a Dun hen, a nice bird in all respects, but too light to win here. In Pouters first was Blue and second White, both cocks of fair quality. In Short-faced Tumblers first was a good all-round Almond ; second a Kite, uEusually good in head ; and very highly commended an Almond and Red Agate. Jacobins poor except the firet, a Red. Fautails a large class, the winners "White, and good alike in carriage and fail, there being also a good Blue and a Silver. Nuns were Black and well shown, clear and correct in marking. Barbs, Black, the first good in head, second rather long in face but well developed in eye. Antwerps poor except the first-prize Short-faced Red Chequer cock. In Owls and Turbits first was a very small White Owl, second a Tied Turbit, and very highly commended a good Blue Turbit. For the best of any other variety first was awarded to a pair of Blondinettes, and second to a Black Magpie. There were four classes for Cats, but the classification of ihese is not at all understood in this quarter, for in the class for Tortoiseshells every entry was Tortoiseshell-and-white, a good lot, however, and in consequence the prizes were awarded. In that for Tabbies Mr. Baxter's Lion was first; second a hand- some Silver- Grey Tabby; and third a dark one. Many very large and good animals were left out, as they were marked with white. Long-haired Cats had a class; a very good White one was first, and Yellow Tabby second, and a moderate White third. In the Variety there was not a good one. Dorkings —1, Mrs. K. Wiliiams. 2, H, Feast. Cochin-Chinas. — 2, Mrs. Davies, Talyboot. 8, J. G. Holford, BucklanJ, Brecon. Bbabua. Pootras.— I>arfc.— 1, W. MorriB, Roaa. 2. H. Feast. 3, J. Ferria, Brecon. Light— I, T. A. Dean, Marden. 2, H. Feast. 3, Mre. H. J. Bailey, Kosedale. Tenburv. he, R^^v. H. Williams, Brecon. Spanish.— 2, T. Trumper. 'B.ATA'B\:RGn%.~Gold-i}enciUfd and SpanoIfd.—l,U. Feast. 2 and S.Mrs. Rolls, Monmouth, iiilver-pencilled and Bpatiglcd.—l, J. Carr, Swansea. 2, H. Feast. S, H. W. Evans, Aberdare. PoLANDS.— 1, J. Hinton, "Wamunster. 2, H. Feast. 3, S. W. Thomas, Swansea. Game.— B^ict and Brovn-hreastcd Reds.— I, J. Mason, Worcester. 2, R. Pearaon, Swansea. /icH. M. A. Eslick. Glamorgan; W. Williams, Brecon ; H. Feast ; Mrs. H. H. Vivian, Worcester. Ditckicinns and other (}rei/s and Blitc:^. —1, J. Maeon. 2, D. W. J. Thomas, Brecon. 3. H. Feast. White, Piles, and unt;.& Deatinor, (^reat. Drillield. 2. C. Winwood. Ii>\ E. Bell, Horniui,'low Whirl. Burtou-on-Trent : A. Uudwsou. lUiDRworth. PuUtt.—\.E, Bell. a. M. Jowett, Clayton, c, Holuioe, V-'iinK, and Uedtioer. Game —Any other ririety.— Cockerel —J. J. V. Walton. Horucliffi. 2. H. C. and W.J. Mason. Birstal. Puifcf.-J, J. F. Walton. 2, H. C. & W. J. Mason. he, 11. Walker. Gonieraal. Spavish —Chickeivs.—l.J. Powell, Bradford. 2, H. Wilkinson, Earby. c, J. Tbrc-sh, Bradford. DoRKitioa.-^CIiickens.—l and 2, T. Briden, Cononley, Leeds, /to. J. Walker, Rochdale. CocniHs.-~Chickens,--Cux>, 1. and 2, C. Sidgwiclt, Kei^hley. Brahmas.— C'/itfA:t'/w.— 1, J. H. Pieiilea, Porniby, Liverpool. 2, R. Anthony, Eaatwood, Todoiurden. he, li. Digby, Liadlcy, Uuddersfiald. c, W, Schjrteid, Birkeniihaw. HA:iinv.Hr,HS.~ GolJitrtrSi>angled. — Chickens ~l. H. Pickles, Eavbv, Leeds. Silvi-r-spiimjti-d-—Chicketis.~l, H. Robinson, Baildon, Shipley. '2, H. Pickles. lioldm pcncillcd.~Ghickens.—l. C. Judson. Peokhaui. 2, U. Pickles. Silver- penrilU'd -Chickens— I. K W. Braccwell, Earby. Leeds 2, H Pickles, he, H. SiiiiLh, Keit,'hley; Robertabaw & Dean, Halifax. Ulack.^Chickens.—l, H. Robinson. 2, 0. Sidjjwick, /ic. C, Sid^wick; U. Pickles. Bantams, - Hed Game —Chickens ~\. A. S. Sll^' ien 2, W. F. Entwisle, Wyke, Bradford, he, G. Noblo» SE tiucliff^, D^wdbiry. Oaun;. any other colour.— Chickens.~l,E,. Watton. 2, T. Oysjii. HiUrait. he, W. Sh*w, HaUfax; W. F. Entwisle. Bantams.— (rawc—Corfeerc/.— I, E. Walton. 2, W. F. Eutwisle. hc,S. Smith. c, A. S. Sugden. Bantams.— C/ocA: or White,— Cliicken» —\, Milaet & Beauland, K-iighley. 2, R, H Asbton, Mottram. Any other v^iricty, — Chi-:kens.—l,J, Walker. 2, A. Beanland, Keighley- Geese.— 1, J. Walker. 2, F. E. Riwson, Thorpa, Halifax, /tc, J. A^piuall, Mount Tabor, Halifax. DvcKa.—Roucn,—l and ho, J. Newton, SiUdea. 2, J. Walker. Aylesbuiy.— I and 2, J. Walker, he, Holinea, Young. & De^tiner. Any other variety.— 1. J- Walker. 2, H. R Smith, Brooklands, Broughton. he, H. B. Smith (2); J. Walker. Turkeys.— 1. J. Walker. 2. F. E. Rawson. Selling Class —1 and he, C. Can-, Wilsden, Bingley. 2, H. Digby. PIGEONS. PoDTERS— Cocfc.— 1, E. Homer, Harewood. Leedd. a. Holme?, Youas. and Destiuer. fee, R. Fallon. Haretield Rjad, London (3). Hen.— I and 2, E. Horner. he, R. FultOD. Carriers.— Cocfc,—l and Cup, E. Homer. 2 and he. R, Fulton, vhc, J. Walker. Hen.— I. J. Walker. 2, R. Faliou. he, R. Fnlton; H. Yardley, Bir- mingbam ; E. Horner. TiniBLEds.— .iiiHtLi/ui — 1 and 2, R. Fnlton. he, H. Yardley. Any variety.— 1, E. Horner. 2, R. Fulton. DaAGooNS,— 1, R. Fulton. 2, W. Smith, Walton-on-tbe-HiU, Liverpool, he, E. Horner. TRDiiPETEas.— 1 and 2, R. Fulton. 0-n-L3.— English.— \, J. W. Stanstield. Halifax. 2, J. Ingham. Hulifax. he, J. Ingham ; R. Fulton ; J. Thresh, Bra Ifonl ; D. H. Siddal. Portsmouth, Todmor- den. Fortign—1, R. Fnlton. 2, H, Yardley. TnRuiTs.— 1, E. Horner. 2, R. Faltjn.' he, T. S. Stephenson, Nowbcgin, Beverle? ; E. Horner. Jacouins.— 1, T. Holt, Bra'ifora. 2, E. Horner, he, R. Fulton ; E. Horner. Fantails.- J , J. Walker, Newark. 2, T. S. Stephenson, he, J. F. Loversidge, Newark; E. Horner. Bahb^.— 1 and vhc, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner, he, H. Yardley. Maoi'IRS. — 1 and 'i, E. Horner. ANTwEHPd.-l. W. F. Entwisle. 2, H, Yardley. /kt, E. Coates, Burnley ; J. Hay. HaUfix ; C. SutcUtfe, Todmorden. Any other Variety.- 1, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner, he, T. S. Stephenson ; H. Y'ardley; T. Foster. Bingley; E. Horner. Selling Class.— 1, T. Foster. 2, E. Horner, he, S. Smith. Fig. Jl'dges. — Ponltrij : Mr. Kiohird Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. eo«s ; Mr. Jatuea Dixon, North Park, Bradford. RYaOPE POULTRY SEOW. This Show Wis held oa .lugmt 2 1th, when the following awards were made : — Dorkings.— 1, C. Widlas, Beechbara Grange. Howden-'e-Wear. 2, J. N. Lawsja, Ryhope. Chi:ki^ti^.~\,J. S. Prjui, Bmuliedt^r, Bishop Auckland. 2, G. Poun ier, Kirby Moor^ide. C otMuyH.— ijit(f or Cinnamon, — 1 and 2, G. H. Procter, Durham. Chickens. — 1 and 2. G. H. Procter. CociUNd.— Jrtj/ otkei varietf/.—l &m\ 2, G H. Procter. C/iicfcens — 1, G. H. Procter. 2. J. Reed, jun . Ryhope. Brauml Poorev3.— 1. R. Shield, Swalwell. 2. T. P. Carver. Lanfjthorpe, Boroughbridge. Cliickens.—l, F. E. Gibsjn, Middletou leasdale. 2, T. P. Carver. SPiNisH.— 1. R. Shield, Swalwell. 2, T. P. Carver. Chickens.— I, R. Stabler. Driffield. 2. W. Jaggs, Blyth. Poi.isH.~l, J. T. Proud, Binchealer, Bisbop AuoHand. 2, W. Bearpark, Northallert >n. C/Itcter^s.— 1. J. T. Proud. 2, G. Pounder. Mahys.-I, Miaa A. Brooke, New Shrewsbury. 2, E. Stanley, Grange, Camforth. Game.— 1. J. Brou^'h. Carlisle. 2. J. Yomg, Morpeth. GAMtt.~C/a.k ^r/-(-^?,jd and other Reds.—], .T, Mason. Worcester. 2, G. Carter. Bodsle. (7iicfti'n.».—l, G. Carter. 2. R. Smith. Malton. Game— J/iy other variety.— 1, Holmes & Young. Great Driffield. 2, W. AUon, Philadelphia. Ckiekem.—i, Davison ^ Pattison, Morpeth. Hambdrghs.— flotrfe/^.1par^<7^(■<^— 1. T. P. Carver. 2, R. Keenlevside, Aycliffe, Darlmaton. Chickent.—l, R. Keenleyside. 2, T. P. Carver. Silwr-sjiiuiok-ii. —1. .T. Ri.binsoD. 2. Holmes A Youn;,'. Cliieken.'i —1. R. Kecnleyaide. Hambi'rghs — (3oi(/(^«-pfnc(i/*-d.— 1,T. P. Carver. 2, J. Robinson. Chickent. —1, J. G. Walker. 2, T. S G. Kidson. Old Ormesbv, Middlesbrough. Silver- pencilled —1. .J . Robinson. 2, R. Keenlejside. C/iic^cu^.— 1, R. Keenleydide, 2, MisB Hall, Fence Houses. Game Baxtams.— B/«cfc ?,rea3(ed and other Rt^tljt.—l^ Miss M. J.Nelson. 2, G. Hall. Kendal. CWc-lfw.-l, G. Hall. 2, W. Rogers. OiKS.—Any other variety.— I, T. Clark. Sunderland. 2. Miss M. J. Nelson, Cfttcfecns.— 1, .Miss M. J. Nelson. 2, W. Rogers. Sunderland. Anv Vabietv Excepr GiMS. — 1. R. YouU. Suoierland. 2, J. D. Donald, Montrose. C/iicA:<;nj.-l, J. H. Cartwright, Willinsitou. 2. T. P. Carver. Ak2 oxhbb VAai£xr.—l. J. Robinson. 2, J. G. Milner, Bishop Auckland (Ilondans). Cliickene.—l, T. Gojdwill, Pickering. 2, C. Venables, Sheraton, Castle Edeu (Indian Game). DvcK%.—.iyleiibitry.—i,F. E.Gibson, :\Iiddleton Teasdale. 2, J. G. Milner, Bishop Auckland. Houen —1, Miaa M. J. Nelson. 2, W. Swann, Bedliugton. Anit variety —1 and 'i, 1. Johnson, Sunderland. i>v.CKLlsc,5.—.iyle'il)ury or Rouen.— \ F F.. Gibson. 2. J. N. Lawaon, Ryhope. Workmen on Colliery and (\ttlaie Memherti —\, — Sinithson, Ryhope. 2, R. Trusty, Kyhopj. 3, J, RicliinU-'o, Uvhope Colliery Granary. Srllixg Ct.Ass.— 1, C \'.'ii;iiil.M I >Vli t3 Minorcas). 2, G. Clarkaon, West Hartlepool (Gold-penciUed Hainljurh'lis), Hakndqir Fowls.— I, J. N. Lawsoa. 2, R. Ferry, Ryhop) BRAUUA4 — I. J. Williamson. Ryhipe CoUisry. 2, G. Richey, Ryhope Colliery. 8. J. Yeattg, Ryhope CoUiiry. WOKKMRN ON CoLLIKHV AND C .JTTAG E MEMUERS. — C'l ( CfcrOli. — 1, — FortunP, Rvliope Waterworks. 2. G Harrison. Kvhope Colliery, 3, G. Richey. R.iBBiTS.— tap^-.trcrf.— 1. W, H, P. F Tliirkull, Sunderland. 2, Master M, B, Lawsoi, Any other variety.— \, P. J. Webster. Patent Ropery, Sunderland. Boy9 on Collierii only —1, J. Dawson. Ryhope Colliery. 2, G. Richey, Judge. — Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwoad, Preston. COTTINGHA.M SHOW OF PODLTRY, &c. August 25th. The Cottingham Show is one of the most fashionable resorts of the East Riding meetings, and from the appearance of the grounds at about three o'clock in the afternoon one would think that almost all Hull had turned out to do honour to this charm- ing village. The Show is well managed except in the point of pens, a kind of skep or wickerwork basket turned upside down having to do duty for the poultry ; and we would seriously advise the Society to set fire to the whole lot, and not spoil so grand a Show with siich unwieldy and unsightly things, for it is almost impossible to see the birds in them. Spanish were a moderate lot, not so good in fact as we hav& seen here. Dorkings very good ; while the Cochins were mode- rate. In Red Gunie the first were old and second young; and in the other colours the winners were Duckwings. Polands were a grand lot, and the winners Golden. In Hambiirghs, Spangled, the first and second were Gold, very good ; and third fair Slivers. But in Pencils ouly the first Golden were worthy of notice. In Brahmas the first were a good pj^n, but the rest poor. In Bantams, any other variety, Mr. Proctor won with a grand pen of Silver Sebright^ ; the second being Rose-combed Blacks ; almost all the rest being noticed. In the Selling class first were Dorking chickens, second old Dorkings, and third Gold Polauds ; a good lot. In Ducks of the fancy varieties Mr. Sylvester won all the prizes with Ruddyshell, Chihan Pintail, and Bahamas. Pigeons were a pretty good entry. la Pouters first-and-cup was a capital Blue cock; the aecoud a Blue cook, but not equal to pen 2 of the same exhibitor's, a grand Blue hen ; third was a good White. In Carriers our choice was pen 1 (Hairaine); the first-prize bird of the same loft was a bad colour, and small in, eye ; the second Duu and third Black. Turbits were good and well placed ; Blues flrat and second, aud Red third. In Antwerp* Mr. Smith showed some capital Duns, which ought to coma out more frequently. In Jacobins the winners were Red, but not aa good aa we have seen at this Show. A grand Blue was placed first in Dragoons, Red and Yellow winning the other prizes. The first Fautail was a grand bird, but we preferred pan 6 (Loversidge) for second ; class very good. In 'Tumblers we should have placed Mr. Adams's Almond first, as being by far the bast in head properties ; the Kite second was rightly placed; third was a Black Mottle. Barbs a moderate lot, and O^ls very good; the first Blue, and secoud White, aud third Blue. In the Selliug class first were Yellow Turbits, a little soft in colour, but well marked; and second Almond Tumblers. There was a fair show of Babbits, the entries being good, almost every pen receiving a notice. Span[sh.—1, DodJsiS Simpson, Bedilo. 2, R Stabler, Driffield. S, G, Hoyle, Hesale. Dorkings.— 1 and 2, — Morhtt. Goole. S, Simpson & Dodds. /ic, D. White. Cochins —1, Blakey & Blanchard, Driffield. 2, A. Spencer, Driffield. Game.— Stack (irt-asfeci and oVier Reds. -I and 2, W, H. Adams, Beverley. Any other variety. -1, J. A. & H. H. Staveley. Tibthorpo. 2. Young & Holmes, Driffield. 3, W. &a Adams, .liij/ ii(irie«i/.—Coc*;.—l, W. & H, Adams. 2, Young and Holmes. 3, P, Stamford, Beverley. PouiNDS.— 1 and 2. A. & W. H. Sylvester, Sheffield. S, J. H. Weed. HAMBURGaa.- (ro/ti or Silvertti}angled.~l, T. P. Carver. Langthorpe. 2 and 3, Young & Holmes. Goldor Sileer.iiencilled.— 1,T. P. Carvm: 2, Mrs. A. Scott, Driffield. 3. W. W. Harcliffc. Hesale. Brahmas.— 1, J. Wells, Wintarton. 2, T. P. Carver. 3, G. Bromby, Cot- tingham. Anv other Vaeietv.— 1, — Silvester. 2, Mrs. C. H. Wilson, Cottingham. S, Young & Holmes. Faruyabd Cross. - 1 and 2, G. Robinson. Frodingham. Bantijh.— Oawe.— 1, W. i H. Adams, Beverley. 3, Wells 4 Sherwin, Ripon. Any other variety —1,1. M Proctor. Cottingham. 2, Wells 4 Sherwin. 3,T. P. Carver, he, Fawsitt & Waits. Driffield; T. Balderson. c, Misa L. Whitaker, Leconheld Rectory; Kawsitt & Waits; B G. Bolton, Beverley; B. Harrison, Cottingham. Any variety.— Coek.—], WcUs & Sherwin. 2, A. Harrison, Cot- tingham. 3. Young & Holmes. „ „ , Selling Class.- 1, D. White, Driffield. 2, - MorBtt. 3, A. & W. H. Sylvester. Turkeys.- 1, Young & Holmes. Geese-- 1 and 3. Young .i Holmes. 2,T. Balderson. Ducks. -.lu!c.(irfc.— Coc/icre/. — I and 2, T. V. Ansdell, Cowley Mount, St. Helens. Pu i(f( -1, W. A. Wright, Birkdale, Southport. 2, T. F. AnsdeU. BRAHMiS.- Liff/it —VQckerel.~l, J. Long, Bromley. 2, S. H. Lloyd, Fairfield, Liverpool PuUet.—l, T. A. Dean, Mardcu, Hereford. 2, S. U. Lloyd, MaghuU. Game.— .!«)/ colour.—Cock —1, C. W. brierley, Middletoa. 2, c;. Hall. In bloom and feather.— Cock.~i, C. W. Brierley. 2, J. Fletcher, Stonecluugh. O^nt..— black or Brawn Bed.— Cockerel.— 2, Mrs. E Wilkinson, York. Pullet. —1, J. Hudgsjn, Witnmxton, Cainforth. 2, J. Hill, Bury. Game — .iny other i'ariety.-Cockerel.-l, W. Luinax, Stoneclongh. 2, J. F. Walton, Kawtenstall. PuUet.—i. O. Taylor, Delph, Saddleworth. 2, J. F. Walton. PoLANDS.— Cocfcerei.— 1, J. Fearnley, Lowton, Newton-le-Willowa. Pullet.— 1, J. Fearnley. 2, T. Dean, Keighley. tlAUiiVRiHS.—Ooiden-spanQted.—Cockerel.-l, G. & J. Duckworth, Church. 2, J.Long. Pitlfef,— 1, G. & J.'Duckworth. 2, H. Pickles, Earby, Leeds. HiUBUaans.—Silvcr-npangled. — cockerel. — 1, H. Stanwonh, Worsthome, Baruley. 2, H. Pickles. Pullet.— I, H. stanworth. 2, Stott it Booth. Huntley Brook. Ra:,ibv&gjis -Goldeii-jiencilled —Cockerel. — 1, G. & J. Duckworth. 2, J. Simpson, UuUinwuod. Puii(;t.— 1, C. Judsou, Peckham. 2, G. iSc J.Duckworth. Hambuhous —Silver-pencilled.— 1, R. W. Bracewell, Earby, Leeds. 2, H. Pickles. Pullet.— i,ii vV. Bracewell, Earby, Leeds. 2, H. Pickles. Hahbubohs.- B/acA'.- Cocftcrfl — 1, C. bidgvvick. 2, H. Hoyle, Lumb, New- church. P«llef.—1, J. T. Simpson. HoUmwuod. 2, H. Pickles. DoHKisGS.— Cockerel.— 1, T. Briden. Cononly, Leeds. 2, J. Walker. Pullet. — 1, J. Walker, Rochdale. 2, W. H. Kmg, Saudtield, Rochdale. Any otuek Variety except iiiSj^:ii:i. — Cockerel. — 1, G. Berry, Little Heaton (tloudau). 2, T. Yates, Unsworth, Bury. Pullet.— I, G. Berry. 2, T. Yates. Game Bantams.- Blacfc or Brown.-l, G. Hall, Kendal. 2, W. F. Entwisle, Westheld. Bradford, he, E. Walton, Horncliffe. Any other variety.— I, E. Walton. 2, W. F. t-ntwihle. he, J. Kiley, Accrington. Game Bantams.— 1, G. Uall. -J, E. Waiton. Bantams.— .l/jy other variety except Oame.-l, N. Cook, Chowbent. 2, H. B. Smith, brooklands, Piest jn. he, A. smith, Northenden. BiSTma.— Cockerel.— 1, N. Cook, z, E. Walton. Pullet.— I, G. Hall. 2, N. Cook. E.\TRA Prize.- 1, T. J. Ansdell. 2, J. Walker. 3, H. Wilkinson. DccKS— .-Ij/lcsdurv.- 1, J. Walker. 2, C. Holt, Rochdale, itouen.— 1 and 2. T. Waktiield, Guiborne, Newton-lc- Willows. Any variety.— \ and 2, J. Walker, Geese.— ir/tifc. — l.J.Waiker. Goslings. — 1, J. i% alker. GeebE.— (i;-ty.-l. J. Walker. 2, 1. :uil;s, Seacombe. Go3lings.—\, C. M. Royds, Rochdale. 2, T. Mills. TuRREvs. —1 and 2, J. Walker. Poitlfs.- 1, J. Walker. PIGEONS. Pouters.— Cocfc or Hen.— I, H. Vardiey, Birmingham. 2, D. M. Garaide, Brougiiton. Cakkiers,— CocA: or Hen.— I, J. Walker. 2, J. Chadwick, Bolton. Tumblers.- .SVior^/acet/ — c'ocfc or Hen— I, R. C. Fielding, Rochdale. 2, T. W. Towiison, Bowdou. Long-faced. -Cock or Hen.—i, J. Brown, Stoneclough. 2, W. Elba, Idle, Leeds. UWLs.— J-'ore/pn -Cock or Hen — 1, T. W. Townson, Bowdon. 2, R. O. Field- ing. En^fltsk.-Cock or HeH.—l,3 Chadwick, Boilon. 2, R. Unsworth, Lheadle Hulme. BARBS.-Cocfc or Hen.— I, J. Walker. 2, J. Thresh, Bradford. Turbits —Cock or Hen.-l, G. Richardson, Rochdale. 2, J. W. Townson, Nuns —C'oc/c or iicii. -1, Messrs. A. Brooka, Shrewsbury. 2, J. Richmond, Oswalatwisle. Jac juins —Cock or Hen.— I, J. Brown, Stoneclough. 2, T. Holt, Bradford. A.siwt.HPA— Short-faced.— Cock or Hen— I, J. VV right, Maucueuier. 2, A. liiughim, Alancheater. Long-faced -Cock or Hen.— 1, *v. Elua, Idle, Leeds. 2, U. orabtrce, Rochdale. Any variety.— I'oung Cock or Hen.— i, J. S. Collier, Rochdale. 2, J. Hampson, WhitctielA. Fa.-acfe or Doe. -I and -.;. I. Scnoheld, Cheetham. Any orUEa Vabiety.- ijuc« or Hoe —1, J. Irvmg. 2, T. scholield. Selling Class.- i>'ucfc or Doe.—i, S. Butterworth, Rochdale. 2, T. Sohofield. CkTS.— Domesticated Tortoiseshcll.—l, J. Chadwick, Bolton. 2, J. Flurry, Helgham, Norwich. Any other variety.— I, J. H. Liversedge. 2, W. Scholes. Bury. Judges. — Poultry : Mr. S. Fielding, Stoke-on-Trent ; Mr. T. J. Charlton, '2i, Blenheim Row, Manniugham, Bradford. Pigeons: Mr. T. Ridpeth, Withingtou, Manchester; Mr. J. Taylor, Rochdale. Babbits : Mr. J. Boyle, Blackburn. BURTON-ON-TRENT SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. Thi.s event came off on Wednesday, August 25th, and waa an unprecedented success, the total receipts at the doors amoyukt- ing to £2-10, iudepeudeut of railway tickets and the " permits " of up wards of a thousand subscribers. The weather was favour- able throughout the afternoon, but iu the morning it was any- thing but inviting to those residing at a distance from the town. The show of plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables waa of aver- September 2, 1875. J JOURNAL OF HORTlOULTUaB AND COTTAQB GABDENEB. 217 age merit, several of the departmeuts beiDg well furnished, the fruits and vegetables more especially. To comment on the great attractions of the fete would be to refer to the military concert sustained by the band of Her Majesty's Ist Life Guards and the Burton Rifle band, and to the exhibition of poultry. Pigeons, cage birds. Rabbits, and Cats, and the coopers' compe- tition with casks. The former was a musical treat of high character, and was much appreciated ; whilst the coopers' con- test, representing one of the chief industries of the town, was a capital speculation, and served the purpose of the Committee most snccessfully. The poultry, bird. Rabbit, and Cat Show was a "great draw" on the visitors, and the Committee of the Society would do well to make this and the coopers' competition an established institution in connection with one of their fetes every year. It would then be looked forward to, and intending coiupetitors would consult the arrangement when deciding upon their fixtures ; indeed, tbis is a point worthy of the Committee's notice, the financial result of the late fi'te— more than i:80 in advance of any previous year, being a consideration of no mean importance. Cage Birds, of which there were ten classes, brought about fifty entries, and formed an attractive feature of the Exhibition. Here and there were promising specimens, which, as the season advances, may very likely be heard of again. The Lizard and Mule classes were good iu quality, but in the former the number was limited, three entries only having been effected, whilst Mules had eight, some of which were fit for any company. There was a class for Goldfinches and another for " British," as the catalogue specified, which was a strange way of naming the classes. In the Crystal Palace catalogue a Nightingale is eligible for entry under the heading of " Birds of Passage and Migratory Birds;" but at Burton-upon-Trent matters differ somewhat, for Thrushes and a Bullfinch (British birds proper) had to stand back for a Nightingale, which was awarded first honours in the "British" class! There was a Thrush in the class well worthy of a first prize. „ 5°,",? ■i'^" "■• ^"^ E. B. Charlton. LichfleM. 2, W. H. Crewe, Etwall, Derby S, S. W. Hallam, n hitwick. Leicester Cocmss.— White -1, F. Holbrook. Derbv. Cinnamon or BniT.-l, T. Henry, Birmingham. 2 and 3, E. J. Draper, Burton-on-Trent. he, Mrs. AUaopp, Worcester. BaiHMi Poo-TRk.— Light —\ and 2. T. M. Skarrat. Worcester. DaTk.—\, W. Whiteley. Sheffield. 2, E. Pritchard, Tettenhal), Wolverhamptnn. 8, Bridge- water & Yoxall, Wednesbury. he, J. Holmes. Chesterlield ; E. Kendrick, jun., Lichfield. 'J ' Spanish.— 1, R. Hill, Nottingham. 2,Mra. Allsopp. S.E.Winwood. Worcester. Polish^!. J. Robinson, Garstang. 2, R. Hall, ion.. Waltonon-Trent. 3, H. iardley. Birmingham. Fbbnch.-i, Mrs. Miller, Fakenham, Norfolk. 2, a. W. Hibbert, Godley. Manchester G^az —Black or Broxm-brenf-ted flcd.t— 1, G. Bamesbv, Derby. 2. E. Bell, Horninglow Wharf, s, E. Winwood. he. S. Hollins, tutbury. Any oth^r iwiripfj.-l, G. Baniesby. 8. E. Winwnod. S and c, R Bell. H«MBtJRGm.—(3oW or. Siirfr-«p(i>wifiZ.-l. S. W. Hallam. 2. J. Robinson. S. r'm """en.jao.. Fiikenham. Ooldor HUver-penciUed.—\.S.yi Hallam. 2, J. Ward, Ashby-de-li-ZoQch. 3. Smith & Taylor, Lincoln, e, H. Yardley. 0 V,"^,??"^" ViKiETV.-l, J. Croote, Dodington, Brii^gewater. 2, E. Winwood. 3, H. Kidger, Owston Oakham. BiNTiMs.-l, E. Bell. 2, D. C. Wingfleld, Sidbury, Worcester. 3 and c, A. C. Bradbnry, Nnttall, Nottingham. 1 *^'-V.'"iCL»8s.-l, Mrs. Allsopp. 2. E. Kendrick, jnn. 3. A. C. Bradbnry. /if. G. M. Cooper, Burtonon-Trent. c, D. Hicks. Burton-on-Trent IJUCK8.— iJouen -I, T. Mills. Seacombe. Birkenhead. 2, R Kendrick, jun. ov « ,i'"'^'^y- Stapenhill. White Aylesbury. -1 and 2, J. Denton, Pitmoor, Sheffield. 3, T. Milis. PIGEONS CiERlERS -1, w. Miller. Walsall. 2, H Yardley. 3. B. Hudson. Driffield. POOTEBS — 1, J. Pratt, Hampton-in-ArdPH, Birmingham. 2, J. Stiles, Jan., Knshton, Kettering, 3, G. Destener, Driffield, he. H. Yardley. IDM8LERS.— 1 and 3. H. Yardley. 2, J. Peace, Burton.on-Trent. UEionoNs.— 1, H. Yardley. 2 and 3, R. Woods. Mansfield. Antwebps.— 1 and 2, H. Y'ardley. 3. W. Morris, Derby. fiXTiiLH.— 1 and 2, J. F. Loycrsidge, Newark. 3, H. Vaidley. Am OTHER ViKiEir.-I and 3, H. Yardley. 2, B. Hudson, Driffield. „ CAGE BIRDS. BKLGiiNs.— 1, T. Moore, Thringatone, Leicester. 2, H. Dayiei, Wolver- hampton, o > Norwich.— Clear Yellow-]. Brown & Dickinson, Leicester. 2, A. Utton, Derby. Eqnal 2. C. J. Salt, Stapen HilL Clear Buff.— I and he, A. UJton. 2, W. Bowyer, Leek. NORWicH.-F(irie(m(<'ii, Tellom, or Buff.— i, 3. Watson, Burton-on-Trent. 2. A. Curtis, Burtonon-Trent. Ac, W. Bowyer. c, J. Torr. Derby. Crested, any cotour.-l, A.Ufton. 2 and e, C. J. Salt. Ac. W Bowyer. CiNNiMoN.-l. T. Newbold, Bmton-on-Trent. 2 and he, C. J. Salt. LIZARDS.- Gold or Hilver-spangled.—\ and 2. S. Bunting, Derby. U\ii,^e.--Any variety.— 1 and 2, S. Bunting. Equal 2, A. Curtis, he, J. Bexson, Derby. » h . GoLDFiscn.-l and 2, A. Cnrtis. he, H. Davies. BRiTisH.-l, P. Nachtigall, Burtonon-Tren'. 2, J. Lacy, he, T. Peck, Burton- on. I rent. T„„ , RABBITS. 1 LOP EARED.— I and 2, T. Schofleld, Jun., Cheetham. 3. T. H. Jones, Banbnry. he. J. Mann, Bnrtonon.Trent. gjj^o""-— 1 and 2, H. Swetman, Fulford, York. 3, B.Hudson. Ac. W. Kimber, HiMiLATAN.— 1, C. G. Mason, Rochdale. 2, R. A. Boissier, Penshurat. 8, J. Tebbntt, Northampton. Silver-Grei.-i, T. Schofleld, jun. 2 and e, J. Quick. Seymour Place, London. 3, B. (jreaves. Cleethorpea. he, J. H. Watkins, Bvford. Any Vabiett.- 1, W. H. Crewe. Etwall. 2, Mrs. H. Pickworth, Spalding. 8 and c, B. Greayes. he, T. Schofleld, jun. CATS. loRTOiSESHELL OR Tobtoisebhf.ll-and-White — 1, C. Graves, Boythorpp, ( hesterfield. 2, S. 3. Johnson, Burton.on-Trent. 3, E. Vincent, Buiton-on- Trent. Tabbieb.-I, C. A. Shcrwin. 2. O Nichols, Lichfield. S, 0 Brown, Burton-on- Trent he. W. T Slretton. Stapenhill. Lo.\a HAiE.-Jl/aie.— 1, T. Weighlman, Warren Wood, Halfleld. 2, Miss G. Taylor, Burton-on-Trent. 2, W. Kimber. Female.-\. R. Hall, jun..Bor>uBh Fields, WaltononTrent. i, S. A. Pocock, Great Berkhampsload. 8, T. Weighlman. Any OTIIKR Vabiktv —1, Mrs. T. W. Mioton, Newcaslle-undor-Lync. 2, H. Hudson, Burlon-on Trent. 3, J. Upton, Ultoxeter. he. W. Jones, Stapenhill. JoDOES.— Poit/^ry, Pigeons, and liabhits : Mr. A. O. Worth- ington, and Mr. Tegetmeier. BiriU : Mr. E. Bemrose, Derby. Cats : Mr. Thomas Wortbingtou, Derby. GOOD EGG?. The old notion that " eggs is eggs " no matter of what variety or how produced, is fast dying out; still there are a great many persons among those who should know better who do not realise the effect of feed upon the quality of the egg. There is just as much difference between the eggs of fowls allowed to roam and forage for themselves, and those which are fed regularly on good nutritious food, as there is between a leg of good Southdown mutton and that of a common half-starved sheep. Fowls roaming over the farm and through the stable, ex- pected through the summer months to pick up a living for them- selves, eat many things they would not otherwise touch; and this strong rank food affects the taste of the eggs. The same as when a cow eals onions, cabbage or turnips, the milk at once receiving the bad flavour. Eggs thus taiuted in flavour have not the same keeping quali- ties as those from better-kept fowls. The richer the food the better flavoured and higher coloured the eggs. Wheat and corn, with a little animal food — scraps or cooked lights — twice or three times a week, if the fowls are on a grass run, will produce the best quality of eggs for the table. If the fowls are confined in a small yard with no access to grass, green food must be provided for them. A small feed daily of chopped grass or clover, with occasionally a head of lettuce or cabbage, will be a great benefit. Buckwheat is good to promote the increase of eggs, but it does not add to their richness. The yolk becomes pale, and if much of this grain is used the eggs are not desirable for pastry, and are unfit for some kinds of confec- tionery. Oatmeal and Indian meal mixed and scalded add both to the production and quality of the eggs, but care must be taken not to feed too liberally, or the increase of fat will check the produc- tion of eggs. — {American Pet Stock Bulletin.) A CARRIER PIGEON CAUGHT AT SEA. Capt. Holljes. of the German ship Duisberg, lying at Com- mercial Wharf, Fell's Point, has on board a Carrier Pigeon which was caught at sea, the ship being on the voyage from Europe for Baltimore. When ten days outside the British Channel, and seven hundred miles from the nearest land, on an afternoon, the captain's attention was attracted to the Pigeon flying near the ship, seemingly quite exhausted. Some food was placed on the deck near the cabin, when the Pigeon came on hoard and ate greedily. At nightfall it nestled in the shrouds far up on the mainmast, and was taken prisoner by the captain himself. The bird is of the pure Carrier Pigeon breed, with rainbow-hued plumage and a mnsoular development of body and wings not known to the more common varieties. Beneath the left wing, on one of the large feathers, are imprinted in very plain characters the words, "Du Siege de Paris" (The Sieg>j of Paris). The letters were evidently put on with a stencil and brush and are one-third of an inch in length. It is possible that this was one of the many Carrier Pigeons employed by the French to take flying trips with packets of information outside the walls of Paris during the memorable siege of that city by tbe German army. But it is not probable that, becoming lost, it has in all the years since been a fugitive over the land and sea, seeking an abiding place. Capt. Holljes thinks it may have been turned loose from a French mail steamship out on the ocean and started back to Paris, but, becoming tired and hungry, sought food and rest on the Duisberg. The captain holds it by right of capture, and prizes his pet more highly than did its French owner, for he will not part with it. The words stamped on the wing may have been placed there during the siege of Paris. All govern- ment Carrier Pigeons have a stamp of some kind, and this may have been one of them. LIGDRIAN BEES. "A TouNG Apiarian" wishes some bee-keeper " woiild give us his experience of the comparative honey-collecting capacities of the pure Ligurians and the common black bees this season, as it would be especially valuable and interesting ju'^t now. If it is true that the Ligurian bees collect a third more honey thsn the common bees in season like this when my bees (the ordi- nary black bees) have not coUtrCted more than enough to keep the hives from losing iu weight since the middle of June, wa 218 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Sepleiber 2, 1575. might reasonably assame that by replacing them with Lignriana ■we Bhould still have a fair sarplns of honey to take in spite of the bad honey harvest." This is a very natnral inquiry on the part of a young apiarian, and we put his question in fall with the hope that some of the readers of the Journal of Horticulture will kindly favour us with their experience during the present year. An old and experienced apiarian in this locality bought in early spring a strong stock of pure Ligurians with an imported queen. The possession of this stock of pure Ligurians seemed to give him an increase of pleasure and enthusiasm amongst his bees. We were invited to see his new friends, and during the summer months — indeed from their arrival to the present time — we have taken considerable interest in them. They have been narrowly watched by the gentleman and myself with a view to ascertain if they possess any superiority whatever. If they possess any superior qualities we have both failed to discover them. They have not bred more than common bees ; they have not gone to the fields earlier in the mornings, nor worked later at nights. When inclement weather kept the common bees at home the Ligurians stayed at home too — very wisely so. No more work has been done by Ligurians, no superiority has been manifested. Most of the stocks of the owner lost weight during the summer; none lost more than the Ligurians. — A. Pettigeew. INDIAN HONEY AND WAX. In a visit to the new Indian Museum at South Kensington I found an interesting corner filled with bee products, and very carious it was to find such a surprising difference in the appear- ance of both honey and wax to that of Earopean production. Commencing with the honey (which of course I was not allowed to taste), none could compare in colour with moderately good English honey ; the nearest approach to it was that from Lohar- dugga, and the produce of the orange flowers of Bengal. Then we find Coorg exhibiting some dark and dirty-looking stuff; Ava dark brown honey from wild bees, and hill honey quite black, like the very blackest of treacle. It is worthy of remark that most of this honey, especially the darkest, was uncrystallised. Under the same conditions of storage oar superior article would have been solid. Turning to the wax, not a single example exhibited the bright orange colour of good beeswax. The sample from Pegu was of a fair white, and nearly rivalled by that from Rangoon. Tra- vancore's was grey. From the Indian Archipelago came several samples, varying in colour frojn light to dark chocolate. 0 there, described as Jungle and Orissa wax, were of a dirty mottled black and white ; and Raepore rivalled the honey of the hills, being quite black. One jar's contents was denominated " wax oil ;" whatever this may be I know not. Altogether I do not think India would be a successfal com- petitor in either honey or wax at the next Crystal Palace Show. John Hunteb, Eaton Bisc, Ealing. BEES ON THE MOORS. To-day (Angust 23rd), I have been visiting my bees on the moors. At the beginning of this month I sent thirty-two hives there ; many of them at that time were without any stores, and exceedingly light in the hand. Twenty pounds of sugar were given to them the first ten days after they went to keep the bees alive, the weather being unfavourable. On the 13 th or 14th the weather became favourable for honey-gathering, and since then till to day some of the best hives have gained 40 lbs. in weight each, some 30 lbs , and some 20 lbs. My first swarm weighs 82 lbs. ; and my neighbour Mr. Thorpe, whose bees are at the same place, has two swarms weighing 78 lbs. and 70 lbs. respectively. These are the beat amongst ours, and if the weather continue favourable for another week they will probably rise to above 100 lbs. each. In examining some of the hives internally today, we could not avoid wondering at the marvellously large yield of honey from the heather in so short a time. The bees and combs seemed to be cambered with honey — every open cell had some in it — the honey sparkled from the cells amongst the brood in the centres of the hives, and on the crowns and outside combs the bees were storing it away, and sealing it up as fast as they could. Bat evidently the outdoor workers have been giving the indoor workers too much to do. The cessation of honey-gather- ing for twenty-four hours would set at liberty more hands for indoor work. In such a time of honey- gathering a day of rain is not a day of rest, but a day of preparation for sunshine and more labour. What industry ! — A. Pettigkew, The C.4NAD.4 Poultry Journai, will be published on the 1.5th of each month, beginning with September, 187-5. It will contain twenty pages, two columns on each page ; printed on good white paper, and bound with a coloured cover, at the low price of .?1 per annum, in advance, postage paid. OUR LETTER BOX. POCTEE3 LiYlNG SoFT Eoos U-)-— ig the season is now advanced, and the birds are monlting, separate your two hens from their ma'es, and perhaps nert year they mjy lay all ri^ht- From what you say of their food and freedom as to fli^^ht. there can be no improvement made in any way. Bees in a Hollow Thee (4 Young Apiarian\.—Bj tAoAasi all 'he holes and cracks in the tree you may speedily dastroy the bees with the fames of Bulphur. Melt some brimstone in a plumber's lead pan, and dip some cotton rag in it ; then close all openings in the tree and set fire to the rag below the bees. Powder burnt in the cavity of the tree, or shot from a •mn in it, will kill every bee- ° Working Bees KlLLrno one Anothee I.W. if.l.— There mnst be plunder going on among your bees. Some are starving and have no doubt attacked some more prosperous hive- tjhut-up the attacked hive early la the morning for a day, opening towards evening, bat taking care to give TentiJation. Feed all your weak hives liberally. Vermin on Sow (O. if., Surti/on).— Wash her with a strong iulaaion of tobiooo in water, and the next day with soapsuds. MKTEOROLOGICAIi OBSERVATIONS. Camden Square, London. Lat. 61° 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0 ' W.; Altitude, 111 (eet. DlTI. 9 A.M. In the Day. 4S. > , Iff! Fig a — iarlj Pr Ii c fruits being larger, some smaller than the illustration, accord- ing to the soil, climate, and skill displayed in the treatment. Colour bright glossy red ; seeds numerous and rather pro- minent; flesh solid, pinky red throughout, melting and juicy, with a delicious high flavour. Season decidedly early, coming in with Black Prince, but owing to its lighter colour ripens-up quicker than that variety, and is far superior in size and flavour. It is also a good and early forcer. Like Black Prince the plant is of rather slender habit of growth during the first year, but it increases in strength and fertility and in the size of its fruit for several y( ars, and should not, therefore, le too frequently renewed. i) 0 D -^.;>,; Fig. 43.— Dule ut EJiuburgh. The next five sorls so rapidly follow each other that it is difficult to establish a correct order of succession, which, as in the case of many other fruits, varies with the dilTerent seasons ; but as a rule, Duke of Edinburgh and Early Prolific follow Alpha. Early Crimson Pine, however, began to ripen in 187-i before Early Prolific, and this year it commenced ripening June ■1th, coming-in with Duke of Edinburgh and Early Prolific, and being shortly followed by Hundredfold and Amy Eobsart. Duke of Edinhnrgh (fig. 4,'J), is a fine large fruit partaking of the joint characters of La Constante and British Queen. Foliage dark green, and the habit of the plant quite distinct from all other sorts. The fruit is mostly obovate in shape, like the illustration, and very handsome. Colour darkish crimson ; seeds numerous and decidedly prominent ; flesh creamy white ; flavour piquant, vinous, and excellent ; calyx small for size of fruit. It is also one of the best early forcers, and only requires to be better known to be universally cul- tivated under glass in place of Keens' Seedling and other large-growing leafy sorts. This and the following variety were distributed some five years ago, but are now introduced here in order to make the batch of early sorts complete, and also to give the benefit of faithful illustrations for the guidance of those who may not yet possess them. Early Proline (fig. 14), is becoming too well known to need description, but not having been previously illustrated, it is introduced for that purpose. The plant is of elegant habit of growth, with bright green foliage, distinctly dentate. Fruit large, and large medium. The woodcut depicts a fair medium Fig. 4.5. — Early Crimson PiLe. size. In some Eoils it is decidedly larger. Colour bright glossy vermilion, becoming a little darker when very ripe ; seeds slightly embedded ; flesh white, firm, and juicy, with a delicious re- freshing flavour peculiar to this variety alone. Like the Duke of Edinburgh it is decidedly early, and is fast becoming ac- cepted by practical gardeners as the very best early forcing variety we possess. The above three sorts should not be fre- quently renewed. They should be planted in well-prepared ground and allowed to remain several years, every other plant being removed the second or third year if the plants become too crowded. The two latter are now going on here for tie sixth year, and I have no intention to disturb them so long ts they keep increasing in the size and quantity of their fruits. If originally well done, plenty of room and autumnal surface- manuring are the chief essentials to insure good crops of hand- some fruit. Early Crimson Pine (fig. 4.5). This variety was figured in the Journal some two years ago, and I cannot speak too highly in its favour. The woodcut at that time may have been thought by some persons an exaggeration for so early a fruit, but I am happy to say that my garden has teemed the last two years with still handsomer specimens, and this autumn I intend planting all vacant ground with it. The fruit began to colour this last season towards the end of May, and here and there large fruits were ripe on the 4th June. Fruit handsome bright crimson colour ; seeds rather prominent ; flesh dullish white and sometimes pink, very juicy, with a rich piquant Pine flavour. The fruit is much like British Queen, observts similar shapes as it ripens, and has an equally rich Pine flavour, but colours-up better all over the fruit. It has the advantage also of coming-in some three weeks befoie that ex- cellent variety. Re-introduced here to make the set complete. Iluiidrctlfold (fig. 4G), likewise ripens very early, and is very September 'J, 1875. ] joubnaij of hokticolture and cottage gardener. good either for the dessert or for an early preserving kind on acoonnt of its fine colour and immense cropping qualities. The fruit is large medium, and large, of bright red colour, with thickly-scattered rather prominent seeds ; flesh solid, pale red through, juicy, with a briak refreshing flavour, when fally ripe haviag a trace of the iiautbois. The plant is of vigorous healthy habit and bears well at once, but the second J3 J sii 'J I J t ) Fig 4b— Huudielfold Fib 47 — Vm> 1 (jb^art and following years, as its name implies, it turns ofi an im- mense quantity of fruit. Amy Ilobsart (fig. 47). This is a delicious large medium and occasionally large fruit, having a flavour quite sni gi-iuris. Colour bright palish red ; seed numerous and slightly de- pressed ; flesh solid, pinky white, exceedingly melting and juicy, with a rich piquant flavour quite new. The plant is healthy and a good grower. It is an enormous bearer and early, coming-in with Early Prolific and Duke of Edinburgh, and lasting during the greater part of the Strawberry season. Scarlet Piite (fig. 48). — This is a great favourite and not easily beaten in the high quality of its fruit. It is unfor- tunately not a very large fruit, being chiefly medium and large medium, but when very well grown tolerably large. The woodcut presents a fair medium specimen. Colour a beautiful -^, j?ig. 48.— Scarlet Pine darkish scarlet; flesh pinky white, solid, and juicy, with an exquisite high piquant flavour scarcely exceeded by any known variety. Seeds numerous and prominent, it therefore packs and travels to a distance better than most other sorts. It also stands wet weather better than almost any other variety. In season it forms a connecting link between the early and mid- season crops, and is altogether a most recherchC sort for the dessert. The plant is a first-rate grower and very hardy. All the foregoing sorts are uniformly great bearers. — W. Eoden, M.A., M.D., Morningsidc, Kidderminsler. [Portraits of late varieties next week. — Ens.] Eaklt Beatbice Peach in America. — This, says the " Gar- dener's Monthly," has {raited in various parts of the Union as we learn from several correspondents, all of whom agree that it is earlier than Hale's Early, which hag so far proved our best early I'each. ALEXANDRA PALACE. GREAT INTERNATIONAL FRUIT SHOW. September 2nd. Althougu this was both a great and good Show, we thought it scarcely commensurate with the ellorts that had been made, with the amount otiered in prizes, and with its imposing name. There is, however, a suspicion, if not somethiug more, that neither flowers nor fruit will ever look so good as they really are in this lofty and highly embellished hall. The high colouring of the edifice, the almost tiring blue of the ceiling, the scarlet tiags and the gilded monarchs, are not the fittest associations for showing to advantage the natural colours of the earth's products. In an edifice less ornate and unbroken by elaborate columns a collection of fruit such as this would have been more striking in its effect; the force of the picture was in a measure lost by the extensive and artistic frame. It is not possible to give a full and satisfactory report of this Exhibition owing to the resuecitation of the almost obsolete system of exhibiting under numbers, and the delay necessarily caused in first attaching the names and subsequently the prize cards. When this work is not completed until after the ad- mission of the public it is impossible to take due note of the collections. The time lost in attaching the awards was the cause of complaint on the part of exhibitors and spectators. A simple and more expeditious system is generally adopted at most great- exhibitions. The Exhibition was divided into eleven divisions and eighty classes, most of which were filled, although in some there was but little competition. First in the schedule, and first also in point of interest, were the collections of fruit. For sixteen sorts of fruits Mr. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers, won with a highly- finished collection, consisting of Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Lady Downe's, and Waltham Seedling Grapes, all of which were fine, but the berries of the latter were slightly rusted; two Pines, two Melons, Golden Gem being especially noteworthy; Bellegarde Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, Kirke's and Jefferson's Plums, Williams's Bon Chrutieu Pears, Morello Cherries, and Moorpark Apricots. The second award went to Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, and the third to Mr. Goodacre, gardener to Lord Harrington. 'These were very superior collections. In the collections of twelve sorts excluding Pines some capital dishes were staged, the principal honours falling to Mr. Gough, Little Malvern Court ; Mr. Rushmore, Tendring Hall, Stoke; and Mr. Irving, gardener to the Duke of Hamilton, in the order named. The collections from which both Pines and Grapes were excluded were also very good; Mr. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp, winning with Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Melons, Figs, Apples, Pears, Cherries, and. Apricots, all of which were good. 'The second prize falling to Mr. Chard, gardener to Sir F. Bathurst. Pines were not numerous iu the classes, but an imposing con- tribution of twelve Smooth Cayennes from Mr. Wilson, gar- dener to Earl Fortescue, were especially worthy of notice ; they were sixteen months from suckers, and averaged C lbs. each, and an extra prize was deservedly awarded. The other principal prizetakers were Mr. Jones, Windsor; Mr. Wilson, Mr. Plum- mer, Cannon Hill Park ; Mr. Harris, Singleton Gardens ; and Mr. Chamberlain. Grapes, especially the black kinds, were very good, many of the Muscats not being highly finished. For eight varieties, one bunch of each, Mr. Upjohn, Worsley Hall, was placed first, Messrs. Lane & Son second, and Mr. Sellon third. The sorts were Gros Colman, good in bunch, berry, and colour; Muscat of Alexandria, not quite ripe; Black Alicante, splendid; Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater, Lady Downe's, Tynningham Muscat, and Muscat Hamburgh. For four varieties Mr.Cole- mau and Mr. Bones were the only exhibitors, and stood in the order named. Mr. Coleman's fruit was very fine in all proper- ties, but Waltham Cross was again slightly rusted; this is evidently a distinct and fine acquisition amongst late white Grapes. For the best three bunches of Black Hamburgh there were ten exhibitors, and Mr. Coleman was again to the front with grand bunches splendidly coloured and without spot or blemish, followed by Mr. Wildsmith with well-fiuished bunches, Mr. Allward, and Mr. Upjohn. For Muscat Hamburghs, which were generally not well coloured, Messrs. Lane & Son, Mr. Bloxham, and Mr. J. Lane stood in the order named. For Madresfield Court Mr. Cox won with fairly good examples, followed by Mr. Wattam. For Black Alicante Mr. Farrance and Mr. Edmonds stood in the order named ; the first-prize bunches especially being admirable examples of culture. For Lady Downe's Mr. Coleman won with medium bunches, but fine, clear, jet black berries; he was followed by Mr. Earp and Mr. Wildsmith. For Muscat of Alexandria Messrs. Lane & Son won with immense bunches, but not highly finished berries. 234' JOUKNAL OF HOHTXOULTURE AND COTIAGE GAUDENEK. [ September 9, 1875. followed by Mr. Edmonds and Mr. Akeburet. In the single- bunch classes the Black Hambarghs were excellent, as also were the Alicautea and Lady Downe's, the Muscats lacking finish, and the solitary bunch of Golden Champion being only a mode- rate specimen of its kind. The chief prizewinners in this section were Messrs. Coleman, Wildsmith, Irving, Upjohn, Edmonds, and Messrs. Lane & Son. In the classes for flavour the qualities in blacks stood — Black and Muscat Hamburghs, and Madresfield Court, the growers being Mr. Cox, Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Thomas, Whetstone ; and in whites Mr. Wattam, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Bones won with Duchess of Baccleuch, Muscat of Alexandria, and Canon Hall Muscat respectively. The entries were numerous, but the bunches were generally poor. For the heaviest black bunches Mr. Goodacre won with a CJ lli. bunch of Black Hamburgh with poor berries ; and for whites Mr. Edmonds was first with Syrian weighing 5J lbs. The classes both for weight and flavour were not satisfactory, the big bunches not being fit to place on any gentleman's table; and as to iiavoBr there was a poor return for the prizes offered, and which, indeed, were hardly needed to elicit the well-proved fact that well-grown examples of the staple varieties are always good in quality. For the 12-lb. baskets there was good competition of first- class produce, Mr. Culeman winning in blacks with Black Ham- burgh, followed by Mr. Akehnrst and Mr. Thomas. For whites Mr. Bashford won with Muscat of Alexandria, followed by Mr. Akehurst and Messrs. H. Lane iS: Son. In Class C, for two bunches of specified varieties, there was but little competition, except in the Black Hamburgh class. The fruit generally was not of superior merit, except the finish of Mr. Luokhurst's Muscats, which was very noticeable. The principal winners wei-e Messrs. Lnckhurst, Mackie, Hoard, Crane, and Le Sueur. Messrs. Lane & Son had capital examples of pot Vines heavily laden with fruit. Of the Grapes, of which about five hundred bunches were exhibited, the blacks, especially the Hamburghs and Alicantes, were splendid, but the whites were generallj' deficient in fiuish. The baskets were an admirable display, and the "large bunch" and "best flavour" classes closely ap- proached failure. The division for foreign exhibitors only, was not a success, ex- cept as regards the Pears, and of these good specimens were Bent. The Pine classes were empty, and the majority of the Grapes were indifferent. Muscat "Befire" was the best, and Gros Colman was f lirly good, but it is clear that our foreign friends cannot teach us any good lessons in Grape-growing, yet the fruit was generally set up in good condition, while many of the English Grapes had been injured in packing and transit. Disfigurement in this respect was very noticeable. In this division some good collections of Apples were sent, but not equal to the best examples of home culture. The winners were in Grapes Mr. Le Sueur, and in Pears and Apples Mr. Bashford and Mr. Pluck. In Division E, which embraced Peaches, Keetarines, Plums, Pears, Apples, and Figs, a really splendid spread of fruit re- sulted. In the classes for twelve and six Peaches upwards of thirty dishes were staged, the majority possessing great merit. For twelve fruits Mr. Coleman had the first award for Crasvford's Early, fine in size and colour; Mr. Jones being second with Bellegarde, a model dish ; Mr. Grant following with an excellent dish of Chancellor. For sis fruits the first honours went to Mr. Cos with VioletteHative, followed by Mr. Wildsmith withBoyal George, and Mr. Smith, Bentbam Garden?, with Noblesse. A beautiful dish of Dr. Hogg was exhibited by Mr. Luckhurst. Nec- tarines were also an admirable display, twenty-two dishes being staged with scarcely an indifferent fruit in the entire collection. In tho class for twelve fruits Mr. Coleman was placed first with fine and highly-coloured fruits of Pitmaston Orange, Mr. Luck- hurst fjilowing with admirable examples of Lord Napier; and in the class for six Mr. McClure won with splendid fruit of Violette Hative, followed by Mr. Akehurst with Elruge. Of Figs eight very fine dishes competed, the first and second awards falling to Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Chard, for Brunswicks. For Plums, twelve of any sort, there was a great display of nearly forty dishes, Mr. Stephens and Mr. Bridgemau winning with Green Gage and Jefferson's; Mr. Lane had also an extra award for Jeflei sou's. This was a very successful class, the whole of the fruit being of fine size and finish. Pn.vRs AND ArpLEs. — Of these there was an admirable ex- hibition. For twelve Pears, two of each, there were sixteen competitors ; Mr. Jones. Mr. Bashford, and Mr. Pluck taking the honours with splendid examples of Beurrc Clairgeau, Gene- ral Todtleben, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurru Bachelier, Baurrij d'Amanlis, &c. For six fruits of Jargonelle Mr. Palling, Mr. Gocdacre, and Mr. Gough had the awards ; for six of any other sort Mr. Upjolmwua first with Fondante d'Automne, followed by Mr. J'oorman, and Mr. Jones, with Williams's Bon Chic' lien; and for si. \ heaviett Pears Mr. Bashford won with Belle de Jersey, weighing tj\ 11 . Apples were extensively exhibited, but several dishes were in- correctly named. For a collection of dessert kinds there were sixteen competitors, Mr. Plack, Messrs. G. & J. Lane and Mr. Holder standing in the order named, and for twelve ripe desserii kinds there were eleven entries, Mr. Webb winning. In the class for six sorts of baking Apples there was a grand display, twenty-six competing, Mr. Cocks and Mr. Pluck being the most successful. The finest sorts were Warner's King, Lord Sulfield, Kentish Fillbasket, Alfristou, Dutch Codlin, Blenheim Pippin, and Eeinette du Canada. For the six heaviest Apples Mr. Pluck won with London Pippins, weighing libs. 13 ozs., followed by Mr. Chisholm with Warner's King, weighing i lbs. 12i ozs. Melons were generally small. In the Green-fleshed section twelve fruits were exhibited, the best being Golden Gem, Worcester Hybrid, and Golden Perfection, from Mr. Tyler, Bishop Stortford ; Mr. Gough, and Mr. Chafl respectively. In the Scarlet-fleshed section eight fruits were staged, the best being Bead's Netted, Hero of Bath, and Scarlet Gem, from Mr. Ellis, Coombe Warren ; Mr. Wildsmith, and Mr. Boss, in the order named. Mr. Coleman was the most successful exhi- bitor of fruit, winning nine first and two second prizes ; his pro- duce, which was very superior, being secured by Messrs. Webber and Co., Covent Garden. Veget.ibles. — These were exhibited in collections, which were fairly good, but more remarkable for size than for quality and superior finish. Cauliflowers were all overgrown. Celery was coarse, and Parsnips were 4 feet in length. Beans, Peas, Potatoes, 'Turnips,! Carrots, Onions, and Tomatoes were in ex- cellent condition. For sixteen varieties Mr. Cox, Madresfield, and Mr. Holder, Prestbury, were equal firsts, followed by Mr. Turk and Mr. Eushmore. In the collection of six varieties the winners were Mr. Smith, Mr. Bloxham, and Mr. Crane. In Salads two attractive collections were exhibited by Mr. Smith, Bentbam Gardens, and Mr. Holder, who received first and second awards respectively. Miscellaneous. — In this class were interesting contributions. Messrs. Deard & Co. had their hot-water apparatus ; Mr. Voice, improved Cucumber frames; and Mr. Webb and Mr. Cocks seedling Apples, for which certificates of merit were awarded. Fruit-bearing Apple trees lifted from the ground, and exhibited in baskets, by Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were a prominent feature. 'They comprised over fifty sorts, and the trees from 3 to 6 feet in height were heavily laden with fruit. Messrs. T. Kivers & Son also exhibited fruit trees in variety, and an ex- tensive collection of fruits, including branches of Plums of ex- treme fruitfulness. Mr. William Paul had a great collection of fruits the resources of the Waltham Cross Nurseries. Mr. Webb, Beading, staged a very fine collection of Nuts in twenty- eight varieties. Mr. Solomon, gardener to D. Flooke, Esq., sent a gigantic Pumpkin, nearly 7 feet in circumference. Messrs. Brown, Stamford, exhibited splendid specimens of Peasgood's Nonsuch Apple, which somewhat resembles Cellini highly mag- nified. Mr. Yeates had metallic labels ; Mr. Matthews, pottery, &o. ; Messrs. Balderaon (t Knox, insect killers; Mr. Kaye, skele- ton leaves; and Mr. Laxton, new double Pelargoniums Guiding Star, Illuminator, and Emily Laxton. The Judges of the several classes were most painstaking in their duties, and their awards gave general satisfaction. • TAJSLE decorations. It was wise to add to the grand schedule for fruit one for table decorations, for they are always interesting to a large number of people, and as no other flowers were exhibited they gave variety to the stages. I was anxious to see what would be the result in a new locality, whether the old exhibitors would appear on the scene and new ones be added to them. Both classes came forward, and if the results were not very striking as to novelty, neither was there anything very ofi"eusive to the taste. In all I could suggest improvements, although, perhaps, had I to do them myself I should miserably fail. "There were four tables in the first class, which was described as a " table 10 feet G inches long by 5 feet wide, completely laid out for twelve persons, and so arranged as to show the best means of utilising fruit and flowers in its adornment." It was evident that one of the exhibitors could not have read this, for no one could imagine that a plate, a fish knife, and a large silver fork was all that was required for the use of a dinner table. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Soder, gardener to 0. Hanbury, Esq. This was arranged with three centrepieces ; the centre one consisting of a base, middle tray, and long glass top. This was very elegantly and lightly arranged, the top with sprays of Celosia and Grass; the central tray with some charming trusses of a Cape Geranium, some bells of Agapanthus, and Adinntum; the base with blooms of Vallota purpurea and Eucharis ama- zonica intermixed with Adiantum. The side vases were similar without the central tray, the top filled with Cornflower and Grass : the Cornflower was rather jammed down into the glass and spoiled its lightness. The bases were arranged with Water Lily, Vallota, an-d Adiantum. The fruit was arranged in glass baskets, and the table fairly treated with glass, Sec, although I think some ruby glasses would have been an improvement, as there was not overmuch colour in either flowers or fruit. September 'J, 1876. J JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 225 The second prize, awarded to Mr. G. B. Wood, Hornsey Biae, wa3 a fairly arranged table, although the ilower arraiigement was somewhat heavy, the base of tho ceutral piece beiut; lilled with Gardenias aud Uerauiums. The fi niton this table was very good and well arranged, but altogether it was greatly inferior to the first prize. The third prize was awarded to Miss Money, Alexandra Palace. In this there was great heaviness ; the cen- tral piece completely hid those sitting opposite to one another, the glass itself being heavy and also heavily crowded with flowers. The quantity of fruit was enormous. There were four dishes piled up of Plums, two enormous dishes of Grapes, Peaches, etc., at each end; and I can only imagine that the previous menu was so scanty that the guests were expected to make up in fruit. In the class for three stands arranged with flowers for the dinner table there were some very good entries. The first prize was awarded to Mr. J. Hudson, Champion Hill. The central Btaud was composed of a Palm, with Eucharis and Vallota ar- ranged round the base ; the sides two March stands, with GrasseB, Agapautluis, Lapageria and Lapageria alba, and Anthurium Scherzeriauum. The second went to Mr. Soder for three stands, rather too tall, but very elegant ; Grasses at the top, with Salvia patena. There was also a want of proportion between tho size of the base and the length of the stands. Tho third was won by Mr. Chard, gardener to Sir F. Balhurst, with a set of three stands with glass cornucopias : it was pretty, but too iinnicking. An extra award was made to Mrs. Stuart, Si, Seven Sisters Road. In the class for two pieces the first went to Mr. W. L. Buster for two vases, dissimilar, but either of which would be much appreciated by anyone for their drawing room. They were most elegantly arranged with RusssUia juncea. Climber Fern, Bonvardias, and the pretty Forget-me-not Impcratrice Eliza- beth. These were very tasteful and pretty vases. The second (Mr. J. S. Chard), were two similar vases with one central piece and three smaller ones at side; the flowers at the base were rather too large and heavy. The third (Mr. J. Hudson) were two dissimilar vases ; one a glass basket, charmingly arranged Hoses, and an upright vase arranged with Trilonia and Oaoidium flexaosum, an admirable flower for such purposes. Extra awards were made to Miss McKenzie and Miss Hyder. The bouquets call for no particular remark. With one or two exceptions they had the too-prevailing fault of himpinees. The plant cases, in which Ferns were tho plants used, were not numerous ; the best was exhibited by Messrs. Dick Radclytfe and Co., who had the first award, followed by Messrs. M8r.shall and Co. and Mr. Sinclair. For wedding bouquets tho awards went to Mr. Studd, Heaton Mersey, Miss Money, and Mr. Boiisey ; and for three opera bouquets to Miss Money, Mr. Bonsey, and Mr. Sinclair in the order named. — D., Deal. CEYSTAL PALACE AUTUMN FRUIT SHOW. Septemeeh 7th, This Exhibition was only of moderate extent, and the fruit, except in the hardy classes, was not of superior quality. In the collections of fruit Mr. Bannermau, gardener to Lord Bagot, secured first honours with an admirable display, consist- ing of a splendid Queen Pine, large Trebbiano and Black Prince Grapes, a good Marquis of Ailsa Melon, handsome Barrington Peaches, capital Brown Turkey Figs, and Pitmaston Orange Nectarines. Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle, had tho second place with a good and well-ripened Cayenne Pine, Grapes in ex- cellent condition, and a good Melon, but tho Peaches and Nec- tarines were rather small. Mr. J. Lane, gardener to Major- General Fytche, Pyrgo Park, E)mford,had the third place with a very handsome Pine, a large Melon, and good Peaches, Nec- tarines, and Figs, the Grapes being the weak point in this col- lection. Mr. Pitts, gardener to Mrs. Mayo, Riverdale, Dorking, had the fourth award. Pines. — These were not extensive, yet some very nice fruits were staged. For the best Queen Mr. Fillery, gardener to S. D. Sassoon, Esq., had the premier award for a plump well-coloured fruit. Mr. Plummer, gardener to R. Thornton, Esq., being placed second with a nice tapering fruit ; Mr. Goodacre having the third award for a good but somewhat over ripe fruit. For the beat fruit of any other variety Mr. G. T. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, won with a good unnamed fruit weighing 5"i lbs., followed by Mr. Plummer with a capital Smooth Cayenne ; and Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, for a medium- Bized Charlotte Rothschild. GR.s.rES. — These classes were characterised by useful table fruit of medium size. Messrs. Lane & Sou were placed first for Black Hamburgh with well-shouldered bunches, good in berry and colour; followed by Mr. Crane, The Gardens, Logshill, Chialehurst, and Mr. Alexander, gardener to R. Burgess, Esq , Sutton, Surrey. There were seven competitors. For Muscat of Alexandria Messrs. Lane i.t Son were again pre-eminent with large bunches which had done duty in "another place;" Mr. Clarke, gardener to J. Raines, Esq., Nightingale Lane, Ciapham Common, Laving the second award for nice shapely bunches Mr. Ansell, Castletower, Wimbledon Park, being placed third with larger bunches, but the fruit was not fully ripo. For three bunches of any white variety excep; Muec.it of Alexandria Messrs. Lane i' Son again won with good examples of Foster's White Seedling, followed in the order named by Mr. Hall with Buckland Sweetwater, and Mr. Alexander with Golden Cham- pion; the latter were fine iu the berr}', but were somewhat spotted. For black Grapes, Black Haraburgbs excluded, Mr. Bannerman won with three medium-sized buuches of Gros Col- man with splendid berries, black and spotless. Messrs. Lane and Son had the second place with Muscat Hamburgh; Mr. Jones, gardener to E. Purser, Eeq., Carshalton, being third with the same variety. For the "heaviest" bunch Mr. Crane won with a respectable bunch of Black Hamburgh weighing i lbs. 0 ozs. ; Mr. Goodacre being second with a bunch marked .5J lbs , but the berries had not been thinned, and it was practi- cally worthless; Mr. Taylor, gardener to S. Johnstone, Esq., Hampstead Heath, having the third prize. This class was disappointing. Peaches. — Of these a very fine display was etaged by thirty- eight competito.-s, Mr. Bannermau wi.Tning with a dish of Barrington, splendid in size and colour; Mr. Douglas being second with a handsome dish of E.iquisite, having a decided Apricot tinge; Mr. Harris, gardener to G. L. Norman, Esq., Oakley, Kent, having the third place with a dish of Royal George. Extra second prizes were awarded to Mr. Allen, gardener to S. Owens, Esq., Woodlands, Beckenham, for a beautiful dish of Priucesa of Wales, nearly white; Mr. Ansell with Gros Mignonne; and Mr. Harper, The Elms, Epsom. Nectarines. — This was also a fine display, compiisiug twenty- six dishes. Mr. Tillery, Welbeck, had the premier place with the best dish of Victoria which has this year been exhibited. The fruit were in perfect colour, and upwards of 1\ inches in diameter; Mr. Jordan, gardener to J. Bunstead, Esq., Wimble- don, had the second place with Violetto H;itive ; Mr. Moorman, gardener to the Misses ChrLstio, Kingston-on-Thaines, bting third with Elruge. Extra second prizes were a.varded to Mr. Holliday, gardener to J. Morris, Esq., Castle Hill, Bletohingley, with Rivers' Pine Apple; and iilr. Corp, g.irdener to S. A. Steel, Esq., LittlecDt, Streatham Common, with Elruge. Figs. — In this class there were five competitors, Mr. Chisholm, gardener to E. C. Taylor, Esq., Boughton Place, Maidstone, winning with very fine Brunswicks; Mr. Neighbour, gardener to G. Wjthes, EBq.,Bickley, being second ; and Mr. Bannermau third with Brown Turkeys. CnEEEiES.— Of this seven dishes competed, and the fruit gene- rally was very good. Mr. Sage, Ashridge Gardens, won with splendid Moreilo.=, followed by Mr. Miles and Mr. Chisholm respectively. Plums. — This was a remarkably fine display, there being no less than thirty-eight competitors with three dishes each, taxing to tho utmost the discriminatory powers of the Judges. They eventually decided in favour of Mr. Sage, who had Jefferson's and Washiugtons iu perfect condition, and a fiue dish of Kirke's. Mr. Holder, gardener to W. Balston, Esq , Springfield, Maid- stone, had the second place with Washiagt>n, Jefferson's, and Green Gage ; Mr. Jones, Carshalton, being third with Washing- tou, Jefi'eraon'B, and Kirke's; and Mr. Douglas fourth with Trans- parent Gage, Bryanston Gage, and Jefi'ersou's. A finer display of Plums than the above has seldom been seen. Melons. — Of these twenty-six nice table fruits were staged. In the Green-fleshed section Mr. Harris, Oakley, won with an attractive and finely- flavoured fruit of Beechwood; Mr. Webb, Calcot, being placed second; and Mr. Gadd, Castle Garden, Dorking, third with Golden Perfection. In the Scarlet-fleshed section Mr. Pitts, Riverdale, won with a handsomely-netted fruit of Read's, followed by Mr. Kneller, Mahhauger Park, with Victory of Bath, and Mr. Harper v.'ith Turner's Scarlet Gem. An extra first prize was given to Mr. Sage, Ashridge, for a highly- flavoured fruit of Colston Basset, white llosh. Pe-uis. — For three dishes of nine fruits each a very fine dis- pLay was made by tv.enty-four competitors, the fruit generally being of very great merit. Mr. Neighbour won with a grand dish of Beurio d'Amanlis, highly-coloured Louise Bonne of Jersey, and splendid Williams's Bon Chretiens; Mr. Sage, Ash- ridge, following with Williams's Bon Chrolian, Jargonelle, and a splendid dish of Fondante d'Automne ; Mr. Longman having the third awai-d with Williams's Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, and Gratioli. In single dishes for the best-flavoured Pears Mr. Moorman, Mr. Longman, and Mr. Holder stood iu the order named, each with WiUiama's Ban Chretien. Apples. — Here was the finest feature of the Exhibition, many grand dishes being stased. For four dishes of nine fruits eacli Mr. Murreil, gardener to A. R. Allerton, Esq., Prittlowell, Essex, won with noble dishes of Cox's Pomona, Beauty of Waltham, Alexander, aud Lord Suffield. Mr. J. R. Swinnerton, Swanley, Kent, had the second award with Hawthuruden, immense fruit, " Coun5ellor.s," Early Marie, and Lord Sufiield; and Mr. Hay- cook, Barham Court, the third place, with Reinette du Canada very fine, Warner's King, Lord Suffield, and Alexander. An 22G JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 9, 1875. extra award was made to Mr. Jones, Carshalton. There were one hundred dishes of some of the fSnest fruit ever exhibited. In the Dessert class of four dishes each about the same number competed, llr. Webb, Caleot, won with Ked A&trachan, Red Quarrenden, Early .Julien, and Cox's Orange Pippin; Mr. Holder, Springfield, being second with "Jefferson" (Duchess of Oldenburgh), Kerry Pippin, Red Quarrenden, and Cox's Orange Pippin. Mr. J. R. Swinnerton had the third, and Mr. Longman the fourth awards. In the Miscellaneous class prizes were awarded to Mr. Sleat and Mr. Goodacre for collections of hardy fruits ; Mr. Webb for a collection of nuts; and Mr. Lakeman for vegetables; to Mr. Laing, Stanstead Park Xurseries, for a group of admirably- grown decorative plants ; Mr. Coppin, Croydon, Roses ; Mr. Turner, Dahlias ; Messrs. Lane A- Son, Grapes ; Mr. Solomons, a gigantic Gourd ; Mr. W. Paul, three hundred named varieties of Pears and Apples ; and Mr. Waterer, Knap Hill, Cupressus Lawsoniana ereota viridis, in handsome, dense, green columns. base to tips. Meyerbeer and Norma were grand, and Orphue, Schiller, and Horace Vernet very good. Mr. Douglas exhibited his own seedlings in a great variety of colour, some of the scarlets being very bright. For six spikes not in commerce, Mr. Kelway, Mr. Coppin, Croydon, and Mr. Douglas had the awards in the order named. In Messrs. Kelway's stand Lord Howard, salmon rose ; Queen Mary, blush and purple ; and Lord Petre, scarlet and crimson, i are grand varieties; and Reginald Pole, Edward Courteney, and Simon Rindel are also excellent. The Rev. H. H. Dombrain also exhibited a beautiful seedling resembling Norma. Certifi- cates were awarded for these fine new varieties. CLEVELAND HOUSE, CLAPHAM PARK.— No. 2. THE RESIDENCE OF S. EALLI, ESQ. Good gardening, in whatever place it is found, ia always Fig. 4[).— Portion of carpet bed at clevelamd house. 1. Sempervivum californicum and Sedum glaucum. 2. Alternanthera paroDychioides. Certificates of merit were awarded to Mr. Turner, Slough, for the following Dahlias— Sairey Gamp, Mrs. Standish, Samuel Plimsoll, and Barmaid ; and to Mr. Bawlings for Mr. Bennett. Prizes were also offered for cottagers' Vegetables, of which a creditable display was made. The exhibition was well managed, the judging and awarding of the prizes being effected smoothly, epeedily, promptly, and satisfactorily. Gl.ujioi.i.— Of these very fine spikes of the best varieties were exhibited. For thirty-six spikes Messrs. J. Kelway & Son had, as usual, the premier award. The blooms were massive, and 4. Echeveria Becnnda glauca. 5. Altemanthcra amo_.na. Mode of Planting. 3. Mesembryanthemum cordifoliuin variegatum. worthy of mention as a just recognition of the skill of a culti- vator and as an incentive to others who are aiming at success. In many large establishments high-class gardening is to be seen, and not less true is it that superior examples of taste and skill are exercised iu the grounds of villa residences. That this ia so at Cleveland House is seen by the sketch which was given last week, where, ho'wever, the planting of bed A was inad- vertently given under bed c, and vice vvrsd. A farther outline is appended of one of the £nest and best-arranged borders of flowers to be found iu the vicinity of the metropolis. The the foliage was also good. In the rich colours the best were , ._ -- , . , xi u" o . . • -i^u- j i ~„ Seron, Phineus, Orbono, Meyerbeer, Minerva, Pitho, and Horace ; bank (fig. 50) is bO yards in length by 8 feet in width, and forms Vernet. Of the soft scarlets ami salmons Pythis, Thnnberg, the western boundary to a perfectly-kept lawn. In this border Pionay, Umbro, Galemns, and Rev. H. H. Dombrain splendid Boses and Lilacs: Syren, Orphce, Erilins, Petilius, and Cul thar. Lights : Etendard, Shakespeare, Clymenus, and Eugene Scribe, in this class Mr. Douglas had the third prize with his own seedlings. In the class for twelve spikes the old rivals and old friends, Rev. H. H. Dombrain and Mr. Douglas, again met, Mr. Dombrain taking the lead with spikes expanded almost from the Coleus in the circles and connecting links is in splendid condition. The bed (fig. 49) is noted as an effective example of carpet bedding, simple in design and easy to carry out, and which shows to advantage by the side of the intricate patterns which are now becoming fashionable. The chief effect of this bed consists in the Alternautberas and Echeverias, numbered September 0, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COT'l'AGE GAUDENEU. 211 2, 1, and 5, being distinctly raised above the groundwork of MeBembryanthemum No. 3. Tile figures are on a scale of a quarter of an incli to the foot. But, as I foreshadowed last week, it is not for the flower garden alone that this place is noteworthy, for there is an example of Vine-growing such as any man may be prond to show to his friends. The vineries are (iu feet in length, and the canes are of the kind from which first prizes are made. The Vines were plant- ed ia June, 1874, and there are a few good Grapes on the nursing canes. It ia not much to say, perhaps, that the wood of this season reaches the top of the house, and that it is ripening well ; but when on measurement of the first half-dozen rods the circumference of each is found to be '2h inches, and the joints are many of them within 3 inches apart, we find that bone and sinew preponderates over pulp, and that these Vines are as worthy of hon- ourable mention as are the flower beds. These Vines are planted wholly inside in loam and bones. They are 2 feet apart, with an idea of resting the permanent canes and re- moving the nurses. But (inery, Messrs. Douglas, Luck- hurst, Abbey, and other ex- perienced cultivators — what will become of the roots of the nurses when their heads are cut away '! Will they decay and engender fungus, and will this fungus spread to the living roots and endanger the welfare of the permanent Vices ? Many besides Mr. Legg would be glad of a more satisfactory answer to that problem than is as yet au- thoritatively promulgated. Whether is it preferable to remove the superfluous Vines — the early slaves— or rest every alternate Vine annually, and let all remain to do a share of work ? They are 2 feet apart. Think of that and of the fungus liability of dead roots, and give your verdict on the evidence which experience has afforded. Mr. Legg's plan in produc- ing these substantial and re- markably short-jointed canes has been to reverse the treat- ment which has so often pro- duced a frothy long-jointed growth — viz. , a high tempera- ture in the early stages uf the Vine's growth. These were started and grown-on as cool as possible, and not until they had attained substance was heat afforded, and then and now applied for ripening the wjod. That is a rational and, as the Vines prove, a « to MJ "-J o « (5 o'er c; J.'' ^ 53^ g B 5 S S B ^ p c ■a » 3 B b; D :r B-B 2 = O .- Bk p a 228" JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I September 9, 1875. correct mode of treatment, and unleBS an accident occurs or a mistake is made something more v^iW bo heard of these fine Vines. To a majority of gardeners they are as interesting as the beds, and as well worthy a visit. Go and see them, and produce others, hke.them. With that advice I leave the Vines for a " bit of plant-growing." It is only fair to bear in mind that the iJouta here are only two years old, and yet these young plants have already won first prizes, not at mere local shows, but in such competition as is met with at the Regent's Park and Crystal Palace. Mr. Legg was also successlul in carrying away two of the silver cups offered by Mr. Bull at the Show at South Kensington on May 12th. On inspecting these plants the visitor is struck with their quick growth, perfect health, and absolute cleaulines.?. They.are grown in a spacious, well-heated, span-roofed house, supplemented by a brick pit, also well heated. Amongst the most striking plants are the Crotons. Their size, health, and colour, combined with age, are worthy of note. Croton Wies- mannii within two yciTs from the cutting is upwards of 4 feet in diameter at the base, and was until recently 7 feet 6 inches in height, but is now shortened, and half-a-hundred cuttings are struck. C. Youngii is of the same age and size, with foliage 18 inches in length ; 0. uudulatum and G. angustifolium are 4 f€et through and 5 feet G inches in height at seventeen months from cuttings. Croton Johannis struck in December last is -IJ feet hiyh, and fully 3 feet acroes, with leaves 1§ foot long, and beautifully coloured. These are handsomely fur- nished plants, with the foliage almost hiding the pots. C. ma- jestioum, 0. volutuni, and C. spirale are also progressing with equal vigour. The above are a few of the most distinct Cro- tons, and fchould have a place in all collections of stove plants. In the same house is Dipladeuia Brearleyana, unquestionably the finest of the Dipladenias, which had lately thirty-five blooms open at the same time ; last year this plant was in a 3-inch pot. Alocaeias, of the same age as the Crotons, are 4 feet through. Diefftnbachia Bauseii has six fine stems 4 feet in heigbt, and D. nobilis has a stem 3 inches in diameter with noble folioge ; the top of this plant is being struck to form an exhibition plant for next year. In the same vigorous way are Dracasnas, AUamandas, Bougainvilleas, &a., cultivated. Ne- penthes are also laden with splendid pitchers ; and the best of the Palme, including Cocos Weddelliana, Diemonorops palem- banicns, Ac, are in admirable condition. Orchids are in the same ordtr of luxuriance, a growth of Dendrobiummoschatum, for instance, being 8_feet in length. Mr. Legg is also trying his hand at Heath culture with a healthy and promising collection. The secret of Mr. Legg's success lies in unchecked supplies of water to the roots of his plants, also in the atmosphere, and a constant use of the sponge. He uses no insect- killers be- yond soft soap, and this in the form of a preventive. It is impossible to find plants more clean and healthy than are these. Enough has been said to suggest that this small gar- den is worlhy of a visit. It has been wholly remodelled within the space of two years, and is a laudable example of %vhat can be accomplished by hard work and indomitable perseverance when combined with sound taste. In this little place Mr. Legg has won great success as a gardener, aided, however, not a little by the liberality of his employer, who erjoys his garden, and is willing that others should enjoy it also. Owner and gardener are alike deserving thanks — the one for his kindness and the other for his skill in making that kind- ness a treat to the numerous visitors. — W. MIGNONETTE FOR SPRING DECORATION. Few plants are more charming in the early months of spring than well-grown examples of this fragrant and popular flower. It is enjoyable at all times and under every form of culture, from the familiar bed in the summer garden to the fine pyramids of pot-culture which are produced by skilled adepts. But in no form is it more useful than when produc- ing its dense healthy clusters in small pots as used by the decorators of Covent Garden for the adornment of window boxes and other modes of domestic ornamentation. Many are the attempts to produce these healthy pots, and it must be added many are the failures. These failures arise mainly from two causes — viz., growing the plants too closely, whereby they become drawn ; or watering them too freely in the winter, when they become diseased and die off. Yet these pots of fragrance are easily producible if the following points of practice are strictly attended to. The present is the best time to sow the seed for spring blooming, which should be in 48-pot3 well drained. The soil should consist of equal parts of turfy loam and well-rotted cow dung. Press the soil down rather firmly, and sow the seeds thinly on the surface, and cover them slightly with fine soil. Plunge the pots in a cold frame in ashes within 8 inches of the glass, placing a piece of slate under each pot to prevent the roots from penetrating through the pots. Water rather sparingly till the seed germinates. When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin them out to about twelve plants, after which only allow six to remain, keeping the strongest, after which tbey should have very little water. Give abun- dance of air night and day, and leave the lights off altogether on favourable occasions. Discontinue watering from the latter end of November till the latter end of February. This is where the secret of success consists, for if they are watered through the winter they become drawn, and the result is weakly plants and little bloom. Never mind the plants flagging a little, which sometimes they will do when the sun is powerful on them. In March they should be taken out of the plunging material, but still be kept in the frame close to the glass. They will now require liberal supplies of water, and must not be allowed to become dry. As growth progresses place a thin neat stick to each of the plants, which will admit the air amongst them and allow the lateral shoots to become strong. When in full growth give liberal supplies of liquid manure, especially after they have set their bloom. The points to attend to are firm and rich soil, all the light and air possible during the winter months, little or no water for two months after the plants are fairly established, and abundant supplies when spring growth has fairly commenced. If the pots are plunged iu ashes only a little covering on the glass is needful to preserve the plants from frost. By this mode of procedure are the compact and sturdy Covent Garden plants produced. — A. Y. DUNDEE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. Since the enlarged views and enterprising spirit of the Com- mittee culminated in the magnificent encampment in the Baxter Parkin 1867, Dundee has taken the lead in Scottish horticul- tural shows. Superior displays of fruit may be seen at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Shows, but in flowers and vegetables Dundee stands ahead of these cities. Edinburgh offers -£800 in prizes for its international show which comes oli shortly ; Dun- dee, in keeping with its enterprise, offers i'lOOO iu prizes at its international, fixed to come off next year. The Fete, extending over three days, came off in the High School grounds, in the very centre of the town, and was held partly in the High School itself and in three huge marquees. The central one, devoted to flowers, was .SOO feet iu length by 40 in width, 35 feet high in the centre and 8 feet at the sides. Ttie marquee allotted to fruit measured 100 feet iu length by 45 in width, and 35 feet high in the centre, while the marquee for vegetables was of the same dimensions. The entries were as follows— Pot plants, 245 ; cut flowers, 458 ; fruit, 450 ; vegetables, 484 ; dessert tables, 3. Total, 1640. A brilliant assemblage of the rank and fashion of the town and neighbourhood were present on Thursday morning at the opening ceremony. The Earl of Airlie made a thoughtful and eloquent address, and formally declared the Exhibition opened. At the dinner in the Royal Hotel, where James Teaman, Esq., M.P., the President, presided, addresses were delivered by the Earl of Airlie and Lord Kinnaird, Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire, and others. The Fete was formally closed on Saturday evening by Baillie Macdouald, one cf the Vice-Presidents, iu presence of a large gathering of the visitors. Notwithstanding the very extensive and unhappy strike which has prevailed for the last six weeks with 12,000 hands idle, and from 30,(500 to 40,000 people directly affected, and thousands of others materially affected, and those iu work as&isting iu sup- porting those on strike, about 11,000 entered the gates, and the total income was about L'550. Iu flowers the Show was uuexampled, and all the plants were in excellent condition. Among the most commanding was a pot of Lilium auratum grown l)y Mr. James Wilson, gardener to George A. Cox, Esq,, Beechwood, consisting of four noble stems from 10 to 11 feet high, carrying a dozen beautiful flowers each. The challenge cup and £5 for best nine stove plants fell to Mr. McMillan, gardener to Joseph Griraond, Esq., Cochet Castle. Tlie local nurserymen— viz., Messrs. Laird & Sinclair and Messrs. Jolm Stewart i-'Sons, vied with each other in advancing the interests of the Show by sending collections of rare and beau- tiful plants for exhibition, and competing in every department for prizes with no small degree of success. Nurserymen from a distance were conspicuous by the prizes they gained. Ampng these'were Messrs. Dickson & Co., Waterloo Place, Edinburgh ; September 9, 1875. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 229 Messrs. Eobertaon & Galloway, Ingram Street, Glasgow ; Mr. McPherson, Polmuir, Aberiieen ; Messrs. .Tames Cocker & Son, Aberdeen. Though there was a greater competition the fruit was inferior in qnality to that shown last year. Councillor Moncur (ex-Baillie Moncur) was as usual very suocesbfiil, his gardener, Mr. George Reid, winning no less than seven prizes in Grapes. Mr. Wm. Eddie, gardener to J. F. White, Esq., Castle Huntly, won the first prize for heaviest bunch of Grapes, his bunch weighing 8J lbs. Tlirough the effects of the unpropitious spring the vegetables, though abundant, were decidedly inferior. The Parsley of last year would have swamped the greens of this year in bulk. Mr. Peter McArthur, gardener to John Leng, Esq , Kinbrae, New- port (managing proprietor and editor of Dundee Advertiser), gained the first prize for a basket of vegetables, ten varieties. Mr. McArthur won other five prizes in vegetables. Mr. D. Ross, gardener to Col. Macdonald, St Martin's Abbey, who was first.laet year, came in second; Mr. Jobnetone, Ashladie, third. I are figures of various animals out in Box. Upon a level plot stands an Acanthus (now known as an Acacia), bo pliant that I I had almost said it was flowing ; round it is a walk bounded by a dense evergreen hedge out into different shapes There are walks divided in some places by grass plots, iu other ! places by Box trees cut into a thousand shapes, some of which are letters forming my name, and others the name of my gardener (Topiarius)." Wherever they acquired territory the Romans introdacod their arts and customs. Their gardening was no exception, : and long after they had left our land their style of gardening remained. The earliest records of our extensive gardens show that part of their adornment was " opere topiario." This practice long continued predominant, lingered on de- spite the preference for landscape gardening, and still lingers. Peacocks and other devices cut in Yew and Box are to be seen in the gardens of many old residence?. Not very many (years Tl riAIlV ViUEK AT ELVAsTuN CAslLi:. The villagers of Baledgonno in the Carse of Gowrie again dis- tinguished themselves by carrying offjno less than thirty prizes. The Show was in all respects a great success. TOPIABT WOBK. Many modern mansions are dropped as it were in the middle of a park — the turf comes up to their walls. This we consider very bad taste. The gradation from the architecture to the unadorned ground should be gradual. A terrace, or sueeession of terraces, succeeded by a lawn studded with flower beds should intervene between the house and the park. We are so far from objecting to the terraces being bordered with mathema- tically-cut evergreen hedges, that we prefer them in many instances to stone balustrades. The taste for such hedges and other sixteenth-century garden forms is reviving ; mazes, herbaceous borders, and old-fashioned flowers are iu the as- cendant. With the Romans, one of our teachers in the fine arts, Topiarius was an ornamental gardener, and Toiiia the art of cutting shrubs into various forms, and forming other garden decorations. Pliny, in describing his Tuscan villa to his friend Apollinaris, tells that " Before the portico is a terrace adorned with various figure.-=, and bounded by an edging of Box. Below this is a slightly descending gravel walk, on each side of which since the motto of the.'order of the Garter — Honi soii qui mal 1/ pense, was composed in Box in the garden of New College, Oxford. Such topiary work is still well exemplified in parts of the gardens of Elvaston Castle, as shown in the engraving we publish to-day. London goes further than we can follow, for he advocates as appropriate to parterres iu the ancie7it style figures formed of wirework, with evergreens trained over this, and gives as an illustration a man iu a modern beaver hat with his arm round the waist of a female ! EXTRACTS FKOM DR. HOOKER'S REPORT ON THE ROYAL GARDENS AT KEW durixg 1874. The number of visitors to the Royal Gardens continues to increase annually, amounting to (369,420 in the past year, which is 15,5.5(3 in excess of 1873, the highest number pre- viously known. Botanic Gardens. — In this department the hardy Fernery has been constructed and planted. It occupies a winding path 40 yards long, which has been made in continuation of that which runs along the front of the rockwork. About 560 species of Alpine plants were grown upon it last year. The Ferns are planted on both sides of the pathjamongat loose stones, which 230 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. f September 9, 1875. form a low bank backed by evergreens. For the most part the old world spociea are on one side, and the new world ones on the other. An edging of Ivy along the path both tends to keep them cool and damp and to collect the dust raised by the feet of visitors, which in hot dry days, when many thousands are in the garden, ia most prejudicial to the general health of such tender plants. About 150 species and varieties are planted out, many of them represented by both European and Ameri- can specimens. The collection of LiHums has been removed from the south end of the Herbaceous Ground, where they suffered from the intrusion of the roots of trees into soil prepared for them, to the west side of the Ivy collection on the other side of the wall bounding the ground. The collection has been removed and planted in two deep beds of mixed peat and loam with broken bricks, which latter are found to be very advantageous for hold- ing moisture in the light sandy soil of these gardens. The beds are edged with Rhododendron, and bushes of these and Camellias are planted down the centre of each, to provide shade in summer and to protect the young growths from the cutting winds of spring. A collection of carnivorous plants has been arranged on the table on one side of the Orchid House porch, which it has been necessary to protect from the curiosity of the public by a wire fence. During the last year practical lessons in various depart- ments of botany and its kindred subjects have been given to the young gardeners with a view of pieparing them better for their duties in general, and especially of qualifying them for government and other situations in the colonies and India, where a scientific knowledge of gardening, arboriculture, &a. is required. The lessons are given in the evening after work- ing hours, and embrace the elements of structural, systematic, and physiological botany ; of chemistry, physical geography, and meteorology in their application to horticulture ; of eco- nomic botany, forestry, &a. They are given, some in the young men's library, others in the garden or museum. Atten- dance is not compulsory, but anyone commencing one of the courses is required to go through with it and take notes, which are written out in books, and these are examined period- ically. The courses are short, and some of them are repeated twice or oftener during the year, so as to enable a succession of young gardeners (who cannot well attend to more than one course at a time) to obtain instruction in all or most of the subjects taught. It should be premised that no young gardeners are taken into the service of the Royal Gardens who have not passed their apprenticeship elsewhere ; that they come ostensibly for the purpose of self-improvement, and are expected to remain for two years in the service. They, however, seldom remain more than twelve or eighteen months, the fact of having served at Kew b»ing considered so high a recommendation for curator- ship? of botanic and other public gardens, and by persons re- quiring gardeners with a special knowledge of plants, and the demands upon Kew for gardeners to serve in India and the colonies being very frequent. A large stock of the true Liberian Coflee has been obtained through the kind efiorts of Messrs. Irvine A Woodward of Liverpool. This is a larger and perhaps diiiferent variety from that received from Cipe Coast, and which was mentioned in my last year's report (p. 5). Large quantities of both have been sent to the Coffee-growing British possessions, and have arrived in excellent condition. Dr. Thwaites states that the Cape Coast Coffee, the safe ar- rival of which in Ceylon I mentioned in the report of last year, is, notwithstanding that it was immediately attacked by the leaf disease, doing well. He also remarks that "the Cape Coast and Liberian Coffees, although they would seem to differ much as regards size of their respective seeds, yet in the matter of foUaga there is great resemblance between them. In this latter respect they differ considerably from the ordinary Coffee plant of Ceylon ; their leaves being a good deal larger, more firm in texture, and tapering more gradually to the base. " The disease and insect ravages by which of late years Coffee has been attacked in India, Natal, Ceylon, and other colonies has directed the attention of the Local and Home Government to this important culture, and given rise to a very extensive and onerous correspondence with this estabhshment. My at- tention has in consequence been directed — ^(1), to obtaining accurate reports as to the nature of the disease, of which several are confounded under one common epithet; (2), to reoooiaisndiag measures for the cultivation of Coffee in colonies once famous for its production where it has been almost abandoned, as well as in others where the cultivation has been scarcely attempted ; and (3), to the cultivation of new and improved varieties. The demand for seed of Eucalyptus globulus has continued unabated. I am stiU unable to endorse the views of those who regard the tree as capable of cultivation in tropical swamps and as a prophylactic against ague and fever. Dut whilst re- sponding in this sense to the multitudes who write to me on the subject, I have accompanied my answer with a packet of fresh seeds for trial. There is little doubt, however, that in places which are favourable to its growth it will prove a very valuable source of timber of hard quality, and, contrary to the usual habit of hardwooded trees, it is of very rapid growth. The subject of Cinchona cultivation in the now almost aban- doned colony of St. Helena has been again brought under the notice of the Government, owing to the fact of a large propor- tion of the trees introduced there ten years ago from Kew, and whose culture had been abandoned, having been found after years of neglect to be in a flourishing condition. The suita- bility of the soil and climate of that island for Cinchona culti- vation has now been indisputably proved, and the question of continuing and extending it is one that must depend upon other considerations. The successful introduction of this febrifuge into India, Ceylon, and Jamaica being now accom- plished, this subject no longer demands a notice in my report. The prospect of Ipecacuanha cultivation, which ia no less important than that of Cinchona, is far less encouraging. This arises not so much from want of success in establishing and increasing the plant, as from the apparently extremely slow growth of the underground rootstock from which the drug is obtained, and the small yield of even a fully grown plant. Nevertheless, the cultivation must be persevered with. The causes that retard the progress of this valuable herb under cultivation are those that raise the price of it in its native country. Were it a plant that increased rapidly, it would bo with difficulty eradicated in the forests which it inhabits. Tbe plants of the true India-rubber of Para (Hevea bra- sUiensis), which had been taken out to India by Dr. King, Superintendent of the Calcutta Botanic Garden, have safely arrived and have already to some extent been propagated by cutting?. The cultivation of this tree is extremely important, not merely from the valuable quality of the rubber obtained from it, but also in view of the diminished supply from the Indian Ficus elastica, which, owing to its epiphytic germination and mode of growth, is not well adapted for cultivation for this purpose, while severe inroads have been made upon it in the forest where it occurs. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. A LOAN has enabled the Royal Horticultural Society to pay not only the prizes they offered in 1875, but those also of 1874. The Society also purposes to renew its Pbovincul Shows, and that the first shall he held at Liverpool during next June. Sutton & Sons' Royal Berkshire Root Show is to take place on 20th November. It is said to be now the largest in the kingdom. .£220 are offered in prizes. The prizes for their Champion Swede amount to upwards of £35, and Mangold prizes in the aggregate to upwards of £80. There is the novelty of a special class for roots cultivated with sewage ; and prizes for vegetables and Potatoes. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBUEBAN GARDENING. Gathering and Keefino Fruit. — Some may ask. What has this to do with villa gardening ? My answer ia that it ia one of the moat important operations of the season. To take the pains to grow fruit, and neglect the essential points in gathering and keeping it, is like throwing time and labour away. It ia not to be expected that in the uaually limited conveniences appertain- ing to a villa residence that there is a proper place for storing fruit (even professional gardeners often find places deficient of that necessity), but here there ia a atrong reason why more care should be tiken in gathering the fruit ; for depend upon it the more care that ia bestowed npon^the^different sorts^of, fruit the longer and better it will keep. Now let us see what ought to be our guide. First, in the work of gathering, it is a wise provision of Nature that all the fruit upou a tree does not ripen at one and the same time : hence the importance of knowing when a fruit is ripe or fit to gather, and in the beat condition for use. Take Peaches and Nectarines, for inattmce ; their natural colour upon the^tree often leads one Septembei' 0, 1875. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 231 to think they are ripe when they really are not. One way to test these is to take a gentle hold of the fruit between the thumb and second finger, let the finger bt> the testing agent by press- ing the tlesby part of the fruit close or near the stalk ; if tbis is soft the fruit may be safely gathered. But even then I consider that by laying the fruit on a clean paper in a sunny spot under cover sometimes for twelve or twenty-four hours it is better fit for tiible than when fresh gathered; though here the fruit must be watched and used at the proper time, or its richness soon deteriorates. Late sorts of Peaches are seldom so good in flavour as the early and midseason kinds, and require to be gathered a longer time before use. Apricots are perhaps the most peculiar fruit of any to secure properly ripe at all parts. It often happens that the part of tbe fruit most exposed to the sun has a rich-looking colour about it, and is ripe first there, but at other parts is quite hard ; therefore the test applied to Peaches will hardly answer for Apricots, and if they were allowed to hang upon the trees, to which they ad- here very firmly, till the under part was ripe the other part would be worthless. I generally expose my fruit to the sun as much as possible by pulling off all overhanging leaves, and then gather when the under part of the fruit is nearly of the same colour as the top, and lay it out for a day or two it is fit for table. As to Plums there is not much difficulty, for they readily part from the twigs when ripe. Cherries, the dark sorts tell by their richness of colour, and the light-fleshed sorts by their transparency. Of Figs my old tutor used to say they are ripe when the small end was of the same colour as the largest end; however, I found that by waiting for tbis I was often disap- pointed, for not only did the fruit not all colour alike, especially the Brunswick and Brown Turkey, but the fruit often split at the top, and then it soon spoils. I gather as soon as the eye at the top begins to open and the seeds exposed turn to a brown colour, and if the fruit is soft there is not much wrong. Of Pears there is an amount of judgment needed, for some sorts, such as the Jargonelle and Williams's Bon Chretien, should really be gathered before they are quite ripe. I mean that if allowed to remain on the tree till they colour, within twelve or twenty-four hours after that they are not fit for the dessert. Like some sorts of Melons they are ripe before they show it, and especially so if grown on a wall. One test is by catting a likely-looking fruit asunder, and if it has good flesh, with juice exuding from the cut, and the kernels are black, it will be pretty safe to gather. With regard to late Pears, such as keep over Christmas till spring — that is, Easter Beurru, Winter Crasanne, and Winter Nelis, as well as others, they must be gathered when the kernels have changed from a white to a brown colour, for they do not ripen on the tree, but require to be laid up a considerable time, or till their season comes round. Of Apples the early dessert kinds, such as Juneating, Irish Peach, and Red Astrachan are tested by the same means, and 80 are the Codlins and other early kitchen kinds. There are other means of testing : One is to observe when they begin to fall from the tree ; and another is to raise the fruit up j ust above the level of tbe string, and if it is ripe it will part quickly from the tree, and Pears may be safely tested in the same way. All fruit should be gathered when dry, and be put into a basket upon some soft material to prevent bruising. — Thojiis Becobd. DOINGS OF THE LA.ST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. H^LEDY FBUIT O.IBDEN. We continue to store the earlier sorts of Apples and Pears as they are ready for gathering. Pears are gathered at different times from the same tree, at intervals of say a week or ten days, in order to prolong the season. The earliest gathered will ripen first. We are now using Williams' Bon Chretien from standard trees. Other fruit from the same trees has just been gathered, and will not be ready for two weeks longer; by that time the earliest Louise Bonne of Jersey will be ready for use, and also Fondante d'Automne, Beurre d'Amanlis, and Beurre Hardy. Plum trees are actually being broken down with the weight of fruit, especially tbe large kitchen Plums, such as Pond's Seedling, Diamond, Victoria, &c. The Bullace trees, although the fruit is not large, are so overloaded with it that many branches have broken with the weight — some of the trees we propped-up with sticks. It is a mistake to allow the trees to bear such enormous crops, and if time could be spared it would be much better to go over the trees and thin out the fruit early in the season, that which was left would be of much superior quality, and the trees would not suffer; besides, such enormous crops are not required, as much of the fruit is wasted. Those who have recently planted trees should now take notes of them, as it will be necessary to do away with some of the sorts how- ever well selected tbe collection may have been. Many varieties of fruit trees that do well in some gardens, in others are quite worthless ; but it is best to give the trees two or three years' trial before discarding them. Plums generally do well vith m planted out as pyramids, but Braby's Green Gage and Reino Claude de Bavay, both very large late Gige Plums, have after seven or eight years' trial failed to give satisfaction, and as the trees are such rampant growers they must be removed. The fruit cracks and decays before it ripens. Amongst Pears many varieties that produced fine, large, clean fruit on the excellent claj'ey loam in the nurseries of the Messrs. Rivers of Sawbridt,-ewortb, are quite worthless in our soil; two of the best are Doyenne du Comice and Beurre Superfin. The fruit with us is always diseased and cracks badly. Beurre Eance was obtained double-grafted, but the fruit which is produced iu abundance never grows to its full size, and also cracks badly. In good seasons we have had tolerably good fruit, but it is too uncertain to be allowed space any longer. When trees that have grown six or seven years in one place are re- moved it is necessary to trench the ground deeply, and to add some rotted manure and fresh loam; placing some rotted turfy loam round the roots of the trees when planting them is also very necessary. Peach and Nectarine trees on the walls should be Ijoked to as directed two weeks ago, and the shoots that are loose to be nailed-in, not only to improve the appearance of the trees but also to allow the fruit to ripen aud colour well. Any fruit that is shaded with leaves should be exposed by having the leaves laid aside by the hand, or picked off, and this is the more necsL- sary with late Peaches. The same may be said about Vines on walls. Wasps and flies attack the berries before they are ripe, and the best way to pro- tect them is by covering each bunch with gauze bags. Where the lateral growths are crowded it is beat to thin them out and to nail the loose shoots to the wall. Many amateurs and cot- tagers in the south grow very good Grapes upon walls. In favourable seasons Black Hamburgh ripens well, and the Royal Muscadine seldom fails to produce good crops. Dust with sul- phur on the first appearance of mildew. Many persons say that Grapes cannot be grown out of doors as they used to be grown. Probably the reason is that the same amount of attention is not bestowed upon them as heretofore. We have heard people com- plain that their Grapes did not ripen well. How could they when leaves and fruit were smothered with mildew, and scarcely any attention had been bestowed upon them from the time of pruning and nailing in early spring until the fruit was gathered? With the same attention that is bestowed upon Vines under glass good crops of well-ripened Royal Muscadines can be ob- tained nearly every season. We look over the Strawberry beds about once in ten days to cut off the runners that are abundantly produced on the young plants ; we have also run the Dutch hoe through the rows once since the plants were put out early in August ; they will be hoed again in a week or bo. The plants are now free from red spider; if it were not so, watering them with soot water two or three times would destroy the pest. Hoe the ground every- where if there are any weeds. VINEEIES, If the fruit is not quite ripe in the late houses a little artificial heat should be applied to ripen it ; indeed, the temperature at night should not fall below (jj^, with the ventilators a little open both at the front and back of the house. Plenty of ventilation is requisite by day, but the temperature should be kept up to 70' if the days are cloudy, and .5^ or 10° higher during sunshrne. Any shanked or mouldy berries should also be removed at once with the thinning scissors. It is not desirable to have plants in the house at this season, but if it cannot be avoided care should be taken in watering them that no water be spilled about unnecessarily. Pot Vines intended to bear fruit early next year, and that will be started about the end of October or the first week in Novem- ber, should now be cut back to the required length. The pots should be placed in a house where but little artificial heat is used, and no more water be given to the roots than is sufficient to keep them moist and in a healthy condition. GREENHOUSE AND CONSEBV.ITOHY. We shall as soon as convenient remove the hardwooded plants that have been out of doors for the summer mouths into their winter quarters. Before doing so the pots will be cleaned, and the plants be tied and have all withered and decaying leaves removed. The drainage should also be free from any obstructive material ; the health of the plants very much depends upon the free outlet for superfluous water-. The plants ought not to be placed in a position where worms can work up into the pots. To prevent this we place the pots on a couple of bricks. A stout stick is also driven into the ground close to the pot, or if the pot is large two or three sticks. The pot is fastened to the sticks, and there is then no danger of the wind turning the plants over. If worms should get into the pots it will be neces- sary either to turn the plants out and to examine the roots, or water with lime water. When the plants are all arranged in the greenhouse the ventilators should be fully open night and day until the plants become accrrstomed to their new quarters; and if the wea'.h r is very dry it msy be dtsirable to dev/ the plants 232 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENBB. [ September 9, 1875. over with a fiue syringe in the forenoon. This applies particu- larly to Ccuiiellias. How often does one hear of complaints of the buds dropping off, and uo reason can be afeigned for it ? jet it is quite certain that the plants must have received a check in some way, and the most probable reason is that the drier closer atmosphere of the greenhouse or conservatory has disarranged the functions of the plants. It is always safe to damp the paths for a few days at first, and also to draw the syringe over the leaves about twice a-day, and in a week the plants will be reconciled to their new quarters. Cijctamcns that were potted about sis weeks ago have now made vigorous growth, being furniahed with short-stalked healthy leaves, many of them being beautifully marked with silvery bars and veins; so that, independent of the flowers, the plant itself is very attractive. The plants are kept in a cool pit with the ventilators open night and day; they are also near the glass. This is one of our most useful decorative plants for flowering in the winter and early spring mouths, but it will not succeed if the plants are overshaded with other tall-growing specimens, or if they are not near the glass. Sfatice profusa and S. Holfordii are both useful summer- flowering plants ; the first-named is the best, and it is easy of culture. At the present time they require careful attention, as red spider, green fly, and mildew simultaneously attack them. The mildew can only be removed by flowers of sulphur being dusted on the parts attacked ; fumigating with tobacco smoke and syringing will destroy the others. Mildew is the most insidious enemy, and does much mischief before it is observed. Slage Pelargoniums were cut over last week, and are now starting strongly into growth. When the shoots have started about an inch the plants will be shaken out of the pots and repotted, generally into pots a size smaller than that in which they had been previously ; thus the largest specimens are grown in ai-inch pots, and after the roots with part of the old soil has been removed the plant will then go into a 7-inch pot, to be re- potted again into the flowering pot about tho first week in February. PLOWEB OAHDEN. Much of our time has been taken up with the Gladiolus, pre- paring tho spikes ready for exhibition and tying the later spikes to sticks. As many persons now grow the Gladiolus for exhibi- tion a few words on the way in which the spikes are arranged may be useful. Here there is no dressing, but the spikes are cut and exhibited fresh from the hand of Dame Natiare herself. It is necessary to shade the spike ; ours are merely covered with a sheet of paper, which is fastened to three or four sticks placed in the ground and tied at the top. Eaiu does not disturb the paper unaccompanied by wind, nor does wind without rain ; when both are together the papers are torn off and the spikes much injured. It is then necessary to cut the spikes to save them from injury. Messrs. Kelway of Langport are the beat ex- hibitors of this flower, and at present aie the champion growers. They^ cover their stands with green baize, and the spikes are held in the stands in an upright position by being fastened to brass rods fixed in a horizontal position to upright standards of the same material. The stands for twelve soikes are 3 feet by 2 feet. Planted-out Giant Brompton Stocks. The true old sort is not common, but it is a splendid Stock ; the individual flowers are very large, and the spikes of flowers are from a foot to IS inches long.— J. Douglas. HOKTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secketaries will oblige ns by inforiaing ns of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. KtLHiKNOCK.— September lOtli. Mr. M. Smith, II, King Street, Sec. STiMFOHD (BuEGHLEr Paek).— September 15th and ICtli. Mesara. Johnson and LaxtoD, Hon.-Seca. Cetstal Palace Company (Bees aad their appliances).— September 21st to 23rd— Sec., J. Hunter. LoNo SOTTON.— September 23nd and 23ra. Mr. J. W. Swain, See. TioTAL HoRTiccLTuBAL SociETV OF ABERDEEN. — September 23rd. Mr. A. J. Rennie, 123i, (Tnion Street, Aberdeen, Sec. Alexandra Palace fPotitooa).— September 29th and 30th. Mr. P. McKin- lay, 23, Upper Thames Street, London, Hon.-Sec. Jersey.- Autumn October 13th, Chrysanthemums November 10th. Major HowelJ, Spring Grove, St. Lawrence, Hon. Sec. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. B. S. "Williams, Upper HoUoway, Loudon. — Catalogue of Bulbs, Fruit Trees, Roses, tOc. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, London. — A B CBulh Guide and List of Sj^ ring -/lowering Plants, "William Ramsey, Joyniugs Nurseries, Waltham CroES, N. — Catalogue of Boses and Ornamental Trees. William KoUiason & Sons, Tooting, Jjond.on,— Catalogue of Dutch Bulls, Conifers, d-c, Messrs. Dick Radclyffe tt Co., 129, High Holborn, London.— Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and Garden Bcquisites. R. B. Matthews, 65, Victoria Street, BelUnt.— Catalogue of Dutch Flower Boots, .).— One hundredweight of each of the Baits is the quantily per acre to be used. Maidenhair Ferns and Stephanotis Wintering [A Suhscribcr}, — The Maidenhair Fern we presume is Adiantum cuneatum, which will winter quite safely iu a greenhouse, becoming partly or wholly deciduous, and BUould bo kept with the soil moderately moist, and they will start into growth freely in spring and should then be repotted. The Stephanotis may also be kept in a greenhouse, being kept dry, but tho plant will need to bo placed in a brisk moist heat iu spring. Variegated Pelargoniduh for Bedding iIdcm).—Gold€}i Tricolor—M" hambra,LadyCQllam,Mr. Headly, and SirBobert Napier. Quid and Bronze— Constantioc, Harold, Prima Donna, and W. E. Gumbleton. Qolden-Uaved or GohUn-cdgcd—CTy^ioX Palace Gem, Golden Banner, and Pillar of Gold. SiU'iV-variegated.—'PtmQQ Silverwings. Silver-edged— Bti^hX, Star, May Queen, and Miss Kingsbury. Growing Melons in Pots (G. G.).— Donot do so if you can grow them in a bed; the fruit is f mailer, often too small, from pot plants, and they require much more attention iu watering. The plants shuuld be raised as for planting, potting them cff singly in the first instance in 4,-inch pots, and when these are filled with roots trcmsfer to the fruiting pots, which ought not to be less than 11-iuch, arid need not exceed IS-inch, though we haTe known very eatisfactory results from plants in 15-inch pots. The pots should bo well drained, and the compost employed strong, rich, fresh loam, and made very firm. Iu potting keep the neck ur collar raised in the centre of the pots, and let the soil incline from the centre to the rim of tho pot, and if space ba left for a top-di-essing of rich compnat after the fruit is set and begun to swell it will bo an advantage. Carnation Seed Sowing (3f. £.).— Seed sown now in gentle heat, the plants potted-oli" or pricked-out in pans when they have two or tbreo leaves besides the seed leaves, and grown in a frame or pit with protection in severe weather, and planted-out in spring will flower, or some of them, next year. We consider the seed is befst sown in the spring; tho plants are then strong and bloom freely the following year. March to May is the best time for sowing. Illustrations of Plants {G. i3.).—ScindrtpBn5 ia formed from species of Pothcs, and of neither genera are there illastrations except in Rnmphius's " Amboyna Plants." cEnothera tetraptera is figared in the " Botauicij Magazine," pi. 4G3. Spir-t:a japonica Treatment for Window (Idem).— After it had flowered it should have been planted-out in a border of good, rich, light soil, and if rather shaiJed and moist all the batter, or if xn the open, well supplying with water in dry weather up to October. The fcliage ought not to have been cut off, for that only weakens the crowns for futsro fl jwering. The plant should be taken up iu January and potted in good, rich^iglit soil, placing in the window, a cool one at first, aud water sparingly until the plants begin to grow, then increa^a tho supply with tho growth, tho watering requiring to be very free when the growth ia full and flowering commences. C0TTING3 OF PANSiES AND ViOLAS (F. J.).— To make them branch and to keep the plants stiff and well famished have the shoots stopped; but this will not be required after tho fii'st stopping with the Pansies. Your north border would suit Spiraja japonica, Lily of tho Valley, and Violets; also Hopatica, Christmas Kose, Troilius europieus, and Myosotis disaitiflora. Select Border Plants for Cutting (W^m).— Campanula aggregata,. Cheiranthus longifolius, Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley), the gold- striped variety ia very effective fr^m its striped foliage; Daphne cneoram. Delphinium belladonna, Hemerocallis flava, Iris Germanica Victoriue, ^'a^- cissus poeticua plenus, Primula cortusoides amouna, Pyrethrum lancaolatnm llore-pleno, Ranunculus amplexicaulis, Saxifraga longifolia, Schizostylis ooc- cinea, Sisyriuchium odoratissimum, Spira?a fiUpenduIa plena, S. japonica^ S. palmata, Statice latifolia, and TroUins europfeus. Mangolds for Seed (The Old Bushman).— Select tho finest roots, the finest in form, and of medium regular size, and transplant in October or early in November, and bo aa to cover the root to the crown, so as to save it from frost, and protect the rows with litter in severe weather spread over the crowns if the severity of the weather bo unaccompanied with snow, or the roots may be stored away in the usual mauuer, but the top must not be cut very close — the crown not removed, and be ploated at the close of Februajy or early in March. CrcuMnERS Gc3:MiNa (P. J. 0.). — It ia a result of deficient root-action, occasioned, probably, from want of bsttom heat. Remove some of the sur- face soil, and give a top-dressing of rich compost, and water about twice a-week with water the temperature of the house, Bprinkliog the house at shutting-up time, end allow the foliage to extend, not keeping very closely stopped. Gas in a Sm.all Greenhouse (Garrfcnr r).— We have no experience of the gas stove you mention, but it or any form of gas stove having a funnel to carry off to the external air the products of the consumed g&n, and no escape September 9, 1S75. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 233 of unconBumed gaa entering the house, would answer, though, we Bhould prefer a gas-heated boiler with 2-inch hot-water pipes. Grapes Shanked {E. W. C.).— Tlio footstalk of the bunch you eent ub is badly shanked. It is caused by the roots not supplying sap to meet the demands of the leaves and fruit. See answer in last week's Journal to "T. (7;)/o?i," page 210. Ash Seedlings on Wall (Narherth).~Cai them down ag soon aa the slightest fre?h growth appears, n,ud if you continue the cutting they will die of exhaustion. Applying an acid to the stumps would injure the wall. Tho new iBsuo of "How to Farm Two Acres Profitably," is now ready. AaiARANTnus Princess of "Wales (W. Hendn- {(• Soji).— The esamples sentare unusually brilliant in colour, and the variety promises to bo an ac- quisitiou for decorative purposes, especially as it is easily raised from seed. Peaches Deficient tn Flavour {J. R. W.).— There is no reason why tho Peaches should not bo good- flavoured from your houBQ if you manage them properly. Soil bag very considerable influence on flavour, but in any sort of loam good Peaches can be produced from sandy loam to heavy clay. Ab tho roots arp inside, too much or too little water would cause the fruit to be as yoa state. You should maintain a high temperature as soon as the fruit begins to swell after stoning, and up to the time that it begins to turn soft. If you study the " Doings " under the heading of Peach House you will obtain all the information you require. LiLiDM GioANTEUM CuLTUHE {i7. 3/. T.). — We grow this noble Lily in the same sort of soil as the others, but it will not succeed if it ii freely ex- posed to the sun aud air. The plants succeed best if placed under a low wall facing north, where the sun shines on them a few hours only in the after- noon. They must be grown iu rather larger pots than the other fl:rtB. It is best to use a garden frame or any other glass protection, although they will do quite well in the open air during the summer months. Constructing a Vinert (E. P. A'.}.— The height of the back wall being 12 feet, aud the front of the vinery 5 feet, 2 feet ot brickwork aud 3 feet glass, the width of the house for an IS-feet rafter would be about IG feet, including the front plate ; hut as you do not give us the heij^ht of tho front, you had better ascertain from a carpenter what the width of tho house will be with a B-feet front, and the roof a pitch or fall of not less than 1 foot in 3 feet of space covered. A house 30 feat long would not more than about one-third pay the interest on fi.rst cost, and working expenses including gardener. A house 100 feet long would be necessary for what yoa seek. So small a house as 30 feat would be best without a division. CuLiNAKV Plums (A, B. G.^.— The following will Kuccead as Btandards:— Early River.^, Early Orleans, Prince of ^Yales, Victoria, Prince Engelbert, and Diamond. Names of Fruits (E. J5.).— Washington Plum. {Mr. Jac/jsoH).— Peach Fear. Names of Plants (Uoscry). — Tho spray is of the Tamarisk ; the leaves we cannot attempt to identify. (H. S. James). — Gymno^vamma chrysophylla. {J. A. D. 8.). — 1, Veratrom viride; 2, Cichorium iutybue; 3, Centranthus ruber; 4, Cynoglossum sp. ? (^ihh•nbo}■ol(;Jh).—^, Ab'utilou, but we cannot decide the species ; 2, Polygala speciosa ; 3, Andromeda (Leucothoe) axillaris ; 4, Carja sp. ; 5, Erythrina, perhaps herbacea; 6, Euphorbia portlandica. (G. McJdr.nty—JPaukia. ovata. POULTEY, BEE, AKD PIGEOI OHRONIOLE, LARGE PEICES. Feoji the earliest weeks of the present year we have had our doubts as to the quantity and quality of this season's exhibition chickens, aud from time to time we have hinted at the same in our papers in this Journal. We will not now discuss that matter, as later on we may give a brief recapitulation of the various successes in the different breeds, but the fact is fully substantiated by the immense prices that good chickens have fetched and are fetching tliis year. As a rule the sumjjier ex- hibitors do not care to give long prices for birds for the summer shows, as such specimens but very rarely win in the autumn, and are usually of littlo or no use for the breeding pen. The knocking about they have when young, and the stimulating diet seems to upset them, and they very rarely appear to advantage against the fresh autumu-reBerved birds, which not only will bear much of winter work, I ut will with care also be valuable additions to the breeding yard^. This season, however, we have heard of almost double the ordinary prices being given for single chickens (Cochins, Brahmas, and Dorkings especiall}'), for the summer shows, aud tbis leads ns up to the subject of the long aud fancy prices for cocks and hens, and brings to our recoUeoiion the immense sums which have been paid for birds during the past few years. Mr. Liugwood and Mr. Wragg must have made small fortunes of their Dark Brahma aud Buff Cochin cockerels and pullets. We beard last winter v/hat they received for their best birds, and the prices were something marvellous. Fifteen pounds was thought an immense price years ago for a fowl; now j£2.j is thought nothing of. We believe Mr. Wragg last winter sold Lady Gwydyr's) cup Crystal Palace Buff Cochin cockerel aud pullets for close on ^60, aud we know for a fact that at the same show Mr. W. C. Burnell was offered i;.52 10s. for his adult Buff Cochin cock and refused the offer. Perhaps the latter is the highest sum that ever has been offered and refused for one single specimen ; but we can tell of some tremendous prices which single birds have realised. High-class specimens of the popular breeds always command a good and speedy sale. Fine specimens weekly are fetching ±15 each, but the world knoweth it not. One or two friends of the vendor may hear of the good sale, but beyond that the matter goes no further, and ia thought of as a common every- day transaction. This fact shows us iu a very striking way how deeply rooted our poultry fancy is, for we confess we had our qualms as to whether this late unfortunate season would_ not shake many amateur poultry-yards to their very foundations, but it seems not to have done so to any extent ; and, as we before said, from the prices birds are fetching fanciers would seem to be buckling-to for the fray with greater zest and eagerness than We have noticed this season, too, that in many instances those who have, or have had, good early chickens are amateurs; and though their best may have been bought-up by the great ex- hibitors, and so found their way into their exhibition pens, stiLI we are extremely glad to note the fact, as it shows us that con- siderable time and trouble must be brought to bear on the breed- ing of poultry, for we all know that perfect high- class specimens cannot be easily produced. We will give a few prices which birds have fetched in the last two or three years, as they may be interesting to some. We have stated how well Messrs. Lingwood and Wragg do, and Mr. Burnell does not come far short of them. Wo saw his cup pen of chickens claimed at Oxford in 1873 for ,C21. We know he sold two cockerels last year for M20 each, and had within a pound or two almost as much for a dozen more. And now we hear he sold his first Coloured cockerel at Bath last week for £20 5s., the purchaser being the Eev. Hans Hamilton. In 187-1 Mr. Beachey sold a cock and two hens, White Cochins, for i'52 10s. At the last Palace Sbow Mr. Graham sold four Dragoon Pigeons for ±75, for Pigeons fetch as high prices as poultry when really high-class birds, and yet they do not cost one- quarter the money, and none of the actual and incessant trouble in feeding and rearing which poultry do. At the Crystal Palace, too, that great place for sales, a Dark Brahma pullet of Mr. Peake's, a Brown Red Game cock and several moie birds were quietly claimed for ±20 each : and at Bristol a few weeks later the first-prize White Cochin cock aud the same exhibitor's highly commended pullet were sold for ±10. And so we could go on for a long time, but we need not particularise any moro instances, for we have said enough to point out an im- portant fact. Whether these long prices actually benefit the fancy much wo need not here go into, for we all know there are a certain number of exhibitors who, rich in tbis world's goods, make poultry a hobby and will win, and to do this they have very frequently to buy the coach birds of the time, and con- sequently have to pay heavily for them; and wo know these are the people who keep the long prices up, and very likely to some great extent help to keep up and cement closer together the various stones which compose the poultry fabric. These high prices which we have quoted, however, have all been given for Cochins and Doikinga, and specimens of the popular breeds. Certainly we know of flO 10s. being given for the first prize 1871 Palace Silky cock, but this was an extra- ordinary price for a bird of such an uncultivated breed ; and, consequently, the fact these prices teach us is, that to the popu- lar breeds many should turn who, perhaps, are now keeping a variety which, not being much sought for, is neither found oftea in the prize list, or whose specimens do not command good and steady sales. We would not for a moment wish to disparage our Leghorn, Andalusian, Minorca, Sultan, Silky, and other such-like friends — very far from it, for we have the_ greatest regard for them, and never lose an available opportunity of ad- vancing their interests. But we would recommend those who have means for keeping two varieties to have two strings to their bow, and try to raise some good chickens which will fetch such prices as to stimulate the poultry-keeper, and at the same time help to keep the pot boiling in so substantial a manner. Amateurs with ordinary advantages can and do do this; and as it is for amateurs we write, we hope that they will turn their attention to the subject, and so be the means of building-up more strongly than ever this poultry fancy which ia so interest- ing to many of us. — W. AIREDALE SHOW OP POULTEY, &c. This Show was held in Myrtle Park, atBingley, on Wednesday the 1st inst. Poultry were in the open air, but in excellent pens, the backs and tops of which were covered with cotton, a point wo would draw the attention of other societies to, as being one of great protection to the fowls. Pigeons were, however, pro- vided with a capital marquee, and the pens being of the most approved pattern they looked well. Gayne were the first on the list, with a class for Eed cockerels (the whole show was for young birds), the first-and-cup going to a promising bird, a Brown Red, but very young; the second a good bird, fuller of colour, but a little overshown ; the third a moderate bird, though we liked pen C (Martin) full as well. In pallets the winners were also Brown Reds, the first forward, good in colour, but long in body ; second a fair bird, as also the third, but this we thought rather overtrimmed, but otherwise 234 JOUKNA.L OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ September 9, 1875. the best. Any other cockerel was a Dackwing, Buperb ia all points ; the second and third also fair Duckwings. In pullets we should have placed pen 5 (Mason) first, as by far the best, all points counted, a Duckwing; second and third were Duck- wings, and first a Pile, the latter, however, very good. Buff Cochins forward and large; the second and third-prize pullets almost as rich as a finely-peppered Canary ; the first not so good in colour, but the cockerel a little larger perhaps. Partridge won the cup, these being a nice lot, and the awards well made. Brahmas, Dark, a fair lot, the winners standing clear of the rest. The first-prize Light Brahmas were very good in size and marking; the second also a nice lot. iSjxijk's/i very good ; the cup for this section was given here. Dorkings good, as also the PuhimU, in which Guldens won. French fowls were a moderate lot, the Craves by far the best. Hamhurghs, Gold- spangles, a grand pen first, the rest fair. In Silver-spangles we thought *jhe second best, though a little later, but both were nice pens. Gold-pencils a good lot, the winning pullets most beautifully pencilled. Silver-pencils not as good as Gold, with the exception of the first, to which the cup was given. Black Hamturgha moderate as a lot, but the awards not well made, and reversed from the Halifax Show ; the first at the latter place were only highly commended, while the highly com- mended pen were placed first. Pen 1, not noticed, were worthy of first. Bantams, Game, first-and-cup were a neat pen, but the cock short of colour ; second the best cockerel, but pullet poor; third Brown Red, large, but very good in style and colour. Bantams any other were first Silver Sebrights, very good, but rather large ; second Blacks, good in all points but combs, which were too high; third very fair Blacks. Of Selling class we have no notes of interest. Pigeons were a grand display, the list of prizes being liberal and tempting, and here was a mishap; Captain Heaton, being advertised to judge, had missed his train, and others had to be called in to do duty. Messrs. Beldon and Frith kindly con- sented to judge all except what the first-named gentleman termed the mongrels — Antwerps — at which he evidently took fright; and this section was judged by Messrs. Hutton and Hawley. In Carrier cocks first was a grand Black, with splen- did eye and beak ; second a good Black, and third a light young Black. In hens first was a grand young Black, with splendid beak; second a good Black, much heavier and older; and third a nice Dun. Carriers of 1875 were strong young birds. In Pouters first and cup a Blue cock in splendid show, good limb and style; second a Blue, perhaps a little better in limb, but I scarcely as well up ; and third a good White. Hens first and third White, and second Blue ; a nice lot. Almond Tumblers very good and well placed, although the Rochdale first was only highly commended. Other Short-faces, were first a grand Kite, second a Red Wholefeather, and third Yellow Agate. In Barbs the cup was awarded to a very good Black cock, second a Red, faulty in colour, and third a Red. English Owls were a good and large class, and the winners all Silvers. In Jacobins we thought pen 1 (Swallow) the best, this being a grand Yellow. The first was awarded to a Yellow a little foul-flighted ; second to a capital Red, and third to very good Red. In any other colour first and third were Blacks, and second Whites. Fantails were grand and well placed ; the first was an exquisite bird. In Turbits the second Blue was best ; first was a Blue, grand in head, but foul-thighed ; third a good Yellow. Antwerps, a class entirely unknown a few years ago, were a show in themselves, there being 107 pens shown. First were Short-faced, with twenty-seven entries, though only twelve birds were noticed; first-and-cup for the best in the Show a Silver Dun, correct in every point, and just gettiog clear of the moult ; second a Red Chequer, good in all points but gullet, of which it is deficient; and third a Short faced Silver Dun, not as round in head as some, but with general good properties ; and extra third a very stout Silver Dan; the other noticed birds being very good, but many were but Medium-faced. Medium-faced were a good class, perhaps as even as any, with twenty-three entries ; the first going to a grand-coloured Silver Dun ; second to a Red Chequer hen, which gave the Judges some difficulty, appearing a little too good in head to be genuine ; third a grand Red Chequer, bat a little splashed with Black ; and extra third a capital Dun, which would have been higher only that he is a little too short in face. Long-faced had nineteen entries, and almost all were noticed, this being a class of very strong birds, feather and condition in many casds determining the prizes ; the first a Red Chequer cock, second a Red Chequer hen, the third and extra third also of that colour were cocks. In Antwerps of ly7.5 there were were thirty-eight entries, and in consequence the prizes were allowed in duplicate ; the first going to a grand Short-faced Dun, and an extra first to an equally good Long- faced Dun ; second a Red Long-faced, and extra second a Medium- faced Dun ; the third to a Medium-faced, as also the extra third. Dragoons, Blue or Silver, was won by Blues in all cases. In the other colours Yellow, Red, and Yellow won respectively. Dragoons bred in 1875 were not good as a class, but the winners were superb ; first a Silver, second Yellow, and third Blue. In Tumblers Long-faced the first was a Black Mottle, second Red Mottle, and third a Yellow Mottle. In the Variety class the first was a White Foreign Owl, second Mottled Trumpeter, and third a Spangled Ice. The Selling classes were poor. Game.— Biflcfc or Brown Red.— Cockerel.— C\iyi, H. Fortune, Morton Banks, Keicliley. 2, E. Lund, Cullingworth. S. Miss A. Clayton, Bradford, he, W. TiUotson, Coates, Barnoldawick. P«Uc(— 1, Miss A.Clayton. 2, W. Spencer, Haworth. 3, H. E. Martin, ScuUhorpe. lie, E. Lund ; J. Hird, BinRley. c, H, Beanland, Bradford. Game.— .4h// other variett/.— Cockerel— ^, H. C. Mason. Biratal. 2, M. Jowett, Clayton. 3, E Winwood, Worcester. PitUel.—l, J. F. Walton. HornclilTe. 2, E. Winwood. 8. R. Nuttal], Bamoldswick. he, H. C. Mason. Cociuss. — Buff. — Chickeil~i.~l, Mrs. A. Tiudall, Aylesbury. 2 and 3, C. Sedgwick, Keighley. Any other cotour.-Chickcns.-Cui^ and 3, C. Sedgwick, 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. he, E. Wood, KeiEhley ; E. CaiT, Binsley. Br.kHUxs.— Dark.— Chickens-—], W. A. Wright, Birkdale, Southport. 2, E. Pritchard, Teltenhall, Wolverhampton. 3, E. Uargreaves, New Hey, Rochdale, lie, T. Pye, Lancaster; W. A. Wright. Li(iht.-Chickcns,—}, H. Beldon, Goil- stock. 2, J. M. Scarratt, Worcester. 3, S. H. Lloyd, MaghuU, Liverpool, he, H- Digby, Acres. Hdddersiield. Spanish.— C/iicfct'Hs.— Cup and 2, J. Powell, Bradford. 3, E. Walton, Rawten- Btall. he, H. Wilkinson, Earby. DoRKisGs.— Chickens.— I, T. Briden, Cononley. 2, G. Pounder, Kirby Moor- side. 3, H. Digby. PuLAN-Ds.- C/iH'fcciw.-l, J. Feamley, Lowton. 2, H. Beldon. 3, T. Dean. Kcighley. Yhescb.— Chickens.— 1 and 3, Rev. J. G. B. Knight, Birstwith Vicarage, Ripley. 2, G. W. Hibbert, Godley. he, W. Dring, Faversham. HkliluUHGS^.—Go}d-si)aii(iled— Chickens— \, J . Preston, Allerton. 2, S. Arnold, Hudderetield. 3, G. &J. Duckworth, Church. Accrington. he, T. May, Wolver- hampton. Siieer-spanfjled -Chickens — 1, J. Overend. Crosshilla. 2, G. Mitchell, Keighley. 3, I Smith. Kildwick. he. J. Ogden, Keighley ; S. W. Hallam, Whitwicb. c, H. Robinson, Baildon. B\ytBURGns.— Gold-i'''neilled.— Chickens. —I, W. Clayton. 2, C. Jndaon, Peckham, London. 3. S. W. Hallam. e, G. & J. Duckworth. Silver-tiencilled. —Chickens.— Cap, R. W. Bracewell, Earby, Leeds. 2, H. Smith, Morton Banks. 3, H. Uigby. H/L^jBORGtis.— Black.— Chickens.— l,C. Sedgwick. 2, J. Preston, 3,S. Arnold. he, H. Robinson; W. Tate. Cottingley. H4:MBuR<)ns.— ..Ifn/ varieti/.— Chickens.— 1, W. Binns, Bingley. 2, W. Riley, Binglev 3, H. Robinson, he, G. Mitchell ; R L. Garnett, VVyrside, Lancaster. c, C. Gill, Bradlev, Kildwick. Bastjms.— Oanii!.— C/iici-i')M.— Cupandc.A. S.Sugden. 2, E.Walton. 3, W. F. Entwisle, Westheld, Bradford, he, W. F. Entwisle; G. Hall, Kendal. Anil other raricty.—Chiekens.—l, Ct Hall. 2, C. 4 J. Illingwortb, Hightown. 3, W. H. Bhackleton. he. W. H. Shackleton ; W. H. Robinson. Keighlev. Selli.s-g Class —Coek.—l, A. W. Carr. Wilsden. 2, C. Carr. 3, H. Robinson. Hens or Pullets-l, J. Powell. 2, E. Hargreaves. 3, G. Feather, Keighley. he, II. Digby; C. Carr; E. Winwood. c, E. Clayton. PIGEONS. Carriers.— Cocfc.—l and 3, R. Fulton, Harelield Road, London. 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham, he, Ridley & Dye, Hexham. Hen —1 and 8. R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. /tc. Ridlev & Dye. rouiw.—l and 2, R. Fulton. 3, Ridley & Dye. PorrERS.— Coct.— Cup and 8, Ridley & Dye. 2, R. Fulton, he, L. & W. Watkin, Northampton. Hen.— I and he, Ridley & Dye. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. Tumblers.— S/turf faced Almond. -1 and 8, R. Fulton. 2, E. M. Beckwith, Sunderland, lie, R. o. Fielding. Rochdale. Sliort faced, any other variety, — 1 and 2, E, M Beckwith. 3, R. O. Fielding, he, R. O. Fielding; R. Fulton. Barbs.— Cup. 3. and lie, J. Firth, Dewbury. 2. R. Fulton. Owls.— English.— I, Ward i Rhodes. Otley. 2, J. Thresh. Bradford. 3, T. G. Sprunt, Boundary Road. London, he, E. W. Van Seuden. Gold Hawk Road, Loudon; E. Rhodes, Great Horton ; J. Young, Bishop Auckland: Ward and Rhodes ; B. Fulton. JACOU'S'S.-Red or Tellou\—Cnp and 2, R. Fulton. Sand/ic, T. Holt, Bradford. rlic.T. W Swallow, Noithampton. Any otlu:r colour.— 1,K. Fallon. 2, J. Baker. 8, G. Richardson. Fan'tails.— 1 and 2, J. Walker. Newark. 3, J. F. Loversidge. Newark. ToBBiTS.— 1, T. P. Carver, Langthorpe. 2, G. Richardson. 3, E. Rhodes. Antwerps.— S/io?-( faeed.—Cap, C. F. Copeman. Copt Heath, Solihull. 2, J. Wright. Manchester. 3, W. Harrison, Burnley. Extra 3, F. Eastwood, Little- borough. r/ic,H. Yardley; F. Brierley, Fiahpool, Bury, ftc, E. Coates, Burnley ; J. P. Rothwell; W. F. Entwisle; J. Kendrick; J. Crossland, Wakefield; W. Gainon, Chester: J Wright. Antwerps.— jl/frfi»»i-rrtced.—l. J. Holden, Wibsey Slack, Bradford. 2, J. Lister, Keighley. 3, W. Ellis, Idle, Leeds. Extra 3, H. D. Gough, Wolver- ■ hamptoD. r'lc, C. F. Copeman. /tc, J. Lister ; R. Brierley ; W. Brook, Baildon ; 1 J. Young ; Ward & Rhodes. 1 Antwerps.- /.0«i7 faced.— 1, W. Ellis. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 3 and Extra 3. H. I .lenniuga, Allerton. flic, J. P. Rothwoll : W. Ellis ; H. Jennings ; T. Hutton, I Baildon: W. Gamon, Chester; R. Hutchinaon, Littleborough. he, J. Uockitt ; B. Rawnslev. Antwerps.- 5'0iart.— Coc^'or Cockerel— l.Cuji. and 2, T. F. Ansdell, St. Helens. 3 andc, Kev.H. F.Hamilton. Hi'it or Piidci.—l, Cop, 2, and ijJk', T F. Ansdell. 3, J. Evans, Meadowvillo. /iC, E. Ensor; F.Lake; J.Evans, c, F. Lake. BRf.niik3.— Light.— Cock or Cockerel.— I, M. Leno, Uunstable. 2 and he, T. A. Dean, Slarden, Hereford. 3. J. Turner, c, H. Feast. Hen or Pullet.— \ and Jar. Rev. G. Watson, Exeter. 2, J. Turner. 3, Mrs. (i. Bain, Taunton, he, H. Stephens; Rev. W. Pearce; T. A. Dean; Mrs. W. C. Drummond; Mrs. J. T. Holmes, Stroud, e, H. Stephens. Game.— B/acfc or Brown-lireasted TietU.—Cock or Cockerel.— 1, J. Masrn, St. Johns. 2, E. S. Godsell. Stroud. S, H. Brown. St. Austell, c, J. P. James ; W. L.Blake. Hen or Pullet -1,11. Phelps, YeoVil. 2, J. Long. 3, J. P. James, Swansea, c, J. Cock ; W. T. Everard. Ga-hb.- Ann other variet>i.—Cock or Cockerel. -1 and Cup, T. Hassel, Market Drayton. 2. J. Long. 3, G. H. Fitz-Herbet, Sevenoaks. c. E. W inwood. Hen or/>uiIe(.—l,G. S. Prentice, Cirencester. 2, G. H Fitz-Herbert, S.J.Long. HAMBcrRoiis.— f?o!rf and .Silver-pencilled —Cock or Cockerel.— ^, Cup, and 3, J. Long. 2, H. Pickles. Leeds. Hen or Pullet.— I, C. Judson, Pockliam. 2, S. Eliott. Liskeaid. S, J. Long. Hambcrohs.— GoW and Silrer-span{iled.—Cock or Cockerel— LIT. Pickles. a, T. Blakcman. Tetlcnhall. 8, J. Carr, .Swansea. Hen or Pullet —1, J. Carr. 3, H. Kckles. 3. J. Long, he, J. Carr ; W. S. Evans, c, J. K. Harris. MiiAYs.- CocJ: or Cockerel.— 1 and Cuo, T. Joint, Barnstable. 2, T. Lecher, Redruth. 3, Eev. N. J. Kidley. he. Miss A. Brooke (2). Hen or Pullet.— 1 and 2. T. Joint. 3, Miss A. Brooke, Shrewsbury. Ac, S. Eliot, c. Miss A. Brooke ; J. Hinton. Spanish.- lr/K"/c-/ac«Z Black.— Cock or Cockerel.— 1 and 2, E. Jones, Bristol. 3, G. K. Chilcott, Bristol. Ben or Pullet.— 1 and 3, E. Jones. 2. G. K. Chilcott. MisoECAS.— Coi't or CocA-ere(.—l and 2, J. B. W. Williams, Devonport. 3, J. Croote, Bridgwater. Hen or Pullet —1, Cup, and 3, J. B. W. Williams. 2, J Harwood, Tiverton, he, J. Croote (2). c, S. Rogers. HocDANs.— Cor/i or Coekerel.—i, W. H. Copplestone. Lostwithiel. 2, F. Brewer, Lostwitliiel. 3, W. Dring, Faversham. he, R. K. Penaon ; E. Hand- ley, c, Mrs. K.K. Vallancc; F.Lake. Ben or Piiiftf.- 1 and Cup, Mrs. K. R. Vallanoe, Sittingbournc. 2, W. H. Copplestone. 3, G. D. Harrison, DatoUet. Jic.M.H. Start; Kev. W. Pearce ; G. W. Hibbert; S.W.Thomas. French.— .4?(!/ other variety.— Cock or Cockerel.— i. Rev. N. J. Ridley. 2, G. W. Hibbert, Hyde. 3, M. H. sturt, Pcwsey. lie, G. De Faye. Ben or Pullet.— 1, H. Feast. Swansea. 2. W. Cutlaek. jun , Littleport. 3, W. Dring. Silkies.— Cocfc or Cockerel— 1 and 3, R. S. S. Woodgate, Peinbury. 2, O. E. Cresswell. Hen or Pullct.-l, 0. E. cresbwell. 2, R. S. S. Woodgate. 3, A. Darby. Ornamentai. Fowl.— 1 and 3, Mrs. W. C. Drummond, Bath. 2, J. Torrance, Warminster. Any other Variety.— Coc/. or Cockerel.— 1, T. Norwood, Salisbury. 2. A. M. H. Silvester. Sheffield. 3 and he, J. Long, c, H. Pickles. Ben or Pullet— 1 and Cup. A. M. H. Silvester. 2, J. Hintoo, Warminster. 3, T. Norwood, he, J. Long (2), c, Hon. Mrs. Sugden. Game B\st&zis.— Black and Brou-n-hreasted Eed.—i, R. Erownfit, Townsend. 2, D. 0. Wingfield, Worcester. 3, K. J. Aidagh, St. John's. Ann other variety. — 1. R. Bruwnfit. 2. J. Long. Bantams. -^ny other variety.-l and Cup, M. Leno. 2. Mrs. S. Crook, Keyn- Bham. 3, J. Long. hc,G. Holloway, jun. ; Mrs. J. T. Holmes; D. C. Wing- field, c, R. A. Eoissier. Selling Class.— Cocfc.—l, M. H. Sturt. 2, G. K. Chilcott. 8, J. E. Pilgrim, Hinckley, /ic, H. Feast, c, Rev. J. M. Riee; J. Turner. Hen.— 1, J. Turner. 2, H. Hunt. Bath. 3, S. Rogers. Selling Class.— Cocfccrci.—l, W. E. Smith. Cheltenham. 2, T. M. Derry, Gedney. 3. Miss Dickinson, Taunton, /ic, F. Brown, c, (-. Bloodworth ; T. A. Dean; G. W. Better. Pullets.— 1 aiid Biscuit Basket. A. Baraford. Middleton. 2, Rev. J M. Rice. Steyning. 3, Miss B. Neville, Glastonbury, he, J. W. Atkin- son ; F. Brown ; G. W. Fetter. Local Class.— Cocfc or Cockerel.— 1 and Stationery Basket. J. Turner. 2, Miss Milward, Bristol. 3, G & W. Smith, Bath. Ben or Pullet.— \. 3, and c. Miss J. T. Holmes, Bath 2, Mi s Milwiird. f/ic, G. & W. Smith, /ic, Mrs. W. C. Drummond; J. Turner; G. i4 W. Smith. DvcKs—]!'hite Ayleshuri/.—l, S. P. Harris. 2, T. Lear. 3 and c, S. Gulliver, Aylesbury, he, E. Snell. Fiouen.-l and Cup, W. H. Copplestone. 2, Mrs. Eadcljffe. S. R. W. Mai tin, Bath. Jic, E. Snell; H. Feast. Black East Indian. — Iand2, G. S Sainsbmy. 3, J. White, Bath. Any otihr Distinct IJp.EED or Watebfowl.— 1 and 3. M. Leno. Geese.— 1. J. n. Nichols. 2, Mrs. Ea iclyffe. 8, G. Hanks, Malmesbury. he, J. H. Fry; E. Snell. Tt;KKEYs —1 and 2, Rev. N. J. Ridley. PIGEONS. Carriers — Cocks.— 1 and Cup. W. J. Hammock, Ilford. 2, W. Hopkins, Bath. S. H. M. Maynard, Ryde. he, W. H. Smith; R. Flukes; H. Yaniley; H. M. Maynard. Bens.— J, J. Baker, Kew. 2, H. M. Maynard. 3, W. J. Hammock. Pouters.— CocA-.—l, Cup, and 2, H. Pratt, Hampton. 8. D. Combe. Now Cross. Jic. L. W. Watkin. Hens —1, J. Baker. 2, L. & W. Watkiu, Northamp- ton. 3. D. Combo. Barbs.— 1 and vhc, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, W. J. Hyde, Pillerton. 3, H. M. Maynard. TrMEi.EP.s,—l .and Champion Cup. W. J. Hammock. 2 and 3, J. Baker, he, H. Yardley; A. & M. H. Silvester. Almond.— 1, W. J. Hammock. 2, A. & M. H. Silvester. 3, (;. Hollow.ay, jun., Stroud, he, H. Yardley; J. Bilker; D. Combe, c, W. K. Pratt. Dragoons.- 1, J. Baker. 2, W. Smith, Walton-on-Hill. 3, T. Clark, he, B. Yardley; D. Combe. Antwerps.- S/iorf/acrii.— 1, H. Y'ardley. 2, E. Thompson, Birmingham. 3, J. Kendrick. Redditch. ^ny other variety.— 1, W. E. Pratt, Oxford. 2, G. Garraway, Swainswick. 5, W. Gibbons. Owls.— 1 and Cup. D. Combe. 2, J. Baker. 3, A. J. Barnes, Gloucester, he, G. Hoiloway, Jan. : W. Bryant ; J. Baker, c, J. P. Mills. Nuns.— 1 and 2. Miss A Brooke. 8, Withheld. ToRBiT3.—l,T. Holmes, Lower Sydenham. 2, J. Baker. 3, G. H. Gregory, Taunton, /ic. D. Combe; T. A. London. Fantails.— 1, J. Baker. 2, J. F. Lovcridge, Newark. S, D. Combe. Jacobins.— 1 and 2. J. Baker. 3, D. Combe. TRUMPETERS. -1, D. Combe. 2, W. E. Cooling, Bath. 8, J. Baker. Any other Variety.— 1, G. H. Gregory, he, H. W. Webb, Lower Sydenham (2) ; A. & M. H. Silvester. Selling Class.— 1, W. D. Richardson. 2, S. Rogers. 3, E. Robinson, c. Miss Dickenson. CAGE BIRDS. „ Beloias.— Clfnr or Clear 7ellow.—l and c, Eev. H. F. Hamilton. 2, Mrs. W. C. DiuQimond. Clear or Ticked BuJ^—l and Champion Cup, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2 and he, H. Davios. Wolverhampton, c, Rev. H. F. Hamilton (2). Norwich —Clear Yellow.— 1, J. Adain.s, Coventry. 2, 0. J. Salt, Burton.on- Trent. Clear Bu.ir.-l, J. Adams. 2. R. Baggs, Bath. NoHWiciL— T'a'fV[7rtt('ii Yellow or Buff.— i Aud he, J. Adams. 2 and c, C. J. Salt. Crested Yellow or Buff.—l and 2, C. J. Salt. )ic, W. Radmore. hjz.KTiD.—Golden-spawjled.—l and 2, J. Long. Silrer-spanoled.—l, J. Long. 2, T. M. Reid, Halifax. CiNNAMO.v.-relion-.- 1, J. Adams. 2, J. Long. Bmr.- 1 and 2, J. Adams. MoLES.-l, E. W. Lulham, Brighton. 2, G. Andrews, Poole, e, Mrs. W. C. Drnmmond (2). Cage of Six Cakaries.— 1, 1. Adams. 2 and he, R. '.Baggs. c, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. Cage of Six English Birds.— I.Mrs. J. T.Holmes. 2,Mra.W.C. Drummond, Cage of Six Foreign Birds.— 1 and Vase. Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2. Mrs. W. 0. Drummond. /ic, G. Goddard; Mrs. W. C. Drummond; Mrs. J. T. Holmes, c, Mrs. W. C. Drummond ; Mrs. J. T. Holmes. Parrot.— Gifiy.-l. Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. he. Miss Young ; O. Allen ; W. Powell. Love Birds —1. J. Coker. 2, Mrs. J. T. Holmes, he, G. Goddard ; Mrs. W. C. Drummond; Mrs. J. T. Holmes; F. Schwcifls. Lory.— 1, G Goddard, Bath. 2, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. Macaw oa Cockatoo.— I.E. Barnard, Cii-eneester. 2, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. he. G. Goddard ; W. Powell, e, Jlrs. Matcham. Paerot or Parroquf.t.- 1, E. Noke. Bath. 2, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. he, J. Coker; G. Go3dard : Mrs. A. King; — Wiblin; F. Schweiss; Miss L, J. Law- rence, c. Miss Morgan ; Mrs. E. M. Miller; Miss L. J. Lawrence. Foreign Birds.— 1, Mrs. Matcham, Bath. 2. S. Rogers, he, Mrs. W. C, Drummond (3J ; Mrs. Matcham ; W. S. Daniels ; Mrs. J. T. Holmes. E.iEBITS. l,op-EkR^D.— Self eolonred.— Buck or Doc— 1, T. & F.. J. Fell, Blackburn. 2, W. H. Wreford, Bath. 3. J. Quick, London. Lop-eared —Tortoiseshcll.—Buck or Doe.— I. Mrs. H. Piekworth, Spalding. 2, K. Bright, Reading. 3. J. Cranch, St. John's Wood. London. Lop-eared.- lV((oir-(ini)e.— 1, s. Buttersvorth, Rochdale. 2, J. Hallaa. lie, T. & 1! Mills, Accriiigton ; J. Gelder, Bradford ; J. Hallas. Silver-Grey.— B»cA; or Doe —1, J Firth, Bramley, Leeds. 2, Found and Chappel, Westbury, Dewsbury. r^ic. Found A Chappel ; J.Atkinson; J. Hallas. -1 and 2, E. Horner, lie, J. Walker ; W. J. Warhnrst ; say it seems to be an understood idea that the Lops shall win, but we challenge the Lop-breeders to a trial to produce a good Silver such as not long ago we heard a celebrated Lop-breeder stigmatise a " mongrel " when fairly beaten. Game. — BirtL'fc Red.— Coekerel. — l, W. Milner, Bradford. 2, J. Pearaon, Hebden Bridge. )ic, H. Beldun, Goitstock. /'./((.-(.-l, W. Milner, 2, H. Beldon. he, W. Ormerod, jun, Todmorden. Game —Broun Rcil.— Cockerel —1 and vhc, F. H. Wright. Halifax. 2, J. F. Walton, RHWtenstall. lie. H. Fortune, Morton Banks, Keighley. Pnllet. — 1, W. Ormerod. jun. 2, F. H. Wright, he, F. H. Wright ; J. Hodgson, Whitting- ton, Carnforth. GxyiE.-Any other variety.— Cockerel.— 1 and Cup, J, F. Walton. 2, L. W. Sunderland, Todmorden. lie, O. Taylor, Delph. PuW:l.—l, O, Taylor. 2, J, F. Walton. litUHilAS.- Dark. — Chickens.— 1 and 2, T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount, St. Helen's, lie, W. A. Wright, Birkdale. c, 11. Walbank, Keighley. Light — C-.'iickens.—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. birch, Sefton. Cocnis-CuitiiS.-Biiff.-Chickens.-l and 2, C. Sidgwick. Keighley. c, Stott and Brierley, Copley, Halifax. Any other c^jlour.—Chickens.-l anil 2, C. Sidgwick. lie, J. Anthony, Eastwood. DoRKisoa.— Chickens. -1 and 2, T. Briden, Cononley, Leeds, he, J. Walker, Rochdale ; W. H. King, Rochdale. Spanish.— C^iicl:c/i3.—], E. Walton. 2 and vlic, J. Powell, Bradford, he, 3. Threfb, Bradford. BATiiucRGBS.—Gotd-pcyicilled.-Clucken.s.—l,G & J. Duckworth, Church. 2, H- Beldon. c. C. Jndson. Peckham. Gold spangled.— Chickens —1, H. Beldon. 2. G. vt J. Duckworth, he, S. .\rnoId, Hudderalield; W. Eentley, Holmforth ; T. May, Wolverhampton. H^siuuRans.— Silver peneilled.— C'hickens —1, H Digby, Acres. Hudderefiell. 2, H. Beldon. he. Robertshaw & Dean, Halifax Silver-spangled.-Chickens. — 1 and Cup, H. Beldon 2, J, Fielden, Newchurch, Manchester, vhc, H. Stanworth, Worsthome, Bingley. Hamborohs — H/acfc —Chickens —1, C. Sidgwick. 2, Stott & Booth, Bury, /ic, C. Sidgwick: W. Bentley. C.S.Arnold. Bantams.— Grtme — Cocfcerel.—l, E. Walton. 2 and vhc, W. F. Entwisle. Westaeld, Bradford. PiiHc/.-l, E. Walton, v. W F. Entwisle. Extra 2 and vhc, 3. Wright, Townend, Bradford, he, W. Shenton, Laucastor; J. Harrison, Barnoldswick; E. Walton, c, W. F. Entwisle; A. Smith, Bedford Leigh; Wells & Sherwin, Ripon. Bantams.— .4ny other variety.— Chickens —1, W. H. Shackleton, Bradford. 2. T. Green, Crawshawbootb. vhc, T. Cropper, Bacup ; Wells & Sherwin ; E. Walton, he, 3. Walker. French.— 1, Rev. J. G, B. Knight. Birstwith Vicarage, Ripley. 2, E. Walton, he, 3. H. Payne. Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle. c, T. W. Finch, Cadley, Preston ; G. W. Hibbert, Godley, Manchester. PoLANDs.— C'/i(cfc(!iis,— I, H. BcldoH. 2 Bud rltc.J. Fearnley, Lowton, Newton- le-WiUows. Any other Vaeiety.— C/i(cfct*ns,— 1, J. F. Walton. 2, H. Beldon. lie, H. Digby. SELLING Class. -1, Bnttern-orlh ,t Haworth. Wbitworth. 2, W. Bentley. he, H. Hoyle. Lumb, Newchurch ; J, Patrick, Sandhole, Stacksteads ; J. Powell. Bradford; H. Wilkinson, Earbv, Leeds, c, W. Ormered, jun.; Butterworth and Haworth. Ducklings.- .4j/le«'»wr|/.-lan'l 2, J. Walker, vlic, C.Holt, Rochdale. Rouen, —1. C. Holt. 2, J. Wa'ker. rhc, W. H. Rothwell, Rochdale, lie, J. Cryer. Littleborough, UvcK3.—Any other variety. -U 3. Walker. 2, A & W. H. Silvester, Shcflleld Wie. J. Walker; H. B. Smith, Broughton, Preston, lie, A. \- W. H Silvester; H. B, Smith. Any other Variety Dyson. Selling Class.— I, J. Hallas. 2, A. Dyson, vhe, R. Murgatroyd, Atkinson ; J, Hallas. e, S. Butterworth ; J. Hallas. Buck or Doe.—l, S. Ball. 2 and he, J, Hallas. vhc, A. he, J. JvDOES.—Iiabbits and Poultrij : Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. Pigeons : Mr. Ridpeth, Manchester. THE JACOBIN. I A5I heartily glad to see Mr. Huie's letter of protest about this very beautiful variety of Pigeon. It is now some years since I have seen a truly good one. I quite agree with him as regards the points. The Jacobin ought not to have a mane, I have said so for years, being an old fancier of the breed, and having had some first-class birds which I obtained from the late Mr. Bowler, a renowned fancier in his day. They were just the class of birds Mr. Huie describes, long in feather which they should be, down head and beak, dark on the thighs, no mane, but the hood sitting right over the head hiding the eyes so that the bird could only see forward, the chain of the frill continuing down to the pinion of the wing; they were very narrow in the girth, and exceedingly graceful birds. I have protested many times at the shows against the present style of Jacobins without avail, and been overruled, and told that it is the modern bird. Of late I have scarcely seen any I would have as a gift, much less give the enormous prices that they have been sold for. But these are not the only Pigeons in which the modern bird is very much unlike the good old type. Much of this deterioration comes, in my opinion, from many of the shows having incompetent judges, and the rule that the award is to go to the best present, though really not a good bird, yet securing a prize the public look to it as the standard and breed the like. I think it would be far better for the fancy if more prizes were withheld by the judges when the birds are not of sufficient merit. — Habbison Weir. APIARIAN RETBOSPECT AND PROSPECT. Thebe has been great discouragement this year for all bee- keepers in the south and midland counties of England, and we fear many young apiarians will have been tempted to give np bees in despair. Here and there, of course, there have been ex- ceptional instances of good luck, as when a happy concurrence of fortunate circumstances enabled a strong hive to put forth all its available honey-gathering power just at a critical " uiok o£ Septem-jar 9, 1375. 1 JODR:^iL 0? HOSrWULTaKE A.ND COT TAIE QiRDaMBS. 2S9 time." Such eases have betn rare. We have been fottimate enouglj to obtain 50 lbs. of honey from teveral Bnpers, but the Block hives are so poor that we have commenced feetliuK several of them to keep them from perishiug. I observe that bees about here are fain to quench their hunger by attackiug the wiudfalia under the apple trees. I am not aware that I ever remarked this before, although I have known them in bad seasons attack ripe fruit against walls and elsewhere. The drought of last year in this locality was such that I obtained next to no honey, and had to feed all through the autumn, so that we have had somewhat better luck this year, which is the fifth or sixth bad honey harvest in succession in this part of Kugland. I advise an immediate and careful overhaul in every apiary of existing stock. All hives strong in population but poorly sup- plied with honey should have sufficient food given to them at once and off hand to keep them in good health during the next six weeks. Then the grand feeding-up should begin, and be carried on continuously for a month at least. October is the best time for this main feeding, as activity recommences in all places where ivy blossoms abound. If this natural activity bo stimulated by ample but gradual and continuous feeding, bretd- iug will go on vigorously, and the hives will be all the stronger both to face the severity of winter, and to start fair with good prospects in the early spring. September is the month of repose for all bees everywhere. The quieter they are kept then the better; therefore I would give a few pounds at the end of August to every hive that needs'it— say 3 lbs. or 1 lbs., but all, if possible, m one night. The quicker it is over at this time of year the better, because the excitement and consequent waste are less. As to the later feeding it should be all over at latest by the middle of November, earlier, of course, if you are living in the north of England. Make all snug and tight for the coming winter, narrowing entrances, protecting from damp, and covering up with some warm material. As for despair, the word should be unknown incur vocabulary. "Better luck next time," is a good saying which savours of hope, and hope has a tendency to work out success. So, brother bee- keepers, cheer up ! Gather forces for another year's trial of the "busy bee." Those who do so perseveringly will for certain raip their reward.— B. & W. Alexandra Palace Show or Poultry and Pigeons. — There are twenty-eight cups for poultry and twenty-three for Pigeons, besides good money prizes. A CHAT ABOUT QUEENS. The Yankee idea of a bee incubator certainly rather tickled my fancy, and it was also news that queenless bees would readily accept a newly-hatched queen provided she had not been with other bees, and agreeable to my promise published in your number of August 19th I sought to put the statement to the test, 60 this is how I proceeded. Having deprived two stocks of their queens— one a Ligurian, the other a mongrel— each stock imme- diately made about eight queen cells. Now, previous experience teaches me it is unsafe to leave queen cells longer than nine days after formation if more than one is to be preserved, so on the ninth day I set to work to cut the surplus cells out, devoting them to experimentalising. This work with the Ligurians was merely apausing, but with the mongrels— oh, ye gods! what little furies ! I have given up gloves, and don't much mind stinging; but shall I confess it? I never voluntarily disturb this particular stock. So calling my son to my assistance, who put on a look of resignation when he saw the job in hand, we gave them a good dose of smoke, which is as disagreeable to me as it is to the bees, and I rarely make use of my smoker. Off comes the crownboard, and out come the combs one by one. It is a slow job. The bees are very strong, and I want all the queen cells removed, as I intend to supply the stock with one of the pure Ligurians. Groan succeeds groan as I pick out the BtiDga from my finger tips, where I am rather sensitive. My boy's lime seems pretty well occupied in the same direction, and I have to call him to the scratch several times. But we get through the frames at last, and grafting-in a couple of cells from my other stock, we are not sorry to reclose the hive. Having a third stock without a queen I remove a comb with two qun n cells on it to that, and leaving the remaining Ligurian cells wb. re they were raised I gather up the mongrels to play with. TL6 question now arises how they are to be kept at the requisite temperature, and be under constant observation at the same time. Having to go to town daily on business, my time with the bees is limited at this season of year to one hour in the morning and the same at night. As a temporary arrange- ment I pack them in two willow boxes and place them in my pocket for their first visit to the metropolis, where having ar- rived I riggtd-up a hot-water incubator, but it did not act satis- factorily—sometimes too hot, then too cold ; besides, I could not very well carry the apparatus backwards and forwards morn- ing and night. So seeking for other warmth I put a thermometer m my trousers' pocket, and was delighted to find the tempe- rature there about 90°— just the thing. In went a box in each pocket, and I felt as proud as a sitting hen. When bedtime anived of course the boxes had to go with me, where I cuddled thtm up warm, notwithstanding a feeble remonstrance from my wife, who the second night star! led me out of my slumber with an alarmed cry that she could hear a bee buzzing, and she was sure one had hatched and I had smashed the box! However it was a falsa alarm, and after sixty hours of nursing the first young queen emerged, crippled in her wings, which did not surprise me, an experience of former days in rearing motba having taught me that with dry heat such was usually the case. Now, the birth of Ibis princess happened at a very awkward time, iOyo I'.M-, all dark outside, and bees taking their well- earned rest, and they are apt to resent disturbance at night. However, there was no help for it. I was determined not to lose the chance of ascertaining her reception, so out I went with alighted lamp. Cautioubly removing a portion of the crown- board of the aforesaid mongrel stock, out came the bees, and down I threw the young queen into their midst. They rushed at her in an iustant. Ah, I thought how much they would have her; but, no, their excitement cooled in a minute. Thty walked over and round her, but harmed her not. After a few minutes' watching I closed the hive, not wanting the queen cells destroyed, and covering the queen and a dozen bees with a cup queen cage, poured some syrup round it, shut down the hive cover, and left them till morning, when I found her with her retinue quite lively. Having again given a supply of syrup I opened my hive containing the major part of the Ligurian cells. One with the cap open, one torn to pieces, and two still intact. These I cut out after having seen the young queen was active and at liberty; then examining the other hive, where I had placed the frame with two queen cells, I saw one queen free and another just crackicg her cell's lid. This I thought worthy of watching, and it was curious to see while the queen worked inside, occasionally protruding her antennas, about half a dozen workers were gnawing the cell outside. The queen was soon out, and notwithstanding her sister was already on the throne, the workers fed and cleaned her in the usual manner. The time at my disposal having now expired I left the two queen* , curious to see what would be tha result when evening arrived. The two cells I had last transferred to my pocket hatched within two hours, and I was very anxious to keep the queens till evening to continue the experiment. By constant attention I succeeded in this. It has been stated a queen bee cannot feed herself; this is wrong. If a queen be hungry and she crofses some honey she puts forth her tongue and feeds, but she does not seem to scent food as a worker does, and very quickly starves. After four hours' fast she will usually be found too ex- hausted to stand. My two young queens I fed every half hour and was generally obliged to put the syrup almost to their mouths before they would discover it. I am much inclined to think queens do not fight to the death as has been so often described. We are all apt to repeat state- ments, and their very repetition stamps them as credible. I as an author do not claim any immunity from this fault; and, in- deed, if the writer of a bee book only gave his own experience it would necessarily be very incomplete. I have many times put two queens together, the above-mentioned young queers among the number. They wrestle and fight vigorously, but in no instance have I seen one stung. The queens will protrude their stings, as they often do when no combat is in progress. Again, it is said when two stocks or swarms of bees are united the queens settle the right of government themselves. This I doubt, for this summer I have mixed many lots, and after a few hours I find one queen encased by the workers in the usual manner, where she is doubtless worried to death. In one instance I caged the second queen in the ordinary manner in hopes the bees would get used to her and let her live, but after three trials at intervals of two days each the queen died of worry and exhaustion. I am becoming very sceptical in the matter of queenly ani- mosity one to the other, and begin to think that regicide lays more at the door of the workers than the rival queen. Ire- corded a case where five queens were put in a box together over- night, and in the morning four were dead. The survivor had the credit of the wholesale murder, but late experiments in- duce me to think that starvation had a good deal to do with it. I may also say that the queens hatched in the pocket boxes, although there were several unopened queen cells with them, showed no disposition to destroy them. It could not have been for want of time, as they were there six hours together. Now to revert to my juvenile queens. On my return home I had three queens alive in my pocket, with which I commenced operations, first on a nucleus which I had deprived of its queen in the morning. Lifting out a comb I threw down into the midst of the bees a queen, crippled, and hnviug some ragged remains of the pupa exuvite attached to her. With the usual rush the workers seized her, biting and tearing, but I soon found their fury was expended on the undesirable ragged skin. The queen was unharmed, soon cleaned, and at 210 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Septembar 9, IS75. liberty. Seeiog this comb had been in my hand all the time, the bees remaining in the hive were still in the position of a queeu- leaa stock, and as I was desirous of multiplying my experiments as far as possible, I replaced the comb and took out another, on which I placed a fresh queen ; this one was clean and well developed. The bees accepted her at once, feeding and licking her with the greatest affection. As twilight was now drawing nigh I replaced the comb, first abstracting the crippled queen, and then proceeded to the hive where I had left two queens in the morning. Alas ! they were both gone, and the cause stood revealed by signs of the presence of a fertile worker — a patch of drone brood in worker cells, of which the poor bees in their desperate efforts to obtain a queen had converted more than a dozen into paeudo queen cells. Now, I should be very curious to see what these abnormal cells would produce, but my friend Mr. Cheshire has sent me a similar lot, which contain unmistakeable drones, although the cells are like ordinary queen cells elongated to the extent of IJ inch. The question now arises how to get rid of this un- desirable worker. Easy enough if I could find her, hut know not how she is to be distinguished, and time is very scarce to- night. So in the desperate hope of a better fate I put iu my last remaining virgin queen. She was well received, I left her to her destiny, and I found her all right next day and the next. My day's experiments I felt were eminently successful, and, so far as four trials went, conclusive. I am bound to say tho Yankee is right. " Queenless bees will accept readily any new- born queen presented to them ;" and tho question then occurred to me. What would be the fate of such a queen in a stock where there is already a queen ? There is just light enough to try ; so recovering the queen hatched over-night, although she has been with other bees, I withdrew a comb from a nucleus containing a queen, and put in the cripple. No animosity was shown by the workers. I then found the old queen and put her on the usurper's back. She showed no fight, but ran away, and the fading daylight prevented my again finding her, so I shut up the two queens together and left them. The next day I found the crippled queen on the ground before the hive weak but yet alive. I replaced her, but the following day she was again absent and I could not find her ; probably she had been thrown exit and crawled away. I do not think I can recommend my "pocket incubator," so I shall not take out a patent for it. The air is too dry. Most of the pupffi died, and others came out with crippled wings. "Where, however, the young queens are expected to emerge within a few hours the pocket will prove handy and safe, and I daresay I shall make nse of it again for the same purpose. I fear my young queens have small chance of successful courtship. September is just at hand, and drones are very scarce ; in one hive only have I any, and those are decreasing daily. I had the curiosity to accurately weigh some bees, and found them to average — queens (at four hours old), 3.15 grains ; drones, the same; workers, 1.25. It has struck me as curious that although I never hesitate to seize a queen with my fingers iu the midst of her subjects, in no instance have I received a sting in the act, although numbers of bees often follow on my fingers. — John Hc.nteh, Eaton liise, Ealinrj. Crystal Pal.ice Bee Snow. — This will be on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd inat. The prizes offered by the British Bee-keepers' Association are liberal for varieties of bees capable for cultiva- tion in England, as well as for hives and honey. OUR LETTER BOX. Canker in Fot^xs (/. T. S.).— The food you mention ia not good enough to keep fowls in condition. There is not much in the way of food to be foand in a timberyard,and nharpg make bat a bad breakfast. The best and cheapest way to feed is to give them elaked burleymeal or ground oats mcrnin;^ and evening, the house scraps at mid-day. Where birds are underfed they become weak, and are almost alwaye attacked by some dieoase they have previouely had, or their parents before them. The same weakness that allows it to appear prevents them from recoverinc. "We shouht put all the bii'ds that are suffering in a place by themselves. ^Vo should give to each a tablespoontul of castor oil. Feed on the barleymeal. You may Blake it with strong beer for a few days. Dry all the canker thoroughly with a pponge, and dress it with powdered alum, being careful that it penetrates into the cracks. This generally cures it in a few days, but much depends on having the canker dry before tho alum is applied. Parrots Falling from their PERCirea (H.).— Tour birds ivro suffering from a nervous weakness, which is the cause of them falling from their perches. Parrots are veiy liable to the eaid accident, which is encouraged and brought about through being kept in a somewhat couflned and warm temperature. The keepicg of them in your bedroom to cnre them is like pouiing oil upon the fire to extinguish it. Remove the birds from the bedroom and occasion- ally {two or three times a-week) douche them with cold water from n water- ing-can, but do not repeat the shower-baths so frequently during cold winter month?. After the bathing and during the time the feathers are wet spurt from your mouth a teaspoonful of brandy over the Parrot, after whiiih throw ft cloth over the cage and place it within 2 or 0 feet of the fire. When partly dry rf-movo the cloth and hauf; the bird up. Accompanied with sound food this will tend to strecgtben the birds. If you give your Parrots much meat partly discontinue it, for it produces laxity and weakness. Give bread soaked ,n milk, and a little ripo fruit just now. Birmingham Scmmer Show [W. C). — We have no Information as to the third prize for Black Red Game pullets. Canaries in a Grhenieocse [A Subscriber). — As you have kept your Canaries in a greenhouse all the summer yon may safely continue them there during the winter, especially as you state " provided frost WRi^ excluded." If you wish to remove them from the greenhouse do so at once, and then the birds will moult in tho proper season; but if you keep them in the greenhouse (where they will moult, and probably may be doing so now) until Christmas or February and tben remove them, you will ten to one bring about a spring moult, and* thus render your birds unfit for early breeding with. It is the changing of the birds from different positions into varying temperatures which brings about a looseness of feathers. The=e birds cannot be con- sidered hardened but weakened. Dogs and Birds. — On Tuesday August 31st I sent one of my best Part- ridge Cochin cockerels to Bath iu splendid condition. He returned to-day (September 4th) iu a most deplorable state; one side of the basket was entirely gone and tied up with string; it was also nearly filled with feathers. The poor bird had suffered severely, as the whole of the feathers and even part of the skiu and flesh had been torn from his back. Some of your i eadors may have noticed how he looked at the Show, as I believe the injuries were re- ceived on the journey to the Show. —Charles Sidgvtick, liydiUesden, Kcighlcy. Tumour on Rablit's Cheek {E. M.).—A G^iinea Pig dying suddenly and a Rabbit's face being swollen are not indications of a contagious disease. The Guinea Pig probably was overfat, and the Rabbit's face is attacked by v small tumour. Bithe it with hot water daily, and if matter is apparent open it with sharp-pointed scissors; wash tho wound with tepid water, and then leave it to heal. METEOROLOGICAL OB3EEVATI0NS. Caudbn Squibb, London. Lit. 51' 82' 40" N. Long. rS'^'W.; Altltnie, HI feet. Dixa. 9 A.U. In TitB Day. Hydrome- "■3 _^ Shade Tem- Radiation .8 1875. ii^l ter. m^ perature. Tempei ature. 1^ Sept. , In On S«g-i Dry. Wet. 13 ■s Mai. Min. sun. grase Inches. do!?. deg- de?. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. V7e. 1 80.S85 59 0 54 9' w. 60.6 74 0 40,1 121.9 42.6 Th. 2 80.220 63.1 61.7 w. 62 1 74.1 6S6 117.0 5S.0 Fri. S 33.012 63 0 61.4 s. 62.7 68.8 59.4 1018 513 0.172 Sat. 4 B0.105 60.0 67.1 s.w. 60 S 71.0 49 3 isn.o 45.6 Sun. 5 80.221 63 8 67 8 s.w. 69 7 70.9 60 0 1(3.5 47.2 — Mo. 6 30 335 65 0 597 N. 61.0 75.0 43.0 112.2 45 2 — Tu. 7 SO.lSl 64.5 61.0 S.E. 61.0 77.1 49 3 117.8 46.0 0.010 Means 80.187 ' 62.9 63.9 61.1 73.0 51.4 1:35 43.4 0.182 REMARKS. 1st.— A very beautiful and pleasant day, but cloudy at night. 2nd. — Dull nearly all day, and cloudy at night. iJrd. — Dull morning, soon turning to rain, showery till 1 p.m.; fine aftern:on and evening. 4th. — Fine all day, at times very bright ; but cloudy at night. 5th. — Fine at 9 a j.r., alternate sun and shade, but on the whole a pleasant day ; and starlit night. 6th. — A very bright fiue day, without being too warm. 7th. — Fine early, rather hazy at nine, but very fine afterwards ; fiue sunset, but rather close in the evening. A pleasant week, particularly the latter part of it, being very bright without being hot. The temperature very nearly the same as last week, but ihit the range was rather gi-eater.— G. J. Syhons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— September 6. Trade still keeps stagnant, and goods are only cleared by laking low offera. Of hothouse fruit the supply is quite equal to tho demand, but prices of Grapes will mend as soon as the glut of Jersey produce is ever. English Tomatoes have made their appearance, but the crop will be light this seasor. s. d. Apples i elsTe 1 0 Apricots dozen 0 6 Cherries lb. 0 0 Chestnuts bushel 0 0 Currants i sieve 0 0 Black do. 0 0 Figs dozen 0 6 Filberts lb. 0 4 Cobs lb. 0 4 Gooseberries quart 0 0 Grapes, hothouse. . . . lb. 0 8 Lemons 1f^ 100 8 0 Melons each 1 0 s. a. to I 6 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 5 0 12 0 5 0 8. d. 8. d. Malberriea lb. 0 6tol Nectarines dozen 10 8 Oranges V 100 J2 0 2C» Peaches dozen 1 6 12 Pears, kitchen dozen 0 0 0 dessert dozen 1 0 S PineApples lb. 3 0 5 Plums i EiL've 1 0 a Qaincea dozen 0 0 C Raspberries lb. 0 6 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 Walnuts buPh^l 8 0 13 ditto ^100 10 1 Artichokes dozen Asparagus T* IfO 0 0 French handle 0 0 Beans, Kidney.... j sieve 1 0 Broad j sieve 0 0 Beet, Red dozen 2 0 Broccoli bundle 0 9 Bruesels Sprouts i sieve 0 0 Cabbage dozen 0 6 Carrots bunch 0 6 Capsicums 1,?^ loJ 0 0 Cauliflower dozen 8 0 Celery bundle 1 G Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 0 Cucumbers each 0 S pickling dozen 1 0 Endive dozen 2 0 FenatI bunch 0 3 Garlic lb. 0 6 Herbs bunch 0 3 Horseradish bundle 4 0 VEGETABLES. . a, s. d. OtoO 0 Leeks hunch 0 Lettuce dozen 0 Slusbrooms pottie 2 Mustard & Cress punnet 0 Onions Lusbfl 8 pickling quart 0 Parsley.... doz. bunches 2 Parsnips dozen 0 Peas quart 1 Potatoes bushel S Kidney do. S Radishes. . doz. bunches 1 Rhubarb bundle 0 Salaafy bundle 1 Scorznuern bundle 1 Scakale basket 0 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 8 Tomatoes dozen 2 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows doz. 1 d. s 4 too C 1 September IG, 1879. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 241 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day 1 Day Average Sun Sun Moon Moon Moon's Clock Day of Year. o» 1 of Month Weeh. SEPTEMBER 16-22, 187B. Temperature near London, Rises, Sets. ' Rises. I Sets. Age. Sun. Day. NlKht, Mean. m. h. m, h. m. h ! m. h. Days. m. s. 16 17 Th Ediuborgh Show closes. 68.4 689 46 8 44.9 67.6 66 9 88af 5 40 6 12af6 87 af6 ; S2af 6 9 6 60 6 . 67 7 17 18 5 12 S 53 259 260 18 s 68.2 465 67.4 41 5 7 6 ' 6 7 ' 2.5 9 19 5 55 261 19 Son 17 SnNDAY AFTER TRINITy. 67.8 453 663 43 5 6 6 26 7 67 10 20 6 16 262 20 M ' Fiber died, 1702. 68.0 44.0 56.1) 44 5 2 6 66 7 , after. 21 21 ' To Crystal Palacs Apiarian Exhibition opens. 66.4 45.6 66.0 46 6 0 6 8U 8 53 1 22 6 68 264 265 22 1 W Long Sutton Show. 66.4 44.7 65,6 48 6 68 5 40 9 12 8 1 t 7 19 From observations taken near London during forty-three years , the average day temperature of the week is 67.6" ; and its night temperature 45.4°. 1 TEAINING HAKDY FRUIT TEEES. INCE the introduction of orchard houses and similar straeturcs I am afraid that the cul- tivation of hardy fruits has gone hackward ; it is a great pity if saoh is the case, and I would advise young gardeners to look them- selves up a little in this matter, for their employers sooner or later will surely make a demand in this direction. Orchard houses are very useful structures, and to the ama- teur who can attend to them himself I be- lieve they tring health, strength, and length of days ; they create a taste for the purest pleasures of this life, and produce an abundance of the most harmless of luxu- ries. But let not the professional gaidener think that orchard houses will supersede the use of garden walls, and that because he has one or two of these structures be can afford to look disdainfully on outdoor fruits. I should require some acres of orchard houses to meet my demands, and by experience I know that the produce of orchard houses is comparatively nothing in return for labour as compared with the labour and produce of well- managed outdoor trees. Moreover, though some of the fruit from the orchard house may be superior to that grown outside, the greater portion is vastly inferior. This is specially the case with Peaches and Nectarines when grown in bush form ; for unless these fruits have the full sunlight on them through the whole period of their growth they are never fit to eat. For this reason, for indoor culture, the system of flat training is vastly supe- rior to training as bushes. By well-managed outdoor trees I do not mean those trained in the most artistic forms — they ai-e mere playthings for those people who have no better occupations — but those trained in such a manner as to produce the greatest quantity of good fruit in the shortest time. The man who would spend several years in training his trees to fancy shapes, and produce little or no fruit, looking on fruit-producing, in fact, as a secondary affair, is more fit to be a milliner than a gardener. I believe it was Loudon who said that a man would never make a gardener who was afraid to use the knife. Things have changed since Loudon's time, and the best modern gardeners do not use a knife once where Loudon's contemporaries would have cut-away waggonloads. And yet there is room for more improvement in this direction. The average British gardener has still too much liking for a good knife ; he still Ukes to allow his trees to waste their energies by making a great quantity of useless wood to be afterwards cut away. If he buys trained trees for walls he must cut them back for a year or two in the hope of getting them into some perfect form as drawn out for him in gardening books. He may cut and be may hope, be will never realise the picture ; such trees only exist on paper, and it is as well to acknowledge the fact at the outset, and make up our minds, instead of attempting impossibilities, to have the wall covered in two or three years and a good crop of fruit on it. No. V55.-V0L, SXIX , New Sebies, Fairly-trained trees of Plums and Cherries, and also Peaches and Apricots where these do well, need no cutting back at all when received from the nursery, unless the wood is not ripened, and in that case they are hardly worth having. Planted in November, and encouraged to grow in the following summer by disbudding where the shoots are not required, and training-in at full length wherever there is space to be filled — never minding whether they are laterals or main shoots, they all answer the purpose alike — average trees will always fill a wall in three or four years, and often a good quantity of fruit can be obtained the second year after planting. If the trees are at all vigorous it does them good to fruit them, but fruit should not be left on any that are weakly. The Green Gage and Jefferson Plums will often bear nicely the second season after planting, as will also the Morello Cherry. All wall trees require disbudding in their young stage, for having been trained in the open ground with bght alike all round them, they at first make as many buds on the side next the wall as they do on the front side. Those buds next the wall if not carefully removed are sure to produce injurious results. For laying-in at full length preference should be given to those shoots produced on the upper side of the main branches ; those, however, on the lower side will do nearly as well, and must be used when the space cannot otherwise be filled. ' Those shoots which are inclined to grow straight out from the wall should generally be kept hard pinched, and if they do not fruit they will at least shade the stems and encourage their development. — -William Taylor. TAKING-UP AND STORING POTATOES. I AM afraid that I cannot give "Beta" the precise information be needs as to "when, bow, and at what stage of growth the haulms can be pulled away from Potatoes without affecting the flavour and value of the tubers." This is a matter which it is impossible to make clear on paper in a way to suit all growers and circumstances. In my previous letter the question of pulling off the haulm was subsidiary, my primary object being to sound a note of alarm on the danger of too thickly storing newly-dug tubers. When I speak of removing the haulm from a crop to prevent the disease, I mean that I would ao soon take up the crop itself if I had time to do so before the dreaded heavy summer and autumn rains. That presupposes the tubers to have attained a useful size. To take them up or stop their growth before then is wasteful, and to leave them longer, if heavy rains and close, warm, muggy weather is pending, is often ruin. In the matter of garden crops, and except for purposes of experiment, I have not had any diseased Potatoes for nearly twenty years. By growing not late varieties and continued watchfulness I feel myself quite competent to evade the murrain. It is seldom that injury is done to a crop until the Potato plant has just passed the zenith of its vigour. If, No. 1407.— Vol., Lrv„ Old Series. 242 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 16, 18T5. after that, heavy rains fall acoompauied by a high tempera- ture, disuase is almost certain to follow. A rising thermometer and a falling barometer, with a glance at the telegraphic weather reports, have always afforded me timely notice of danger. When I once decide that action mnst be taken the work of taking np the crop or removing the haulm is prompt. I prefer to take np the crop if I have convenience for thinly storing the tnbers, but if this convenience is not afforded I prefer to remove the haulm and let the produce rest thinly in the ground until a suitable time for storing. My experience has told me that the disease seldom sets in until early and moderately early kinds have attained to nearly their full size ; and when that ia the case, and when a chango in the weather is imminent, I take up the crop, or if time fails for this I remove the haulm, and in either case the produce is quite safe. If I cannot find an airy place to store the tubers I prefer to let them remain in the ground to set their skins. "Beta's" "well-known fact" that the tubers are " useless for culinary purposes if the haulm is removed before the latter are ri. e" is, fortunately, not a fact with me and others mho have adopted the practice. I can submit Potatoes of many Backs of Paterson's Victorias which have been taken up some weeks which will equal in quality any Potatoes of the same variety which have been left in the ground to ripen. What is a fact is this — that Potatoes when taken out of the ground in an Unripe state are " sad" when cooked immediately, but they eventually ripen (taking longer to do so, however, than if left in the ground to mature naturally), and are ultimately perfect in quality. How this partly skinless produce obtain new skins or their watery bulk is changed to starch I know not, but such is the fact if the tubers are stored thinly iu a cool, dry, and airy place. In the great disease year of 1872 my employer, knowing the constant immunity from disease of his garden-ground Potatoes, deputed me to make experiments in the field. The first day's haulm-pulling (two acres) was a success. On that part there were no bad tubers. In the afternoon rain fell, continuing for two days with a mean temperature of 75°. The haulm which was removed after the rain was labour lost, for the tnbers became extensively diseased. Tubers, unripe and stored thickly, did not ripen, but remained "sad" for an indefinite time; those which were stored thinly in a dry airy place matured into produce of perfect quality. The produce of an infected crop taken np and stored in large heaps rotted to the extent of four sacks out of live. Another portion of the same crop left in the ground to " take its chance," and not dug until the end of November, was of fourfold greater value. Potatoes are com- monly heaped large and small, good and bad, promiscuously, to " save time " and to be " sorted," it may be a month after- wards. The practice ends in both loss of time and produce. When spread on the ground at digging time is the rational tuiiH t.i "sort." Let careful people pick the best and any- body follow with the refuse, and although a little more time is taken in securing the crop, both time and produce are in the end saved. Store dry If possible, store thinly, store cool. If the bulk is too large or conveniences too limited for thin storing wait until cool weather sets in before storing thickly. It is not the thick heaps, as tnch, that engender the violent spread of disease, but the heating of such heaps. The fungus will germinate and spread with immense rapidity at a tem- perature of 75°, but at 50° the spread is not nearly so rapid, and at, 40° it is about 7iz7. Under any temperature moisture is an assistance to the fungus growth. Therefore it is that I repeat. Store dry, store thinly, store cool. Thousands of tons of produce have been ruined by storing too early and too thickly — that is, by producing a close, heated, humid atmosphere in the heaps, and providing the very con- ditions in which the fungus luxuriates. Bather than do this I prefer to let the tnbers rest in the ground in their simple natural isolation, and I am a gainer by the apparent delay. If the haulm is removed before the fungus spores have germi- nated the crop ia absolutely safe, and if the haulm is not re- moved the crop is safer than if thrown together in large heaps in a moist state in warm weather. I do not perceive the necessity of removing the haulm from late crops at this date, becaune I do not apprehend that a high temperature will accompany a possible fall of rain. It is the combined action of heat and moisture that fosters the spread of the murrain so disastrously ; the action of either, if alone, working little if any injury. I am afraid " Beta " will be again dissatisfied with my re- marks, but I feel conscious of my inability to lay down a line of guidance whereby the disease can be averted by all growers and under varying circumstances. Even if I were cognisant of these circumstances I might fail, and being ignorant of them my power to aid is infinitely lessened. I can only aid by giving my experience and its results, with the reasons for adopting a given mode of practice. The rest must be left to the intelligence of growers, of which I opine that " Beta " possesses a fair share.— Yoekshieehan. STRAWBEBKY CULTURE. Strawbeeky cultivation seems to be a subject of no little interest to numerous readers, judging by the many letters of inquiry I have had since the publication of my letter of August 26th. It seems to be quite the exception to many growers to obtain anything more than a very poor crop of fruit the firit year after planting ; I am therefore induced to give the details of my way of growing a crop of fine large fruit on first-year plants. Strawberries are grown better in quality, larger ia size, and more independaut of the season, on first-year plants than at any other time during the three or four years they usually are grown. My land is very light, and not what is considered^ good Strawberry soil, and I find that I can grow more fruit the first season than I can (on many sorts) by letting them fruit the third year. I always chose land that has grown Potatoes as the previous crop in preference to any other crop, for the land is, after Potatoes, at liberty in good time, and is left in a nice mealy condition, free from 8lng< and other enemies to ripe fruit. On the contrary, planting after a crop of Cabbages you follow a- very exhausting crop, the land often lacks moisture, and the fruit when ripe is attacked by a host of slugs wiiich have esta- blished themselves during the time Cabbages were growing on the land. Deep cultivation I always give my land, but a caution is here necessary. I never now trench land without having at least one year previously subsoiled it. Trench some land, and turn to the top a raw, harsh, and hungry subsoil, and you need not be surprised if the crop next following sorely disappoints the hopes of the cultivator. I have tried it on a large scale, a field at a time, with the plough, ploughing 8 or 10 inches on land that had only been used to 4 inches deep ; and I have tried it with the fork in scores of instances, and the result has always been the same — hopes disappointed, a poor crop, and deep cultivation discredited. Biit I am wiser now if not richer for the experience I have gained during a period of nearly twenty years. .1 am still as great an advocate for deep cultivation as ever, and I either trench or subsoil for every crop I grow. As my land is in good heart I do not use any manure at the time of planting. Having the land well cultivated I always wait for a good rain to thoroughly miisten the soil from top to bottom. I would rather wait a month than plant in dry soil and a hot scorching sun. In this matter it is indeed true that " patience is a virtue." If you are in a hurry to plant you will perhaps find out that " more haste less speed." I think September quite as good a month to plant in as either July or August, minding only to have good plants to plant. In September you have a better choice of situation, as many of the summer crops are ready to remove, and the cooler days and long dewy nights are much more favourable to planting than during either July or August. I plant in rows 30 by 15 inches, and the second year taking out every other plant, leaving them 'AO by 30 inches for the second and third year's crop. As stated in my last my plants are raised in nursery beds, and are carefully removed, each with a mass of rootlets and soil, and to see them at the week's end you would hardly believe that they had been planted so short a time. I have my runners struck in June. I see by reference to my note-book that I began planting them in the nursery bed on the 30tb of June this year. I strike my runners in each alternate row of first-year plants, gathering the fruit from every other row, and allowing no person to set a foot on the row where the runners are striking. I only allow four or six runners to a plant, taking the others away as fast as they make their appearance. After my bed is planted I keep the hoe constantly going among the plants, hoeing them over if possible at least once a-week, yet never going on to the land when it is wet. It is surprising how fast they grow, and by the middle of October they look like plants a twelvemonth old. Early in March, or as soon as the land is dry enough, having hoed them over two or three times, I give them their mulching September 16, 1875. ] JOURNAIi OF HORTIOULTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 213 of rich horBe or pig manure, two or tliree barrowsfal to a row of thirty plants. When the plants are commencing to bloom I bed on top of the m inure with clean fresh wheat straw, com- pletely covering the whole of the land, bat minding not to cover or bury any of the leaves or flower stems. The rain and the worms flatten and fasten the straw down in a few days, and then I can go and gather splendid frait in almost any weather. I feel I should not be doing justice were I to close this letter •without saying a word in honour of a most useful assistant I have, who takes care that no birds come and help themselves to my fine fruit. What more provoliing than when you have been at all the trouble and expense to grow fine fruit up to within a day or two of its being ripe, for a set of impudent and voracious blackbirds and thrushes to come and devour and mutilate your crop ? This is unbearable. The secret of my im- munity from such intolerable thieves is a fine torn cat brought up in the garden from a kitten, who spends his time day and night, who has a house (a portable one) in the centre of the bed, containing sitting-room and bedroom, and a dining-room and observatory on the roof, who eats, drinks, and sleeps in his house, and during the greater part of the day prowls and stretches among the Strawberries in all sorts of strange posi- tions— a most hideous sight to the eyes of the birds. I do not think I lost half a dozen Strawberries this season from birds, though at times I had stones of ripe fruit on the plants. la he not worthy of honourable mention in connection with my success as a Strawberry-grower ? A few words more and I finish. I am a lover of birds — in fact of all living things, whether plants or animals, and I never destroy a bird. It is nearly twt-nty years since I last shot a sparrow, and as it dropped dead at my feet from the roof of the house, its beak loaded with earwigs (I counted «ight), I felt that I had shot one of my friends, and determined to Bhoot no more. — W. Lovel, Weaverthorpe, Yorks. RAISING BLUE LOBELIAS. FoK bright marginal lines of colour few plants are more popular than Lobelias. They are used in all gardens where flowers are cherished in the form of bedding plants. The plants are raised from cuttings and seed. The seed is gene- rally sown in heat in spring, and the young plants grown-on rapidly until May ; but plants equally good maybe produced with less care and scarcely any heat by sowing the seed now. Hundreds of amateurs have a greenhouse or cold frame who have not a hotbed or stove. Such should always sow seed of Lobelias in September, and they will have plants in May in all points equal to those of their neighbours who raise the plants in heat in spring and grow them on quickly. The seed should be sown ia rich light soil and be covered ■very sUghtly, and the pot or box should be placed in a shaded place outdoors until the seedlings appear. The soil should never be dry ; and to prevent this water thoroughly before Bowing the seed, and cover with squares of glass to arrest eva- poration. The seed should be sown thinly, and the pans may be wintered in a frame from which frost is excluded, or in a light place in the greenhouse. The plants will be ready for pricking-out in March, and will be in fine condition for plant- ing in May. Thus may those who have no heated Btrnetures in spring raise their Lobelias. — Amateur. "WHICH IS THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN OUTDOOR PEACH TREES? Mk. Taylor's interesting paper on this subject contains much useful matter, not only in its explanation of the details of a praiseworthy effort to overcome the difficulties arising from an ungenial soil and climate, but also because it — invo- luntary as I think — shows that there are rocks and breakers ahead, and that there are blemishes and imperfections attend- ant upon every method of the culture of these particularly sensitive exotics upon open walls. The special merit of cordons undoubtedly consists in the facility with which by their aid walls may be covered, the quickness with which fruit may be obtained, and the ease with which failing trees may be replaced. So far I agree with Mr. Taylor, but I am totally at variance with him when he claims for cordons superiority over fan-trained trees in greater freedom from the attacks of blight or disease, the superiority of fruit, the ripening of the wood, or even in covering the walls more quickly. Before proceeding to discuss these points in detail it may bo well to state that L too, am cultivating these fruits under con- siderable disadvantages, such as a poor thin soil and a climate which, when I came into Sussex, was described to be by a very high authority in fruit culture as so ungenial as to render Peach culture in the open air a very diilicnlt and doubtful matter. This was a kind and valuable hint, inducing an extra amount of caution and care in the preparation of the soil, and the planting and after-management of the trees. How I have succeeded must be left for others to tell, it being snili. cient for my purpose to state that I have ample reason to feel contented with the condition in health, vigour, and fruitful- ness of a goodly number of Peach and Nectarine trees, em- bracing kinds new and old, and all kept strictly to the dwarf fan form. Let us now turn our attention to a consideration of certain important points of culture, not by any means for the sake of gaining advantage in argument, but solely for the advance- ment of science and the assistance of others. 1. Freedom from Blight or Disease. — In thinking how this may be effected the mind immediately reverts to its cause. Close observation leads me to conclude that gamming and canker arise from some injury which the bark has previously sustained. An untimely frost or day of hot scathing sunshine may inflict scalds and blisters upon the sensitive cuticle that in its young state is almost as delicate as the petals of a flower, and which, though unseen and perchance unsuspected at the time of its infliction, is none the less deadly and sure in its subsequent effects. The best remedy for this evil is a per- manent coping board to give shelter from hailstorms and frost, and an abundant clothing of healthy foliage to protect the young bark till it becomes matured and toughened. Bruises from the trainer's hammer, tight shreds, naile driven so close to the wood that the corners inflict an immediate scar, or the ensuing season's growth swelling around the nail inevitably sustaining injury on its removal — are all causes of a diseased and perhaps ruined tree. It is evident that in this matter a gardener is very much at the mercy of his assistants ; no supervision, however constant and close it may be, will avail to remedy or prevent its occurrence. Let me appeal to young men to remember this, and to assure them that the trainer's hammer and the work it does is of equal importance as the operation of the master's knife. Be honest in what you do, and strive to preserve the branches, which you train so beauti- fully, intact from harm at your hands. It ia only bunglers who are clumsy with their tools, but I very much fear bunglers are in the majority, for I will not let myself suppose that any really earnest person coulJ infiict injury through carelessness. 2. Superiority or Abundance of Fruit. — This, after all, is the crucial test. Let your trees grow wild as a Bramble bush, or be trained to the formality of a model, I care not for one form more than another; only prove that you can produce annually the greatest quantity of first-class fruit in a given space, and I will gladly yield you the palm and become your disciple. Now I have seen the "standard" Peaches at Chilwell, the cordons at Chiswick— single and double cordons — standards and pyra- mids in numerous other gardens, many of them laden with good fruit, but I am bound to state without the slightest reservation that none of them are at all equal to a good fan- trained tree in the quantity, and very few in the size and quality of fruit. Nor are fan-trained trees at all behioJhaud iu earlinesa of cropping. I happen to have planted a few Peaches and Nectarines on January .30th, 1873, the same season as Mr. Taylor planted his first batch of cordons, and I have no hesitation in saying that for vigour of growth, condi- tion, and quality of the wood itself, and the excellence of the fruit which they have borne, no cordons that I have ever met with are to be compared to them. Take for example an Early Rivers Peach having a lateral spread of 18 feet, and which is fully 10 feet high. But then my mode of planting and culture is also a little out of the old groove. The greatest poasiole care is bestowed upon the preparation of the stations ; soil of a good sound staple, rich rather than poor, is provided, and even a little manure is added to that, into which the roots are expected to penetrate in the first season of growth. Great freedom of growth ia encouraged, every strong shoot and lateral being laid in wherever space admits of its being done with advantage, weakly shoots and all useless growth being removed as soon as possible ; by which means anything approaching to "severe mutilation" is avoided, and the winter pruning 214 JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 16, 1875. resolves itself more into a shortening and balancing of strong growths, and a moderate thinning of crowded shoots, than a hacking and hewing by line and rule. 3. Eipe7iing or Maturing of the Wood in Autumn. — This is always done thoroughly well by the aid of the permanent wooden coping, which not only protects the wood from early frosts, but, acting as a reflector, helps to retain heat in the walls, and also by the reflection of the heat given off by the wall promotes the play of a genial temperature upon the wood. The foliage is removed as fast as its hold upon the branches becomes loosened ; no branches are unfastened, and not a nail or shred removed till the time of winter pruning, which occurs early in February. I may add that the land near the Peach walls is well drained, although not cold and heavy, and in every instance before proceeding to plant such trees in the open air due care should be taken to thoroughly drain the entire garden, not only to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, but to elevate the temperature of the soil, and consequently that of the air, as much as possible. Nj doubt Mr. Taylor has given due atten- tion to this important matter, but it is nevertheless one which must not lightly be passed over here, for I am well acquainted with more than one large garden from whence come frequent plaints of the ravages of frosts, and yet the value and im- portance of drainage apparently remains ignored or misunder- stood.— Edwabd Luckhuest. TWO PEEPS INTO A EOSE AND CLBMATIcJ GARDEN IN BATH. PREFACE. There must perforce be two peeps, because the Rose and Clematis bloom at different times. Peep the First. Two notices by my pen of Mr. Ambrose Awdry's extensive and beautifully kept rosery at Seend, Wilts, appeared some years since in this Journal — viz., in August, 1800, and again in August, 1800. Since then Mr. Awdry, owing to the con- tinuous delicate health of a member of his family, has been obliged to live entirely in Bath. The Seend rosery has dis- appeared— it has not for the last six years been a garden, but a field ; its glories gone, it is but as other green fields, or it may be, for I know not, as I have never seen it, that •' Where once the garden emiled Still many a garden flower grows wild." Howsoever it be, the Seend rosery is but a bright memory and no more ; but a man who really and enthusiastically loves anything never gives up — he is never daunted. There was a charming series of papers written years ago by " D., Deal" among the very best he ever wrote, well worthy of a reprint, which appeared, I think, in the "Florist and Pomologiet," edited then by Robert Hogg and John Spencer, describing his gardening difficulties in his curate days, especially how he cul- tivated his beloved " florist flowers " when neither soil nor situation was favourable ; how from this place to that place he went, still carrying with him flower taste and determination to cultivate it whatever might oppose. So of Mr. Awdry ; cut off from the pleasure of a large country garden, he determined to make and enjoy one in town. Sometimes a town-dweller hires a garden with the chief object — quietly kept from his wife, by the way, of having a place for him to meet his cronies in, and that snug arbour in the corner is more prized than anything else — that arbour where day after day "The ecent of the 'bacca it hangs round it still." Sometimes a town garden is hired — good purposes these — for the benefit of having fresh vegetables and the healthy exercise caused by their cultivation. Bat if people have had a good country garden, unless they are thoroughly enthusiastic, when they come to live in town they content themselves with talking, when a peg too low, about the happiness they used to have in their garden ; but that happiness is a past thing. Mr. Awdry lives in historic Pulteney Street, one of the finest streets in England, which one seldom passes through without thinking of good old King George IH. and the late Emperor Napoleon, both of whom lived in it, and its name commemorates a statesmen of George I.'s reign, now forgotten save from this street. Such is the fate of btatesmen — in all men's mouths while living, but when dead remembered only by two rows of houses ! Mr. Awdry has fortunately been able to secure a garden within five minutes' walk of his house, which I find on the morning of 29th of June to be just a stroll from the back of Pnlteney Street past or through Henrietta Park, a sort of grassy square where some schoolboys have their cricket field, and around which are neat villas; turning along Henrietta Road I am at the garden — at least a door in a wall leading to it ; a moment more I am ineide, and before me a blaze of Roses. The size of the garden is about half an acre, and it is narrow, its width being much less than its length. Its situation, shut in entirely from the road, is, as seen from the inside, very pretty. The old parish church of Bathwick, long since disused, is on one side with its Willows and cemetery. The cemetery, Mr. Awdry tells me, he finds an excellent neigh- bour, as no thieves will cross a graveyard, and the whole gar- den is catproof — thiefproof and catproof, almost equal blessings to a gardener. Above, at one end, but at a considerable dis- tance, is Camden Crescent (what a pretty shape is a crescent when you can see the whole of it at once) ; at the other end, a long way off up the hill, is Sham Castle. .Ml who know Bath know it has a girdle of hills around it, and Sham Castle is on one. On looking before me I see the plan of the garden. At the end at which I enter are twenty-four small oblong beds on grass for bedding plants chiefly. These occupy but a small space, still the green of the grass as you look along it to the Roses beyond, is in capital taste. Around the garden is a walk, with at equal distances wire arches. Down the middle is another walk and other arches, and a wire dome of some size. Then around the fence is high. Arches, dome, fence chiefly for growing the new varieties of the Clematis, the ground for Roses. No potting-shed, no compost-heap, or any- thing of the kind is visible, all screened off, the whole garden a fair show with nothing to take the eye from the rich display of floral beauty. I should add, that in addition to Roses and Clematis, Mr. Awdry cultivates Strawberries to much per- fection. Among the Roses that have done best this year here are La France, John Hopper, Mme. La Baronne de Rothschild, Eugene Verdier, and Duke of Edinburgh. The Duchess of Edinburgh has not done so well. Paul Neron, that huge Rose, has done well ; so has Eugene Verdier and Charles Lefebvre, also the Countess of Oxford. Bath is a good climate as we all know, and this year so favourable to growth, all Roses have made good wood. Baron Gonella always does well in Mr. Awdry's garden, but not so many others until this year. All the Roses are grown either on their own roots or on the Manetti. Walking among end looking down into Roses is such an advantage. For instance : so best you see that neat and trim but not too vigorous Rose, Madame Vidot. It is pleasant to see a whole place pretty, and all — every foot used, with no spare bald places. There were in addition gome grand pillar Roses standing-up in their glory. I may just mention that the Strawberries found to suit best are President, Cockscomb, Sir Harry, Sir Charles Napier, and Dr. Hogg. Of these I can say that their flavour was ad- mirable. Walking through the Roses, examining choice blooms, taking general views of the garden from different points passed the time away pleasantly until the time to spare was gone, and I passed out of the door and the pretty garden was seen no more. " Now," said Mr. Awdry, " you muet come and have a second peep at my garden when the Clematises are out." Peep the Second. Now, August 27th. — Again I enter, and what a change of floral beauty. The Roses are gone save here and there a few blooms. No more Baroness Rothschilds, which somehow will catch the eye more than any other Rose. The twenty-four beds on grass as you enter are now bright with Asters, French and German; also dwarf Victoria Asters, which bear looking into. How different are the French and German Asters ! the former showy in the extreme, the latter neat in the extreme, particularly those having a white centre. The other beds are ablaze with Verbenas and Calceolarias. Of course, the great difference I see in this garden since my first peep is that the boards around, the arches over, and the wired dome, a very conspicuous object, are now bright with Clematis. As yet certainly the general colour of different varieties of the Cle- matis is, well — purple or violet. Upon a near inspection one sees differences, but at a distance they resemble each other, save that here and there is a white. What is wanted is another decided colour, a crimson or an orange ; but while saying this I am far from depreciating what as yet we have. Then, again, what a gain it is to have a perfectly hardy flower, vigorous in growth, abundant in bloom, and the blooms very large, and September IG, 187B. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 245 coming at a time when so much wanted. The Clematis is such a showy flower, such a contrast to the Passion-Flower, which mast be looked into ; but does it not reward ns for that close in-look ? yet it can never make a gay garden. Mr. Awdry's garden was jnst as gay in August with Clematis as in June with Roses. Of course there was Jackmani with its violet purple flowers ; Lady Ciroliue Neville, French white ; Jeanne d'Arc, greyish white; Otto Frobel, the best of all the whites; Gem, lavender ; Star of India, which on a near look has reddish bars ; William Kenuet, Tanbridgensis, lavender and mauve ; Alexandra, reddish violet ; while Mrs. .Tames Bate- man has pale lavender charms, aud many others. Hero and there a wandering Clematis had caught and clasped round a spray of Rose. My readers can well imagine how the empty high black boards became changed into a Clematis wall, and how wire arches and wire dome became Clematis arches and Clematis dome. Mr. Awdry has various plans for covering his boundary fences. Thus where neither Rose nor Clematis does well, he has the double-blossomed Syringa. Then he indulges in a lesser way with another love — viz , Pompon Dahlias, which being small enough for a buttonhole or a bouquet, are Dahlias from which all coarseness is gone completely. Such is a brief account of this interesting and very gay gar- den. What a good thing it is when a man can make a garden his hobby. Scarcely any other so much promotes health or gives BO much pleasure ; while, perhaps, it gives more pleasure to others and to a greater number than any hobby whatsoever. How in such a sweetly quiet garden as this a man may banish his cares, and get more power to bear them, for a garden refreshes the spirits. " Happy," said the poet Gray, ' are they who can ere ate a Rose or erect a Honeysuckle." Says Archbishop Bancroft of his garden in Suffolk, " I trust no other hand but my own to do the nicer work, so long, at least, as my health will allow me to enjoy so pleasing an occupation ; and, in good sooth, the fruits taste more sweet and the flowers have a richer perfume than they had at Lambeth." And as these felt so others may aud do feel ; and I think, as in poultry, a man is more successful if he sticks to a few varieties, so in gardening. Thus, for instance, as in this case of Mr. Awdry and his culture of the Rose and Clematis. — Wiltshiee Rectoe. GREAT INTERNATIONAL FRUIT AND FLOWER SHOW. Edinbdegh, Septemeeb 13th. [SPECIAL TELEGBAM.] If asked, What has contributed to the success of this great Exhibition of garden products ? we must not look for an answer only to able management, business enterprise, and cultural skill, nor to natural advantages of site, soil, and climatic iDtUi- ences, but also aud especially to national feeling — Scots strive to have Scotland in the front; they succeed, aud especially in aiding the soil to yield superior examples of the most useful of all luxuries — fruit. The national aims iu fruit culture are worthily ambitious. The standard of perfection is a high one, and as each grower is emulous of another's fame this stauHard is aimed at by all, and is attained by not a few. The Exhibition, therefore, which is now being held in the Music Hall and Assembly Rooms is an expression of the united efforts of an united people, spread in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe in a manner by which not ODly the city may be satisfied, but of which the United Kingdom may be proud. Neither are these results achieved alone by the growers of the fruit, but they are aided by the owners, who in not a few instances have per- mitted that preparations should be made for a great endeavour involviug, if needful, an immediate sacrifice for the realisation of an ultimate triumph. Gardeners, wherever situated, who are continually workmg uuder high pressure in providing to the utmost for consumptive demands — who are ever striving to produce a maximum quantity combined with fair quality, may be dissatisfied with their efforts in comparison with the high- class productions specially grown and provided for a great occa- sion. But they need not be. Owners who annually tax the powers of their trees, and Vines, and men to the utmost for their daily wants may deem their produce of immoderate quality as judged by the splendid prize fruit which is here exhibited. But they should not so judge, for it were as fair to compare the speed of their hacks aud caniage horses with that of the specially prepared and thoroughly trained racers. It does not detract in the slightest degree from the skill of the cultivators of the fine fruit which we are now noticing to remember that much of it has been specially prepared for a specific object. In the matter of Grapes, for instance, it is not to be disputed that on both sides of the Tweed old Vines have been rested fur a con- centration of their resources for a given time and purpose, 'and new Vines have been planted with special calculations that they nhould attain their first flush of vigour at the time of this great Shnw. That these Vines have done what was expected of them sufficiently attests the skill of the growers, and also, it may be said, the patriotism of their owners. Both have been laudably jealous of the fame of the fruit-producing powers nf their dis- tricts, and hence the gratifying results of a combination of will on the part of the masters, and skill ou the part of the men. This Show is great in aims, objects, and results. The schedule is comprehensive, the prizes liberal, and the management of the most practical kind. Almost all ranks aud classes have cast their mites into the common treasury, and the result is that the noble sum of i700 is provided for prizes. Fruit is divided into four divisions of ninety-five classes, and the plants, &c., into a similar number of divisions and fifty-three classes, making a total of lis classes, besides special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading; Mr. Muuro, Potters B.ir, London; and Scottish patrons. The schedule is in many respects a counter- part of that of the Alexandra Palace Fruit Show, but with im- portant additions and a sensible increase in the amounts of the prizes in some of the divihious. For collections of fruit the amount offered is i'GG, for Pines 1'27, and for Grapes (Scotland is a land o' Grapes as well as a land o' cakes) t'lG:3; for foreign competitors £120, with minor prizes for other products. Liberal prizes were also awarded for plants and flowers, the most notice- able being t'2.5 for ten stove and greenhouse plants, and ±'18 for six plants in flower. For most of the prizes there was good competition, and some admirable examples of culture were staged. The Grapes, as may be expected, were the finest feature of the Show, and the weights of the large bunches were scanned with the greatest interest. We announce at the earliest possible moment the successful exhibitors of this important Exhibition, reserving to our text issue a more complete and detailed report of the gathering. Our northern friends sus- tained their reputation for the hospitality and friendliness which they invariably extend to all visitors. As an instance of the energy and promptitude of the Com- mittee in completing the arrangements of the Show the staging was done during the night, in order that the Judges could com- mence their duties at G a.m. this (Wednesday) morning. The principal awards were as follows : — Some prizes of the greatest and best fruit Exhibition ever held. First comes the battle of the giants. Noble contest. Unparalleled achievements. In White Grapes Mr. Curror, Eekbauk, is first with Calabrian Baisin, weighing 2G lbs. 1 oz. ; Mr. Dickson, Arkleton, second with Syrian, weighing 25 lbs. lOozs. These are honest well-shaped bunches with good berries, Mr. Dickson being the largest, but has lost by over-thinning; it. is 8 feet iu circumference and 2^ feet long. For heaviest Blacks Mr. Hunter, Lambton Castle, is first with a seedling from Gros Guillaume, weighing 11 lbs. 11 ozs. ; Mr. Dickson being second with Black Hamburgh, weigbiog 9 lbs. 8 ozs. For light varieties of Grapes Mr. Hunter, Lambton Castle, Mr. Johnston, Glamis Castle, and Mr. Reid, Rockfieid, stand in the order named with grand cnllections. For four varieties Mr. Landen, The Quinta, Salop, Mr. Brflce, Chorlton, Manchester, and Mr. Whytock are the winners. Fur two Black Hamburghs Mr. Juhnstoue, Mr. Jones, Wynyard Park, and Mr. Eraser, Stobo, are successful. For Muscat Hamburghs Mr. Dickson, Mount Melville, is first, and Mr. Spiers, Golgarburn, second. For Madrestield Court Mr. Bruce is first; Mr. Potts, Mauley Hall, Manchester, second; and third, Mr. Eraser. For Biack AUcanta (grand), first, Mr. Hunter; second, Mr. McConnochie, Cameron House ; and third, Mr. Curror. For Gros Colman Mr. Upjohn, Worsley Hall, is first, and Mr. Jones, Wynyard, second. For Lady Downes' Mr. Greig, Craigend, is first; Mr. Eraser, Rachan, second; aud Mr. Reid, Rockfield, third. For any uther black variety Mr. Stewart, Innerleithen (Black Prince), is first ; second, Mr. Hunter (Sea- cliffe Black) ; and third, Mr. Bruce, Chorlton (Gros Guillaume). For two Muscat of Alexandria Mr. Johnstone is first, Mr. Steward second, and Mr. McConnochie third ; and for any other Wbite Mr. Curror (Calabrian Raisin, 10 lbs.), is first, Mr. Greig (Buckland Sweetwater) is second, aud Mr. Jones (Trebbiano) third. For single bunches of Black Hamburgh the winners are Mr. Jones ; Mr. Goldie, Trochrague ; and Mr. Hannah, Burn- head. For Alicante Mr. Fraser, Eachan House, is first; Mr. Hannah second, and Mr. Currar third. For Muscat of Alex- andria, Mr. Stewart and Mr Greig. For best flavoured Black, Mr. Dickson, Mount Melville (Muscat Hamburgh), and Mr. Jones (Black Prince). For Whites (flavour), Mr. Methven, Blythes- wood, and Mr. Greig. For finest bloom, Mr. Curror with Ali- cmte. For best basket of Black, Mr. Brown, Kilmaroon, and Mr. Service, Dumfries. White, Mr. Bruce, Chorlton. In Divisi'n 2, for two bunches of Black Hamburgh, Mr. E. Crossgar, Ireland ; and Mr. Stalker, St. Roque. For Alicante, Mr. Goodhall, Donisia House, and Mr. Dempster, Edinburgh. For Lady Downes', Mr. Brunton and Mr. Stalker. For Muscat of Alexandria, Mr. Goodhall and Mr. Stalker. For -ilicante. 246 JOUENAl OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ September 16, 1876. Mr. Goodhall and Mr. Simpson, Wortley. For single bunches of Lady Downea', Mr. Erunton and Mr. Mclntyre, Kingsmuir. For Muscat of Alexandria, Mr. Goodhall and Mr. Stalker; and for any other Black, Mr. Brunton and Mr. Mclntyre. For the silver cup offered by James Boyd & Sons for six varie- ties are three splendid collections, Mr. Stewart, Innerleithen, being successful. The Grapes, of which there are about 450 bunches, are a grand exhibition in themselves. For collections of fruit (sixteen varieties), the winners are Mr. Johnson, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Ingram, Alnwick Castle. Twelve varieties, Mr. Upjohn, first; Mr. Dickson, Mount MelvUle, second; and Mr. Cooke, Holeyn Hall, third. Twelve varieties, Mr. Eobert- son and Mr. Shand are successful. These collections are very fine. Peaches are an admirable display of (for twelve), twenty-six competitors. The winners are Mr. Leyden, Whitehill ; Mr. Donald, Kinfauns Castle; Mr. Brown, Birkwood, and Mr. Jack, Battle Abbey. For six fruits, Mr. Brand, Courtou House, first; Mr. Sharp, Pitfour Castle, second; and Mr. Brown, third. Nectarines, for twelve (twenty competitors), small, except winners, Mr. McLean, Gosford, first ; Mr. Jack, second ; Mr. Louden, Qninta, third ; and Mi-. Speiis, fourth. For six fruits, Mr. Cooke, first; Mr. Fowler, Springfield, second; and Mr. McLean, third. Apricots (small), Mr. Gibson, Vogrie, is first; Mr. Harper, Dundas Castle, second; and Mr. Thomson, Alnwick, third. Pines are not numerous, bat very fall. For two Smooth Cayennes the awards go to Mr. Stewart, The Glen, Innerleithen, and Mr. Ingram, Alnwick Castle. For Charlotte Rothschild Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, has the premier award. For Queens Mr. Sancford, Underley Hall, and Mr. Ingram stand in the order named. Mr. Stewart also exhibits nine fine fruit of splendid quality. Melons are an excellent show. Of forty fruit, Green-flesh, Mr. Mansell, St. Leonard's Park, is first; Mr. Weir, Kirse House, second ; and Mr. McFarlane, King's Meadows, third. Scarlet-fleshed, Mr. Methven, Blytheswood, first; and Mr. Kettles, Archerfield, third. Of baking Apples there are fifty very fine collections, Messrs. Cocks & Co., Donnington, taking first honours. They are also first for heaviest Apples. The winners in dessert Apples are Mr. Calton, Mr. Kerr, and Mr. Jones. Of Pears (very fine) there are twenty collections of twelve sorts, the winners being Mr. Ingram, Alnwick; Mr. Smith, Bargauy; and Mr. Anderson, Oxenford Castle. For Jargonelles Mr. Brunton is first ; Mr. Patter, second ; and Mr. Goodhall third. Successful for this fruit also are Messrs. Dickson, McLean, Pairgrieve, Barry, and Mitchell. For Bananas Mr. Fortune, Castlemilk, is first, and Mr. Brown, Kilmaroon, second. For collections of tropical fruit Mr. Leslie, Munches, is first, and Mr. Brown second. Gooseberries and Currants are splendid. Messrs. Brown, McFarlane, and Beeck being the principal prizetakers. Veitch's memoral m-dals and prizes were awarded to Mr Beid for the best bunch of Black (Mrs. Pince) Grapes, Mr. John- son for the best Mutcat of Alexandria, and Mr. Carror for Cala- briau Raisin. To Mr. Shearer, Grassmonnt, for the best Orchid, Mr. Mathieson for the best stool, and Mr. Todd for the best greenhouse plant. Plants are numerous and fine, Mr. Patterson, Milbank, taking the principal prize for ten specimens, Mr. Todd being second. PORTKAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. DioK EDULE. Nat. Old., Cycadaeeai. Lhm , Dicecia Dode- candria. — " For greenhouse decoration this remarkable Cyoad is at once the most easily cultivated, efiective, and on account of the flatness of its rigid frond, the most easily of its class kept free of that pest of Cycads, the scale insect. It is a native of Mexico, where it is said to be found in various pro- vinces, and has been in cultivation since 1843, when it was brought from that country by a Mrs. Lavater, who presented a plant to the Horticultural Society. " Dion edule has been cultivated at Kew almost ever since its introduction into Europe, and thrives both in the cool end of the Palm house and in the octagon of the temperate house, forming a trunk "> to 4 feet high and 8 to 10 inches in diameter. The spread of the crown is 8 to 10 feet, and contains as many as fifty fronds, each 4 to 5 feet in length and 6 to 1) inches in breadth. Both sexea cone frequently, the male cone varying from 9 to 12 inches in length, the female from 7 to 12 inches. " The seeds of Dion are eaten by the Mexicans, both the fleshy testa and the albumen, which latter in other Cycadese is full of a starch that affords an excellent arrowroot." — (Bot. Mag., t. G184.) PniuuLi Pakryi. Nat. ord., Primulscere. Linn., Pentan. dria Monogynia. — Flowers reddifh purple. " Except perhaps the P. japonioa this is the handeomest Primrose -ever intro- duced into this country. It was discovered about 1800 in the Rocky Mountains of the Colorado district, always on the bor- ders of alpine streams near the snow line, floweiing in July, where it gives the name of " Primrose Creek " to one of the affluents of the Colorado River, in about lat 'AT N. Since that peiiod it has been discovered commonly in alpine and sub-alpine spots in Nevada, in the E. Humboldt range. Clover Mountains, Gray's Peak, and Mount Lincoln, ascending to 13,000 feet altitude. Primula Parryi was raised and flowered by Messrs. Backhouse of York in May of the present year." — (Ibid., t. G185.) PRUNING FIG TREES. When Figs are grown in heat, and those sorts selected which bear only an autumnal crop, it has been recommended to cut the trees into shape at the end of the season, as they will break in the spring from dormant buds. It takes time, how- ever, for these dormant buds to rouse themselves, and I find it better practice to cut-back the shoots to two leaves as soon as they become denuded of fruit. These leaves will remain on another month, and will employ their time in forming a bud in the axil of the upper one. Thus considerable advantage is gained in the spring. If any shoots do not show fruit in summer after having been pinched they are cut-back at once, and make either strong buds or fresh shoots. In the autumn I like to seo on the trees a few stubby shoots which have never been stopped, and have a natural terminal bud. These in spring start first and excite the roots, which in their turn stimulate the other parts of the tree. — G. S. OLDLANDS HALL, THE SEAT OF ALEXANDER NISBETT, ESQ. Between the readers and writers of the Journal a vein of sympathy exists to a more than ordinary extent. It is not easy to determine why it is so, but the fact has been demon- strated in a hundred ways. A contributor to the pages of this paper has only to make himself known wherever he may be, and shelter and hospitality is offered him, and he is made, like the publication which has preceded him, a welcome guest. Probably this feeling is engendered by the fact which is ever manifest, that there is a willingness on the part of all who essay to do so, to convey information in a manner to be the most useful to the recipients, sparing neither time or details, however simple these may be, in accomplishing what is the mutual desire of both. I am about to he the medium of making one whose name is familiar still better known, if possible, to the many who have profited by the details of his practice, who have been stimu- lated by his precepts, or interested by the happy expression of his communications. Mr. Luckhurst has frequently shown himself in the Journal, I will now try to show Mr. Luckhurst at home. His home is in a wood on the confines of a wUd forest in Sussex, and one has only to see what he has done and fraternise with him in the discussion of congenial topics to find that he is one of the most able and accomplished gardeners of the day. In five years by extraordinary perseverance and a com- bating of difficulties and overcoming them he has converted a poison-impregnated soil, a worse than a wild waste, into a garden of extraordinary productiveness. The walls, which have only been built within the time mentioned, are — at least the south wall — covered with Peaches and Nectarines from base to apex, with not one insect on the trees, but thousands of fruit. The ground, which then would not grow Potatoes, Globe Artichokes, nor even Horseradish, owing to its impreg- nation of iron, is now growing Raspberry canes 8 to 10 feet in height and other crops in the same order of luxuriance. I can say it, as the results of no inconsiderable experience with gardeners and their duties, that not many men could have done what Mr. Luckhurst has done at Oldlands in so thorough and systematic a manner. The work that he has been called upon to do, and has done it in a manner to secure the appro- bation and confidence of an able and critical employer, is a proof that something more than donning a blue apron, potting a plant, and using a garden implement are amongst the re- quirements of a skilled gardener. Young men may well note what has here been done, and the way it has been done, and judge how far they are able to carry out similar duties which they may be called on to perform. First, then, it is noted that five years ago the place was a September 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 247 wood or a waste. Not only was there not a OHltivated flower or vegetable, but there were no fruit trees, oven no roads. The mansion was in course of erection, and limber had been cleared for its site and for access to the works. Beyond that was nothing but an almost impenetrable jungle. This must be converted into pleasant drives, with the usual ornamental and useful adjuncts of a gentleman's residence. The wood is Bomething like a hundred acres in extent, and is boldly un- dulated; here a streamlet, there a precipitons bank, and now a ravine. The first of Mr. Luckhurst's duties was to make a careful survey of the place and trans^for it to a map, showing every irregularity of surface, the heights and gradients of the declivities, and the nature of the streams. This was done in a systematic manner preparatory to making the drives and walks. This has been a formidable work, for it has been done with a regard to a saving of all the possible expense consistent with a preservation of the best natural features of the estate. These could only be ascertained by taking the views from the tops of trees, so dense was the underwood and irregular the surface. Mr. Luckhuret has planned and carried out the work of road-making with great success. In one part deep cuttings have been necessary, in another uplevellings of great bulks of material. In this work the cubic contents to be re- moved were ascertained with accurate estimates of the cost of the work furnished. It has been the same in pond-making, fencing, and erections of all kinds, of which Mr. Luekhurst has been, as it were, architect and contractor, having furnished drawings and estimates previous to commencing every portion of the work. As may be expected, a perfect system of drain- age is carried out to take away superfluous water, and, what is not less important, a system for a supply when wanted is brought within reach of the crops, Mr. Luekhurst having so arranged matters that the sewage, commonly regarded as waste, is pumped up to tanks in the kitchen garden, and to this in a great measure is to be attributed the luxuriance of the vege- tables and the rude health and sturdy vigour of the fruit trees. Thus nothing has been done by guesswork, but everything has been carried out in a skilful and systematic manner. The principal charm of Oldlands as a residence consists in its wild woodland walks and the great natural beauty of the landscape. In an artistic and gardenesqne view there is nothing remarkable to note. The treatment of the grounds is admirable, but time is necessary to perfect the plans, and the new work which is continually in progress prevents the place, as a whole, having a finished aspect. The family being also absent two-thirds ol the year, it is only at stated intervals that a polish is given to the home-surroundings. Flower gar- dening of a high order is, therefore, not attempted. The design of beds is effective, and the borders are rich in flower- ing shrubs. The walls of the mansion are being clothed with attractive plants, which I will not enumerate, but leave Mr. Luekhurst to tell us what is suitable for this purpose of deco- ration. Yet I must not omit to say how fine is Berberidopsis corallina, not only as a south-wall climber, but for the useful- ness of its pendent crimson wax-like clusters for drawing and dining-room decoration. When the hundreds of Conifers have increased in size, when the thousands of Rhododendrons are perfected, and when time is found to "trim and make neat," then will the natural charms of the place be supplemented by ornamental appendages tastefully disposed. Striking objects in the garden are dense bushes of Hydrangeas, their hundreds of gigantic blooms being, by the action of iron in the soil, of a rich deep blue. I will now glance at the useful department of this place. If Mr. Luekhurst amidst his multifarious duties of planning and carrying out new work cannot find time to devote attention to many details which he would wish to do, he wisely determines that, whatever is left undone, the fruit trees shall not suffer neglect. The collection is extensive, about eight hundred trees being under systematic pruning, embracing all the beet sorts. The growth and condition of these trees is little short of marvellous considering the time they have been planted, and they afford incontestable proof that the attention they have received is of the first order in tree culture. That the word " marvellous " is not an exaggeration I will instance a Bellegarde Peach tree on the south wall. It was received from a nursery a small plant three years and a half ago, and it has now a spread of 24 feet, covering every inch of wall from top to bottom, and is laden with fruit. Pear trees which were planted at the same time in a small state are now perfectly formed pyramids 10 feet in height, and studded with fruit epniB to their centres. Plnm trees there are of the same age and size wreathed with fruit, also Cherries and Apples. Need it be said that Mr. Luekhurst is no advocate of early root- pruning and rigid summer-pinching '.' Light, liberty and cleanliness, good food and careful guidance, are his landmarks in fruit-tree culture. But it may be surmised that the soil of this garden is natu- rally suited to the growth of trees. This is not so, and, para- doxical as it may seem, it is because the natural soil was bo bad that these trees have been made to grow so well. It was because Mr. Luekhurst was told, on high authority, that Peaches would not flourish in the open air that he determined to make them, and to accomplish that the old soil was removed entirely and new soil introduced. This soil-removal has been a work of great magnitude, for thousands of loads have been carted a considerable distance, and now the fruits of the labour are to be seen in splendid trees and luxuriant vegetables. The orchard trees were all planted on stations of fresh soil 6 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep for each tree, and hence their ruddy health and great promise. In Peach-growing Mr. Luekhurst is not afraid of strong wood ; indeed his aim has been to produce it as strong as possible, or he would not have covered a wall 10 feet high in three years and a half with fan-trained trees. So long as the growth is regular the stronger the better, would seem to be the principle of action here. As an instance of the luxuriance of the trees, the leaves of Lord Napier Nectarine are 0 inches in length and 2^ inches in width. But what of the fruit ? The tree is laden with them, many exceeding 7 inches in circumference, and some of them taking honours at the great Show at the Alexandra Palace. In the case of these strongly grown Peach and Nectarine trees their vigour has not detracted from their 1 fruitfulness, but has increased the size of the fruit. Coping ! boards project over the wall 15 inches, and they are never : taken down. The trees are watered with sewage to keep them ! healthy, and eyriuged with pure water to keep them clean; and fruit is supplied in abundance from the second week in July from Early Beatrice, to the end of October from the Late j Admirable. Dr. Hogg Peach is fruiting frec-ly ; it is a hand- ! some fruit of superior quality. I cannot give an estimate of i the varieties of fruit ; that may well be done by the grower, for assuredly he is well able to furnish reliable information on the cultivation and merits of the best varieties of wall and orchard fruits. But in this general glance one specialty must be noted in a wall of Pear trees. It is a happy idea, and will be an ever- growing source of interest. On an eastern aspect is planted a collection of Pears to be trained as diagonal cordons. The arrangement is this : At the extreme end is planted the earliest known Pear, followed by the next in succession, and to con- tinued until the other end is reached with the latest sort. In this plan is embraced upwards of seventy varieties. The arrangement has been made with great care, and the trees are very promising. Vines are grown in two spacious and well-constructed houses. They are also vigorous, fine in bunch and berry ; and while the Muscats are beautifully finished, the Ham burghs do not quite satisfy the grower. Royal Ascot is carrying a fine crop, capitally finished and of splendid quality, and Gros Guillaume is heavily laden with noble fruit. Heavy surface-dressings of manure are applied to the border, and into this food the spongioles are darting in all directions and adding vigour to the canes and fruit. Sarface-dressiug of the soil with manuie is carried out with various crops with the very best results. For fruits especially, in Mr. Luckhurst's estimation, it has quite superseded the practice of digging-in. Cucumbers are grown in a fiue-heated pit, as also are plants for table decoration. In this pit a late crop of Tomatoes are also ripening. These and the Cucumbers are grown in strong clay, but it is first burnt and then soaked with sewage, and the vigour of the plants proves how well this strong food suits them. Melons are grown in dung beds, so that we observe two old-fashioned appliances — dung beds and flue-heating — turned to profitable account in this new garden. I will summarise the cardinal means which have transformed a wild wood into a complete and fruitful garden. They are careful calculation, skill, zeal, plans prepared on sound prin- ciples, details carried out with thoroughness, and — for this is worthy of especial mention — sewage. — A Yisitok. Hendek & Sons' Seedling Petunias. — We have before us fifty flowers of these seedlings, each a distinct variety, each 218 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. 1 Septemter 16, 1675. large, and each etrikingly and beautifully coloured, oefore saw s ch a group of Petunia flowers. We never CAEYOPHYLLUS AROMATIOUS. This ib a commercial plant of considerable importance, and has been known to this country for nearly a century. It ia only cultivated in choice and botanical collections of plants, where it flourishes in a soil composed of loam and peat, and muBt have a high steady temperature. It is propagated by cuttings inserted in sand under a bellglass. But while we speak of it and know it as a plant in our artificial mode of growing it, yet in its perfected ttate it is a tree of which the clove spice of commerce ie the dried flower buds. Dr. Hogg in his "Vegetable Kingdom" states that the Clove is a tree 20 to 10 feet high, a native of the Moluccas, but now cultivated all over the East Indies where situations favourable to its growth can be obtained, and also in some of the West India islands. The cloves of commerce are the unexpanded flower bnds, the corolla forming a ball on the top between the teeth of the calyx. They are first gathered when the trees are about ■ -^ ■ - s r- '" Fig. 52. — CaryopbylluB aromaticug. six years old, and are either collected by hand or beaten with reeds so as to fall upon cloths which are placed under the trees to receive them, and dried either by fire heat or in the BUn. The fiuit, which is a dry berry, also possesses a very aromatic taste and odour. The ueo of cloves in domestic economy is well known. Water extracts the odour of cloves, with comparatively little of their taste. All their sensible pro- perties are imparted to alcohol ; and the tincture when evapo- rated leaves an excessively fiery extract, which becomes insipid when deprived of the oil by distillation with water, while the oil which comes over is mild. Oil of cloves is obtained by dif - tilling cloves with water, to which it is customary to add common salt in order to raise the temperature of ebullition ; and the water should be repeatedly distilled from the same cloves in order completely to exhaust them. At the Intebnational Potato Show to be held in the Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, September 29th and 30tb, the prizes amount to upwards of £100. the 20th. Entries close on PEACH BUSHES. I NOTICED a few days since that Mr. Rivers of Sawbridge- worth had sent to London ripe Peaches of the Early Beatrice grown on a bush outdoors. I think it possible that in many parts of England the Peach may be grown and ripened on bushes. For some years I have had the Early York so grown, and it generally bears well. This year I have gathered more than six dozen well-coloured fruit of excellent flavour. I have also Crawford's Early very fine on a bush with large and good fruit. I shall try the Early Beatrice, the Prince of Wales, and one or two others. I have no wall, so rely solely on bush- growing also for other fruits. My laud is high up, and bleak in winter, yet I generallj' have good crops ; the only drawback being the number of bullfinches that eat out the bloom buds and do more damage to me than the frosts ever do. Perhaps others will try a few bushes of different sorts of Peach out of doors and give their experience. Mine are planted amongst the shrubs and used as ornamental trees, as I do also my Pears and Plums, and they have a very pretty effect both when in bloom and also when covered with bright high-coloured fruit ; besides which I save the labour and expense of wall- training.— Haerison Weir, Weirlcigli. [We had a seedling Peach tree trained as au espalier in a garden on a southern slope near Witham in Essex. It ripened its fruit annually.— Eds ] An Agave Americana is now in flower at Siebald's Holme, Wisbech ; it stands in front of the house bordering on the street, and first showed for bloom about the 15th of May last. Its stem has reached 17 feet, and the twenty-five clusters of flowers are of a brilliant chrome yellow. The plant is known to be above eighty years of age. It was last year repotted, which is supposed to have thrown it into flower. OLLA PODRIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUB.— No. 4. From Milan we went to Venice. As Venice is quite a city sui generis built on the sand dunes of the Adriatic, and as the streets are all turned into canals, and the locomotion effected by gondolas instead of voitures, it is hardly fair to expect any public gardens ; and yet Venice has a public garden on the extreme north-east point of the city, and a botanic garden near the railway station. I paid a hurried visit to the latter during a heavy fall of rain, but was much better pleased with it than the one at Milan. There was a very fine collec- tion there of Yuccas and Agaves grown in pots, and shaded from the sun by being grown under double span sheds, covered with Bamboo mats. This species of Bamboo, nearly allied to the Arundinaria falcata, is much used in different ways for shading. I first noticed it in Milan, fplit and cut into lengths like tile laths, nailed against the sides of scaffolding poles to form a protection for workmen against the scalding sun, and also to prevent pieces of stone, or brick and mortar, from falling into the streets. It is also used nailed across windows to prevent plastering of walls from drying too fast and crack- ing. The smaller and finer ends are again made into blinds, by having cord twisted in and out between them, having much the appearance of fine straw. These blinds admit the air, but form a very perfect shade, and are very durable. The Agaves and Yuccas at the Orto Botanico at Venice were growing under blinds made of the coarser Bamboo, which could be rolled up at pleasure. The collection was a very good and varied one, and the plants setmed to rejoice in their treatment. I have heard of Orchids in India being grown much in the same way in houses lathed-in with split Bamboos, and covered on the sunny side with leaves of the Sago Palm. One of the most striking Yuccas was Yucca quadricolor. There were also a nice collection of Eoses, including many of our best sorts, and some, too, of the older varieties, which I had not seen for some time, and a very large kind of yellow Banksian ; but the climate was too hot, and the petals of the Koses were too thin, as if they bad been forced too much into growth. There were also some good specimens of Acacias and some plants of Heliotrope which promised to be very fine. However, the rain began to come down in torrents, and as the gondola was in waiting outside I had to hurry back through the gardens. The public garden at the north-east end of the city is very September 16, 1876. I JOUKNAIi OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 249 devoid of interest, and certainly very devoid of plants. There was a crop of bay being secured by a set of idle Italians ; though when I speak of its being secured by them it is rather a figure of spuecb, as thoy were one and all lying down under the trees for the middny .^ii'sta. There is also the unfailiug Cafi' Bistoranti, or rather two of them, one at each end of the garden — one raised on a mound of earth, apparently mud dredged out of the Adriatic. There was no attempt, as I said, at flowers, and very little at flowering shrubs; but there were some nice Acacias, and another tree which I did not know, and which I have not yet learned the name of, which was in full flower and very sweet-scented. The flowers are in drooping racemes, white, with a purphsh throat, each flower nearly an inch across when fully expanded. I saw it else- where afterwards — as at Verona, Bellagio, and Lugano — but never learnt the name. I need not detain your readers longer with Venetian gardening. Nor was there anything worthy of note at Verona, which was the next place we went to, except a beautiful avenue of Cypresses. From Verona we went to Bellagio on theLago de Como, and here the luxuriance of the foliage was very striking. There are two villa gai'dens here exceedingly well worth seeing — the Villa Serbelloni, where there is a dependance belonging to the Hotel Grande Bretagne, and the Villa Melzi. The grounds of the Villa Serbelloni are very extensive, comprising the wooded kuoU and point projecting into the lake, commanding views of tho three arms of the lake. On one side the winding paths are cut into the face of a rock looking perpendicularly down into the lake a height of lOU or 500 feet. The whole of the wooded kuoll is intersected with paths, with a circuitous driving road, by means of which you can drive by an easy ascent to the top. All the shrubs and many of the best kinds of Pines and firs seem to luxuriate ; and against a wall facing south beneath the villa were two or three beautiful plants of Mandevilla suaveolens just coming into full bloom. In some of the shel- tered nooks were beds of Agaves, Yuccas, Aloes, Uracienas, &o., and in the woods were a great variety of Ferns. The winding paths command at different points the finest views of the lake, and this is the only point where all the three arms of the lake can be seen to perfection. Nothing was more striking than the exceeding verdure of the sides of the hills with the fresh foliage of all the trees which had not as yet suffered from the Bummer's sun. The grounds of the Villa Melzi are private, but are shown to the public by payment of a fee. They are close upon the margin of the lake, and equally with the grounds of Villa Serbelloni display great luxuriance of foUage. There was a better attempt here at lawns ; but with the usual fault, the grass not being mown more than once in three or four weeks. The following plants and shrubs were doing well : — Araucaria excelsa, Cocos coronata, Chamserops excelsa, Abies pendula, a beautiful specimen of the Weeping Fir ; PinuB lanceolata ; Sahsburia adiantifolia, a very striking plant ; -Justerenuia violacea, Lagerstrcumia regins, &o. This, which I had only seen before as a denizen of our cool stoves, was quite a large tree, both here and at Villa Serbelloni. The Beuthamia f ragifera, with its yellowish-white cross-shaped flower, was also very con- spicuous. The Bambusa graoihs, and Arundinaria falcata, and other plants of the Bamboo tribe seemed to be much at home in shady places by the water side ; and plants of Sanchezia nobilis plunged in pots had, the gardener told me, done well last year, though they had only just been put out then. The Oranges, Lemons, and Pomegranates were also flourishing ; and though one of our first-class EngUsh gardeners would have made much more of the great opportunities presented by soil and climate, yet the exceeding luxuriance of the early spring growth on the trees and shrubs made the gardens well worth a visit, and we only regretted that our cicerone somewhat hurried us on, as is the manner with some cicerones who expect other visitors and other fees. There is some fine statuary in the house ; but for the description of interior see Murray. I have already been carried away too far with this description of the villa gardening by the side of the lakes. We met with much the same at Lugano, and again at Baveno, on the Lago Maggiore, where there is a beautifully- kept villa garden, and a new villa built by an Englishman ; but I will not weary yonr readers by a repetition of the names of the shrubs and Firs, A-c., which were planted there. I may mention, however, that the Wellingtonia was developing with great rapidity, making young quick growth, tapering far more than in any English-grown specimen I have yet seen, and the yonng growth of the Finus excelsa and ineignis was Bome- thing wonderful. But the gem at the Villa Clara is the little chapel built in an octagon form, beautifully decorated with mosaics, frescoes, encaustic tiles, and painted windows, with a daily service. The chapel is open to all Ruglish visitors at the hotels at Baveno, and it is quite worth while to make it a Sunday resting-place. The chapol is quite perfect in its way. From Baveno we crossed into Switzerland by tho St. Gothard Pass, and I will reserve my few remarks on tho vegetation, &o., we saw in route till another paper. — C. P. P. EARLY WKITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING. No. 7. JOHN EVELYN. SwiTZEE, the contemporary of Evelyn, and one of the best practical gardeners, and the best writer on gardening of that period, observed that " Evelyn, like another Virgil, was appointed for the retrieving the calamities of England and reanimating the spirit of his countrymen for their planting and sowing of woods ; to him it is owing that gardening can speak proper English." He was born at Wotton in Surrey, the mansion of his father, on the 31st of October, 1G20. lie commenced his education at Lewes in Sussex, and completed it at Baliol Col- lege, Oxford. In 1010 he entered as a student of the Middle Temple, but proceeded in 1614 on the grand tour of Europe to Italy. Having exerted himself in promoting the restoration of Charles II. he was appointed a commissioner for the sick and wounded during the Dutch war. He was one of the first Fellows and of the Council of the Royal Society on its estab- lishment in 1602. It was by his persuasion that Lord Henry Howard in ICti7 presented the Arundelian marbles to the Uni- versity of Oxford, for which he received its thanks and the degree of Doctor of Laws. He was also appointed one of the Commissioners for rebuilding St. Paul's Cathedral, had a place at the Board of Trade, and was one of the Council for tho management of the Plantations. After the accession of James II. he became one of the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord Privy Seal, and in 1695 Treasurer of Green- wich Hospital. Mr. Evelyn became possessed of Sayes Court in 1617 by marrying the only daughter of Sir Richard Browne, tenant under the Crown. Sir Richard, being absent as our repre- sentative in France, allowed Evelyn to reside at Sayes Court in 16.il. In the January of 16.53 Evelyn writes, " I began to set out the oval garden at Sayes Court, which was before a rude orchard, and all the rest one intire field of a hundred acres, without any hedge except the hither Holly hedge joining to the bank of the Mount walk. This was the beginning of all the succeeding gardens, walks, groves, enclosures, and planta- tions there." " The hithermost garden I planted about 1656, the other beyond it, 1660 ; the lower grove, 16H'2 ; the Holly hedge, even with the Mount hedge below, 16V0." Previously to his incurring the expense incident to all these improvements Evelyn had wisely secured to himself and heirs a long possession. The ground belonged to the Crown, and ho obtained in the December of 1662 a warrant to prepare a lease to him of sixty-five acres, the portion of Sayes Court now held by him, for ninety-nine years, though the term greatly exceeds the Lord Treasurer's instruction, on rent to tho Crown of £20 ; and 204 acres, the remaining portion, for thirty-one years at a rent of £40. In 166.3 the lease was finally granted, but the rent was reduced to 22.s. 6d. ! In 1683 he " planted all the out-limits of the garden and long walks with Holly," and of one of them he thus speaks — " Is there under heaven a more glorious and refreshing object of the kind than an impregnable hedge of about 400 feet in length, 9 feet high, and 5 in diameter, which I can show in my now ruined garden at Sayes Court (thanks to the Czar of Muscovy) at any time of the year ? It mocks the rudest assaults of the weather, beasts, or hedge-breakers." This last sentence evidently refers to its being proof against the barbarian amusement of the barbarian Czar of Russia, his temporary tenant, being impeDed through the Sayes Court hedges in a wheelbarrow. In 1696 Evelyn let Sayes Court to Captain Benbow, after- wards Admiral, of whom he thus speaks in his diary : — " I have let my house to Captain Benbow, and have the morti- fication of seeing every day much of my former labours and expense there impairing for want of a more polite tenant." In the commencement of the year 1698 Benbow underlet the 250 JOUENAL OF HOBTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( September 16, 1875. house, together with all his furniture, to the Czar ; but Evelyn BOOH had to regret the aeeommodation he had allowed to His Majesty, for in the month of May in that year we find him petitioning the Lords of the Treasury that compensation be made him for the damage the Czar had done to his house, garden , and furniture. The well-known gardener, Mr. London's report is as follows — ^ " May 9tb, 1698. " Some observations made upon th^ rjardt'ns and planlatiotts which belong to the honourable John Evelyn, Esijuirc, att his house of Sayen Court, in Deptforcl, in the County of Kent. " During the time the Zai" of Muscovie inhabited the said house, eeverall disorders have been committed in the gardens and plantations, which are obserred to bo under two heads : one is what can be repaired again, and the other what cannot bo repaii-ed. "1, All the grass work© is out of order, and broke into boles by their leap- ing and shewinR tricks upon it. " 2. The bowling green is in the same condition. " 8. All that gi-oiuid which used to be cultiyated for eatable plants is all overgronne with weeds and is not manured nor cultivated, by reason the Zar would not suffer any men to worke when the season offered. " 4. The wall fruite and slander fruite trees are unpriunod and un- nailed. " 5. The hedges nor wilderness are not cutt as they ought to be. *' 6. The graven walks aie all broke into holes and out of order. " These observations were made by George London, his Majesties Master Gardener, and he certifies that to putt the gaidens and plant- ations in as good repair as they were n before hie Zarrish Majestie resided there will require the eumme of fifty- live pounds, as is Justified by me. "George London, " Great dammages sre doue to the trees and plants, which cannot be re- paired, as the breaking the branches of the wall fruit trees, spoiling two or three of the finest true phillereas, breaking severall holleys and other Jiue plants." Lord Keeper Guildford de- scribed Sayes Court as " most boscaresque, being, as it were, an examplar of his (Evelyn's) book of forest trees." It long since was pulled down, and its gardens built over. Several years previous to 1759 Sayes Court, mansion, and part of the grounds had been used as the workhouse for the parish of St. Nicholas, Deptford. Then it became a depijt for emigrants, and was pulled down nearly twenty years since. There is a small draw- ing of the house and grounds in a map of Deptford at- tached to Evelyn's " Diary." Evelyn was far in advance of his age in almost all know- ledge and judgment. After the great fire of London he pro- posed that with the rubbish a quay should be formed from the Tower to the Temple, wherebv the river there would be always full and easy of access. Not succeeding in that, he seems to have turned his thoughts towards preparing ma- terials for re-erecting the city ; for in the next year, 1CG7, he applied for a sole license for fourteen years, in conjunction with Gabriel Sylvius, for their invention "of a kihi and furnaces for burning bricks. Amongst the MSS. at Wotton are parts of two volumes entitled " Elysium Britannicum," and the contents are speci- fied, but the work was never completed. If it had been com- pleted it would have been an " Encyclopre'dia of Gardening" of Evelyn's time. A portion of it was finished and published as " Kalendarium Hortense." It ia dedicated to Cowley the poet, hia " deare and worthy friend ;" and in 1C90, writing to Lady Sunderland, Evelyn said, "It is now enteriug on the eighth edition. "Tis now almost fourty years since first I writ it, when horticulture was not much advanced in England." Among the State Papers of the date 1664 (?) is a MS. of fifty-seveu pages, being that " Kalendarium Hortense, or in- structions for each month of what is required to be done in the Orchard and Olitory Garden, and in the Parterre and Flower Garden." There is also the table and table of contents Kg. 63.— John Evelyn, Esq. of his " Sylva," printed in 1664 ; also particulars of large Oak trees found in different localities, with the prices for which they were sold ; also discourses on cider by Dr. Smith and Capt. Taylor. At the end are money accounts in Spanish of the dates 1642, 1643, and 1651. Ono thousand copies of the first edition of the " Sylva " were sold in two years, and the author was naturally gratified by this success, so unusual in those days, as well as by being able to inform the king that the publication had caused in that same space of time " more than two millions of timber trees to be planted, besides infinite others." Evelyn in his "Diary" states many particulars relative to twenty-six gardens he had visited in France and Italy, and fourteen in England. Among the latter is that of the Earl of Essex at Cashiobury, of which he says " The gardens are very rare, and cannot be otherwise, having so skilfull an artist to govern them as Mr. Cooke, who is, as to the me- chanic part, not ignorant of mathematics, and pretends to astrology. There is an excel- lent collection of the choicest fruit." In its culture the gar- dener named was certainly a proficient. He is the Mosea Cooke who, in 1679, published a favoirrably known book on " Baising Forest and Fruit Trees." Evelyn gives still more special details of Lord Claren- don's mansion and gardens, Swallowfield, in Berkshire, " the delicious and rarest fruits of a garden, the skill in the flowery p.art, and the in- numerable timber trees. There is one orchard of one thou- sand golden and other cider Pippins." In 1700 Evelyn visited Bed- dington, " the ancient seate of the CarewB now decaying with the house itself, heretofore adorn'd with ample gardens, and the first Orange trees that had been seen n England planted in the open ground, and secnr'd in winter onely by a tabernacle of boards and stones removable in summer, that standing 120 yeares, large and goodly trees, and laden with fruite, were now in decay. The Pomegranads beare here." Evelyn died at Wotton, February 27th, 1705-6, and was interred in the family vault there after a life of unwearied utility, sincerely regretted by every man of science and every patriot. Besides the works already mentioned, Evelyn published the following relative to the cultivation of plants : " The French Gardener," in 1658 ; " Terra, a Philosophical Discourse of Earth," 1675; "Pomona," 1679; " Quintinye's Treatise of Orange Trees," 1693 ; and " Acetaria, a Discourse of Sallets," 1699. NEW EARLY AND LATE STRAWBEEEIES. No. 2. The remaining sorts I have at present to notice are decidedly late, and first of all Excelsior (fig. 54). This is a seedling the second generation from Cockscomb, by which I have removed the objectionable cockscomb shape altogether. The foliage is dark green, and the habit of the plant very handsome, of moderately dwarf and compact growth, much after the style of Rivers's Eliza. The fruit is not so large as its parent, but much handsomer and of regular conical shape from which it never departs. The woodcut represents the ordinary run of the frnit, and ia far from being a large specimen. I have frequently grown September 16, 1876. ) JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 251 Fig. 54.— EjcelBior. it half as large again. The quality of the fruit is excellent. Flesh white and sometimes pinky white, very solid and buttery, with a rich vinous flavour. Under glass the plant behaves remarkably well. It is, perhaps, rather bushy, and therefore requires a full-sized pot, but it boars aooordingly, and I kuow of no forced Strawberry bo good in quality or of such uu- deviating high flavour. Early Prolific and Duke of Edinburgh : for early, and Excelsior for lata forcing, are not to be beaten ' by any sorts yet known, let anyone say what they may. This variety has also a property to which I have before alluded. After the plants have finished fruit- ing the beds present a mass of bloom all over from the runners, which may be removed with a little earth, potted, and grown-on in a cool frame, or if let alone in the open ground, and should the season be mild it will ripen a second crop of fruit late in the season. Variegatvd Enchantress (fig. 55). This is quite a novelty, at least as far as my experience goes, I never met with a varie- gated sort bearing a good- sized fruit. This variety not only bears the class of fruit represented by the woodcut, but the quality is everything to be desired. Like its parent Enchantress, it produces a bright crimson-coloured fruit with very numerous small yellow seeds prominently dis- posed, pinky-red flesh, solid, very juicy, and possessing a re- markably rich Pine flavour. Like most variegated sorts the plant is not very large, but it bears well for its size, and is altogether a late and remarkable variety. Next in order is Bonny Lass (fig. 50). The fruit of this fine late sort is very large and handsome, pale red in oo- lonr, with prominent seeds thickly disseminated, re- markably solid pinky-red flesh, juicy, and of good flavour, the flavour im- proving as the season ad- vances. Plant stout and healthy, a good grower and profuse bearer. It commences ripening its fruit at mid- season, and generally lasts all sorts out except Fragaria tardissi- ma. Quite the finest late Strawberry, the latest berries of which, though smaller, have frequently the highest flavour. This sort, with Early Crimson Pine and Sir John Falstaff for early and mid-season, are the three fine sorts we we grow for mai-ket. Lastly, Fragaria tard- issima (fig. 57). This is not grow largely, but where a little very late fruit is wanted at the middle and latter end of August, and sometimes beginning of September, this will be a desirable kind to grow. The fruit is not very large, and cannot possibly be so good in flavour at so late a period of the season ; nevertheless it is sometimes very good. Colour of fruit bright red with a tinge of scarlet ; seeds depressed and thinly scattered ; flesh pale red, melting and juicy, with fine flavour, varying with the season. The fruit is borne in clusters on shortish footstalks, so that its blooms become quite hidden by the foliage. The plant in my soil makes too much foliage ; so that to ensure success I have found it necessary to considerably reduce the quantity of foliage once and sometimes twice during the season, to enable the blossoms Fig. 55. — Vaiif;:aloil I'lichantress, f^j/}Tx -Bonuj Lass a sort anyone would care to in the first instance to set their fruit, and later on to ripen it. When this is done the flavour is really very good. The ten- dency of the plant is to set its fruit well ; and from what I am about to relate I doubt not this very late sort, if it possessed no other merit than its lateness, bids fair to be ono of tho parents of a new race of very superior high-flavoured late sorts. These four last seedlings, together with Enchantress, Gipsy Queen, and Fair Lady form a group of late varieties, each having some peculiar quality difleiing from any other late sort in culti- vation. I must conclude these descriptions by observing that several years ago Mr. Laxton of Stamford was good enough to send me a seedling Strawberry which he described as a cross be- tween the line and Alpine races, having then no very positive characters, and being also anything but fertile— in fact, as he eaid, almost a mule. He sowed the seedling Alliance and sent it to me, thinking it might possibly, if good for nothing else, become the parent of a new race. I worked away at this al- liance of two original types of the Strawberry, sowing the seed of such fruits as I could get from time to time till I produced a considerable amount of fertility. Having so far overcome its mulish propensity, it struck me some two or three years ago that Fragaria tardiseima as a very late sort, but still wanting in some respects, might make a grand second parent for a further acquaintance with Alliance ; for it is a notable fact according to my experience, that you do not generally succeed in producing any very new feature by using parents on either side which in themselves already possess a large amount of perfec- tion. I therefore deter- mined to cross two or three of the earliest blooms of P. tardissima with the pollen of Alliance, and I believe I have succeeded thoroughly ; for on sowing the seed of two berries thus treated I have raised, to my mind, one of the most delicious late Straw- berries I ever tasted. The season just ended is the second year of the selected plant. It bore a heavy crop of fruit which, though not at present very large, was of exactly the outline of F. tardis- eima. Some of the fruit was rather larger, but darker in colour like Alliance, dark red flesh all through, and so re- markably juicy, sugary, vinous, and melting, that I cannot easily forget its delicious flavour, and am only longing for next season to arrive, when I hope to have the satisfaction of confirming the above im- pressions on witnessing the results from some twenty or more fine plants I have already reared and hope to fruit well in due course. The plant is of stout upright growth, and par- takes of the character of both parents— that is, the colour of leaf from Alliance and the contour of plant from Fragaria tardiseima, and the season will undoubtedly be late. If these remarks should catch the eye of Mr. Laxton I shall be happy next season to return Alliance to him improved iu size and fertility, accompanied (if he will accept them) by a plant or two of the new cross, to be named, if still found worthy and be will do me the honour, after Mrs. Laxton or Fig. 57.— Frsgaiia tardissima. 252 JOURNiTi OF HORTICULTaRE AND COTl'AGE GARDENER. September 16, 1875. some member of his family to be selected by himself. This little compliment, I am sure, is quite due to one who has done BO much to add to our enjoyments, yearly increasing, in one of the great luxuries of our table, and for which I thank him. I cannot close this article without alluding to the extraordi- nary season through which we have just passed, not only in the midland district, but generally throughout the country ; the enormity of the Strawberry crop, which has been almost unparalleled ; the large amount of fruit which has been totally spoiled by the incessant wet weather ; and the consequent general lack of flavour in all but a few of the very best sorts. — W. RoDEN, M.A., M.D., Morningside, Kidderminster. THE WATER GAEDEN. Ir there is one branch of gardening more neglected than another, it would seem to be that which relates to the culture of aquatic plants, both hardy and tender. It is not possible, or even desirable, to grow the Victoria Lily in every garden ; but there are smaller and scarcely less beautiful Water Lilies, which only require a tank a few feet square in which to culti- vate them very successfully ; and in the majority of cases the extra expense of a shallow slate tank is amply compensated by the minimum amount of attention which the smaller aquatic plants require when once planted compared with ordinary decorative plants in pots. Many of the most beautiful and Interesting of all exotic water vegetation may be grown in an ordinary plant stove during the summer months, and their introduction would do much to break that everlasting monotony and sameness of material one generally finds in such structures. A slate tank, about 4 feet square and 1 foot or U inches in depth, is amply sufficient for one of the smaller Nymph£Bas ; and a few smaller plants, as Pistia stratiotes or Limnocharis Hamboldtii, only require an inch or two of space around the sides. A series of these shallow tanks might occupy one side of a plant stove during the spring and summer months, and thus, at a slight expense, afford the means of growing a very interesting collection of aquatic plants. These tanks are of a very portable size, and are readily emptied and removed in the autumu, when the plants have died down or are at rest, in which condition one tank is often sufficient to keep the tubers of such plants as Nymphsas, which should never be dried off. Most aquatics grow well in a compost of fibrous loam and manure, and they may either be planted in pots or shallow wicker baskets (which for the larger kinds are batter), plunged beneath the surface. Aquatics are now kept in stock by most of the principal nurserymen, so that they are readily obtainable. Now it is the fashion to plant out our conservatories on the natural style, it is advisable to make provision for aquatic or sub- aquatic vegetation. Even if it is a cool or unheated structure, our common white Water Lily and the American Nymphiea odorata, together with the fragrant and perfectly hardy Apono- getou diatachyou, may be introduced with success ; but if the water is heated by a circular coil of piping, the selection of plants may be increased by planting the lovely and free-flower- ing bine and rosy Nymphfea, Papyrus, and the beautiful um- brella-leaved Nelumbium or Sacred Bean should always find a place. Even where no regular aquatic pond or tank is provided by the architect in heated conservatories or plant houses, the Nelumbium, Papyrus, and other distinct and effective sub- aqnatics, m^y be grown with every success by plunging tuba or barrels down through the middle in the beds or border, so as to afford the necessary means ol supplying them with the requisite amount of moisture. I have seen this plan adopted in several cases, and most interesting and surprising effects may be obtained in heated houses by these or similhr means. Outdoor tanks, streams, ponds, or basins may be rendered doubly attractive by the addition of white Water Lilies, Apono- geton, and Richardia jethiopica, whilst their moist spongy margins may be judiciously planted with Agapanthus umbella- tus, Arundo donax, or the hardier Arundinarias and Bamboos. Even the humblest window garden need not be less ornamen- tal or pleasing on account of the absence of aquatics, when such a lovely plant as the Hawthorn-scented Aponogoton may be grown and bloomed all through the autumn and winter in an inverted bell-glass or ordinary parlour aquarium. There are many of our commonest decorative plants which double or treble their vigour when grown as aquatics, and this is especi- ally the case with Cyperus alternifoUns, C. laxus, and the white- spathed Lily of the Nile (Richardia). The golden-flowered Limnocharis Humboldtii blooms freely every summer in the open air, planted in a shallow tank in the Jardin dea Plantes, and succeeds perfectly in a sunny greenhouse in this country, although generally grown in the stove. The fresh-green water Fern, Ceratopteris thalictroides, also grows well in a pot plunged in a pan full of water. Apart altogether, however, from the beauty and interest of aquatic vegetation in our plant houses, the introduction of water tanks influences the climate of such structures to a wonderful extent by keeping them constantly in a state of genial humidity; indeed, the introduction of water vegetation in (ho manner above suggested is indirectly a saving of labour in other ways, and is certainly worth more general adoption. Between the two extremes of a gigantic and expensive aquarium for the great Victoria Lily and the modest inverted bell-glass, there are hundreds of intermediate means of growing aquatic plants which deserve the attention of all amateurs and gardeners who are not completely led on by habit or fashion in this as in many other matters relating to the embellishment of our gardens. The following list of aquatic plants may be useful to some in making selections : — Nympha-a pygmasa, white; N. ccerulea, blue; N. alba, white ; N. odorata, white; N. rosea, bright rose ; N. rubra, rosy crimson ; Pistia stratiotes or Water Lettuce, bright green tufted foliage; Vallisneria spiralis, bright green leaves and curious spiral flowering stems; Nelumbium speoio- sum or Sacred Bean of the East, bright rosy flowers and large peltate foliage, borne on long stalks, which give them the appearance of so many umbrellas ; Cyperus alternifolius. Umbrella Sedge of Madagascar; Ceratopteris thalictroides, aquatic or water Fern, Limnocharis Humboldtii, yellow; Thaha dealbata, fine glaucous foliage ; Aponogeton distachyon , white ; and Richardia rethiopica, white Trumpet Lily, perfectly hardy if plunged 1 foot or 10 inches below the surface, so as to guard against frost. — F. W. B. (in The Gardener). SNOWFLAKB AND EUREKA POTATOES. Having seen several accounts of the crops raised from single pounds of seed of the above-mentioned varieties of American Potatoes, I venture to forward an account of the produce grown here from the same quantity of seed. As I am a competitor for the prizes offered by Messrs. Hooper & Co., the Potatoes for planting were weighed, the sets counted and planted, and the produce weighed in the presence of their agent besides a number of other witnesses. They were planted on the 13th of April, and Snowflake was lifted on the l.Sth of August, the produce being 638 lbs. Eureka was lifted a week later, and the astonishing quantity of 1082 i was the produce of 1 lb. of seed. Snowflake is a remarkably handsome Potato, but with me has suffered severely from the disease. Eureka is a later and more robust variety than the preceding, and produces very large Potatoes, three hundred tubers weighing 36!U lbs. It appears to suffer less than Snowflake from the disease. — F. FoBi>, Till- Gardens, Capestliorne. COVENT GAEDEN. The neighbourhood of Covent Garden abounds with objects of historic and architectural interest. Now dedicated to the goddesses Flora and Pomona, its market held in high repute, its stalls crowded, and its surrounding streets bustling with the traffic of the great city, it was once the garden of a con- vent, afterwards a fashionable part of town, the residence of persons of rank, opulence, and literaryfairfe. In the days of the early Georges it was the resort of men 15 hose names crowd the canvas of the most brilliant picture of the time. Looking back weS ndthat before the suppression of the religious houses this spot was a garden or burial-ground; hence the name "Convent" or "Covent" Garden; it then devolved to the Crown, and the property was first given to Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset. At his attainder it reverted to the Crown, and was granted to John Earl of Bedford in 1552. The area of Covent Garden, devoted to the sale of fruit and vegetables, has since 1(330, the year when it was first laid out as a square by Inigo Jones for Francis the fourth Earl of Bedford, expe- rienced many vicissitudes. What the original design of Inigo Jones was for the square or " market-place ' may be gathered from the few vestiges we have of it, though Mr. P. Cunning- ham seems to think the square was never completed, if fully designed. The Piazza, as designed by Jones, is said to have been suggested by the square at Leghorn ; the colonnade was September 16, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GAKDENKR. 253 first called the " Portioo Walk," an appropriate name enongb. The term then changed to "Piazza" — an Italian word for square or place — subsequently misapplied to the arcade, being out of place. Hollar's view of Covent Garden in 16t7, looking in the direction of the church from Kassell Street, shows the south-eastern part of the colonnade destroyed by fire, and in the distance the picturesque gabled fronts of Hcn-ietta and King Streets. Another picture, by Inigo Jones himself, at Wilton House, Salisbury, the residence of the Karl of Pem- broke, shows tlie gardea in its original state, with the tree in the middle; while Hogarth, in his " Morning," has immortal- ised on canvas King's Coffee House, under the portico of the Church of St. Paul's. The Square and Piazza figure also in the drama of the Stuarts. Gay, too, has given us in a few lines of his " Trivia," a vivid picture of the church as it existed in his day : — " Whore Covent Garden's famous temple stands, That boasts the work of Jones' immortal hands, Columns with plain mai,'nificenco appear, Ami graceful porches lead along the square." The " famous temple " here spoken of is the present Church of St. Paul, whose columns and projecting cornice are noted for their Vitruvian proportions. The original structure was erected between 1631 and 1638, and forms the west side of the " Garden." The " graceful porches " are in allusion to the porticos which ran along the north and eastern sides of the square, and which, for aught we know, were intended to have surrounded the area, and to have invested it with an air of truly Italian magnificence. Unhappily Jones's design was never completed, and if it had been it is probable the present square would have been a more attractive place. The present market was established by charter in 1671 granted to the Earl of Bedford. At that time a mere handful of salesmen tenanted the stalls and sheds, which were of the most temporary kind. Strype, one of the few topographical chroniclers of old London we can rely upon, sptaks of it as it was in 1689, and Pepya in his "Diary" alludes to the locality: — "The south side of Covent Garden square lieth open to the Bedford garden, where there is a small grotto of trees, most pleasant in the summer season, and on thi? side there is kept a market for fruit, herbs, roots, and flowers every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, which is grown to a considerable account, and well served with choice goods, which make it much resoited unto." The ancient boundary of the parish of Covent Garden was the subject of ojnsiderahle contention some years ago, and a committee was appointed to investigate the limits. An ancient map from a survey made in 1686, and given in Strype's edition of Stowe's " Survey of London," clears up the matter, and helps us to form an opinion of the true extent of the parish, which was made a distinct parish by an Act of Parliament 12 Car. H., 1660. Stowe minutely particularises the inward boundaries of the parish and Bedford House, which is said to be " seated in the Strand, but runneth backwards, being a large but old- built house, having a large yard before it for the reception of coaches, with a spacious garden, having a terrace walk adjoin- ing to the brick wall next the garden, and from thence received the prospect thereof." Bedford House was pulled down in 1701, and the result of the committee's investigations, and evidence adduced, shows that the parish establishes the claim to the site of Bedford House, though, by some irregularity, certain assessments to the land-tax were discontinued, and an injustice done to the ratepayers. Bedford House and out- buildings, from the plan we have alluded to, had one front towards the Strand, and occupied the sites of Southampton and Exeter Streets, the parish boundary circumscribing this property. Afterwards, early in the eighteenth century, great progress was made, though no permanent buildings marked the site of the present market ; and contemporary prints show the square enclosed by a post fence, and having a column of the Corinthian order in the centre, which was taken away in 1790. During the time of the first Georges the vicinity was patronised by the fashion and learning of the day. Dryden, Pope, Johnson, Butler, Addison, Voltaire, Garrick, Sir James Thornhill, Hogarth, and Dance resorted to the neighbourhood, whose cofiee houses and cellars became noted, and whose piazza was thronged by fashionable loungers. Sir Godfrey Kneller, state painter, lived near Covent Garden Theatre ; WUson, the painter, lived in the piazza; and Sheridan fre- quented the Piazza Hotel. But the Covent Garden of the present day has a somewhat altered aspect. We content ourselves with noting some of the changes that have taken place during the last few years in the locality. Its square is no longer crowded in the daytime by the fashionable, nor is it at nightfall the resort of footpads and Mohocks, as it was in the reign of George II. Shenstone and Gay have given a picture of life at that time ; Shadwell's comedy of the "Scourers" shows the danger of the London streets at night early in the eighteenth century ; and Mr. Cunningham alludes to the pranks played upon the watchmen of the time. All this has changed, and if we have other incon- veniences to submit to, such as the overcrowded and uncleanly state of the streets round Covent Garden on market days, we are at least safe in our rambles, and our absolutely sanitary wants are tolerably looked after. To begin with the Garden, whose aspect our readers are all doubtless acquainted with. The market has lately undergone some improvements. The original structure, built from the design of the late Mr. Wm. Fowler in 1830, for the sixth Dtike of Bedford, is more con- spicuous for its granite colonnade of Tuscan columns which front the shops than for any striking elegance of structure. Indeed, few strangers would imagine from the precincts of this market that Flora was enthroned here, or that Nature here emptied her lap of produce. Considering it the central con- gress of the vegetable woill, in which every variety of plant and vegetable, from the humble esculent to the choicest of flowers, may be seen, it can hardly be said to be a fitting re- ceptacle since the erection of larger and more costly markets, and we hope the Duke of Bedford will some day expend some of the fortune accruing to him from this fine property upon its improvements. Lately, we are glad to see, a light iron and glass roof has been erected over a portion of the market, and we might suggest some improvement to the main arcade in the shape of glass panels, and a little decoration in the timber roof and clerestory, if the old structure is to remain. The centre arcade is very much too narrow for the present traffic, however well it may hKVe answered its purpose forty years ago. No doubt an iron and glass structure, somewhat after the design of the Floral Hall, by Mr. Edward M. Barry, close by, would be more in unison with its purpose than the present basilican-looking building, with its flat kingpost, close-boarded roof, and its Tuscan clerestory. A well-proportioned centre vista of greater width and height than the present, and the transverse vista only developed, woald meet the demand of the trade, though a slight encroachment would be made upon the side rows of shops. As it is, the new roof somewhat dwarfs the present centre building, though it provides shelter for a large area devoted to the sale of fruit and vegetables. The construction adopted, though exceedingly plain, is light and effective. The roof comprises the area between the centre arcade and southern row of shops. The ribs are semicircular, supported on round cast-iron columns resting on high bases, and are of plate iron with double flange, a light spandrel sup- porting the straight rafters. Kunning along the top of the roof is a raised ventilating skylight with glass roof, supported by smaller semicircular ribs springing from the larger ones with light spandrels, and having a wide overhanging roof. The side upright lights are composed of a series of semicircular- headed openings. The part of the main roof above the side shops forms a clerestory above the roofs, and consists of an arcade of light iron with a frieze panel of circles over the lights. Below this clerestory the pillars are cross-braced loDgitndinally by circular ribs with circle spandrels, each arch embracing the width of one shop. The ribs of the roof have round iron cross bracing to stiffen them lengthwise, above which the upper half of the main roof is glazed ; below it is boarded. The glass is rough plate, fitted into light sash bars of T section. The iron ribs are coloured a light blue of two shades, and the pillars and bases are of buff and chocolate. The works have been carried out by Messrs. Cubitt. On the south-east corner, with its entrance in Wellington Street, the recent addition in the shape of a flower market is certainly wanting in character or ex- prfssion, and its heavy front in no way suggests its purpose. Confining ourselves to the square, we may notice that new buildings have scarcely replaced the old haunts. The "Bedford" still retains at least the external appearance it had when Garrick, Foote, Sheridan, critics, scholars, and wits frequented its coffee room. The late Mr. Timbs has popularised this once famous house in his " Curiosities of London." Its stone arcade, now painted, looks modern ; but traces of its age are apparent on examination. On close inspection of the arcade near Evans's we found the groined arches have thrust out of perpendicular the rather slight piers which support the front of the hotel, and we should suggest that an iron tie rod or two be inserted. Probably the defect is not of recent origin. It extends through 254 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 16, 1875. the arcade, but it gives au insecure appearance. Close to this and at the end of the Piazza, is Evans's famous hotel and supper rooms, once a mansion dating from the time of Charles II., though afterwards rebuilt. Its fine carved stair- case, painted ceiling, and new music hall — the design of the latter by Mr. Finch Hill — are features of interest, and are memorials of a past full of associations. The Church of .St. Paul on the west side of the market was, as is recorded over the eastern doorway, totally destroyed by fire in 1795, and was rebuilt upon the old plan of Inigo Jones by John Hardwick, the architect. Its architecture, familiar to the student of London antiquities, was much lampooned by that noted art-critic, Horace Walpole, for its barn-like over- hanging roofs, and its Tuscan proportions. It is rumoured the Duke of Bedford intends to restore the church, and re- instate its old services. The author of "Hudibras" lies in the graveyard, and we believe a fiat, almost undecipherable Btone marks the spot near the east end of the north wall, though there is a conflict of opinion on this point. Other celebrities repose here also — among them Sir Peter Lely, the painter ; Estcourt, Edward Kynaston, Wycherley, and Macklin, actors and dramatists ; Worsdale, the painter ; and John Wolcot, the satirist. We understand, on good authority, the tablet of Charles Macklin, the comedian, was taken down by the last rector. One of the latest and probably best adaptations of iron to architectural purposes is the Floral Hall at the north- east corner of the square, and which runs parallel and close to the new Opera House, with a covered entrance in Bow Street. This building seems to unite the floral and festive elements of the neighbourhood. We thick its architect, Mr. Edward M. Barry, the architect also of the adjoining Opera House, suc- cessfully blended the Italian faride of his great building with this work. The project of forming a central flower market is due to Mr. Oye. On the rebuilding of Covent Garden Theatre, after its destruction by fire in 1856, the idea was realised by \ the present iron and glass arcade. Though designed as a flower market, such is the " irony of fate " that it has chiefly been used as a concert hall, and is now proposed to be turned into a skating rink. The size of this structure is belied by its contiguity to the Opera House, which completely dwarfs the proportions. Few who pass it believe it to be a structure divided into a nave and aisles 280 feet in extreme length, and having a frontage of 75 feet in Bow Street. The nave or central arcade is 50 feet span, and the aisles are each 12 feet 6 inches. The dome at the crossing of the roofs at the Covent Garden end is a conspicuous feature. The height of the circular ribbed iron and glass roof is also 50 feet to the crown, and to the lantern-roof ridge 70 feet. The ribs are 21 feet C inches from centre to centre, connected by light purlins, and are supported by twenty-four hollow columns from the base- ment on York stone slabs, 2 feet C inches square and 2 feet 8 inches thick, resting a solid bed of concrete 2 feet in thick- ness. At the springing of the arches in the hall enriched capitals adorn the columns, which are cast iron hollow, and the capitals perforated to ventilate the basement. The side avenues have lean-to roofa, and are connected to the main roof by ornamental spandrels. The hall floor consists of thirty-two arched girders, 18 inches deep, with two hundred others placed transversely, having flanges to receive hollow tile arches. The roofs are covered with bent Hartley red.— 1, C.Burtun, York. 2, W. Forth. 3, Downs & Sykes, Beverley. I'ANARIES.- iVoriuich, Clear or Ticked 7ellow.—l and 2. J. Adams, Coventry. 3, W. Forth. ftc,W. Forth; R. Pearson, Whitby. CUar or Ticked Buff.— land S.J.Adams. 2, C. Baton. Crcs<«! —1, W Forth. 2, T. Garbnlt. Y.jrk. Canaries —roiA-s'tir*', Clear or Ticked Yellow or Buff.—l, 2, and 3, W. Forth, /ic, C. Burton, c. H Curtis. Pocklington Canarii..s —Norwich or Yorks'iire, Even-mnrked Yellow or BiiiT.- 1, Clemin- son d£ Ellerton, Darlington. 2, J. Adams. 3, W. Forth. Uneven-marked.— 1 and 2, J. Adams 3. W. Fortb. C.anaries.— Ca/Jf 0/ no( Ussthan8ir.—l,J. Adams. 2, W. Forth. 8, Downs and Sykes. Canaries— Pair of Young. -1, W. Jefferson, Pocklington. 2, J. Adams. S, Downs i^' Sykes. Can.rtes.— .'III?/ variety.— \, W. Forth. 2, J. Adams. 3, Cleminson & Ellerton- e, W. Forth ; J. Calrert. Y.irk. || Goldfinch and Canary Mdlb.— 1, R. Pearson. 2 and he, C. Burton. 3, J* Boullon, Poclilington. Ooldeisches — 1, J. W. Higlett, Pocklington, 2, W. Forth, e, Cleminson and Ellerton. Linnets.— 1, H Shaw, Pocklington. 2, R. Pearson. Thrushes.- 1, W. F'trth; M. E.Johnson, Pocklington. Parrots or Parroquets —1, J S Taylor, HoU. 2. J. Sbaw, Pocklington. Any oTHbR \arie.t\ —British Birds.— \. T. Johnson Pock ington (Turtle Dove). 2. Cleminson & Ellerton (Hawfinch). Foreign Birds— \,'J. S.Taylor ( chestnut Finch). Equal 2, J. Calvert (Nonoariol); Hon, T. Diindas, Wapling- ton (Cardinal). )ic, W. Robson, Pocklington (Cardinals). PIGEONS. Dragoons.- 1, B. Hudson. Driffield. 2, D. Maynard, Driffield. Antwebps.- 1, Anton & Dicks. ,n, Y'ork. 2, It. iJattle, jun. Pouters.— 1, F. Joy, Walmgato, York. 2, E. A. Thornton, HuU, Eitra, G. Destine. Tumblers.— 1 and 2. E. A. Thornton, he, Anton & Dickson. Barbs -1. F. .loy. 2 and /ic. C Wroot, Hull. Jacobins.- 1, B. Hudson. 2. T. S. Stephenson. Fantails.- 1, T. S Stephenson. 2. F. Joy. Trumpeters —1, C. Lythe. 2, F. Joy. TuHBiTS. — 1 and 2, C. Lythe. Extra. D. Maynard. Carriers.- 1 and 2, F. Hodson, Driffield, he, F. Hodson; F.Joy. Any OTHER Variety.— 1, Auton & Dickson. 2, C. Lythe. RABBITS. Lop-eared.— Bwcfc.—l, T. Jackson. 2 and he, T. Myton. Doe.—l, T, Myton. Himalayan —1, T. Myton. e. C. G. Millett. Silver-Greys.— 1. C. Auton, York. 2, T. fliyton. Any other Variety.— 1 aud 2, T. Myton. Selling Class —1, T. Myton. 2, s. Ostler. Judges. — Pigeons and Babbits : Mr. Ferguaon. Cage Birds : Mr. Barnesby, Derby. THE JACOBIN. It must be a pleasure to all fanciers (as it is to me) to read a paper on our fancy from the pen of one who understands his subject, even though that paper be antagonistic to their own views, as thus a free discussion is opened, which should end among all good fanciers in the result desired to be attained. Mr. Harrison "Weir (in the Journal of 9th inst.), a good fancier as well as judge, comes to the front in behalf of this ouce elegant Pigeon now destroyed. He gives the description of its points plainly as they were, and still ought to be. I am glad to find there are more of us than I had dreamed of who know the original type of birds, and who are determined that it shall not be lost. Mr. Weir also gives his idea of the cause of the deterioration in this bird, aud his method for effecting a repro- September II', 1876. J JOURNAL OF HOBTIOOLTDRE AND COTXAGB QABDENEB. 261 daotion of the original type. As to the former, it is an estab- lished fact, and I quite agree with him. His plan for the latter is very good; and if committees and judges could come to such an arraugement it would, I feel sure, bring fancy Pigeons up to the old standard, which has not been improved upon in this country. To return to the Jacobin. There is a new point besides the mane now named by some of our friends, which Mr. Weir does not notice. I purposely avoided naming it in my last paper, as I could not admit that such belonged to this bird. That new point is the rose. Until the present year (1875) I never heard of the rose on a Jacobin (the rose is oue of the points ia the Trumpeter). The so-called rose is caused by the ugly mane, which generally brings the chain to an abrupt termination, often stopping at the side of the neck from this cause. Now the great beauty of the Jacobin is the chain down to the pinions on both sides, or as much farther down as it can be got, tapering off on the lower sides of the breast. The whole characteristics of the head and neck of this bird should be of a rounded nature, all softened off. The hood should not appear to be gummed on to the head, but tilted forward easily and gracefully. The chain, like a lady's boa, divided up the centre over the neck, tapering to points ; and the head pleasantly rounded, with a neat, small, well-set beak ; and the bird is finished off by a fine taper from the shoulders, caused by the long flights and tail. I say with Mr. Weir that I have not for long seen a Jacobin "I would have as a gift," unless as feeders for young Pouters. They now do well for this purpose, as all cross-bred birds do. I have proved them. Fancy a pair of Red Jacobins bringing up three young Pouters at one time ; such was the case with the last I had. They were of the mane and rose type. Mr. Ure has the credit of bringing forward anew this subject, which must be of great interest to all Jacobin fanciers, and I hope he will give us a few more lines on it, as they may be the means of bringing out the ideas of some other of our friends. — J. HuiE. BEE GOSSIP. Honey, it may be said, is the ulterior object in apiculture, for a good harvest of it is pleasing alike to both amateurs and bee- farmers. For the last five or six years we have not been favoured with what we call a good honey season. In Scotland and Ire- land the bee-keepers have been more lucky than those of England. If the weather be favourable for honey-gathering for a fortnight while the fruit trees are in blossom, and for three weeks while white clover is in flower, bees swarm early and lay np great stores. The clover season generally ends with July; August follows, making, to use the language of royalty, the moorlands "purple with heather." This purple heather yields to bees more honey, or rather yields it faster, than any other plant. When swarms rise in weight to 70 lbs. and upwards on the clover bee-farmers are satisfied. When such hives are taken to the moors they nearly gather their own weight of honey in fifteen days of fine weather. We regret that so few'bee-keepers in the south send their hives to the moora. Every year we send ours to the heather, a distance of twenty- five miles, and on their way to and fro they have to be re-shipped at Manchester. On three seasons of the last six years, while many were lamenting unfavourable results, our best first swarms rose in weight to nearly 100 lbs. each, from some of which we obtained supers of honeycomb weighing 30 lbs each. Most, if not all, of this was gathered on the moors. Last year (1874) the bees had a good turn on the clover, and went to grouse- land in good condition ; but on other seasons of late they were less fortunate on the clover, and had to fill their hives from the heather. Three years ago our hives were so well filled with heather honey that we cut some i'30 worth of honeycombs from them without reducing their number. In cutting-out honey from hives kept for stock they are doubtless injured to a certain extent, for the spaces left empty by the comb knife have to be refilled in spring by the bees, and thus they are hindered from coming to the swarming point so soon as they would otherwise. As a setoff we have " a bird in hand," deeming it good policy to take honey when it can be obtained. If the honey had not been taken that year it would all have been eaten by the bees in 1873, one of the worst seasons for honey-gathering ever known. In a few days our hives will come back from the moors, when the honey will be taken from all that are beyond GO lbs. weight each. A hive GO lbs. weight yields about 30 lbs. of honey. In heavier hives there is, of course, a proportionately larger yield of honey. We would like to encourage all English bee-keepers who are seeking profit to keep large hives, and to send them to the moors every year. Those who resolve to do so will have to use cross sticks in their hives to support the combs on the way. Bar- frame hives, or hives of any kind without cross sticks, cannot be safely carried during the summer months. A Manuhester gentleman who has taken a fancy for Ligurian bees has had two stocks sent him from the south by advanced and experienced apiarians. One of the hives is a bar-framer, the other a common straw hive without cross sticks. Both hives came packed on the crowns in boxes with great care. The bar-framo hive was placed on four yielding indiarubber balls, but notwithstanding all the care bestowed in packing them, all the combs in both hives were shaken loose and detached from their holdings before they arrived, and lay in confused masses. The bets in the straw hive were the beat marked Ligurians I ever saw, but they were suifocated and destroyed on their journey. It was sad to witness such injury and destruction. We are sending hives to distant parts, and never have such breakdowns. In a few days we shall send half a dozen hives to a gentleman in Perth- shire. All will be prepared for the journey in fifteen or twenty minutes at most, and we guarantee their safe arrival. We simply nail the hives to their boards, ventilate them with fly- proof wire, and send them off in their natural positions without box or basket, or anything else to protect them. Cross sticks in hives are of great value to the bees while they are working, and of great advantage to the bee-master while he handles them, keeping the combs steady and secure on all occasions. On taking the honey from our heaviest hives we first drive t'ae bees from them into empty hives, and unite them to the bees of those we keep for stock. The stocks are thus strength- ened very much, and made strong by numbers. We hear a great deal of talk about managing bees on the depriving system ; but any system of management that saves the lives of bees may be termed a depriving system ; and one kind of hive is as much depriving as another. The word as used is misleading, and should have no place in apiarian literature. The bees of our honey hives are all united to the stock hives; and the combs containing brood are put into a hive or box, and bees put amongst them to hatch the brood. These brood combs gathered from several hives, and laid in one, yield a large swarm of young bees, which strengthen many hives. The mortar of a building is the least costly, but it gives strength and stability to the whole; and from the refuse combs of honey hives wo obtain swarms of bees, which give additional strength and power to hives that have to face the winter storms. — A. Pettigrew. AN APIARIAN TREAT. One of the pleasantest traits to be found among men of science is the hearty good feeling with which they welcome one another for a friendly chat on their mutual hobby, and a sight of the works and collections to illustrate it. Now my hobby, at least one of them — for I have several — are bees, and the occasion of a flower show at Horsham was a good excuse to pay a visit to a friend, Mr. F. W. Cowan, and see his bees and all belonging to them. Now Mr. Cowan is no ordinary bee- keeper, for he manages his bees as well as keeps them to such tune that the Times newspaper last year recorded his exploit of obtaining 907 lbs. of honey from twelve hives of bees. Not many people can beat this, so I went to see how he does it. Mr. Cowan is happily situated in pleasant Sussex. The country around is naturally luxuriant, but not that I could see marvellously favourable to the production of honey. Moreover, the bees are in the town^open country behind it is true, but still there are shops and breweries near, where many workers must be attracted to their destruction. There is one grand feature about Mr. Cowan's bees different from most people's — that is, they are with few exceptions all in houses ; not the pokey stuffy little places called bee-houses, where the owner cannot get his head into, much more his body, but veritable houses ! rooms 20 feet long or more. But I am getting along too fast, so will return to my starting-point, which was from the drawing-room window, into a beautiful well-kept garden, gay with flowers and artistic beds of foliage plants in the highest perfection, which having passed with a cursory glance only, I was introduced to the sanctum sanctorum of the bees, a fine old-fashioned substantial range of stabling, with servants' rooms over. In these latter were the bees, every window having one or more hives, about twenty in all, and every hive a covered way from its mouth to the outer world. If insects have an aristocracy I should say these bees belong to it. No squire of high degree could be better lodged or have more careful thoughi for his comfort. The hives are all home-made, but none the worse for that, for my friend makes all his own, and is the possessor of a circular saw. Knowing how to use it, it would take a good joiner to beat him in hive-making. The Woodbury pattern is evidently Mr. Cowan's favourite, although he has others. The hives are populous, many having already filled respectable supers, which will figure at our show, and nearly all the others have supers still filling. I should except a Woodbury observatory, which, with its six frames, is as usual unprofitable for honey, but instructive and valuable for observa- tion. Ligirrians are greater favourites than the common bee, and such a practical owner has no doubt not given them the preference without due consideration. One objection to bees in rooms that I have found, has been when the crown board is removed the bees fly to the window and are diflicult to expel i 262 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Septombor 16, 1675. bat the difficulty was met here by having the window-frame to swing like a fanlight. The bees thus were easily turned outside, and would fly homfl when no dlBturbance to the colony was going on. The wjni'ws could be closed, and feeding from the ordinary bottle pu sue J undisturbed by robber bees, and without causing uudun exci;emeut. The secret of Mr. Cowan's success I apprehend is the good housing his bees obtain — thorough ventilation and unceasing care in stimulating feeding; each stock in the autumn is fed up to 30 lbs. contents. The body of the hive and the crown-board is raised about an eighth of an inch, so that a fresh current of air may be always passing through the hive. Some hives have even been wintered with the greatast success without crown- board at all. This b ars out what I have before written on the importance of fresh air to bees as well as men. I asked Mr. Cowan if he liked "thw quilt" covering, and received the sig- nilicant answer, "I have tried it, but you see I do not use it." As soon as the severity of winter has passed the bees are trans- ferred into clean hives with five or sis of the centre combs, the hive being contracted to fi% and two frames at a time have the knife passed over to unseal all the remaining honey. In this state they are returned to the bees, which rouses them into activity. They seem to believe that spring has arrived, the queen sets about her important vernal business of egg-laying, and the excitement being kept up by a judicious provision of syrup, by the time spring really does arrive the hive has a teem- ing population ready to take the utmost advantage of fruit blossoms. Descending to the ground floor we enter a storehouse or museum where all the miscellaneous apparatus of scientific bee* culture seems collected together, as well as hives and supers both in straw and wood ; good sound skeps, large and small, with supers and ekes seldom used by our scientific friend, but improved patterns, offered gratis to the cottagers .vho will con- descend to ask for them, in the benevolent hope of teaching them to benefit themselves; well made, substantial, cottage "Woodbury hives, offered as prizes at the flower shows, but which, alas ! when won are more often sold than used by the winner; new hives ready for use upstairs when required, all ready for the good time coming. "We pass on to the workehop, where we find a lathe, circular saw, and carpenter's tools galore, ready to do duty when required. Here we see a honey-extractor and a couple of pans of honey obtained by its use. This ex- tractor figured at the Crystal Palace Show last year, and was by many thought to be the best exhibited, but I hope to find it beaten this year by the experience gained in the past. My host evidently has an impartial mind, for looking round I see various things which are evidently put aside as not up to the mark, among which are Abbott's frame-bar hive and Addey's column hive, the first with the seams drawn all apart with the weather, and the latter merely a couple of old cheese boxes lined with straw, price one guinea. I fancy buyer as well as hive is sold here. After viewing a few skeps in the garden whose inhabitants are doomed to transfer to frame hives in autumn we terminate our apiarian treat, and with a passing glance at some excellent Creve-Co3ur fowls and a short turn round the garden we ad- journ to the house, where I find the same cultivated scientific taste displayed in collections of fossils, minerals, coins, insects, as well as philosophical instruments and calnnets, mostly made by Mr. Cowan's own hand. The cheering strains of the military band at the neighbouring flower show then moved us there, where we found much to admire in flowers and fruits. — John Hunter, Eaton Rise, Ealing. OUR LETTER BOX. Carrier Pigeon at Sea {W. S. and Others).— It is quite certain that the inscription on the wing feathers must have been moulted off many tinoes since the siege of Paris, but the owner may have renewed it after each moult to identify it as the bird that was then serviceable. We have heard «>( a Pigeon that had the loving memorial renexed on its wlrtg annually, ** Ellen's p«t." TRANaFERHiNG Bees {A Beginner). — First drive your bees out of their present hive into an empty hive. Tten take out carefully every comb, aud cut equares out of each piece ft worker comb only, wbiiih you mu^t fib into the frames of the Woodbury hives, bo aa to reach from the top bar to the bottom of the frames. Hecnre eaoh comb in its place by narrow utripg of wood nailed with tacks or brads to the frames, and croHsingeach comb in two places on each Bide. When all the bars with comb are arratiged in their plact'S pot the Wuodbary hive on its staijd, and shako the driven b^es into it. When all is qaiet cover up and leave for a few days, only giving them a little food to quitken them. Atter a week or eo you can take ouf each cnmb and remove the narrow sTips wherever the combs are securely fixed to ihe bars. The orhers may be left on a little longer, or till the spring- This is not a good time to transfer bees nnle^s you are prepared to give them 20 or 3U lbs. of eagar at least, and immediately. Golden Syrdp for Bees { iV. M. B.). — We have never seen the " golden ayrnp " as sold by groc<-r8 used as food for bees, but as it is a kind of refined treacle or molasses we think bees would greedily eat it if prCBcnted to thom. When sugar was higher in pric- than it la now we once eaw a swarm put into an empty hive in September and fed with common treacle, nothing else. The bees half filled the bivo with combs beaatifully white, and were healthy enough all the following winter. No evil resulted from the use of treacle in this ca'^e. By some aiiiarian^ treacle and brown sugar are considered too relaxing for bees as winter food. Apart from the question of eipenee, there is nothing else to fear from its asd. Hives ( dn Old Subgcribcr). — We dare not answer your qnestion as to which hives ara beat. The bee-keepmg world would tumble over our heads— that is, all inventors and parrons of specialities in hives would pursue us with maledictions. We prefer and always use ourselves boxes of wood. Some are of an oblong shape to suit our boi house, with large windows on both eidea aud a small one at the back. They aro of common deal. Also we have in use Woodbury bar-framed hives. For profit we should advise you to adopt a good-sized box, say 14 inches square, of inch deal (not red deal), and 'J inches high. This for the main hives. Supers should be smaller every way. As you have a bee house they need no other protection. Stewed Water-cresses Annie). — They should be placed in strong salt and water to free thera from iuaei'ts, then all the water drained off ad the cresses put into a etewpon with a lamp of butter and a little salt and pepper ; a few minutes will suffice to render them quite tender. A little vinegar may be added just before serving, bat this must be according to taste. The cress stew made thin, as a substitute for parsley and battoTi is also excellent with boiled fowl. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Caudeh Sqoare, London. Lat.Br82'40"N.; Long.0^8'0" W.| Altitude, 111 feet. Date. 9 A.M. In THE DaV. i?i« Hygrome- "•3 Shade Tern* Radiation 4 1875. UP ter. So i-2 peratare. Temperature. In On bhu, grass (4 Sept. Dry. Wet. Max. Min. Inches. deg (leg deg. deg. •leg. deg. deg. In. We. 8 29 939 fi4.9 619 S.E. 613 77,0 53.4 103.0 50.3 0.010 Th. 9 29.913 61.5 54 6 S.W. 614 73.4 54 3 118.0 61.0 — Fri. 10 29.9 W 60.1 56 2 N.W. 61.0 68.0 48.2 87.4 45 6 — Sat 11 SO 205 6)8 57.6 N.N.W. 60 0 67.0 49 3 75.2 45.5 — Sun.l-i 3) 281 618 59 0 N.W 58.4 75 0 57 2 119.0 55.0 ^ Mo. 13 31245 68 0 6').« N.N.W. 611 78.7 65.3 119.5 53 0 — Ta. 14 80.2)4 66.3 61.6 NE. 62.4 74 4 67.6 123.0 54 2 — Meana S0.1C4 62.6 58.8 60 8 73.4 53.6 106 4 50.7 0.010 REMAKES. 8th.— Unusually dark and beginning to rainatSA.M.; dark and Novemberish at times all day, but very clear nevertheless. 9th. — Fine morning ; cloudy at times all day, but with bright intervals. 10th. — A most beautiful day ; rather stormlike at 6 p ai., but fine after, llth. — Fine morning and ver> pleasant day, though sometimes cloudy, and at no time very brii^ht. 12th. — Dull in the morning, and rather so till noon, then bright and fine, but rather cool, 13th.— Very bright soon after 10 a.m., and all the rest of the day very fine and warm. 14th.— Another fine bright day, wind rather high and cool, but very pleasant. A very pleasant week, dry and moderately bright, bat by no means hot. The mean temperature at 9 a.m. nearly the same as last week, bat the ronge less, the nights being slightly warmer and the sun less powerful.— G. J. Si'MONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— September 15. The supply of common fruit still keeps abundant at last week's prices; but hothouse fruit is quoted at a rather better figure. Of foreign fruits Pines are quite over, but large quantities of Melons and White Grapes are arriving from Hpaiu, as are Pears from France. The Hop season in Kent has checked the supply of Cobs and Filberts, consequently quotatijns aro better. FRUIT. Apples Apricots i sieve dozen .. 11). bushel i sieve do. dozen .... lb. 8. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 e. 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 I 0 0 0 4 d. B. Otol 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 5 0 5 0 0 0 8 5 0 12 0 5 VEC d. s. Otoe 0 0 0 (■ 0 2 0 0 0 4 9 1 0 0 6 0 6 0 6 2 0 6 6 2 0 4 3 1 0 3 0 2 s e 6 0 S 0 0 U "6 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 0 0 0 0 lET i. 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 9 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 lb. 3. 0 1 12 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 8 1 8. 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 1 2 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 a 2 0 1 a. B. 6tol 0 8 0 21) 6 12 0 0 0 3 0 6 0 2 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 I! 0 1 d. s 4to0 6 1 0 3 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 * 0 0 0 1 e 8 0 s 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 » 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 i. Nectarines dozen . *>-100 . dozen . dozen .. dozen lb. 0 n 0 Currants Black Fears, kitchen., denbert.... .. 0 0 0 Filberts Plums . t sieve . dozen lb. 6 .... lb. n Gooseberries... . Grapes, hothouse Lemons Melons . quart .... lb. .. V 100 ,. each . dozen ^ IIJO bundle . 4 sieve i sieve , dozen bunnle i sieve dozen . hunch . f luj . dozen bundle juucbes . each •dozen . dozen . bunch .... lb. q lb. H Walnuts ditto . bushel . ^m bunch dozen . pottle puonet bushel ... quart bunches . . doztn .. quart . bushel .. do. bunches bundle bundle bundle basket lb. 0 ABLE 3. d. n Asparagus French Beanc<, Kidney... Broad 0 Mushrooms Mustaid & Cress 0 0 0 pickling Parsley.... doz. Parsnips Peas 0 Brocco i Brnseels Sprouts ('abbage Carrots Capsicums 0 0 G 6 Kidney Radi.hes ., doz. Rhubarb G G Oc'ery 0 (1 Cucumbers Scorzonera 0 0 0 , bushel . dozen bunch W3 doz. n Tomtttoea Turnips Vegetable Marro I) Herbs Horseradish buDoh bundle a 0 September 23, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 263 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day of I of Month Week. 23 24 25 26 27 28 Th P S Son M To W SEPTEMBKR 23—29, 1875. Aberdeen Show. Length of day 12h. Im. Twiliaht ends at 7. 17 p m. 18 Sunday after Trinity. Budbeck died, 1702. Alexandra Palace Potato Show. Average Snn Temperature near Risea. London. Day. NlRht. Mean. m. h. 66.3 45.7 55.9 49al5 66.1 43.5 64.8 51 5 65.8 43.1 54.4 53 6 65.7 48.8 54.7 54 5 65.3 44.6 65.0 56 5 65.1 44.0 54 5 57 5 65.5 44.3 54.9 59 5 Snn Sets. Moon Rises. m. h. m. h. 55 at 5 57 a( 1 morn. 21 0 46 m. h. 62 at 8 Moon's Age. Days. 24 25 26 27 28 29 O Clock after Son. m. B. 7 40 8 1 8 21 4 42 9 2 9 22 9 42 Day of Year. 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 44.1°. From observations taken near London dnring forty-three years, the average day temperature o( the week is 65.7'; and its night temperature PLANTS FOK CUT FLOWERS AND SPRAYS. No. 2. jfY^^^S" OR pui'ity of colour, sweetness, and useful- mfmW^ ness for cutting from, the "Lilies" (which appears iu ancient phraseology to be syno- nymous with the modern term " bulBs ") must take a foremost position ; and for fit- ness the rare, rich, gorgeous, or beautiful Orchids must pale into insignificance, as they, charming though they may be, arc not within the reach of more than a few of the cut-flower-liking class ; but bulbs are within the command of all, and from this fact alone are deserv- ing of first rank in any notes to aid in meeting a demand for cut flowers, inasmuch as among bulbs are some of the most useful for the purpose, and some of which will suit the means and requiiements of all. Some bulbs are hardy, the season of which is prolonged by the adaptability of many for forcing, and others are tender, requiring heat, which is all the claim many, and I must say most, i^lants have in general acceptation to be choice and rare. A value is put upon some subjects not from any merit, but from the cost entailed in theu' production. This is not taste, it is not other than setting it aside, knowing the prevailing love for uncommon things ; and in this way many equally beautiful and not less suitable subjects are looked down upon, if not rejected altogether, because common. I am forced to this expo- sition because I shall have occasion to bring before my readers some of the most common of plants, of which the fitness for cutting are unprejudiced by vulgarity or coarseness. The first plant that I will name is the Rom.\n Hyacinth, single white, the flowers of which are dehcately scented and profusely produced, each bulb sending up often (not always) three or four spikes of pure white flowers._ It may be potted early in September, three bulbs in a .5-inch or five in 6-inch pots in turfy loam, with a fourth of well- rotted manure, and plunged in ashes in a cold frame, covering the bulbs or pots over with about 4 inches thick- ness of the same material, and left there till early in October, when they may be removed to the shelves of a greenhouse, where they will flower at the close of Novem- ber or early in December; or they may be had early in November by forwarding in a light airy position in a warm greenhouse. I find if the pots and bulbs are not buried that when the roots are being emitted the bulbs are lifted, or some of them, which the burying material from the pressure upon the bulbs prevents. Bulbs potted about the middle of September and plunged outdoors for a month, then introduced to a greenhouse, will bloom early, or by the middle of December ; and bulbs potted the end of September will, if not subjected to a higher temperature than an ordinary greenhouse, flower at Christmas and the new year. Too much cannot be said in praise of this beautiful and extremely valuable plant. It should be grown extensively where early flowers for cutting or plants for decorative pxarposes are in demand. Ko. 756.-VOL. XXIX , New SnniEs. To succeed the Roman Hyacinth the Parisian Hyacinth is very useful, and potted, say a batch early in September and another at its close, and treated in the same way — i.e., plunging them in ashes for a month or six weeks before placing them in a greenhouse, they will flower in January or early in February, and are very pleasing. They may be had in various colours— viz., French Single White (Lily of the Virgin), French Single Blue, French Single Red (Coleur de Chair). There are also doubles — rose, dark and light blue, but they are not nearly so good as the singles. Of the Florists' Hyacinth I shall be understood when saying that they in the close spike are too stiff and formal, but some of the long and rather loose-spiked kinds are very useful and effective ; and as no spring flower can vie with the Hyacinth, we should not be justified in other than advising their extensive culture for their great beauty, dehcious fragrance, grand and varied effect. For cutting from the kinds known as " bedding " should, as they ai'e less costly than named varieties, be extensively grown, both under glass and in the open ground, for suc- cession. Bulbs which were last season grown as pot specimens, and taken care of afterwards, will if now potted be found to give flowers very useful for cutting. Border Hy.acinths. — Hyacinthus amethyst hiua, with its sky-blue bells on a spike about a foot high, is very pretty, doing well in a border of rich loam, sandy rather than heavy. It has the form of the Wood Hyacinth or Bluebell, and flowers at the same time (April), varying somewhat with the season. The Wild Hyacinth (ScUla nutans), though it may be seen in many places in woods by the acre, and in hedgerows in some places in count- less numbers, where the soil is a light sandy loam, at the close of April, is nevertheless very pretty, and is worthy a place in every garden. There are varieties — alba, white ; camea or rosea, rose ; and a light-red kind, rubra. They do best in sandy loam, and when wild are most luxuriant where the soil is enriched by fallen leaves, but they will succeed admirably in strong loam. Grape Hyacinth (Muscaribotryoides), with blue flowers, and the white variety (album) are simply beautiful. Fea- ther Hyacinth (Muscari comosum monstrosum) has a curious frizzled head or cluster of pale purple flowers, and is useful. The Musk Hyacinth (Muscari mosohatum) is esteemed for its powerful musk perfume. Starch Hya- cinth (Muscari racemosus), rather larger than the Grape Hyacinth, otherwise bearing a close resemblance. They flower in March and April, and may be had earlier by potting in autumn, and forwarding in a position near the glass in a light airy greenhouse. Narcissus. — Charming are the Narcissi for cut flowers ; they last fresh in a cut state for a long time, the buds opening successionally, and are sweetly scented. _ The whole genus, and it is an extensive one, is deserving of culture from the purity, chasteness, and beauty of the flowers, in combination with a fragrance that cannot fail to please. The flowering season is long, commencing in March and closing in .June. There is such a host of species and varieties that I shall name only the most No. 1408.— Vol. LTV., Old Series. 264 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. I September 23, 187B. desirable; not that all arc not worthy of a place, but though all are gems, our purpose can be served by the Tarieties follow- ing. N. bulbocodium (Hoop Petticoat), which is fine in pots and good outdoors, the fiowers golden yellow ; ond N. bulbo- codium monophylla (White Hoop Petticoat), which are both very pretty, and the latter as yet scarce. N. cernuus (Silver Trumpet), white, is very beautiful, but it pales before the Double White Trumpet (N. cernuus plenus). Then the grand N. pseudo-NarcisEus grandiplenus (Double Lent Lily), and the Double Daffodil (N. Telamonius plenue), both having very double yellow flowers and large ; the Dwarf Daffodil (N. minor) being far less, but none the less pretty ; and Dwarfest Daffodil (N. minimus), with flowers not more than half the size, is very pleasing. We now come to the Orange Phanij: (N. incomparabilis aurantius plenus), double yellow, with orange centre ; Double Incomparable (N. incomparabilis), light yellow; Sulphurkroon (N. incomparabilis Bulphurtus plenue), double white sulphur base, large. These are all very beautiful — the Eush-leaved (N. juncifoliue), with its bright yellow flowers, charmingly fragrant, being indispensable for association with flowers of lees size, it being a dwarf small-flowered species ; those fond of the curious will not omit the Cyclamen-like reiiexed, dwarf, pale yellow Narcissus triandrus. Grandest of the genus is the Double Pheasant Eye (N. poeticus plenus), very pure in colour (white), and very sweetly scented. What the Gardenia is to the stove this is to the garden, and should be grown in quantity. Of the Polyantlitis Narcissus, the Paper White (N. Tazetta papyraceus), from its earliness is very valuable. It, and the Double Eoman (N. Tazetta romanus), white, orange nectary, potted in September, and plunged in ashes outdoors until well rooted, and then brought forward in a light airy position in a rather warm greenhouse, or gently forced, will flower by, if not before, January. The Polyanthus Narcissi are good alike for indoor forcing or garden culture, and if not very highly forced, they being flowered in an ordinary greenhouse temperature, and taken care of after flowering, the bulbs flower well in pots a second year. Bathurst, primrose, yellow cup ; Bazelman major, white, yellow cup, very fine and sweet; Gloriosa, white, orange cup, and large fine truss; Grand Monarque, white, citron cup, fine flower; Newton, yellow, orange cup, large truss and flower ; and Sulphurine, sulphur, light yellow cup, are all good. The whole family of Narcissus are so chaste that no dis- paragement is apparent in their association with the choicest hothouse flowers, and where cut flowers are in demand there should be representatives of this most beautiful of spring- flowering bulbs planted in quantity. Dainty they are not as to position, thiiving well in the open as in partial shade, and in all soils in which stagnant water is not present, but best in rich loamy soil, sandy rather than clayey, and with a well- drained subsoil. In shrubbery borders, in shady woodlands or grassy glades they are at home. All that is required is to plant the bulbs with the crown of the bulbs not less than 4, and not more G inches beneath the surface, and left to themselves they will continue to grow, flower, and increase. Of the fairest and sweetest of the Narcissi are Jonquils, Campernelle (N. odorus), large, single ; Double Sweet-scented (N. jonquilla plena), and Single Sweet-scented (N. jonquiUa), are all of easy culture — all with yellow flowers. They require light loam, enriched with leaf soil, and well drained, and shel- tered if grown outdoors ; but they are chiefly grown in pots, three bulbs in a 5-inch, or flve in a 6-inch pot, and treated like Hyacinths flower well in February onwards, being gently forced. The Jonquils have grassy leaves, and are fine as pot plants. Beds of Jonquils ought to be in every garden, the bulbs being planted 3 inches deep, and 4 to G inches apart, and not disturbed oftener than every third or fourth year. All the Narcissi should be planted in October, and not later than early November, though it is becoming a practice to plant successionally, or as late as early January, with a view to later bloom. The bloom is, however, so long continued by growing the several varieties above named, that a succession of Narcissus bloom can surely be had during a fourth of the year without having to plant at times which tells disastrously upon the after well-doing of the bulbs. Tulips.— Beautiful and effective as these are for the garden and house decoration in the early part of the year, we are compelled to own they do not come up to the excelltLce required in a cut flower. Siill they have biilliancy of colour, which may or may net be gaudy, just as some estimate bright- ness and high colour; and whaleverwe may think of them when expanded, we are compelled to own them very telling in the bud state. The flowers of the Duo Van Thol are very gay and sweet. By potting early in September, plunging outdoors in ashes, or what is better, eocoa-uut fibre refuse, and intro- ducing to gentle heat about six weeks afterwards, they may be had in flower at the close of November or early December. Expanded blooms are not chaste. These remarks apply to the singles. The doubles of course tell best when expanded. As I am not advising their extended culture for cut flowers, I need not trouble you with names, only the Due Van Thol in its varieties among the singles, and Blanche Edtive, La Candeur, Eex rubrorum, and Tournesol of the doubles, may be useful. — G. Abbey. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF FRUITS AT GHENT. A GEEAT International Exhibition of fruits was opened at Ghent on the 201h inst., and formed one of the series of Congu's Pomologique of the SociC-te Pomologique of France, which have been held annually in various places for a number of years past. In carrying out the meeting at Ghent the Society has been ably supported by the Cercle d'Arboriculture, who have come forward in support of the project with the energy they always exhibit in everything concerned in the ad- vancement of the interests of horticulture and arboriculture. The result of the united efforts of these two bodies is a show of fruits representing the pomology of Belgium, such as. per- haps, has never been gathered together before. In the country of Van Mens, Bivort, Hardenpont, Esperen, and Gregoire, one naturally expects to see pomology in its best and brightest aspect, and in this case the expectation has not been disap- pointed. The Exhibition, which is truly international, is held in the great hall of the Casino, a place familiar to British horticul- turists for many years as the shrine of Flora and Pomona in Ghent. The whole extent of that space is furnished with thirty-five large tables completely covered with fruit. These consist principally of Apples and Pears — the season getting late for the " soft fruits," and the duration of the Show for a whole week being unfavourable to the exhibition of these in good condition. Those exhibitions of Peaches and Plums which are present are consequently very limited, and their condition not of the best. Among them we saw nothicg that was new. Next in importance to the Apples and Pears, of which there is an enor- mous quantity. Grapes form the great attraction. In this class our countrymen, Messrs. Lane & Son of Berkhampstead, take the first rank, and were awarded the gold medal for fifteen varieties grown under glass. These gentlemen also received (avcc acclamation) the silver-gilt medal for eight varieties grown under glass. These productions of Messrs. Lane & Sou are familiar to our readers by the honours they have repeatedly obtained at our exhibitions at home. In the class for eight varieties M. Ambrose Verschaflelt, who in his retirement has not alaandoned his former love for horticulture, is second with some good bunches, among which is a very good one of Foster's White Seedling. The second in the class cf fifteen varieties is the Baroness van Loo-Malfait of Evergem, and these, too, are well grown, and would have formed fine large buuches if they had not been too much thinned. Certainly the best-cultivated of all the Belgian Grapes were those of Dr. Ceuterick of Aude- narde, who received the silver-gilt medal for the beet collection of twelve varieties grown under glass, and especially the bunches of Muscat Hamburgh, Bidwell's Seedling, and Dutch Hamburgh showed great skill and judgment in their cultivation. Of the Grapes grown in the open air the finest collection was from M. Besson of Marseilles. This consisted of varieties many of which were wine Grapes, and to this collection the gold medal offered by the city of Ghent was awardf d. Among them we observed many of those that are cultivated in the vineries of England, and remarked what has often been stated before, that even in the land of the Vine Grapes are grown in a manner much inferior to what they are when produced under glass and with applied skill in England. Of the other exhibitions, whether it is that Melons are not relished by the Belgians, or that they are enamoured of a particular class of that fruit, we do not know, but of all the fruits that were exhibited we saw nothing which was so inferior in quality as the kind of that fiuit. In England, as is well known, the Melon forms a very important article of cultivation in every wellregnlated garden, and the skill bestowed uton its production is auobjtct of rivalry among all our great gal doners. Judgiug from what we saw at Ghent this dues not appear to be the case in Belgium. At this Seiitember 23, 1973. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 263 season of the year in EDglancI, if a prize were offered for the best collection of Melons, the Show wonld be inundated with them, but here the class was vacant for want of competitors. There were a few Melons exhibited in general collections, but they appeared to be varieties of a common description — a sort of Cantaloupe with the deep longitudinal furrows down their side, and with the firm red flesh. We would commend the high cultivation of the Melon to our Belgian friends, and advise them to procure from England seed of such varieties as Beeohwood, Golden Gem, Victory of Bath, Reed's Scarlet Flesh, Scarlet Gem, Trentham Hybrid, and others, which would revolutionise the culture of the Melon in Belgium ; and if a little attention were paid to their cultivation, as has been done during the last few years to the culture of Grapes under glass, our friends will find that they have added another pleasure to their lives. The largest and best exhibition of miscellaneous fruits sent by a private individual was that of Messrs. Baltet frcres of Troyes. This occupied two very long tables, and contained admirably grown specimens of numerous varieties of Apples and Pears. The most remarkable specimen in this collection was a fruit of the Apple Manascre, which measured 1 foot 7i inches in circumference, and weighed upwards of 1 lb. 1 oz. A very large and fine collection came from the Socicte Centrale d'Ar- boriculture de Belgique of Brussels, among which were remark- ably fine specimens. But it would be needless for us to go farther into particulars than we have done. The Show is a very extensive one, and the collections are necessarily very similar, the classes varying only in the quantities which constitute them ; and it will give some idea of the extent of the Exhibition when we state that it embraces upwards of twelve thousand dishes of fruit of all kinds. To specify in a report which must necessarily be short any great number of these would be im- possible and to a certain extent unprofitable, for, as we have already said, the varieties exhibited are so often repeated in the various classes, that to do so would be to go over the same ground again and again. But before concluding we must notice a very large collection of seedling Pears shown by that indefatigable and successful raiser M. K. Grijgoire-Nelis of Jodoigne, and to which the gold medal offered by the King was awarded. These were all shown under numbers, and as no names were yet given we cannot specify them. We shall now conclude this notice of the Show by giving an outline of the schedule. It is divided into seven sections — First, miscellaneous fruits, and the highest honours here fell to Messrs. Baltet fieres of Troyes for the collection already noticed, and to which the medal offered by the Royal Agricultural and Botanic Society of Ghent was awarded ; the second, consisting of a gold medal, falling to M. Hage Courtrai and M. de Ghellinck de Walle of Wondelgem. The second section was for Pears ; and for the largest collection of all kinds the gold medal, offered by the Federation of the Horticultural Societies of Belgium, was awarded to M. J. L. van Leekwyk of Antwerp. For the best hundred varieties of dessert Pears the first prize was awarded to M. V. Biebuyck, President of the Horticultural Society of Courtrai; for the best seventy-five varieties to M. Struelens of Grammont ; and for the best fifty varieties to Count de Kerc- hove deDeuterghem, Burgomaster of Ghent. The third section was for Apples, and for the largest collection the gold medal offered by the Government was awarded to M. Hage of Courtrai. The fourth section was for stone fruits, and as we have already said the exhibition was in these so weak that we shall not fur- ther remark upon this section. The fifth included Grapes, on which we have already commented. The sixth for miscellaneous other fruits brought no competitions ; and the seventh was for various objects, including implements, itc, among which we saw nothing differing from what one usually meets with on similar occasions. Sept. 23. — At nine, sitting of the Congress. At two, visit to the gardens of Meester do Ravensteia. At five banquet to Members of Congress. At eight, a concert at the Eoyal Society of Melomancs. Sept. 24 and 25. — Contiunation of the Congress and visits to the bortioultaral establiehments of the city. OcciSioxs sr.eh aa these horticultural exhibitions wonld not be complete in Belgium if the pleasure and comfort of the visitors were neglected. The hospitality of onr neighbours, which has become proverbial, was fully indulged on this occa- sion, and a series of banquets and excursions were projected and carried out, which contributed very much to the enjoy- ment of the occasion. Here follows the programme, which is enongh to satisfy the most craven appetite :— Sept. 19. — Nine o'clock, work of the .Jury. Twelve o'clock, opening of the Exhibition. Two o'clock, banquet to the Jury. Five, concert at the Zoological Garden. Sept. 20. — Reception of members of Congress at the Hotel de Ville. Twelve, installation of the Congress at the Casino. One, visit to the gardens of Count de Kerchove de Denterghem. Five, Concert at the garden of the Casino. Sept. 21. — Nine, sitting of the Congress. Two, visit to the gardens of the Baroness van Loo-Malfait and of M. J. de Poorter. Sept. 22.— Nine, sitting of the Congress. Two, visit to the gardens of M. Jules van Loo and of M. de Ghellinck de Walle. TAKING-UP AND STORING POTATOES. It is with much surprise that I have observed a general tendency to revert to the obsolete and useless practice of pulling the haulm from Potatoes to preserve them from blight. The plan is utterly worthless, and is a mere com- promise npon the part of those who will not be convinced that the tubers may be taken up while the haulm is green in perfect safety without suffering the slightest deterioration in quality. The whole of my Potato crop has now been in the storehouse for upwards of a mouth. In quantity it amounts to about sixty sacks, and in quality is of more than average excellence. There are the tubers now exhibiting a little roughness upon the skin, it must be granted, but as firm and plump as could be wished. Let it rain, say I, and make the late-sown Turnips, Celery, and winter Greens grow, the late autumnal fruit to attain the fullest perfection of size and maturity, and an abundant herbage spring up in parks and meadows for our flocks and herds. Those persons whose Potatoes are spoilt by rain this year deserve to suffer, for never was there a more propitious season. The crop sustained no check during its growth, frequent showers maintaining it in fullest vigour. As it attained fall growth dry weather ensued ; the ripening process went steadily on, and when it was taken up the soil was literally dust-dry. Much of the foliage was already of a dull brown and yellow tinge, and the tubers parted freely from the haulm. But the skin was much rubbed in the process of collecting and convey- ing the Potatoes to the storehouse, and this is the rub — this the stumbling block which Messrs. Dull and Dawdle cannot get over. Let me assure them that those of us who have now for several years adopted the early-lifting method, and thus escaped the ravages of disease, can no more afford to indulge in rash or speculative theories than they can. We are bound to succeed where success is possible, and in order to do this we strive to understand and avail ourselves of every advan- tage placed in our way by nature or science, applying such lessona with all due caution, but never hesitating to do so thoroughly when experience proves us to be right. At the time of writing this (September 14th) I am fully aware that in my own neighbourhood the greater part of the Potato crop stUl remains in the ground. Almost all the haulm i.s dead, glorious weather prevails, and yet nothing is done. One can only conclude that those who so positively court failure have no right to complain when it comes, and to such I have nothing to say. Nor did I suppose it would be necessary to repeat to really practical men former state- ments in favour of the early-lifting process, when its immense advantages must be so patent, and especially when such men as "D., Deal," Mr. Wright, and many others, had also borne testimony to its value ; but when it is gravely asserted that the disease may be avoided by pulling the haulm from the tubers, and leaving them in the soil, it becomes a positive duty to speak out. As confirmatory evidence of the value of timely lifting I append an extract from a letter received this morning : — " The Potato yield is fine and abundant ; I have 120 sacks housed, free from blight and in excellent condition." — Edward LUCKHUEST. CROPS IN NORTH LANCASHIRE. With the exception of a heavy flood at the beginning of this mouth we have bad glorious weather in the northern districts during September, a second summer in fact, with a tempe- rature ranging from 65' to 70' in the shade. This has done splendidly for the ripening of fruit, and the memory of man cannot reach back to a year of such plenitude of fine and well- ripened fruit. Fruit which, in other years, would have afforded matter for newspaper paragraphs is now completely unnoticed, from the simple fact that such is grown in every garden or orchard. Cabbage, Broccoli, in fact all garden produce, is very plentiful and remarkably well grown. At the recent Show of the Ulverston Horticultural Society, an old-established one, the judges remarked that never before had they witnessed 266 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( September 23, 1875. BO fine a display of vegetables. Potatoes are exceeding our expectationB, and very lew diseased tubers are now being talien np. Market prices are 5d. to 6d. per 14 lbs. — Beta. STRUCTURES FOR FORCING AND PROTECTION. No. 2. I;j a previous communication on page 200 I endeavoured, in reply to many inquiries, to submit in a concise manner some of the most simple forms of protective structures. A batch of other applicants seeking instruction suggests that some- thing more than mere shelter is needed. The great majority covet something that is simple yet useful, economical yet efficient. They not only require structures which with much covering and great care will keep their bedding plants alive during the winter, but they wish to keep them in a comfort- able and healthy state. To this end fire heat must be afforded in some form or other, for, as a means of winter protection, heat from fermenting material, as manure and leaves, can seldom be relied on. That heat is too moist, and subject to fluctuation by weather changes that, however valuable it may be in spring, it is not adapted for employment in winter. Hot water is now the orthodox medium of heating glass Btructnres, and withal it is the best medium, being sweet. winter the soil is removed, and a lattice-work trellis is placed for bedding plants. It is admirably adapted for its purpose, and is inexpensive and substantial. Fig. 59, though perhaps more showy, is still more simple, the flues being built in the walls ; the fire communicating with the front, crossing one end, and continuing along the back flue. In this pit bottom heat, when required for Melons in the summer, is afforded by manure and leaves, and excellent crops are produced ; a shows the soil, b the manure, c the trellis, and d the flues. In the autumn the soil is removed and a flooring of boards introduced, when bedding and green- house plants are safely and healthfully kept. These simple flue-heated pits are valuable adjuncts to any garden where means of heating by hot water is not provided and cannot be obtained. The next figure is more pretentious ; it is a section of a span- roofed house heated by flues. The flues are made to furnish both top and bottom heat, and between them are chambers (a a) which communicate heat to the beds h h. The flues are partly under the beds, to which they communicate heat by the jS i^ v^ y JZ. J2, A.JL iz g it> ao Fig. 60.— Flae-heated HouBe. Fig. 58.— Heated Pit. certain, and well under command; but as more than one correspondent expresses himself, " to wait until a boiler and hot-water pipes, is to wait an indefinite time," and he also wishes to know if " something cannot be done by a flue." I reply that a great deal may be done with a flue. A great deal has been done, and is being done, by the aid of this primitive mode of heating. Some of the best Black Hamburgh Grapes that I have this year seen were produced by flue heat ; and I have not seen a better house of Cucumbers than have been produced with the aid of the flue as the sole means of supply- ing artificial heat. But it is not because of what I have seen that I speak a word in favour of flue-heating, but because my own experience has afforded me proof of its usefulness. I say this for the benefit of those who desire heat in some form, and who cannot obtain a hot-water apparatus, but who yet can manage to have a flue erected. Some years ago Mr. Abbey submitted plans by which I benefited. As near as possible I will reproduce them for the benefit of others. Fig. 58 is a very simple form of pit. It is shown with two flues, or rather one flue commencing at and running underneath the bed for bottom heat, and continuing along the front for top heat. The chamber a a, covered with Fig. 5j Garde iter). —Sovr them all in strong heat in February, and in a compost of two parts fibrous peat and one part turfy loam, with a free admixture of silver sand, covering each the diameter of the seeds, and keep moist. A bottom heat of 90- is not too much, and top heat of 75- to 90'^. Raising Variegated Hollies from Seed (Lfi/tor). — The seed will ger- minate, and a majority of the seedlings will be green-leaved, but these may and often do throw off variegated parts. These may be propagated by graft- ing, or the green paits cut away. The seeds will not vegetate untU the second year. Both green and variegated Hollies may be raised from cuttings — the ripened shoots of the current year put in now in sandy soil surfaced with an inch of sand nnder hand-lights on a north border. Hollies have the male and female organs in the individual flowers, but some trees do not pro- duce benies, they being for the most part very vigorous. Hyacinth and Tclip Seed Sowing (F. W. H.).— Sow both now in light sandy soil in a sheltered situation, covering about a quarter of an inch deep, and afford protection from frost in severe weather, or defer sowing until March, and the seedlings will appear about June, and are not to be taken up until the July following twelvemonth, planting them again in October. Markchal Niel Working on Hybrid Perpetcal {Idem).— It would succeed admirably, the Perpetual upon the Briar being of free growth. Diseased Potatoes, are They ISFECTiors (P. M.).—li the season be favourable, Potatoes planted in ground where diseased tubers have been allowed to rot will not be affected. We have known the experiment purposely tried. At the same time it is not an advisable practice to grow Potatoes on the same plot tho following year. Fungus on Peae Leaves (J. ^.).— The brown projecting patches beneath the leaves are a fungus, Koestelia cancellata. Gather every affected leaf and bum it ; do not let any remain on the ground— burn all. It is very de- structive. Lady Downes' Seedling Grape (J. A.). — This variety of Grape will enc- ceed in a house where it can have a night temperature of 65-"" when the fruit is setting. This it can have in a greenhouse about the middle of May, after that no artificial heat is required until the time of ripening— about the end of August. The greenhouse ought to be Bhut-up at six o'clock during the summer months. We do not recommend Lady Downes' to be planted in a greenhouse, but you asked if it could be growc. We may as well say that by far the best Grape for greenhouse culture is Black Hamburgh. StraiiN-berriesfor London Markets [B. IT'.).— Keens' Seedling for early produce, and Dr. Hogg for succession. September 23, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HOKTlOUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 279 Pkaches for South Wall (R. H. ^.).— The foIIowinK are in tho order of their ripening:— Early Beatrioo, Early ItivorB, (rrosHO I\ri(,'nouno, Noblesse, Bellegarde, Osprey, and Lord Palmeretou. Tho Nectariuo may bo Balgowan. Bees Eating Fruit (J. F.)— There is no mode of destroying the bees, as they will not go into bottles as wagps will. Bees do not attack fruit except in very dry seaaons when flowers are deficient in secretions. The most efficient protection of the fruit would be to fasten gauze over it. A Dozen Superior Garden Roses {J. Kelly).— The following are the best out of some 250 varieties which we have proved within the past moven years. All are perpetuals except one, and that one a Tea-scented— viz., Gloire de Dijon, the best " one " Rose for the million, and the host " one " red Rose is Alfred Colomb. Baroness Rothschild, Charles Lefebvie, Comtesse d'Oxford, Dupuy-Jaraaiu, Edward Morrcn, John Hopper, La France, Madame Victor Verdier, Scnateiir Yaisse, and Capitaino Cln-ihty. You will want whites, and we name two, Boule de Keige and Perlo des Blanches. Yellows are R<-ve d'Or and Perle de Lyon, both Teas. Bessie Johnson, Hybrid Perpetual, is, perhaps, the sweetest of all Roses, always exceptiog the Tea-scented " Odo- rata," blush, the finest scented of all. We do not, however, advise it for your purpose, but all the others are good growers, and are suitable alike for standards or dwai'fs. RooT-pnuNiNG Fruit Trees {F. J.).— It should not he done until the leaves are beginning to fall, certainly not before the 1st of next month. Early in November is quite early enough. Taking-up Master Christine Geranium (7(/* m).— They being plunged in the pots will be lifted more certainly than those planted out, find being done before frost, they, kept over the winter, will Iluwer moro freely than young plants. The roots will have extended beyond tho pots and over the rims. They should be turned out of the pots and have most, if not all, the old soil lemoved, the long t-traggling roots shortened, and the plants returned to the same size of pot, which should bo cleaned. Any straggling giowths to be cut back, and all the large leaves removed. They should have but little water until established, taking care to pot them into moderately muist soil, neither wet nor dry, but a mtan of the two. Removing the Haulm from Potatoes (S. S.).— We have submitted your letter to the author you quote. He replies that there is no practical danger of the tubers growing again in the ground. Only once has he found that to be the case — viz., in tho hot seamen of 1808, aud the wet and warm autumn following, and even then the growth of the current season's tubers was not general, and was confined to theearlitat kinds. Dalmahoys the same season remained perfectly dormant. Cyclamen repandum is in colour reddieh lilac. Your white variety, if it flowers in the autumn, is C. albidum ; if in the spring, C. albiflorum. Fungus (A'. A*. A'.).— It is not clear what species you have in view under Boletus aureus. Schceffer's B. aureus is very doubtful. Perhaps yon have B. granulatus in view, if so, Persoon and Withering describe it as edible, but we have not tried it, and we know one of its allies to be dangerous. Or your plant may be B. variepatus ; if so, its qualities are doubtful. Both the above plants belong to Schoeffer'a old B. aureus. You should work with the volumes of Fries or Berkeley. Fruit Naming. — Many limes have we given notice that we cannot name more than six specimens at a time from any applicant, yet multitudes send us far more thau that number. Our rule must be like the laws of tho Medea and Persians, "which altereth not." It is no easy task to identify any fruit now that there are thousands of varieties. Names of Fruits (H. O. iH.),—l, Passe Colmar; 2,Fondante d'Automne; 4, Beurre d'Aremb^rg. (Mrs. HendcrMn). — It was quite decayed when it arrived. [J. W.). — Winter Hawthoruden. (F. J. K.). — 5, Beurr< Sterck- mans; 6, Comte de Flandres; 7, Williams' Bon Chr(Hi6U. lOco. F. Barrcll). — 1, Court-Pendu-Plat ; 2, Northern Greening; 3, Bedfordshire Foundling; 4, Marc'ohal de Cour; 5, Beurre d'Aremberg ; 6, Comte de Flandre. {Soiticr- se().— Imperiale do Milan. {T.Niel}. — 1, Waehington ; 2, Victoria; 3, quite rotten; 4, Jefferson. (O. J. W.)—2-i, Cockle's Pippin; 21. Braddick's Nonpareil; 25. Scarlet Nonpareil; 27, Christie's Pippin; 1, Louise Bonne of Jersey. (O. H. Fitzherbert). — Puars : 1, Beurre Diel; 2, Depiree CoruLlis ; 4, Aston Town. Aj^ples : 2, Yorkshire Greening; 3, Nelson Codlin; Selwood's Reinette; 6, Lewis's Incomparable. IComas). — 1, Loan's Pearmain ; 3, Golden Reinette; 4, Vicai' of Winktield Pear. {Connauglit Suhscrlher). — 1, Oelin; 2, Reinette da Canada. Pears: 1, EeurrL Clairgcau ; 2, Williams' Bon Chretien ; 3, Brown Beui-re ; 4, tJrbaniste. Phi in : Prince Englebert. Names of Plants (/. P. P.).— The specimens were dried-up, and some only leaves. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHEONIOLE. CUPS AND ENTRY FEES. When writing the other day of Mr. J. K. Fowler's eBtablieh- ment of poultry at Aylesbury we alluded to Lis cups and plate — trophies of past poultry shows, and the diiiereuces between them and the cups sent out in the present day. As we said then, it really seems in these times that so long as an article can be called a cnp it does not matter what it is like. But really this should not be the case. It is all very well to win one or two such articles, but after that it comes rather slow. Once the glory aud honour o( winning the maiden cups are over, most fanciers like either to have something useful or the value in cash. We really sometimes think that the cup system of the present day is going too far. When we see a ±''2 2s. cup given as a firet prize in every class throughout a schedule we begin to think that we may indeed say, " Somewhat too much of this." A few years ago a specimen that had won a cup was a marked bird. Its title, " cup winner," showed that it was above the ordinary run of prize birds, and that it was a specimen to be proud of; but now everyone has cup specimens, for we see ad- vertised cup pens of poultry for a few shillings, and eggs from cup birds for 3(7. or id. each. This almost makes us weary of cup-winning, and desirous rather of good money prizes and a champion cup or so every now and then as a bonne louche. We fear there is a tendency, too, for committees to value the cups of the present day at more than they are worth to make them flashy and acceptive baits— iu a word, to catch exhibitors with them. We are alluding here, of course, to those exhibi- tions who actually give cups and not the value iu money ; but we would not for a minute wish to be understood to allude to all exhibitions — far from it, as we have had ourselves splendid value in plate ; but we say we think there is a tendency to this over- valuing of plate. We know of two cases which came under our own eyes, and have heard of very many more. In the first case the cup was valued at £5 5s., and was won in the very north of England, where it was seen by an exhibitor and noted as a fair five-guineas' worth. When, however, it arrived at the winner's place of residence the same cup which was on exhibition at the show never came, but a petty thing that a child could easily have bent into any shape, and which was valued by a silver- smith at 23s. by weight. The other case was a champion cup, where the article in ques- tion "as valued by a silversmith at COs. by weight, and it was stated to be in the schedule a 210s. article. These things make beautiful puffs in an advertisement, but are hardly satisfactory to the winners ; at least so we think. Those shows who give cups but allow the winners to take the value in cash we can say nothing about, as the arrangement is all fair and above board ; but why in that case they should not be called first prizes w© cannot understand, for the winner is in those cases able to put the money against the corn bill, or buy any other article as ia preferred. We confess we would like to see the value of a cup- winning specimen go back to its old rate, and we can never Eee this while so many paltry little cups are being given and being won BO easily everywhere. Local cups, too, we do not approve of, for in many cases the winners are wretched specimens, winning in poor competition, and yet the birds go forth to the world in a silver cloak, and sometimes are the means of great disappointment to our less experienced poultry friends. In a schedule like that sent out by the Alexandra Palace we think the cup arrangement very good for the most part, as to pick out the winners for a champion cup among the pens we shall doubtless see there would be a simple impossibility, and BO to give at a show of that kind a good cup or its equivalent money value for the various classes of a breed is well and good ; and besides, the fact of a Palace winner alone tells the merit of a bird, and carries its value on its back ; but it is at the little shows — at the small mixed-up-classes shows, that we want to see the cup system altered. At the same time we think the entrance fees should to some extent be charged according to the value of the cups and prizes offered. It certainly is not fair for the same fee to be charged in a class where, say, only i;2 can be won, as in a class where double or treble the value is offered. Now, the Polish people at the Palace pay Vs. Ijd. for the chance of winning a Mi is. cup where the first prize is 1:2, while the Brahma people pay only the same money for the certainty of i'lO 10s. and i;7 7s. prizes. Of course the chance of winning is much more remote in the latter cases, and there will be a much greater number of entries, but still the arrangement to us hardly seems fair. We confess of all schedules we think Oxford stands alone for the even way it distributes its money, and the low entry fees it charges — viz., only 5s. for 60s. first prizes. We have noticed of late that two or three shows have made a different tariff of entrance fees for the different sums expended in prize money, and have noticed it with pleasure ; we hope others will copy their example, for we really think that high entrance fees with poor prizes keep down the number of entries in many classes at shows to an immeiEe extent. We sometimes wonder if it would be possible to have one recognised scale of charges for entrance fees. It would simpUfy matters very much, and put shows on a much more even basir. Were we to draw up such a scale we should say they should Le something in this proportion : 3s. for a il firstprize, and then If. forevery 10s. afterwards, which would make a 7s. entry fee for a j;3 first prize. This we should call a fair charge, and then if there were one or two champion cups to be competed for another Gd. per pen could be added. Were such a scale adopted— and we think all would consider it reasonable — we believe that much greater satisfaction would be given, and the exhibitions would be more even in quality and quantity than we now find thein. Anyhow, we would always have a third prize. We are sure this is a loss to many a disappointed one, and if it only saves the stakes it is something in these hard times. — W. alexandka palace poultry and pigeon SHOW. At the request of numerous exhibitors we have decided on allowing more than one entry to be sent in a basket, but ol coarse each compartment must be properly labelled, and if any of the birds be sold the exhibitor will be charged for a new basket. Kespecting the question of conveyance, perhaps we may just state that birds coming from the north will be delivered direct at the Alexandra Palace, and so save the 280 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDENEE. { Septemher 23, 1875. expense and delay of croBBing London. We wonld also call attention to the fact that this is only a three-days show. The birds are not required to be delivered until Monday, the show closing on Thursday, so they ought to reach their homes on Friday, or at the latest on Saturday, thus preventing the liirds being confined on Sunday, which so many eshibitors object to. — W. J. NiCHOLLS, P. H. Jones, Son. Sees. POULTET FARMING. Although I had hoped to have seen several statements from others to confirm my few remarks published under the above heading in your issue of August 20th, I now submit for your inspection, as promised, an exact copy of my books, taking date in each ease from September Ist, 1874, to September Ist, 1875. Poultry to me has always been a hobby, but when first I entered into it I had no idea of its profits nor of working on so large a scale ; and though I fear I shall be charged by some with much seeming egotism, still I can assure your readers I have no other object than to persuade those who love a country life and who will devote their time to this means of stock-raising, that it has interests new and fresh coming every day, and will assuredly bring a comfortable income to enjoy it. Few, perhaps, would go into the detailed trouble I do, as I know each week exactly how many head of fowls are in stock, and upon picking up any fowl can tell the month it was hatched in {i.e., by its marking), I never allow anyone to gather the eggs nor to sit broody hens, but when they have taken to the nest I prepare thirteen eggs, marked in ink with date upon them, place them in a clean box in the hatching room, and after sunset take the broody hen from where she has chosen to sit and put her on to the eggs and close her up for thirty-six hours, or till the next morniog but one. I am particularly lucky in hatching. I am satisfied that almost all chances of success rest upon the eggs being closely sat on at the commencement, and if left after that for hoars they will scarcely be hurt. On September 1st, 1874, I possessed a stock of sixteen cocks and 159 hena and pullets. At that time having several sittings of eggs about to hatch for successive laying in March, April, and May, 1875, when most winter and spring layers are all at a time broody, the last lot hatched in 1874 being October 3rd, making at that time seventy-nine additional chickens, of which six died before Christmas. Six Geese, two ganders, four Turkeys, twelve Ducks, and three drakes, all for store ; fourteen young Turkeys, fourteen young Geese, eighteen young Ducks, and twenty-two young cockerels for killing. From this number of poultry I have raised, sold, and have balance in hand, and present stock, less that in hand 1st Sep- tember, 1874, and the fifty-three fowls and five Ducks bought last August and added to pens, as follows : — 7C0 fowls, 722 Ducks, 70 Geese, 41 Turkeys. Sold 16,339 eggs, producing a total of i'2C8 14s. 3d., less cost £145 17s. lOid., leaving as balance of profit ,£122 16,s. iid., besides supposed value of feathers, £i, and of manure, ,4'3, not credited against cost— really making 4129 16s. 4id. profit. In the detailed cost account packages, cartage, advertisements, stationery, postage, &c., amount to 413 _0s. Gid., against £33 4s. received for sittings of eggs sold; but it must also be remembered that through the advertising columns of the various papers there were also sold chickens, Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys amounting to £53 3s. Id., which, ic is probable, would not have been sold at those times and prices had it not been for advertising, so that it is estimated by me that the £6 7s. Bd. advertisement-costs induced sales in a total of £86 7s. Id , which were attended with further expenses of £6 12s. iUkd. I may also call attention to the prices aeked for sittings of eggs sold, all of which were warranted fertile, and I was but asked to replace fifty-two out of a total of 2538— viz., eggs from Dark Brahmas ; Dark Brahma hens running with Dorking cock ; Dark Brahma hens running with Black Red Game cock, all at 2s. Gd. for thirteen, packed, and all from first-class birds. Eouen Duck eggs, 6s. 6d. for thirteen. The five Ducks cost £9 10s. East Indian Duck eggs, 5s. for thirteen. The Turkey eggs, bred from a cock now weighing 35 lbs. If it be possible, then, at such prices and at so great an expense of feeding, as I consider my fowls have been extravagantly fed, how much more rather can be realised by those prizetakers and breeders advertising at 21s. for thirteen eggs, and if unfertile second sitting at half price, making Is. iid. per egg? Had I been fortunate enough to have hatched say half of the expensive eggs bought by me, and sold at fair prices the produce therefrom, a greater profit would certainly be shown, as this year I really never sold but two birds at 7s. 6(7., except broody hens, and after those nothing over 3s. each, and these cost quite as much to rear as those more extravagantly priced. However, everyone has a right to his own mode of conducting his business, and I have only attempted to show that with proper and above all prompt attention to poultry, as whether " hail, rain, wind, or snow," occurs, it will not brook delay, there is a livelihood for many who have plenty of time to devote to such a purpose. I have added many valuable additions to my poultry stock, and next season intend, as in 1S7.5, to warrant every egg sold to be fertile ; and a new feature at this poultry farm will be that I shall undertake for one and all who entrust their eggs to me to provide broody hers, and set them here in a shed with 150 nests erected on purpose, and rear the chickens np to one month old at a small fixed fee. I am now drawing out in print a list and catalogue of various pens of fowls kept, and bearing some valu- able information to aU poultry fanciers. — Gallinacoltdbist, Hamptuti-in-Ardcn. CEEWE POULTRY SHOW. Septemeeb 17th-18th. As to the general quality of the birds shown, nothing so good has taken place at any of the previous .shows held at Crewe; and the tent arrangements were praiseworthy. Game cockerels (any variety) headed the list, and, noted as it is, very rarely have so well shown a number of Brown Beds been seen in the neighbourhood. The two chief prizes were taken by Brown Reds; the third premium was awarded to a Black Red. It ia worthy of note that some few of the most showy birds when "handled" proved to be wry-breasted, a fault for which every other good property cannot atone. It ia well here to remark, too, on a great mistake now too general in the dubbing of Game fowls — viz., cutting them too closely in the wattles, as it entirely destroys the proper outline of the throat, besides failing to develope length of head, as desired by the party operating. It quite spoils an exhibition bird. The JJorkings and Sj^anisli were both very excellent classes ; many of the pullets having been raised early this season, were, how- ever, after laying their first eggs, deeply moulting. In Cochins Mr. Sedgwick, and in Dark Brahmas Mr. Ansdell, competed with grand pens, shown in exquisite plumage. Polish were fine, though not numerous; and Craves were quite the best variety of the French fowls. Game Bantams were shown in capital trim, and some very fair Silver-laced Sebrights were winners. Samburghs were well represented by capital pens from the well-known yards of the Duke of Sutherland. In the classes for Waterfowls the restriction of birds of 1875 operated injurioualy to a few pens of the best birds shown. We think another year such a restriction would be well withdrawn altogether, and yet more eapecially as to fancy Waterfowls, as the young of these birds are not yet in plumage. The weather was delightful, and the entrance gate consequently a success. Game,— Coctfrel,—!, R. Aebley, Nantwicti. 2, J. Cheaters, Nantwich. 3,T. B, Lowe, Leicester, DoRKiNGB. — C/i(cfce7[S. — 1. Rev. E. B. Charlton, Lichtieltl. 2, J. Walker, Eocbdale. he. Mrs. E. WJlliamB. Henllys Berriew. i^PANiSH —Chickens.— \ and 2, S. L. Edw-ards. Cochin-Chikas. — Chickens. — 1, C. Sidgwick, Keighley. 2, F. Holbrook. Hi?btieidB. DerJiy. Brabma F00THAS.—C7iicfcfn3— I.Mrs. S. Thornicrofl, Crewe, land 2, T. F. Ansdell, St, Helens, he, E. Prltchard, Tettenhall; E. Kydor, Hyde, c, W. Broadhurdt, Fulsham; J. Little, Chester. i'CiLisQ.— Chickens— I and 2, J. Fearnley.Lawton. French ~Chickens.-~l, Hev. J. ti. B. Kuight, Ripley. 2, W. Dring, Faversham. c.SIrs. E. Williams. Game — Blick-breasted Reds — Chickens.— 1, T. B. Lowe. 2, J. Hallsall, Halebank, Brown and other Beds.— Chickens.— l, R. Ashley. 2, W. Perrin, Nantwich. }ic. C. W, Laston, Nantwicb ; W. Watson, Andlem. Any other variety -Chickens —1, G. Lunt, Shavjngton, Market Drayton. 2, J. Hallsall. Any variety.— PitUets.-l, G, F. Ward, Wrenbury. 2, J. cbestera. he, C. W. Laxton; K. Ashley. Bantams. — Oam^, Btack-breast'd Reds. — Chickens. — 1, R. Y. Ardagh, Worcester. 2, P Hind, Delamere Forest. Game, any other variety.— Chickens. — 1, W. BaskerviUe, DIanchester. 2, R. Ashley. Not Game.— Chickens.— 1, J. Walker. 2, K. H. Ashton, Mottram Hambdeghs — Gotrf or Silvcr-spanaled.-Chickejts.—l, S. W. Hallam, Whit- wick. 2, Duke of Sutherland, Trentbam. /ic, Duke of Sutherland; H. Pi^-kles, Leeds. Gold or Silvtr-i>eneiUed.—\, Duke of Sutherland. 2, S. W. Hallam. he, J Wbittingham, Nantwich ; Duke f f Sutherland. VvcKLinos. — Rouen. — 1, T. Wakefield, Newton-le- Willows. 2 and he, J. Walker. Aylesbury.— 1, T. Sear, Aylesbury. 2, S. Gulliver, Aylesbury, he, J. Walker. Any other variety.— 1 and 2, J, Walker. Goslings.- 1, K. Beckett, Hartford. 2, Withheld, TxjbVEYB.-Poitlts.—i, J. Walker. 2, W. Glassford, Merc. SELLING Class,— 1, W. Rcay, Crewe. 2, S. L. Edwards, c, P. Hinde; W. Glassford; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Mr. Burgess of Burleydam, and Mr. Hewitt of Birmingham, were the Judges. UTTOXETER POULTRY SHOW. September 16th. The Judge was Mr. Teebay, and he expressed his opinion that it was the best show of young birds he had seen this year. There were 206 entries, a considerable increase on former years. The following were the awards : — Game.— Coctcrffs.— 1, E. S, Godsell. Stroud. 2, G. Bagnall, Draycot. PuUetf — 1, G. Bagnall. 2, W. C. Philips. Worcester. C/iic-fcciu.— 1, W. T. Everard. Ashby-de-ia-Zoucb. 2, Duke of Sutbciland. SPANISH.— 1, H. Blower, Wolverhampton, 2, E. Jackson, Wolverhampton. Dorkings.- 1, J. Walker. Rochdale. 2, G. A. & W. a. Crewe, EtwaU. Hdver- Grey or Wtlite. — 1 and 2, Lady Bagot, Rugeley. Cochin-chinas.- C'mTlamon or Buff.— I, C. Sidgwick, Keighley. 2, Mrs. ^UJBopp, Worcester. Any other varicty.—l, C. sidgwick. 2, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Brahma Pootr^s —Dark.—}, H. Lingwood, Needham Market. 2, Bndgewater and Yo.\ali, Wednesburv. PuUets.—l, H. Lingwood. 2, K. Hyder, Hyde. Linhl.-i, R. E. Uorstall, Liverpool. 2, T. A. Dean, Hereford. Puliefs.— 1,P. Haines, Palgrave, Diss. 2. T A, Dean, Sepiember 23, 1876. ] JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 281 nAJiBCR(iiis.-fiuUiii))difi;/c,i._l,c .ludson, Pcckliam. 2, Duke ot Suther- Jand. ItilMrp.KciUed.-i aod 8, Duka of Sulherlaud. aoUUn.itiMHgled.-l. puke of SuUitrittuil. 2, T. Boullon. Handfoid. aUeir-.wunalcd.—l, JJuke of Sutberlaud. l', a. W. Hallam, Ltriceater. HocDi ..a.~-CockereU.-l , J. E, Clayton, Stockport. 3, W. O. Quibell, Newark. Pulktu.—l. J. k. Fowlor. a, R. B, Wood, Uttoxeter. CREVE.CtEniis. -]. Key. J. G. B. Kuight, Kiplcy. 2. B. B. Wood. TUKKEYS— 1, W. Wjkcs. Hinckley. 2. Kcv. N.J. Kidkv, Newbury. Geese.-I.J. Wolkcr. 2, T. Mills, Bilki-Mbead. DEom.-UhUe Ji/Usbui!/.-!, J. K. Fowlei-. 2. T. Sear. Bouen.—l, E. Kendjick, juu, LlelllBld. 2, J. Walker. Any oOier variety.— I, J. Walker. 2, M. Leno. Ounstabte. ExTKj (. uss.— 1, Duke of Sutberlaud. 2, Miss A. Brooke, Sbrowsbury. FAENWOBTH AGRICULTUEA.L SOCIETI'S POULTEY SHOW. This was held at Faraivortb, near Warriuston, on the IGlh inst. DoEKiNGs.— C'liVJreJis.— 1, J.l Walker, Eocbda!e. 2, L Pilkington, Widnes. S. W. H. Crewe, Di-rby. Bbahma PooTRiS.— ), 2. and S. T. F. insdell, St. Helens. Chickcns.-Cars. 1, and 2, r. h . Anartcll. S, E. Pritcbard, Tattenball. lu, F. Brookwell, Wican ; F. Bennett, ^bifuall Cochins -Ciitnamon or Euxr.-l. R P. Percival, Korthenden. 2, J. Walker. 8, C. SidKWiuk, KoigUey. Vliickcju.—l and 2, C. Sidgwick. 3, W. Santon, LtntBeld. C^caixs:.-Partri,isic-/,-at]tcr, or any other variciy.-l and 2. C. Sidgwick. S. S-S'S^'^^- Jbif ual. Otluir mricty than Cmnamori or Biiff.—l, K. P. Percival. 3, T. F. Ausflcil. (iiile..—lslack-hreastcd llcd.-Chickem.— Cap and I.J. Fletcber, Stoneclougb. S.S. Buckley. Wii,sr.,rd S, J. UalBall, Halebank. Croten-brea^ted Red- Cluclcem -1, J. Carli„lc. Earby. 8. G. C. Harnett. Birkenhead, s. A. Olavton, Bradford, he. J. Hals.iU, Any other variety.-Chiekens.-l. J. HaUall. ' 2. J. *. Walton. Kawtciistall. 8. M. Joweit, Bradford, he, G. Holmes. Driffield. Coc*.— I, U. W Brierley. Middleton. 2, Duke of Sutberlnnd. S, J. F. Walton, Rawlonstall. he, L. Pilkington ; J. Chester, Nantwicb ; C. W. Brierley. SPASibH.— 1. E. Walton. 2 and vke. J. Powell, Bradford. S. E Jackson. a.iiiBvRaB3.~Golden-j>enciUed.-Chickem.—l. G & J. Duokworlh, Accring- ■ ,- 2, nuke of SutUeiland. 8. H. Beldon, Bingley. he, W. Speakman, Nant- wicb. Stlevr peiutlled —Chickens.— 1, H. Beldon. 2 and S, R. W. Bracewell, Earbr. ftc. B. Ilcklea. Karbv ; Duke of Sutherland, aiMBnHaas.-Golden-spangled.— Chickens -1, H. Beldon. 2 and lie, G. and J. i)uckwor-tb. S. H Pickles. SiIvcr^sDanoled— Chickens.— Cm and 1, Duke of Sntberland. 2 and S, J. Fielding, Newchurcb. he, Ashton & Booth. Broad- Dottom. POLANDS —1 and 2, H. Beldon. Ant OTHER ViBiETT.-l, H. Beldon. 2. W. J. Johnson. Liverijool. S. Rev. J. v;&v,^'"^m' K'Pley. l>licH. Pickles (Black Hamburgbs). he, C. Sidgwick, Keigbley (Black Hambnrgbl: J. Sandeman, Dundee. o.S^.t''',;','' Cniss.-fliicJpens.— 1 and 2. J. E. Pardy, Xowton.le-Willows. S, C. omitb. Wigan. Bantams -Oanie.-Cocfc.-l, E. Walton. 2, E. Brownlie, Kirkcaldy. S. E. Bel Burton-on-Trent. he, J. R. Fletcher; M. J. Nelson. Chickem.-l, E. Walton. 2, G. Marples, jun.. Wavertree, Liverpool. 3, J. K. Fletcher, he, T> ^^'■'I'^'t- Birkenhead ; Miss M J. Nelson, Hexham. BiNTAiis.-Jn;/ variety exetpt Game.— Cup and 1, H. Beldon. 2, G. Hall, Kendal. 8, H. B Smith, Brougbton, Preston, he, R. H. Asbtun, Jlottram. DtJCKS. - BoKfii. — Cup. 1, and 2, W. Evans, Whiston. 8, P. Unsworth, Newton-!e-Willow3. he, R. Gladstone, jun., Broad Green (21; W. Evans; l-.Bntterworih. Ldverpool; J. Brookwell, VVigan ; p. Unsworth. Ay'eshury.— 1 and 2, J. Walker, Rochdale. Any other variety.—], J, Walker. 2 and 3. H. B. Smith, /ic. J. Walker: H. B. Smith. Geese.— 1 and 2, J. Walker. 3. H. Deacon, Appleton, Tdekeys.— 1, J. Walker. 2, J. Brookwell, Wigan. 3, J. Knight, Farnworth. Jddqes.— Mr. James Dixon, Bradford; Mr. George PeU, Warrington. STAMFOED POULTEY SHOW. The Northamptonshire Agricultural Society is erratic in its movements, like others of the same genus. We have followed It from Weedon to Kettering, and thence to Northampton, and now tbia year wo find the tents pitched and the flags flyiix^ in Burghley Park, near Stamford. The schedule since last season has been entirely revised and much more money spent upon it Still we doubt if all the changes are desirable ; for instance, we tind all the Game, Cochins, Brahmas, and Hamburgbs classed in groups irrespective of colours. It is true each group has four classes, two for adults and two for chickens; but at this season of the year old birds must appear at a disadvantage, and it is not fair for all colours of Cochins or all varieties of Brahmas to com- pete together. Mr. Teebay awarded the prizes, and his awards were very favourably received. The classes were mostly well tiled, and the meeting on ;he whole an unusually successful one Co oured Dorktnijs were very good. The adult cocks were mostly out of feather, except the first-prize bird ; ho was excel- lent, and deserved his place. Cockerels were a nice lot. The Dorking cup fell to a very fine hen in capital condition and feather. Pullets were also a pretty lot. White Dorkings did not muster weU; the winners were, however, worthy specimens. Game made four most interesting classes. The old cocks were for the most part losing their feathers. The cockerels were good. A very forward and nicely-dubbed Duckwing won the "n^' «,, , ^"^ and pullets formed two capital classes, especi- ally the latter. We were altogether much pleased with the young Game classes at this Show. Spanish were moderate ; the lady element much superior to the gentlemen. The cup fell to a grand old hen in good order. The winning pullet must have however, pressed closely on her. Second and third also good! Cochins were good classes, but the old cocks were also in deep moult. In cockerels a good Partridge was first, and as vet a rare but most promising White second. In hens a fine White was first-and-cup, the same bird that we noticed at St. Ives we beUeve. The Cochin pullets too were a pretty lot. The second White was extremely good in all points, and third an admirable Partridge. Brahmas were a grand collection. Mr. Lingwood, in reply to our appeal from Birmingham as to where he could possibly be, here responded, and won the Brahma cup and all the four Brahma first prizes. There were other good birds in these classes, and Mr. Long sent some capital Lights, but aU were far behind the Creeling team. The Brahma pullets were, however, certainly a very remarkable lot, and we noticed many birds worthy of prizes. Bamhurghs were fairly represented, considering the insult they received by the classification. This no doubt kept many of our Hamburgh breeders away, but, as we have before stated, we can never rely on a good exhibition of this breed far away from the north. A nice Silver spangled won the cup. We notice Mr. Leno's name in these classes, and wel- come him as a fresh addition to the midland Hamburgh exhi- bitors, and hope he will be a permanency. Mr. Long showed a good cockerel in smart condition, and Messrs. Faulkner and Judsou had some well-marked Golden-pencils. The Bantams were good, but beyond the winners nothing calls for much notice. The Silver-laced were finely-marked birds, and we noticed some good Blacks and a very pretty pen of White- booted. The Any other variety classes were splendid, and the entries numerous. Cri'ves won the lion's share of the prizes, including the cup and all the four firsts. We were glad to find them so looking up. The second, Silver Poland cock, was also a fine bird. The Houdans here present were not quite so good as usual, we fancied, though Mr. Dring sent two or three very good pens. Geese and Turkeys were very fine classes. It is some time since we saw better specimens of young birds at agricultural shows. Ducks were also very good, the Ayleaburys especially. The ducklings were most promising, and the com- petition iu Aylesburys unusually severe. Pigeons were not largd classes. We think they would pay for being better classified, and the Pouters and Carriers more sub- divided, but this Show seems to be great in making all the colours and varieties of the different breeds stand on their own merits, the one against the other, which in many cases ia a most unwise proceeding. Mr. Yardley sent a very lai'ge collec- tion of good birds, and took home a dozen prizes. The Carriers, Pouters, and Fantails were perhaps the best classes, though among the Toys, the winning Nuns, Jacobins, and Turbits were good specimens. We publish full list of awards below. D'^BKisas.— Coloured.— Cock.— J, R. Wood, Clapton, Thrapston. 2, S. W. Hallam, Wh.twick. s, W. Morbt, Goole. Cockerel.— I. Viscount Tnrnoar, Shillm.;ton Park. Petworth. 2, K. Wood. 3. C. White, Clipsham. Dorking?.— Coloured -Hen.—Cuit, Rev. E. Barlrum, Berkbamstead. 2. J. Robinson Garstang. S, E. Wood, lie, C. White ; W. H. Crabtree Levens- hulme c, S. W Hallam. PulUt.—l, Rev. E. Bartrum. 2 and 3, MarcbioneaB of E.xeter, Stamford. DoRKiKaa.-Wliitc.-Cock.-l, W. Morfit. 2, Marobionoas of Exeter. Sen, ~1 . W. Morfit. 2 and 3. Marchioness of Exeter. Game.— PocJ: — 1, E. Winwood, 2. R. Swift, a, W. T. Everard. Cockerel.— 1 and Cup, W. T. Everard. 2, Mrs. Deacon. 3, R. E. Duckering. Game.— Hen.— 1. E. Winwood. 2, Mrs Deacon. 3, R. Swift, lie, G. Carter. Pullet.— 1, 2, and Cup, H. Lotan. S, R. Nevvbitt. lie, Mrs. Deacon. Spanish.— focfc.—l, M. Leno- 2, S. W. Hallam. 3, J. Gunn. Ben.—laai Cup. J. T. Parker. 2. E. Newbitt. 3,W. R. Bull, lie, M. Leno. SpiN-isH.— Cocfcerei- 1. W. Nottage. 2. J. T. Parker. 3 and Ac, D. M. Mills. Puiiet.— 1, D. M. Mills. 2, W. Nottage. 3, J. T. Parker. Cocai\-s — CocI:.— 1. W. H. Crabtroe. 2, W. Whitworth. jun. 3, H. Yardley. Cockerel.— 1, C. Sidgwick. 2. A. F. Faulkner. 3, Withheld. CocaiNS.— Soi.— 1 and Cup. W. H. Crabtree. 2, H. Yardlev. 3, W. Whit- worth, jun. lie. H J. Gunnell; J. M. Derry. PuUet.— J, C. Sidgwick. 2, A. F. Fanlkner. 3, J. M. Derry. lie, H. J. Gunnell. Bbahmas.- Cocfc.-l. H. L'ngwood. 2. Mrs. Pcet. 3, W. H. Crabtree. e,J. Gunn. Cocterrf.—l, H. Lingwood. 2, W. R. Garner. 3, J. Long. hc,L. C. C. E. Norris ; S. Lucas. Brahmas —Hen.— Cup .and I, H. Lingwood. 2, W. Whitely. 3.W. H. Crab- tree, /ie, J. N Beasley ; W. H. Crabtree. Pullet.— 1,R Lingwood. 2, J. Long. 3 Rev. J. D. Peake. lie, J. N. Beasley ; H.J.Storer; A. F. Faulkner ; s. Lucas ; W. H. Crabtree. Hambdrghs —Coct.— Cup and 3. J. Robinson. 2, M. Leno. Cockerel.— \, 3, Long 2. J Smith. 3. W. H. Crabtree- lie, A. F. Faulkner; J. Robinson (2). Hamburghs.— Hen.— 1, M. Leno. 2, J. Robinson. 3. J. Smith, he, J. Robin- sou ; T. Love. Pullet.— \, W. Pinfold. 2, W. H. Crabtree. 3, J. Eobinaon; he, A. F. Faulkner ; C. Judson. Rantasis.- Same — Cup, J. Mayo. 2. Capt. T. Wetherall. 3, E. Swift. Chickens.— 1, E Newbif. 2 and 3, Capt. T. Wetheral'. Bantams.— .4/11/ other variety.— 1, M. Leno. 2. J. Mayo. 3, R. A. Boissier. he, M Kew; R. H. Ashton. Chickem.—l, M. Leno. 2, E. H. Ashton. 3, Withheld. A^v other Vaeietv.- Coefc.— 1, W. H. Crabtree (Creve). 2, M. Leno (Silver Polish). 3, Miss S A. Bennett (Minorca), he, W, Cutlack. jun. (Creve-Cceurs). Cockerel— 1,W. H. Crabtree (Cn-vel. 2, T. C. Beasley (Ureve-Creur). 3, W. Dring (Houdanl. ftc, J. N. Beaslev (Andalusian); T. 0. Beasley iCreve-Cceurs). Any other Varietv.- Hen.— 1. W. Cutlack, jun. (Creve). 2. W. Whitworth, jun. (Hnudan). 3. W. Dring iCreve). lie, M. Leno (Polish) ; W. Dring (Creve); J.Robinson. Puflct. -Cup. W. H. Crabtree (Creve). 2, M. Kew (Silkies). S, J. Snodin (Houdan). he, W. Dring (Houdan). Crossbred Fowls.— Coefc.—l and 2. J. R. Lowe. 3, H. J. Gunnell. Hen.— I and S. J. R. Lowe. 2. W. Cutlack, jun. Chickens.— I and Cup, H. J. Gunnell. 2, 0. W'hite. 3. J. R. L^we. lie. Marchioness of Exeter. Turkeys.— Cocfc— I. W. Wykes. 2, H. J. Gunnell. 3, T. M. Derry, )»c, M. Kew. Cockerel — 1. H. J. Gunnell. 2, M. Kew. 3, Withheld. Turkeys.- Hen.— I, M. Kew. 2. S. Pumfrey. 3, Marchioness of Exeter. PuUet—J, H.J. Gunnell. 2 and 3. M. Kew. Geese.- Ganger.— 1 and Cup. Mrs. Deacon. 2, T. M. Derrv. 3, E. V. Snell. lie, J. Sheffield : M. Kew. Goo,sc.-l, Mrs. Deacon. 2, E. V. Snell. 3, H.Wy- man. lie, T. M Derry. eos(in<7s.— 1 and 2. E. V. SnelJ. 3, T. Kingsley. DvcRS.-Aiile.^bury.-l, T. Sear. 2, E. V. Snell. 3, H. Wyman. he, Mrs. Deacon. LtuckLings.—}. T. Sear. 2, Mrs. Deacon. 3, S. Gulliver, he, T. Ho'ton ; T. Kingsley ; Mi-s M. E. Campain. Di-CKS-— J?oncn.— 1, K Wood. 2. H. Gill. 3, D. J. Crcsswell. Dueklings.—l, E Wood. 2. E. V. Snell. 3, Withheld. DcoK^ —Any other variety.— 1, R. Wood. 2 and 3, U. Leno, Markyate Street. he, H. Yardley. 232 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 23, 1875. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1, A. Storrar, Peterborongh. 2 and 3, H. Yardley, Birmmgbam. lie, W. Nottage, Northampton. Pouters.— 1, H. I'ardley. 2, A. Storrar. 3, L. & W. Watkin. )i's Seedling Plum. Taking them indis- criminately, five of these fruit exceeded a pound in weight, and their average size was 8 inches in circumference. On OUR BORDER FLOWERS— LUNGWORTS. At least two of this family of early-spring and summer bloomers are said to be natives of England, but I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statement. I am in doubt abont their nationality, and look on them as only being naturalised on our island. However, be that as it may, we find them thoroughly at home with us, enlivening our spring gardens and borders with their cheerful presence and many-coloured flowers, and in some instances with their beautiful leaves. What power there is in the language of flowers ! I have, and no doubt others too, had the pleasurs of seeing the lan- guid eyes of an afflicted one lighted up with joy when a few flowers have uncxptctedly been brought. With what emotion have the words burst forth from the lips of the suffering one, " How beautiful, how delightful, how delicious the perfume !" Among flowers so welcomed are Lungworts. They are a very accommodating family ; they will succeed in any mode- rately good garden soil and a rather shady Eituation, but will Beptomber SO, 1875. J JOURNAL OF IlOllTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEB. 29.i bear full snnshine. Palmonaria officinalis is in many gardens, but ought to be iu all. Many years ago I saw this plant on a gravel hill among Nut trees in the month of April, the flowers peeping above the grass in profusion ; I have not seen the like since. Thoy are quite at home in what is termed " wilderness scenery," and are equally adapted for the rockery or any spot in the garden. I have had Pulmonaria siberioa and Pulmonaria virginica, but could discover no difference except in the name. The flowers are a dark blue, the leaves a dusky brown ; it is one of the finest border plants we possess. When well established it is a gem of the first water, and makes a capital pot plant ; it is useful for all purposes, and is increased by division, but it requires time to work up a stock. P. angustifolia, P. denticnlata, and P. paniculata are desir- able plants when in bloom with their two-coloured flowers, beautiful leaves, dwarf habits, and long continuance in bloom. No plants at the season can be more effective. P. mollis and its white variety deserve far more extensive cultivation than they are at present receiving. P. grandiflora is a fine kind, and is of somewhat taller habit than many of the species. A selection from this family are very effective when nicely put together. Some years ago I had a plant called Pulmonaria nepaulense ; I had the same plant under the name of Sym- phytum caucasicum. Such variations of name cause con- fusion. The plant is one of our very best border plants. It grows 2 feet high. The flowers are a pretty blue aud very enduring. It is increased by seed and division after flowering. It should have a place in all collections. — Veritas. that there was nothing wrong on that score, especially as when lifting the Grapes off the boards and weighing them they had ample opportunity to inspect them. I regret that any un- pleasantness should have arisen from the great gathering we had at Edinburgh. — John Cnnnon, Eskbaitk. LADY S MANTLE. In the month of June our fields and lanes are dressed in their gayest attire ; I mean with flowers of various hues, for turn our attention whatever way we may we are compelled to see flowers here, there, and everywhere. What can delight us more than a stroll through the meadows and along our bye- ways in the cool of our summer evenings, especially after a shower, to revive our parched earth, and cheer our senses by the effusion of a thousand sweets ? While we gaze on the many beautiful flowers which deck our pathway, our attention is arrested by a lovely plant at our feet bearing the title at the head of this note. Alchemilla vulgaris is not brilliant in the colour of its flowers, but there is something attracting in its large beautiful leaves, and it might be made available as a border plant. The Alchemillas are but a small family of plants, and having three or four we call ours they become, at least to me, the more interesting. I believe if they were better known we should see them more frequently in our borders and rockeries. These remarks are prompted chiefly from a love of our native flowers, for many of them are equally at home under cultivation as in their native habitat. They may be successfully cultivated in moderately dry situations in good strong loam mixed with limestone grit, and some of the kinds do not object to sandy peat ; they should have thorough drainage. They may be increased by division and seed, with full exposure. Alchemilla alpina is said to be a native of Britain, and few plants present to our view a more beautiful silvery white appearance than this Alpine Lady's Mantle. It ought to be seen on every rockery and in all herbaceous borders. We sometimes see Alchemilla alpina and A. conjunota confused together, but when seen side by side they are quite distinct. I find them useful as edging plants in contrast with others ; their lovely foliage bathed in dew under the rays of the early morning sun has a very pleasing effect. There are shades of difference in the appearance of their foliage, but A. alpina, A. pubescens, A. conjuncta, and A. pentaphylla are the most desirable. For some of the family we are indebted to the Cau- casus and Switzerland, while some are indigenous to " our own loved land." — Veritas. GRAPES AT THE EDINBUEGH SHOW. With regard to Mr. Dickson's statement in your issue of last week (page 270), I do not think that Judges have anything to do with the weight of a bunch of Grapes when cut from the Vine ; it is the weight when staged in the show-room that they must go by. It would certainly have been a strange pro- ceeding to have re- weighed the Grapes after they had remained two days and two nights in the ahow-room. As for being more than one bunch, I think the character and position of the gentlemen who acted as Judges is a euflicient guarantee It appears from a letter in your Journal of the 23rd inst. that Mr. Dickson, Arkleton, feels disappointed at the defeat he met with when competing for the prize for the heaviest bunch of Grapes at the Great Show in Edinburgh on the 1.5th inst. lie appears to have, for months past, been living in the beUef that all he had to do was just to go to Edinburgh, lay down his bunch, and take the prize. Most people will be of opinion that it would have been more prudent of Mr. Dickson to have pocketed the defeat and to have said nothing about it. His letter is apt to produce the impression (whether intended I cannot say) that the Judges cannot correctly weigh a bunch of Grapes, and that they do not even know what a bunch of Grapes is. The public, to whom Mr. Dickson appeals, will be very slow to suppose and believe that the evidence of the two parties who saw the bunch weighed before it left Arkleton should have guided the Judges in coming to a decision as to who was entitled to receive the prize, and not the evidence of their own eyes and senses. This is an opinion that cannot be entertained. The two bunches were weighed in the same room, en the same weights, by the same gentlemen, and bafore dozens of witnesses all looking on and checking the weights. Evidence like this should satisfy any reasonable man. Did Mr. Dickson weigh his bunch of Grapes on the morning after the Show, and did he find it more or less weight than the Judges made it ? As to what a bunch of Grapes is, the bunch from Eskbank was a much more compact, more beautiful, and better-shaped bunch than the one from Arkleton ; the latter appeared rather to have a number of long arms or string of bunches, somewhat more like a shot Cauhflower than a good neat bunch of Grapes. The heaviest bunch was the finest variety also ; and it was certainly not the opinion of persons well qualified to judge Grapes, and who saw both bunches at the Show, that the berries on the lesser were better than those on the larger bunch, but quite the reverse.— D. E. Mr. Dickson would like to " hear the opinion of two or three able men who are not interested in either of the bunches " as to the fairness of the award for the heaviest bunch. I am certainly not "interested," and am "able" to say that the weighing was conducted in the most transparently fair manner, for I watched the operation closely. The Esk- bank bunch was not only the heaviest, but it was the mo5t compact and staged in the best condition. The Arkleton bunch was much rubbed and appeared to have received injury in transit, which spoiled the appearance of the berries. The berries of both bunches were very good. That, however, is not the question, weight alone being the point at issue ; and on this point I cannot see how the award can be reasonably called in question. Both the bunches appeared to he fairly grown ; and while I am not surprised at Mr. Dickson's disappointment, I am surprised to hear that " half a dozen principal Grape-growers and prizetakers at the Show " should consider the compact Eskbank bunch to be "two bunches." What does this mean? — An English Grape-Groweb. VIOLAS FOR SUMMER BEDDING. Violas have long found a place in masses iu our spring gardening, but it is only of late years that their capabilities and merits in summer and autumn flower gardening have been recognised and tested. There is not a doubt but Violas, like most other plants, succeed best in certain localities, and under certain peculiarities of soil and climate. Still, from what we have observed for several years past, we are of opinion that in nine cases out of ten they are not properly cultivated, and that in many instances where their blooming period is cut short by drought and hot sun it is because they are not treated in a manner that enables them to compete with adverse climatal conditions. To make Violas bloom continuously throughout the summer, in the drier localities of the country, the ground should be as deeply worked and as effectively manured as a quarter that is intended to grow fine summer Cauliflower. Even in the wettest localities, rich deep soil is a condition under which 204 JOURNiL OF HORTICULTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ September 30, 1875. tliey are most satisfactory and effective. And so effective and continaoua are they as plants for massing iu summer, tliat we know of no other class that will yield the same solidity and profusion of colour and bloom. The way to develope their capabilities to perfection is very simple, and places them within the reach and enjoyment of all who can command hand-glasses or cold frames, and ordinary garden soil and manure. For summer and autumn blooming the cuttings should not be put in too early. The character of the early cuttings is never such as produce free-growing and continuous-flowering plants. The very end of September or early in October is the best time to propagate. Then is the time that under the influence of cool moist nights they produce plenty of young healthy shoots near the necks or bottoms of the old plants. These small healthy growths that have never formed nor produced a bloom bud are the cuttings that root the most freely, winter with least care, and ever afterwards do the best, and bloom the freest and longest. It is undesirable to put in long cuttings with a shank and a dangling top. Two joints in the ground and two out of it is quite sufficient. They should be made iu a cool shady place, and put in the frames and watered and shaded without being onco allowed to droop. Any ordinary light garden soil will root them, but a mixture of about equal portions of loam, leaf mould, and river sand is best ; and 5 inolaes of this soil, resting on a rather firm bottom, to prevent their sending down their roots deeply, and from which they can be removed in spring with a ball and all their roots, is preferable to a great depth of rich open soil. Kept close, rather moist, and shaded from bright sun, they root with scarcely one per cent, of misses, and get well established before winter sets in. Plenty of air after they root is indis- pensable ; and a slight covering over the glass in very severe weather is about all the attention they require till planted in spring where they are to bloom. As can be gathered from what has already been said, the soil iu which they are to bloom should be deep and rich ; and under such treatment few plants are so effective for the same length of time, and at the same expenditure of time and labour. The end of March or beginning of April is a good time to plant out, according to the season and state of the weather. They should be lifted with all the soil possible adhering to their roots; and if the weather be dry at planting time give them a good soaking of water, alter which they generally take care of themeelvts. The new varieties of these sent out yearly are numerous, and we have tested a very great number, and selected com- paratively few. The most effective violet-coloured one that has been tried is Viola cornuta Perfection : nothing of the same colour that has been tried approaches this one for genuine usefulness and effect. It is alike suitable for large beds and scroll-work. It is a compact upright grower, and requires to be planted thickly. The best purplish blues tried are The Tory, Charles Dickens, and Alpha. Of yellows the two we grow most of are Perpetual Yellow and Yellow Gem. The former is the most wonderful plant to bloom we have ever seen. It blooms all winter in the cutting frame, and blooms until the snow covers it up next winter in the beds. As a pale lavender Lilacina is most thought of ; and among whites, Parity is probably the best of a great number tested : a good white has yet to be raised. The effect of these in masses and long lines is very striking. For filling the old Egyptian scroll to be met witli in many gardens — when the centre circles are filled eithtr with Alyssum or some goldeu-loaved Geranium, and the S's with Viola cor- nuta Perfection, and the outer part of the design with Trop»- olum Cooperii — the efl'tct is charming. A panelled border on a large scale, with a massive ground- work of Viola Tory, with panels of variegated D.^ctyli3, having a small specimen of variegated Acer in the centre of each panel, with two or three lines of Viola Perpetual Yellow next the bluiehpurple groundwork of Tory, and a margin line of Viola Perfection, is very effective, particularly in the evening. As a mixed bed few combinations are more chastely beautiful than one planted plant about of Polemonium cffirulenm varie- gatum — a plant not nearly so much grown as it should be — and Viola Perfection. The variegated Periwinkle, young plants, and Viola Tory, are also very efiective planted in tho same way as the Polemonium and Perfection. A groundwork of V. Perfection, with margin lines of gold, and panels of white Stock or Centaurea ragusina, makes a very sweet combination ; many other combinations of hardy and easily-raised plant.^, smh as those instanced, can bts carried out at halt the expense and labour required for those that have to be raised in heat, and that do not last in bloom above half the length of time. Mr Gray, Eglinton Castle Gardens, has succeeded in raising some purple, yellow, and white varieties, which, both for habit and general effect, are superior to any yet in cultivation, and we hope they will soon be distributed. — D. T. — (The Gardener.) NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. RooT-sioBiNG. — We have now arrived at the beginning of October, a month rather busy in the matter of takiug-up, col- lecting, and storing the various crops of the garden. Most if not all root crops appear to be fairly advanced towards the con- dition for housing. Fine weather should always be chosen for the above work. I do not like the soil to be in a soddened stato when a crop, such as Carrots for instance, is taken out of it ; neither are these crops in such a fit condition for keeping when much wet succeeds a period of fine weatker, such as we have just had. The roots under these conditions take-up too much moisture for long keeping, and it requires a longer period to have them thoroughly dry before packing away; therefore, as the weather is at present threatening, it would be well to take- up Carrots, Beet, Potatoes, and Onions. Parsnips, take-up as wanted, but leave the general crop iu the ground. Salsafy and Jerusalem Artichokes may also remain iu the ground and be takeu-up later in the season. All roots should be judiciously thinned before storing. I like to cut the tops off Carrots and Beet at two different times : first, when taken up the -tops are cut half down, but after they have been under cover and become dry the tops of the Carrots are cut close off, and those of the Beetroots to within 2 inches of the root. The iJoints of neither are touched. I have often found that if a Carrot begins to rot it does so quite as often when it is cut at the point as it does at the top. Beetroot is generally one of tho best of keepers under the usual con- ditions. Generally speaking roots have nothing bat makeshift places in which to be packed away — either too damp or where there is not sufficient protection from frost, or the material in which they are packed is of the wrong sort. It should be tho- roughly dry, and not liable to go soon to decay. Clean dry sand is, perhaps, the best of all, but coal ashes are the worst. I have kept roots ^^•ell in chopped straw when sand could not be had. They are put on a layer of this at the bottom, and upon boards to keep clear from the ground, then the chopped straw in about 8 or 9 inch lengths is laid crosswise to the roots. In all cases the roots are laid-up root and point alternately, and if in a cool but not too dry a place they remain plump through the whole winter. The object of having the straw short is, that it can be easier laid-in, and again can be easily removed a little at the time as the produce is taken away, and during the winter months when the roots require to be looked over the work can be (lone much quicker and cleaner. It is sometimes necessary during winter to protect from frost by some sort of covering. Now this should be moved and re- placed as often as the severity of the frost comes and goes. I mean that if a sudden thaw succeeds a frost the covering should be removed, otherwise it is apt to bring on a kind of sweat, simply from the sudden extremes of temperature, which is almost certain to generate d^ cay. Again, if the roots are packed in sand or dry earth it should be iu the house or under cover, and free from any contact with moisture; and when once a Bufiicient quantity is collected in the house it is not well for it to be taken out again except for the purpose of cleaning or drying afresh, when it will last some years with trifling addi- tions. I have stated this because many persons have a difficulty in obtaining sand, which gardeners as a rule can get plenty of. — Thomas Becoed. DUNEEVAN, THE RESIDENCE OF J. MclNIOSH, ESQ. A F0RIY-5IINUTE3 ruu by train from the metropolis will in almost any direction take the visitor to some dehghtful country spot, which by its proverbial salubrity, its pure air and agree- able natural landscape is selected by the affluent — city mer- chants and retired professional men — as affording scope for ijflated and more or less pretentious country residences. Such a place would Walton-on-Thames appear to be and the district surrounding. The traveller who alights at Walton station on the London and North-Western Bxilway is at once satisfied that he is clearly beyond the land of coekneyism. The scene savours of quiet country sweatnesa, and is, iu tact, " truly rural." Tha aspect is a woody one, and the ground ia undulated. The roadsides are flanked by masses of verdant Oaks and Elms, and the distant hills, or rather knolls, ara tapped with Soptember 8i), 1875. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 295 sombre masses and clumps of Firs. In the foreground are Ferns, and Brambles, and Hoath. The soil is sandy and the Bito dry. In the clearances — the open lields — are sulBoient trees left as single specimens to add to the beauty of the neat cottages and more imposing mansions which stud the land- scape— prominent objects in a leafy framiiif;. I need not tell of the trees by the way — the glossy Chestnuts and the graceful Beeches, or the briUiant glimpses of Pelargoniums which shine through the fences of cherished gardens bouuding the road to Oatlands Park. My object is to tind Duneevau and see what is to be seen in the garden of a garden-lover, and to tell other garden-lovers something of what Mr. Mcintosh ha? done to make the surroundings of his home attractive and enjoyable. Duneevan is about a mile from the railway station. " Turn to the left," said the porter, " then take the second turn to the right, then the drst turn to the right again, and you will see Mr. Mcintosh's white lodge on the left." Ah, three rights again, history repeating itself, thought I, and the Walton porter is as clear as the Balham butcher's boy. I had no occasion to ask another question, for I found the white lodge with ease. Mr. Mcintosh's mansion is a white brick building with stone dressings, which contrast well with the fine Beeches and Conifers on the lawn of the little carriage frontage. Faultlessly clean and neat is the outside, but let me first tell of my greeting inside. It was a queenly one — i.e., a bouquet of Roses. This bouquet demands a note. In the centre of the room is a circular tablo, and in the centre of the table a slender glass vase with one solitary bloom of Gloiro de Dijon ; around this is a circle of other vases and other Koses, and beyond this other circles until the edge of the table is reached, the vases decreasing in height from the centre, those of the outer edge being tiny gems of 2 inches in height. This table of 280 blooms in separate glasses is a truly regal bouquet of Roses ; as one bloom decays it is replaced by another, so that this table of Roses is lastingly sweet and beautiful. Now let us look outside. The garden front has a north a-pect. Close to the house is a terrace, on which are arranged tha flower beds. But this terrace is not a dainty, formal, artificial work of art ; it is a bold bank which Nature hag formed, and sweeps down in precipitous and wavy undulations to the grounds below. It is not descended by artfully-hewn stone steps, but by natural curving walks is the lower ground reached. This ground is beautiful both by disposition, keep- ing, and the decorative subjects employed. It is a lawn of bold undulations and of perfect keeping, so perfect that not a Dandelion or even a Daisy is permitted to exist on its not inconsiderable surface. It is dotted with trees of noble growth. There is the venerable Oak with a girth of stem of 23 feet. Larch 80 feet, and towering immensely higher is the graceful Birch with tilvery stem, and in the autumn is of golden fountain-like contour. The Birch associated with Conifers is one of tho most ornamentally eft'«etive of forest trees. Htre, too, are some noteworthy Conifers; but few finer and more perfect Wellingtonias can be found than one specimen of 40 feet in height, but it is dwarfed in comparison with a fine old Cedar of Lebanon. Smaller, but of their kinds still more noticeable, are Cupressus Lawsoniana argentea, 10 feet high by 8 feet at the base, and C. Lawsoniana gracilis is 1-1 feet by 10. Of Abies Albertiaua is a splendid pyramid of 25 feet, of rich cjlour and extreme elegance. Araucaria imbricata and Cedrus deodara are also fine, with many others which must be passed over. But I must not pass over, lengthy as is its name, one of the finest plants extant of one of the finest of lawn Conifers — viz., Cupressus Lawsoniana erectn viridis. It was planted in 1807, and is a dense imposing column 15 feet high by 4 feet in diameter. Why is not this handsome variety more freely grown ? It must be because it is not Buffioiiiutly known. Both in habit and in its brilliant green colour it is one of the most distinct and attractive plants of this family, and ought to spread far and wide. Be- sides these are elegant examples of Cryptomerias and the best of the Retinosporas, a grand plant of Picea magnifioa 15 feet high, with many other choice and well-grown Conifers. These are planted on the smoothest of smooth lawns. Another main feature of this beautiful garden are the Rhodo- dendrons. The collection of these is lich and extensive, every new variety being added, and the whole collection carefully and correctly named. These plants grow with extraordinary vigour, and are tended with skill and care. They are planted in thousands on banks and in beds of various forme, thought- fully disposed with a view to increasing the general effect of the grounds. These beds must be grand in June, but they are grand now and throughout the summer, and this brings me to what is a remarkable sight. I had heard that Mr. Mcintosh had Lilium auratnm grow- ing in the open ground 11 feat high, and that soaio clumps of four stems had 130 blooms. I hive now seen that this is really so. This grand Lilium is at home here. It is grown by hundreds and in extraordinary luxuriance. Tho bulbs are planted near the front of the Rhododendron beds about 9 feet apart, and between each a standard Rose. The huge light blooms of the Lilies lift their noble heads out of tho rich green bods, and fill the air with fragrance. The bulbs were planted 6 inches deep, and there they remain from year to year with- out any protection from frost. The bulb which has produced the kingly spike of 11 feet was planted in 1870. This bulb has thrown up two spikes, the shortest being 9 feet, and the pair are carrying twenty-three blooms. It is a noble growth of a noble Lily. Another single stem may be noticed as carrying twenty-four grand blooms, most of them being 14 inches in diameter, the ciroumferenoe of the stem of the plant being 3i inches. In another part of the grounds are less tall but inagnificent clumps, one of which has, or had until recently (for they are fading now) 130 expanded blooms, and on three clumps together were 250 of these glorious flowers. Some idea of their effect is afforded by tho engraving, fig. GG, where the figure of Mr. Mcintosh is included to give a relative idea of the size of the plants, but which, however, are dwarf in comparison with others in the grounds. They vary, indeed, in height, size of bloom, and colour, some being suffused with crimson, while others are paler. The natural soil is sandy loam with an admixture of peat on a sandy subsoil. These plants are well supplied with water, but no liquid manure is given them for fear of injuring the valuable Rhododendrons amongst which they are planted. They are supported by galvanised wire stakes, which are made in lengths with sockets, so that they can be lengthened as the plants increase in height. These beds are disposed in different parts of the lawn, and the whole of them are planted with these fine Liliums. The front of this garden is bounded by a fine and spacious stream of water — the Broadwater — and along this stream is a straight walk, having on one side a lawn sloping to the water and ornamentally planted, and on the other a large raised bank of Rliododendrons. This walk, which approached 100 yards in Inngth, is also fringed with Liliums, ai:d at one end a wa k conducts to the upper ground through perfect bowers of foliage. This, though not a large garden, teems with fine plants and fine features, and it is kept in the highest possible state. The Liliums bloom from July to November. The flower garden at Duueeven is also particularly gay. The centre bed is Coleus banded with Centaurea and edged with Alternantheras, and this is flanked by large beds of Pelargoniums. There are splendid beds of Indian Yellow, which is still one of the best bedders; Lord Palmerston, Amy Hogg, and Lady C. Grosvenor. The edgings to these beds of Ivy-leaved Pelargonium L'Elegante are better than is com- monly seen of that delicate grower. There are also beds of P Amaranth, very effective ; Corsair, excellent ; Rev. T. F. Fenn, intensely bright ; Rev. C. P. Peach, end Miss Saunders. The double blue Lobelia used as an edging plant is also in fine condition. A small conservatory is attached to the residence, and which is now gay with well-grown standard Fuchsias, etc. There are two vineries which the gardener, Mr. Taylor, has managed very well. A new kitchen garden has been made, the land costing nearly £1000 an acre, and a gcol collection of fruit trees is being establisherfjsomeof them bearing enormous crops of fruit. The soil is light and sandy, and the pasture lands are burning up, yet the garden crops are healthy and vigorous, thanks to full supplies of sewage, which is wisely preserved and freely used. This is altogether a charming garden, not provided, as the owner says, that he should " eat its fruits and grumble," but is thoroughly enjoyed as a principal means of healthy employment. Mr. Mcintosh has good reason to enjoy such a place, and his gardener is to be oompUmeuted on its excellent management. An interesting fact must not be omitted. Mr. Mcintosh is a lover of birds (not in cages), and the confidence existing between his feathered friends and himself is very striking. Robins fly out of the bushes, and not only feed from his hands, but aUght on his beard and pick the crumbs from his mouth. It is most interesting to witness these friendly birds (or per- haps it may be the same bird which I saw do it over and over 296 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. t September so, 187B. Fig. 66.— HLHIM ACniTDU AT DDNEEV4N. September SO, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTDRE AND OOTTAQE GARDENER. 297 again in different parts of the grounds) fly tip and take the crumbs from the mouth of their friend and preserver, and alight and eat them on the lawn. What patience and training on the part of Mr. Mcintosh ! bat then, what a reward ! — W. A VISIT TO AEKLETON.-No. 1. At a time when more than a common amount of interest is evinced in Grape onlture, and especially in the production of the leviathan bunches which have lately startled the horticul- tural world, a brief record of a visit to Arkleton — the home of some of the most extraordinary Grapes on reoord — cannot fail to possess a measure of interest. I am indebted for my Arkleton visit, which was a Septem- ber one, to the kindness of a Scottish laird— W. E. Malcolm, Esq., of Bumfoot, under whose hospitable roof I spent a few memorable days. Shall I say a word about Bumfoot ? It is a charming spot situated on the banks of the foaming, tum- I name this as an honour to a man whom success has not spoiled, and as a lesson which almost every instance of success teaches — that he who wins must work. Arkleton is the residence of John JarJino, Esq., situated in one of the most picturesque parts of Eskdale, about five miles from Langholm, and about 500 feet above the level of the Solway. The grounds and gardens were planned by Mr. Little, of the firm of Messrs. Little A Ballantyne of Carlisle, and were executed by the present gardener, Mr. Dickson, in the years 1863 and 18(J1. The subsoil is gravel ; indeed, when Mr. Dickson entered on his duties the greater part of the kitchen garden was little more than a gravel bed. As a rule fruit trees thrive well here; very few standards are grown, but the walls are covered (both iuside and outside the garden) with a very good selection of Pears, Plums, Cherries, and Apples, and healthier and better-looking wall trees are seldom to be met with. The vineries consist of two houses (Shaw's patent), each Fig. C7.— Bdnch of stbian orapeb at aekleton. bliug, rollicking Esk. The mansion is sheltered by trees which would be fine but for the majestic hills on every side, which make trees look small and men feel puny. In the gardens Roses grow with great luxuriance. Gladioli possess extreme vigour, and the Calceolaria amplexicaulis I have never seen excelled. The healthfulness of the plants named is doubt- less a consequence of the heavy rainfall of the district, so heavy that Wheat cannot be grown to advantage. In the garden also were excellent crops of fruit, and very good Grapes. But although the grounds are delightful and the garden well managed, no attempts are made to produce anything beyond the daily requirements of the household. Mr. Malcolm there- fore, to supplement the ordinary culture of his own garden, afforded me the conveniences of his stable to see the extra- ordinary Grapes of Arkleton ; for this I publicly reoord my acknowledgments, and I will now endeavour to describe what I saw. I saw not a great place of aristocratic mein, but a snug, small, uuimposing home of a retired country gentleman. I saw not an extensive and sumptuous garden with a superin- tendent having unlimited means and men at command to carry out his every wish, but a plain square enclosure of about an acre, and the man who has grown some of the most extra- ordinary Grapes in the world digging-up old Cauliflower stalks. 30 feet long ; the Vines are planted inside, but there is an out- side border as well. Each of the borders are Hh feet wide — that is, the houses are 14^ feet in width, and the outside border the same. Mr. Dickson is a great advocate for inch bones mixed with fine fibry loam ; of this compost he gives the Vines a liberal top-dressing every year, and during the grow- ing season he gives the borders liberal waterings of liquid manure water taken from a tank in the farmyard. He never allows the Vines to make any growth beyond what he considers proper for keeping them in a good healthy condition. He generally leaves three leaves beyond the bunch, and keeps them at that, going over them perhaps once a-week, taking off all unnecessary growth. After the fruit is all out from the Vines he gives the borders a good soaking of water, not think- ing it good for them to be kept so dry as many people keep them at that stage; indeed, he believes that they should never become very dry, and that Vines require more water than is commonly supposed. The borders never have a covering of any kind, although an average of 01 inches of rain falls in the year. This year there has been no semblance of thrips, red spider, nor any other disease to which Vines are Eubject. The Vine that carried the bunch of 25 lbs. 15 ozs. when weighed in Edinburgh, but which Mr. Dickson states weighed 298 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 80 1875. 26 lbs. 8 ozfl. when out, has only been planted four years ; it was grown from an eye taken from an old Vine which had produced very large bunches. The second year it was planted a bunch was cut from it that weighed 14 lbs. ; the third year one which weighed 16 lbs. G ozs. ; and this year the same as given above. The exact measurement of the Vine from bottom to top is 20 feet. The wood of this year's growth is 2^ inches in circumference, the old wood being 5^ inches in circum- ference, and a few of the leaves measure 21 inches by 18 inches, and are extremely thick and leathery. Such is a brief unvarnished history of a now-celebrated Vine. As seen hanging the huge bunch presented an extra- ordinaiy sight. The stem was an honest stem — of that there could be no doubt. It was as smooth, clear, thick, and almost as hard as a walking-stick. Its ponderous shoulders were tied straight out, and measured across them 2 feet 3 inches ; the length of the bunch was also 2 feet 3 inches, and its circum- ference, following the contour of the shoulders to the body of the bunch, precisely 8 feet. The accompanying illustration, fig. 67, from a photograph taken when the bunch was hanging on the Vine, gives as faithful an idea as is to be obtained of this remarkable example of Grape culture. The berries of the bunch were of a full size — indeed, Mr. Dickson had paid too much attention to quality of berry, and certainly sacrificed many ounces in weight by so freely thinning ; they hung loosely, and were as large as berries of Syrian usually are on medium-sized bunches. The Vine was only permitted to per- fect that one bunch. A neighbouring bunch of the same sort measured 2 feet 8 inches in length and 1 foot 7 inches in diameter ; Alicante, 1 foot 8 inches across by 1 foot 3 inches long, another bunch being 1 foot 6 inches by 1 foot 6 inches ; Black Hamburgh was 1 foot 8 inches across and 1 foot 2 inches in length ; and Mrs. Pince'e Black Muscat and Black Prince 16 inches by 16 inches. Such are a few of the measurements, and now for a list of the weights of some bunches of Syrian which have been produced ; and although they are not in- dividually the heaviest on record, they are as a series probably unequalled in the annals of Grape culture. In the yearl8Cll,at the Edinburgh International Exhibition, the first prize was awarded to a bunch weighing 16i lbs. ; in 1870 the first-prize bunoh at the Eoyal Caledonian Society's Show weighed 19 lbs. 5 ozs. ; in 1871 the first-prize bunch at the same Society's Show weighed 18 lbs. 7 ozs. ; in 1872 the first-prize bunoh at Glasgow weighed 19 lbs. 6 ozs. ; in 1873 at Manchester the prize bunch weighed 16 lbs. 1 oz. ; and in the same year another bunoh at Glasgow weighed 16 lbs. 10 ozs. ; then came the bunch of the present year, weighing (by the Judges) 25 lbs. 15 ozs. Is not that an achievement without a parallel ? and would not a commemorative medal be worthily bestowed for such an example of skill ? The few pounds won in money have no doubt been useful to a plain hard-working man, but should he not have something tangible to hand down to his children? and would the patrons of horticulture, by enabling him to do BO, be doing anything more than simple justice both to the science they represent and to the man who has so well brought out its resources in the important branch of Grape production ? It may be replied that others have done well also. Well, let them be honoured too. Many ther.) are who do infinite honour to the craft in a less sensational but not less worthy maaner, who cannot bring their works before the multitude, and are never heard of, but who plod on in honourable obscurity; but when their works are seen let them have a reward. In addition to the vineries there is at Aikleton a Peach house 180 feet long, with a drum trellis running along the front, and occupied with fine healthy trees of Peaches, Nec- tarines, Plums, and Cherries, all of which boar annually fine crops of fruit. In a future communication I will again direct attention to the Vines at Arkleton, noticing the border forma- tion, and search for the causes that have contributed to such great results. Able men have no secrets, and Mr. Dickson not only permitted me to see everything connected with the garden, but generously replied to all questions concerning his mode of culture. — J. W. on his card till nearly 2 r.M. of the first day of the Show. It was then taken off, and affixed to the card of a competitor, and no satisfactory reason was given for this alteration. — B. N. S. EniNnuRon Hobticdltuual Exhibition. — lu the report of the Great Flower and Fruit Show at Edinburgh, when men- tioning the judging it is said, " For perfect fairness, smooth- ness, and celerity no system can be better." Yet, in my own case, my gardener sent to the Show four variegated Geraniums. These were marked " first prize," and the prize slip remained DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHEN GABDEN. Since last writing under this heading we have had copious showers of rain. The ground had become very dry, and all autumn crops were showing the effects of the want of moisture at the roots. We bad not been doing much except hoeing and weeding the ground, and we shall now have an opportunity to weed all the walks. This work is always best done after rain. Endive comes in useful for mixed salads in autumn and winter, and for this purpose it must be blanched. The best way is to invert a flower pot over each plant, and as the Endive is used the pots can be removed to other plants, and in this way a suc- cession of it is obtained. The holes in the bottom of the pots must be stopped. Young plants may now be put out for Buc- cesaional crops. Potatoes should now be lifted for winter use. When the haulm is quite dead there is no benefit derived from leaving the tubers in the ground. The " curl " was very prevalent on the plants in the fields this year, and it was certainly worst on the part where the Potatoes had been allowed to remain in the ground long after the tubers were ripe. One would fancy that the reverse would be the case, and that the better-ripened and firmer the Potato the stronger would be the plant next season, but in actual practice we do not find it so. There is no doubt but that the " curl " was known half a century ago. Mcintosh writing in the " Practical Gardener," a book published in 1828, says, " Such as are intended for seed should not be allowed to become too ripe, as in that case they are more subject to the disease called the ' curl,' which is often very detrimental to the crops." On the farm at Loxford many acres were planted with Dal- mahoys, the seed tubers of which were some time in the ground after the haulm had died, and the whole of the crop was severely attacked by " curl." We have been gathering enormous quantities of Scarlet Runner Beans from two rows of about 40 feet in length each. They are a very useful vegetable to us. As we have previously stated, the difficulty we have to obtain anything like decent crops of Peas so late as this is very great. It is not altogether the climate that is in fault with us, the soil is too light; this is in our favour in May, but against us all through the summer and autumn. We saw at Burghley Park, Stamford under the excellent management of Mr. Gilbert, some fine rows of Peas bearing good crops the other day. Mr. Gilbert's plan is to dig- out the ground as for Celery trenches, but not quite so deep, the Peas are then sown iu the trench in rich soil. Artificial watering was not approved of, but in exceptionally dry seasons it would be well to water the rows, and whatever quantity was appUed none would be wasted, as the roots, being lower than the surrounding level, would absorb all the water. ORCHARD HOUSE. All the trees from which the fruit has been gathered have been either potted or top-dressed. Those trees that were re- potted last year have been top-dressed this year. We repot every alternate season. When we were accustomed to repot iu November we found the trees did not set their fruit so well, but since this operation has been performed iu September the trees become established before the leaves fall, and the fruit always sets well, at least if it does not do so the fault is not in insufii- cieut root action. We have in previous seasons said that some attention is required to see that the leaves do not flag too much ; dewing them with the syringe and keeping the house rather close will prevent any injury. Top-dressing may be done later iu the season, but it is just as well to do this at the same time as the potting. It will be a saving of time to have all the work over at one time. Following the practice recommended by Mr. Rivers, malt or kiln dust has been used in former years, but it is not readily obtained here; and as stable manure and turfy loam both pretty well rotted, in the proportion of one of the former to two of the latter, answers equally well or bett er, we do not trouble to obtain the kilu dust either for summer or winter dressings. It is best if the loam and manure can be mixed and laid-up in a heap for two or three months. The way in which the treesare dressed is this ;— With an iron prong (the tine of a Potato-fork broken oil' is as good as snything, or a. screw-driver answers well), fork-out as much of the surface mould as possible to half the depth of the pot. It is not desir- able to work too close to the stem; a space cf about 3 inches will be as much as can be obtained iu a 15-inch pot. The compost ought to bo rammed in rather firmly, because the organic matter decays during the winter. The fresh material is very soon filled with new active rootlets. PINERIES. We find that fiuit ripening and others approaching to that September 30, 187B. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIGDLTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 299 Btage doea very well in a lower temperature than is usually thought necessary to be maiutained in the fruiting house; for instance, in our fruiting house there is also a very heavy crop of Muscat Grapes ripe, and to keep them iu good condition it is necessary to air freely night and day. So far the temperature does not fall below GU' at night, but as the nights become colder 55° will be the minimum. Lower than this it is not desirable to go, and with a little management the Pines ripen well and are of excellent flavour. Succession houses require the temperature to be regulated by the state of the plants. One of our houses containing a number of Queens that have made their growth is now kept at a minimum of GO^, and will fall to 55' or even to 50'. As the nights are colder plenty of air is admitted by day, and a drier atmosphere maintained than when the plants were in full growth. This treatment will rest the Pines, and they will be in good condition to start for fruit at Christmas. Our suckers were potted later this year, as it is intended to pot them again in the spring and to grow them on for fruiting in 187G. For such a purpose it is quite early enough to pot the suckers about the first week iu September, further north a week earlier might be as well. If it is intended that suckers of this year should fruit next year, then they ought to be taken off in June or early in July; indeed, some of the best Queens we ever saw were ripened in Jane from suckers of the previous June. There is no difficulty in doing this. The suckers are potted in 6 and 7-inch pots, and as soon as the pots are filled with roots the plants are repotted into 10 and 11-inch pots, and by the first week in October these will be quite filled with roots, and the plants after a little rest may be started about January the 1st. It will be necessary to maintain a night temperature of 70' with a good rise by day ; indeed with sun heat we have had the thermometer to 100 ' without any injury resulting from it. PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID UOUSE. One plant of easy culture when its requirements are known is Disa grandiflora. It has flowered two years in succession in a small span-roofed house here, and the ventilators have been fully open night and day all the time. The plant is repotted annually about this time; the pots are filled half full of drain- age, aud over this some fresh sphagnum moss is placed. The compost is turfy peat aud fresh sphagnum ohopped-up ; the sphagnum is also encouraged to grow on the surface of the ' compost, which it will do if the plant is syringed twice daily, i Under this treatment and a moist atmosphere the plant will succeed well. The night temperature iu winter should be about 45". In summer, when in full growth, shade from the sun. If the house is facing north so much the better for the plants. The large brilliant crimson flowers that open iu July are very striking iu appearance. Another very fine Orchid for green- house culture is Cypripediiun spectnhilc. It requires the same treatment as the other as regards soil, temperature, potting, &c. The flowers are white tinged with pale rose; others are tinged with a deeper rose or crimson. In the stove the Calauthes are rapidly approaching the flowering stage, and will be very valu- able to us, as flowers are scarce at present. Bougai/ivillea spoctahiUs, with its beautiful mauve-coloured bracts, should be encouraged to flower in the autumn. It will flower in May or June, and after being rested a little will start again. It is now in flower with us. It is quite as well to let the stove plants have as much sun as possible now. Orchids, except Phahenopsis and some of the Cypripediums, with a fiw other species, are much benefited by the sun at this time. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas will flower much and more freely when the psoudo-bulbs are ripened under exposure to the sun. Any young plants of such subjects as Dipladenias, Ixoras, or, in fact, any hardwooded stove plants, should be encouraged to grow, and, if necessary, they should be repotted. The plants will yet have time to be- come established in the pots before the dark days of midwinter. An over-moist atmosphere is injurious at this season. FLOWEB GABDEN, The Auriculas have been removed from their quarters under the north wall to a southern aspect. We have potted Carnations and Picntees, two plants in a pot, the strongest in iH's aud the rest in GO sized pots. The Pinks will be planted out as soon as the ground is ready for them. As yet no other bedding-out plants have been propagated exc3pt zonal Pelargoniums and Centaureas; all others will be put-in in the course of a week. Calceolarias being left to the last. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretakies will oblige ns by informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Jersey. — Autumn October 13tb, Chrysanthemums November 10th. Mojor Howell, Spring Grove, St. Lawrence, Hon. Sec. LouoHBoKOUGH.— November 15th and 16th. Mr. W. Pallett, 55, Baxtergate, See. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, London. — Catalogue of Bu'bs, Fruits, a-id Garden Requisites, Alfred Legerton, 5, Aldgate, London. — WhoUsale Catalogue of Dutch and other Flower Hoots. Joseph Schwartz, Rue de Repos, 43, a la Gaillotjere, Lyon {]lhoae).'^Catalogue of Roses, John Jeffries it Sous, Cirencester. — Select List of Dutch Flower Roots. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to "The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet qnestiona relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, aud should never send more than two or three questions at ouoe. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Address (H. J. A.). — We cannot state the nildress of any corre9ponden^ who prefers to write anonymously. Peab Cracked (J. Hamillon). — This is causeil either by exposure to cut- ting oast wiQd3 when tho fruit ii in its earliest Hta':^es of Rvowth and the skin is very tender, or else there is fungoid growth on the fruit ; in the latter case the leaves would be also attacked. Sulphur is the only remedy we know for attacks of this nature. It would have to be applied early in the seaaoo to do any good. We would mis 1 lb. of sulphur and 3 ozs. of soft soap in a gallon of rain water, and apply it to the trees with a syringe. We do nofc say this will effect a cure, but it i.s worth a trial. Celery Leaves Grub-eaten (T.J. B.). — The grubi are the offspring of the Celery Fly, Tephritis onopordinis. Mr. Westwood suggested that to prevent the grubs the parents might be caught by strings smeared with bird-lime stretched over the Celery rows. Pick off the affected leaves and destroy them ; to do so would not be very time-consuming. Dressing for Vine Border {Q. Q ).— Remove the top soil down to the roots, but without injuring them, and replace with sound turfy loam mixed with inch bones at the rate of 2 bushels of bones to a cartload of soil, and sur- face the border with a covering of good manure. Do it at once. Budded Roses iltUm). — Remove the ties at once. We should not stop the shoots which have pushed, but should let them grow, and cut them close in at the winter's pruning ; that will a' so be the proper time fco shorten the Briar stems back to the buds. Drying Cockscombs (ff. Q.). — There is no process that we know only to hang them up iu a dry warm room, but the combs will not retain their colour as they are too fleshy to dry well. JIvatt's Seedling Strawberry {Iiifm).^li is a Sue laC^ fcicJ, and usually very prolific, doing well in light soils where British (^leen does, ami is usually known as " Filbert Pine." Cuttings of Calceolarias [Drake). — By reducing the flowering parts you will further the formation of shoots from the base of the plants, and these or any shoots not showing flower are eligible for cuttings. They should be put in before being frosted from the middle to the end of October. Separating Potato Seed from tub Pulp [Idaii). — Reduce the " apple or crab " to a pulp, aud this being washed in water the seeds will sink to the bottom ; the pulp will swim or mingle with the water, and may be poured off. ConliDUe the washing until tho seed is thoroughly cleansed, and dry it before • storing away in paper. Sowing Apple and Pear Pips [Id.:m). — They may be sowu now. but are* better kept in a rather moist place thinly spread until February or March, or they may be kept in shallow boxes in dry sand in a cool place. They shrivel! because the seeds are not well ripened, and by being kept in too dry a place. Thinning Peach Shoots [A. B. C). — You will have sufhcient young wood! if the shoots are 6 to 8 inches apart, but we should limit the thinning to the' old bare shoots or long bare branches, aid to those which have fruited thie* season. If the shoots 18 inches to 2 feet long have triple buds at abons- 14 inches length yon mty shorten them to those, and safely, as in such a^ length there cannot fail to be wood buds, as well as at their extremities. lb will not injure them for future fruiting, but be conducive thereto by admitting light and air to the parts left, thereby securing their more thoroug;h ripflning of the wood. Eucalyptus— Wintering Caladiums [A. B.). — We cannot tell what th6> Eucalyptus may he without some description. There are about fifty species. The Caladium roots should he wintered in the pots aul bo kept without water, but the pots placed on a moist bottom from which they will derive sufficient moisture to keep the roots from shrivelling, and the temperature in which they are kept should he that of a atove^not less than 55-. Tuberose Growing Tall (S(. E.).— They are tall because kept at a great distance from tho glass and therefore are drawn, but undorany circumstances ■ they grow tall. It appears you can grow and flower them, and yet you ask us to give theh treatment. The "greenhouse" Daphne is treated of in the " Greenhouse Manual." You cannot have a more suitable Vine than the • Black Hambui-gh. Pink or Rose-coloured Roses [Midland ilffifel.— Baronne de Rothschild,. Baronne Prevost, Charles Rouillard, Edward Morren, Louise Peyronny,. Duchess of Edinburgh, Oomtosse de Chabnllant, and La France. Fruit Trees fob Garden (.Y. .V. .V.).— We presume you want pyramids' or bushes. Plami—D'^^^cyt : Golden Gage, Green Gage, and Tiaasparent Gage. Kitchen Phum : Prince Euglebert, Victoria, and Yellow Magnum* Bjnum. StraK-berri';i : La Grosse Sucr-,-e, Sir Joseph Paxton, President Lucas, Dr. Hogg, and Helena Gloede. Pears : Jargonelle, Williams's Bon- ChrL-tien, Beurrt- d'Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurro Hardy, Marie Louise, Thompson's, General Tudtlebcn, Beurrc Diel, Glou Morveau, Beurre Bachelier, and Beurrc d'.Vremberg. They are named in the order of ripen- ing, and not as to quality, for all are good. Cherries: Empress Eugenie, May Duke, Bigarreau, Biganeau Napoli^on, and Morello. Damsons : CluBtet' 300 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND UOTTAG^ GAIlDENER. [ Septomber 3), 1875. or Crittenden, and White. Dessert AppUs: Red Astraohan, Kerry Pippin, Mother Apple, KioK of the Pippinp, Cos's OraoRe Pippin, and Reinette du Canada. Kitchen Apples: Lord SofQeld, Cos's Pomona, Blenheim Orange, Warner's Kint?, Damelow'g Seedling, and Bedfordshire Foundling. Nuts : Cosford, Red Filbert, White Filbert, Dwarf Prolific, Prolific Cob. A Clematia would answer for covering the spout, and C. Jackmanni would suit. Ventilating Greenhouse (W-fm).— For a groenhouee 20 feet by 10 feet you will need more than the ll-inuh width of ventilation at the upper part of the house, which should not be leas than 18 inches ; and aa for dispensing with front ventilation it is a mistake, as you cannot have too much of it in hot sunny days, and the iron gratiosa proposed in place of front ventilation will be inadequate. Every other— better every light of the front— should be made to open in addition to the top ventilation of the increased width named. Dividing and Planting Lily of the Valley (IT. H.).— It may be done in November, or after the leaves are decayed, and in mild weather up to March. Onions Rotting {Llcm).—V!e can only conjecture that they are aSected by maggot, for which, after an attick, there is no remedy. Gbapes not Ripening (W. M. QroM).~~'Tho symptoms yoa describe are those of shanking, but it ia rare that shrivelling is accompanied with mildew and rotting. It ia likely that had the berries been more and earlier thinned, more foliage euciQra:^ed, and strict attention paid to stopping, along with more heat, and at the same time more air, you would have succeeded in ripen- ing the Grapes more patiafactorily. Under the circumstances we should yet apply more heat, admitting air very freely, and so secure the thorough ripen- ing of the wood, upon which in a great measure depend next year's prospects. Treatment of ToxicopHL.iDi spectabile and other Stove Plants (A. W. G.).— Toxicophhea spectabile is a warm greenhoui^e or cool stove plant, and ia propagated by cuttings of the young half-ripened growths in sand in bottom heat under a bell-glass. Peat soil with a third of fibrous loam will fjrow it well, keeping moist at all times, and watering freely when in growth. Francisceaa succeed in a compost of ei^ual parta fibrous loam, sandy peat, and leaf soil, with a free adrabcture of silver sand and good drainage. Cuttings of the youn;^ ahoots after they become firm root well in sandy soil in bottom hoat covered with a bell-glass. Eiantbeiuum pulchellum is also a stove plant, doing well in fibroua loam, with a third of leaf soil, and cuttings of the young shootB flLriko freely in sandy soil in ;-,'entle bottom heat or without, but emit roots less speedily. Strelitzia juncea, another stove plant, requires two parta fibrous loam, one part sandy peat, half a part leaf soil, and a sixth of silver sand and good drainage. It is propagated by suckers or dividing the plant, and requires to be kept very copiously watered when in growth, and kept rather dry when at rest. All require light and airy positions, and abundant atmospheric moisture when making fresh growth, and water when not grow- ing to keep the foliage from flagging. PftOPAOATENG VioLA PERFECTION (S. P. P.).— Select cuttiogs of 2 or 3 inches in length, which come directly from the base of th3 plants, inserting them in sandy soil in a cold frame, or in a sheltered position outdoors, and ^keeping moint and shaded until rooted, and when well rooted plant-out after liariening-off in a sheltered border about 3 inches apart, and in spring move with bolls to where desired. The cuttings may be put ia at the present time. Bedding Geraniums {Idem). — We cannot improve upon your selection— viz , Corsair, the best scarlet; Master Christine, the best pink; but Amaranth (Pearson) is very good. White Clipper is very much superior to Madame Vauchor, but of taller growth ; the most profase-flowering white is White Princess, and yet there is no really good white bedding variety. Destrovikg Thrips (S. it.).— Fumigate your greenhouse on two nights in succession, aad each morning following syringe your Myrtle with soft soap water of a strength of 3oz3. per gallon, and mixed with one-tenth of tobaoco water. Apply the solution at a temperature of 120". Repeat this in three weeks and you will eradicate the pest. Potting Peach and Nectarine Trees (W. B. A.). — If yon intend to pot the trees again in the same sized pots, reduce the balls, saving as many of the ftbrous roots a? possible. It ought to bs done at once. See " Doings." page 2 J 5. Vines in Cccumhek House (A Suhierihtr). — You may grow both together as you propose, the forcing not being begun until March, the Sweetwater succeeding under the same conditions as the Black Hamburghs. Straw- berries would do fairly, they having a position about 15 inches from the glass. They ought to have been layered in small pots so soon as runners were ■obtainable, and potted by the middle or end of August into 6-inch pots. You .may suecead fairly by now potting-up any strong plants into 7-inch pots, but 'neither tbe Vines nor Strawberries wiQ do other than moderately well grown with Cucumbers, they being secondary to the latter. The Sweetwater Vine may be potted now. Liquid Manure for Strawderries— " *Old Subscriber' wouldadd very much to the usefulness of his remarks by stating the composition and pro- portions of the ingredients in the ' ammonia >ater ' and the 'lime water' which he speaks of. — A Novice." Heating-power of Boiler (C. C.).— The size of the boiler is no criterion of the heating power, that depending upon the amount of surface exposed to the action of the fire. Your boiler will have about 8 feet of surface exposed to the action of the fire, which, without very hard stoking, will be sufficient to heat the 280 feet of 4-inch piping you propose attaching to it. Storing Waxnuts {D. 0. J.\— Remove the nuts from the husks, and if this be done at the ripening the nuta will turn out very clean, and store away in dry sand in a collar or other cool place, and moist rather than dry, but not wet. They will keep in this way, or in stone jars stored in dry sand, for a lengthened period, but they will become more or less dried, and this, we think, you wish to avoid, and so do others, as the kernels in a dried state will not " peel," hence the nuts are kept in moist sand or soil to the deterioration of the quality or flavour, for in contact with moist soil or moisture they absorb it, and warmth being present growth must follow. By storing in dry sand, in a moist place and cool, we prevent any loss of flavour and arrest growth, whilst at tbe same time obviating the evils of overdrying ; and though nuts BO kept may not " peel," they may, by placing them for twenty-four or forty-eight hours in rain water, have the kernels restored to plumpness, peeling readily. The time of steeping is dependant npon the dryness of the nuts. Early and Late Rose Potatoes (A Constant Jl<;(i'i(,'r).— There ia a great confounding of the " Early "with the " Late" varieties of this Potato. The former is of very indifferent quahty a) compared with the finest-quality kinds. It Is not really good at any time, but improves by keeping, bein;^ mrae mealy, and Is best after NoTember. Late Rose is mach finer, and after Christmas good. Steam them in their skins after clean washing, and peel whilst very hot, just before sending to table. Gloxinia Leaves Rusted (Jf. TT., Corfc).— The leaf is rusted and destroyed by thripa, which might have been prevented by fumigation with tobacco, and growth enoouiogpd by a moister atmosphere. To avoid its ravages in future afford the plants a moister atmosphere and a bri^^k heat, keeping moderately bhaded and near the glass. The leaves for a good display of bloom should be nine times the size of the one sent us. Prince of Wales Chrysanthemum Leaves DiacoLonREn (Idem). — It is constitutional and peculiar to this and a few other kinds, and more pre- valent in a wet than a dry season, hence we conclude that It is resultant of overwatering or too high feeding. Very careful watering is necessary, not saturating, nor, on the other hand, allowing the foliage to flag through an insufficient supply. It also suffers in a close confined space ; therefore, give plenty of space, and an open airy position. Peach Shoots Mildewed {Idem).— The specimen sent is badiy mildewed, the wood being green and very unripe. You have used " soapy water " and applied " sulphur." Perhaps so, but inefficiently. Syringe the trees thoroughly with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to the gallon, and dust the parta effectually with sulphur from a dredger, and lift the trees so soon as the leaves commence falling, and make the soil very firm and moderately rich so as to induce stronger yet shorter-jointed and more fruit fnl wood, not allowing them to suffer by want of water at the root after the middle of Jane. CoPiNQ-iJOARDS (C. P.). — Mr. Luckhurst, who is a most successful culti- vator, recommends inch boards to project at right angles 15 inches from the wall. He never removes them, at the same time it is advisable to so fix them that thfty can be taken down if required. These boards afford great pro- tection from frost, and are valuable aids in assisting the ripening of the wood of the Peach trees. Insects on Solanums (ff.).— The leaves sent are infested with thrips and red spider. Syringe them with soft snap and tobacco water of the samo strength as that recommended to " S. M.," applying it at a temperature of 100 . The solution must be applied forcibly to the under sides of the leaves, and the plants should be syringed daily afterwards with clear water. Name3 of Trees (J. 0.).— 1, Pinus austriaca; 2, Pious montezumos. Names of Fruits (H. W., Peng'). — The Apple is New Hawthornden. (J. TVoodnTfc).— Neither are Tower of Glamis ; 1, quite rotten; 2, Wellington or Dumelow's Seedling; 3, Golden Noble. Pear rotten. (A Constant Reader). — 3, Beurr'' d'Amanlia ; 4, Beurrr Diel ; 2, Probably Vicar of Winkfield. Bend the others again when ripe. {A Contributor, S. FT.).—!, Beurre d'Araaolls ; 3, Easter Beurrp; 4, Beurn.' d'Aremberg; 2, not known. (L., Constant Readcrj.S, White Doyenne; 4, Beurre Berckmans; 6, Beurrc de Capiau- mont. {A. Aper}. — 2, Dumelow's Seedling; 4, Pomona; 5, Bedfordshire Foundling; 6, Bleaheim Pippin. Names of Plants (E. B.). — QlaQcium luteum, the yellow Horned Poppy. There ia a portrait and full account of it in our " Wild Flowers," fig. Ia9. (T. W. Ba.s'jiit;).— Leaf only. (R. L. D.).— Francoa ramosa. {Sigma).~\ species of Pyrus. (T. K.). — We cannot name from leavts. {.if. H). — 1, Chelone glabra; 2, Solidago Virgaurea. (James- Ferf7»*ort).— Fankia ovata. (^)i Old Subscriber). — Atriplex hortenais, which used to be much cultivated as a vegetable. (M. H. M.). — The Scarborough Lily, Vallota purpurea. POULTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE. MICHAELMAS-DAY. Yesterday (September 29th) was Miohaelmas-day, and thia ia our Michaelmas number. The Geese have been slaughtered in memoriayn, and apple trees and the sage and onion beds have had inroads made upon them. Thia ia all we can say here about the patron bird of Michaelmas, bo we must turn to other topics connected with the world of which he is a member. Three months ago to-day waa Midsummer-day, and then we sighed of ourselves for ourselves as we saw the small ranks in the chicken runs, and knew what the summer shows could only produce under the circumstances. Our forebodings were correct, for now, taking a retrospect of the shows of those three months, we plainly see that it was a bad summer chicken season, and that very few produced birds of any note whatever. Michaelmas is now here, and the autumn shows will com- mence, and with the new quarter we hope for and expect better things. Some of the clasaea at the late chicken exhibitions have been most wretchedly represented ; but now a new quarter has dawned — " WheQ earth repays with golden eheaves The laboars of the plough, And ripening fruits and forest leaves Are brighter on the bough." Nottingham commences the new list, but that is not a regular chicken show ; it ia followed, however, by the Alexandra Palace and Oxford Exhibitions, where the elite of chickendom will doubtless be found, and then comes the other Palace, and then the full whirlwind of shows is upon ua. We hope for well-filled classes in future, and to find the old names, which have been more or less abseat of late, figuring well to the front. There has been time now to get over the woes of the early year, for by October everyone will surely have something good to exhibit. The summer chickens have had their day, and now exhibitors must buckle-to for a sharp contest, and produce fresh chickens from their corps dc reserve, for those which have done battle through the summer will now in many cases have to make way for others. It is, of course, well known that those birds which are sent from show to show through the hot and trying summer months never do much good afterwards. Certainly some few Septsmbet 80, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 301 which are prodaced later in the snmmer, and are not so maoh knocked about, do live to be the glory of autumn and winter events, but we can call to mlud but few specimens which promise to do so this season.* A few of the beat Cochins aud Brahmaa — we speak here of the large breedfi — may again crop up in the prize lists, but we fancy we shall see in moat cbifises at the forthcoming autumn and winter ahowa a perfect houhvcr^enwnt among the late winners, aud shall find old names with new birds to the front once more. Let us take a retroapeotive look in this our Michaelmas num- ber at the chickens of the past two mouths. We do not mean to individualise certain classes at certain shows, but talie a brief peep of what has so far appeared. We doubt if any one chicken show can be called a real success, and at mauy the results have been positively calamitous. Mr. Wattb's heart- rending epistle, to which we hope his patrons will turn their attention, speaks more graphically than ever we can dorf the unfortunate finale of the one large chicken show which has been up to now held ; but some shows have come "£1 worse than others, and we fear the poultry department of Middleton, Wisbeach, and hosts more must, as far as entries are concerned, have experienced a great loss and heavy check to their ardour this last season. Dorkings have, perhaps, this year been better in quality than quantity. We have found nowhere the classes of the 1874 summer shows ; but, on the other hand, no bird was then produced to equal the cup Birmingham and cup Bath bird of last month. In Dorkings of otber colours we have seen one or two good Silver- Grey cockerels, but nothing in pullets, and nothing striking in Whites or Cuckoos. The summer Cochins, again, have been but sparsely found, ond the winners have been mostly in the hands of one or two. Partridges have, perhaps, been the best, and there are one or two good chickens to be found. Of Whites there has positively been exhibited nothing worthy of remark if we except the winning cockerel and pullet at Aston Park. Brahmas have made the greatest mark, the Lights especially ; but, then, " everyone keeps Brahmaa," as a gentleman eaid to us at Bath the other day. Certainly their admirers are legion, and the classes have con- sequently more reason to be well filled. Two or three good Darks have been out, aud will now, we suppose, be going in, for Mr. AnsdeH's cockerels have done him good service. The pullets have been pretty fair, but they have not had their usual size and shape. The Lights have been very good, still m them a few good birds stood clearly out ; but both cockerels and pullets have made a most creditable appearance, and surpassed, perhaps, on the whole all other breeds. Spanish and Game have made small classes, and the chickens have been late speci- mens. We have not seen one Game chicken to really admire, and this time last year Mr. Matthew's Birmingham Duck- wing pullet was the talk of everyone. French have mustered well, Houdans especially, though Cri'ves have looked up latterly. Hondans are very precocious, and soon come on, maturing quickly, and are consequently useful birds for the early shows. We fancy for quality and quantity, as a lot, Houdans would come pretty high in an average list this summer of 1875. Ham- burghs seem to have appeared in fair numbers iu the north, but at the midland and southern shows have been badly repre- sented; even such shows as Shrewsbury, with its panoply of prizes, produced but a sorry lot of entries. We hope better times are dawning, and that we shall find numbers as well as quality in future, for Hamburgh people have not to secure weight or size, which are the stumbling-blocks to so many breeders of other varieties. We have seen a few good Polish chickens, among them some very promising White crested Blacks ; but we regret to hear we are losing from our poultry ranks one of the oldest admirers of this latter breed, and one who has done an immense deal to keep it from extinction in past years. Then iu the Variety classes we can remember nothing worthy of remark except the Malays, whose supporters have sent to the front some splendid chickens. Minorcas, Leg- horns, Silkies, and such unhappy denizens of the various refuges have been a moderate lot. We cannot help remarking, however, here on the immense trouble that Mr. Kitchen is taking to push his commodity, and we hope he will do so suc- cessfully, for we gather that Brown Leghorns are extremely hardy and very free layers at all seasons. Bantam chickens have not been a very gay lot ; we almost think we give the palm to the Blacks, 'though we have seen a good pen or two of Se- brights ; the Game, however, have been, as a lot, considering the great favour they hold and the extensive way they are bred, decidedly disappointing. Waterfowl, Turkeys, and Geese have been quite up to the mark, and in many cases superior to those of past seasons. It is satisfactory to end this peep at the sum- mer's birds with something that has been a credit to the breeder and exhibitor in this trying season. Thus much, then, for the chickens from Midsummer-day to Michaelmas. No doubt many breeders have yet to produce their birds, and others have fresh specimens to fall back upon. Anyhow, chickens good and valuable should now be plentiful; for, as we before said, the later-hatched birds have had time to grow and develope, and we shall expect, consequently, from this Michaelmaa-tide to find the classes well filled as in bygone seasons, and the whole poultry world ouce more back in their old places and iu their old form. — W. OXFORD POULTRY SHOW SCHEDULE. Another October is near at hand, aud the Oxford Poultry Show for the fourth time is not far distant. The schedule is more tempting than ever, and this Show should even surpass all previous Shows. After the Palace perhaps no Show of late years lias literally galloped into public favour like Oxford. This must be extremely satisfactory to the indefatigable Hon. Secretary Mr. King and his Committee, who have spared no money or labour to maketheirPoultry Show worthy of their city, which in so many points stands unique. It is quite refresh- ing to turn to the roles and read them. We find a wonderfuUy low entry fee — only 5s., with first prizes of GOs. or a 03.5. cup. Several pens of birds may come in the same basket. The prize cards so valued by some, especially amateur beginners, will be forwarded on to the winners. The Judges are announced — viz., Messrs. Esquilant and Jones for Pigeons, and Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay for the poaltry ; and a very good rule as regards sales — viz., instead of an auction, which at so many places is a perfect failure, we find the sale office will be open for two hours to receive tenders, the highest, of course, securing the bird. We can all remember that the crack Dark Brahma pullet of la.st season was bought a bargain at a show where this rule was in use. The classes are for poultry fifty-one in number, and there are also in this department forty-one pieces of plate, or money may be taken instead if preferred. Among them we notice H.R.H. Prince Leopold again gives the Dorkings a champion cup. Local folks, too, must come well to the front at Oxford, for we find sixty-two local prizes and two local cups. Looking over the various classes we find Dorkings have four classes. Cochins four. Game six, and Hambarghs five, for a cockerel and pullet in each pen. Some of the classes have four prizes, such as Dorkings, Brahmas, Houdans, &c. Polands have two classes; we are glad to find one is for White-crested Blacks. We hope they will muster better than last year. They hardly deserved a class after last season's behaviour. Malays and Silkies have each a class, while Americans have two, one being for Brown Leghorns and one for Any other variety. Bantams are well provided for, and there is a class for Pheasants, which we hope will be well supported. Waterfowl are in high favour. Blacks and Calls have each a class ; the former generally make such a beautiful show at Oxford, and we hope they will do so again this season. They are arranged always in the upper gallery, where the light is perfect. 'The Sale classes are well divided, and the prizes numerous and handsome. Pigeons, too, seem to have a good friend in Mr. Salter, for here they have thirty-four classes, with three prizes in each class and fifteen pieces of plate. We shall expect to find the Town Hall as full or fuller than ever. The breeds are well divided up as to colours, for we even find two classes for Magpies. There are two classes for Carriers and one for Barbs hatched in 1875. We cannot find one thing in this good schedule to find fault with, and we sincerely hope all fanciers will respond and make this Show as good as it deserves to be. We hear that full ar- rangements will be made for all the birds that come on from the Alexandra Palace being well "fed, kept in clean pens, and pro- vided with green food till the Judges come round : consequently all who have entered at the Alexandra can with confidence enter here also and have their birds sent on direct, thus saving carriage aud labour. Mr. King will, we hear, be ready at Oxford to re- ceive all such birds on Friday and Saturday, and both he and his Committee will personally superintend their being unpacked and well seen to. We cannot help saying that we are very glad to find these two good Shows ready and pleased to work together, for we have heard the kind expressions of Messrs. Nicholla and Jones on the matter. The entries close on October Dth, and we would remind our readers that at Oxford entries do really close on the day they name, and that no " acts of grace " are there given. — W. AYLESBUBY POULTRY SHOW. Aylesbdky is always a pleasant little meeting. The Show is nicely arranged, and the covered meat market makes a most excellent place for the Exhibition. We always find good birds here, for the Show is only for one day, and the prizes very liberal, consequently exhibitors do not mind sending good specimens. They are very prompt here, too, with the catalogues, sending them out as quickly as possible, aud the Aylesbury Show of 1875 has proved no exception to other years. The entries were not quite so numerous as last season, but then other shows were being held in other places on the same day, which of course must make some of them weak iu their classes. Dorkings all competed together, and came first in the cata- 302 JODBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 1 September 30, 1875. logue. There were nine pers. We did not fancy the quality was quite equal to the usual style here, but the cup pen were a fine pair all round. Brahmas, too, were classed together. We generally find a good pen or two from Stoke Park at this Show, Mr. Wragg making it hia " opening day ;" but this year Lady Gwydyr's name is not in the catalogue. The cup pen was a grand pen of chickens, the cockerel especially good and large. The winning Lights, too, were good; but we hope next year to find Brahmas having two cla.sses. Spanish made a fine class. It is quite pleasant to tell of fifteen pens being entered in one class when Long Sutton only mustered three pens in two clasEes with six prizes. A very good pair of adults won the cop, being Jarge in face and good in combs : second went also to very nice old birds; while a promising pen of chickens took the third place ; 2G (Mills), a nice pen of chickens, and so was the same exhibitor's pen 27, but the latter were younger birds. Coc/i;'«s had three clasEes. The Buffs made the largest class, and Whites next. In Buffs a splendid pair of chickens won the cup; second also a promising pair of birds; third only middling. We thought there were two or three other pens here well worthy of notice. Partridges were very fine, the winners all good ; the first chickens really splendid, and we almost thought the Cochin cup should have come here, the cockerel being such a beauty. Whites were a good lot; all the prizes were won by adults. Mr. Fowler sent a good pen of chickens in this class. Game had only one class, and consequently only six entries were made. A very well-shown pair of Duckwings of fine colour won the cup. Here, ngain, we recommend next year another class being made ; exhibitors will not send in a general class of any colour. French made a fine collection, and we thought the prizes fairly awarded; the Creves were especiilly good. Hamhiirghs had two classes, and the quality was first- class. A splendid pen of Silver-pencils won the cup; second going to good Golden. Spangles were very nice, one or two of the Golden cockerels being especially good in markings and points. Americans had a class, and came seven pens strong. A beauti- ful pen of White Leghorns won the cup; second also going to nice White chickens ; 89 (Kitchen), neat Brown Leghorns ; 94 (Fowler) Plymouth Rocks. Game Bantams had but one class and five entries. They evidently resented this insult of having but one class as much as their larger relations. The quality was fair. The Variety Bantam class were six pens in number. Nice Blacks first and third ; and fair Golden-laced second ; 105 (Cambridge), good Blacks. The Variety class was excellent. Polands were the best; the first-prize birds being very grand. Aylesbury Duchs were not as strong in numbers as we should have expected in this their own birthplace. Mr. Fowler was well to the front with two noble pens, and once more kept-up the honour of his town. Rouens also were very good, and the quality even. In variety Ducks Mr. H. B. Smith cleared the lot with nice fancy birds. For Lady de Rothschild's ±'5 5s. cup for best pen of Aylesburys under certain conditions, only four pens appeared. A nice pen secured the cup, and the others were good, but we certainly expected to find more competition for this piece of plate. Geese were good, but again only four pens in number. The quality was, however, excellent, and all noticed. We were eurprised to find no class for Turkeys here. Being a branch of an agricultural show, surely Turkeys should have a chance of distinguishing themselves, though we are afraid they do not often do it, judging from the few entries we have of late seen in the Turkey classes. The Sale class was large. The price per pen was 'limited to 30.s., nevertheless many of the birds were very fair specimens, and an extra prize was awarded. Mr. M. Leno was the Judge, and his awards gave satisfaction. We publish full prize list below. DOBKINOS.-Cup, Ecv. E. Bartrum, Bcrkhampstoad. 2, J. Taylor, Dorking. 3, J. Gee. Oxford. /iC. E. Woodford. Kidlicgton. Brahmas. — Cup, H. Linawood, Creetini;. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal, Aylcsbnry. 8, J. 1 one, Bromley Common, c, E. Kendrick, jiin., LichSeld: J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Spanish.— Cup. R, Wright, Holloway Poad, London. 2 and v^u, D. M. Mills J.ewport Paenell. S, W. Notlag-, N.irtlinmplon. he, H. Ecldon, Goitatook: Mrs Allsopp. Worcester, c D M. Mills ; Mrs. Allsopp. OrcaiNs.-Bu/r.— 1, Mrs. Tindal. •!, A. Darbv. Little Ness. 3, E. Winwood, Worcester, c. Mrs. Allsopp Pai(rW|7e.-l and 2, Mrs. TindoL .S. J. K. Fowler Wlute.~\ and 3. Cipt G. F. Talbot. Eden Bridge. 2, C. Bloodworth, Cheltenham. he. Mrs. A. Tindal. c, J. K. Fowler. Oajie.— Cup and 3. S. Matthew, Stowmarket. 2, H. E. Martin, Scalthoroe he. E. Wmwood. c, G. H. Fitzherbert, Scvenoaks. French.— 1, H. Feast. Swansea. 2. J. K. Fowler. S, E. Burrell, Farringdon. he. W. Drmg, Faversham. c. W. Cutlack. Littleport. Hambdrohs. — OoW or Silver-iKncUlcd. — 1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Eobinson. Garstnng. 8. C. Jndson. Peokham. te, H. Beldon; J. Carr, Swansea. Oold orti!lver-gi)aTiol<:.-l, A. F. Faulkner. 2, O. W. Gibbs. S, J. G. Walker, he, W. Dixon, jun. GAME.-CfiicS: Bed—Coek.—l, J. Mason. 2, E. S. Godsell.l 13, T.' Woods. Hen.~\, W. Chambers. 2. J. Mason. 3, H. E. Martin. Game.— jHy other variety.— Cock.— Extra, H. E. Martin. 2, J. Cock. S, J. Watson. Hen.—l, H. E. Martin. 2, J. Cock. 8, .1. Watson. Spanish.— Coefc.—l, T. Taylor. 2, J. Gunn. Hen.—\, W. Woodhouse. French.— Cocfc.—l, G. W. Hibbert. 2, W. Cutlaok. jun. 3. Rev. J. G. B. Knight, he. Rev. N. J. Ridley; .T. E. Pilgrim. Hen.—l and 2. W. Cutlack, jun. S.J.Taylor, vhe. H. Feast. )ic, G. W. Hibbert; Rev. J, G. B. Knight; W. Dring ; C. W. Gibbs. e, Mrs. Miller. Leghorns -Brou-n.-Cock.-l and 3, A. Kitchen. 2, S. L. Bradbury. Hen.— 1 and 3, A Kitchen. 2, S. L. Bradbury. Any other Variety.— Cocfc. — 1, E. Branford (Malavt. 2, C. Sidgwick (Black Hamburgh). 3, A. & W. H. Silves'er. lie. Rev. N. J. Ridley (Malay). Ht-H.- Extra, A. & VV. H. Silvester. 2, C. Sidgwick (Black Hamburgh). 8, G. W. Boothhy (Gold Polaudi. he, E. Branford (Malavl. Game hASii^i.— Black-breasted ijtv/s.— Cocfc.— Extra, R Brownlie. 2, R. Y. Ardogh, 3, G. Hall, he, W. Shenton. Ben.-l, W. Shentjn. 2. R. Y. Ardagb. 3. G. Hall, he, J. S. Pearson ; W. Shenton ; R. Brownlie ; W. Adams. Game Bantams.- .4ni/ other variety.— Cock. — I and 3, J. Nelson. 2, R. Brownlie. he H. Elwia ; T. Barker. Hen.—l, T. Barker. 2, R. Brownlie. 3, W. Adams, he, J. Nelson (2) : G. Evans ; J. Mayo ; Bellingham & Gill (2). Bantams.— fi/rtc/c.—l, D. McLaren. 2. J. Mav9- 3, I. M. Francis. liC, R. Woods; R, H. Ashton. Any other variety.—}, M. Leno. 2, R. A. Boissier. 8, J. Bloodworth. he, J. Earnshaw. DvcKS.—Eonen.—l and 3, W. H. Robson. 2, J. Calvert, he, J. Hey (2) : W. Bygotl, jun. (21 ; E. Snell ; R. Gill. ^i/Ifsl.iir!/.— Extra, T. Sear. 2. G. G. Hall- 3, Mias Campain. he, E. Snell. c, Mrs. Deacon. Any other variety.— I and 2, M. Leno. S, A & W. H. Silvester, he, A. & W. H. Silvester; A. C. Bradbury; G. G. Hall: E. S. Milnes. Ornamental Birds.— Extra, S. S. Mossop (Foreign Cage Birds). 2. M. Leno (Golden Pheasants). 3, W. T. Lamb (South American Talking Parrot) he, G. Howes (Rnsella Parrot, Port Lincoln Cockatoo Parrot, and Shell Parrot). TOBKEVS —1, J. T. Bettinson. 2. Rev. N. J. Ridley. 3, W. Wright. Geese -Extra, E. Snell. 2, Mrs. Deacon. 3. T. M. Derry. lie. J. T. Codling. Selling Class. — Cof(,s — Extra, T. M. Derry. 2, E. Pritchard (Dark Brahma). 8, .T. Harvey (White-faced Black Spaniah). he, I\Iisa Campain (Aylesbury Drake): S. H. Lloyd (Light Brahma); H Elwis (Brahma); J. G. Freemantie (Buff Cochin); A. & W. Silvester (^^panish); Mrn. Simpson; C. Carr (White Cochin); .T. Havvey (White-faced Black Spanish and Dark Brahma). Eens.—i, E. Pritchard (Dark Brahma). 2. C Bloodworth (Buff Cochin). 8, Mrs. Mi ler (Creve-Cceur) he, W. Massey (Buff Cochin). PIGEONS. Carriers.- B(ncfc.— Cocfc.- Extra and 2, R. Fulton, Brockley. he, C. G. Cave. c, H. Yardley. Hen.—l, H. Fulton. 2. H. Yardlev, Birmingham. Carriers.- .-Inv other colnnr.—Coek—\. R. Fulton 2, F. Hodgson, Great Driffield. Hen —1 and 2, R. Fulton. Any variety.— Young Cock or Hen —1 and rlic, H Fulton. 2. W. Eulmer, Spalding, /ic, H. Simpson ; W. Massey. c, C. Handlcy; H. Thurlow. PouTf.RS.—Coc/c— Extra, R. Fnlton. he, H. Simpson; Mrs. Ladd. c. H. Pratt. Hcii.—l, R. Fulton 2, Mrs. Ladd, Calne. /ic, R. Fulton; Mrs. Ladd. Trempeters.-I and 2. R. Fulton. Fantails.— 1, .T. Walker, Hendon. ?, T. S. Stephenson, Newbegin, he, J. F. Loversidge. c. H. Simpson. TcMDLERS.— J(»iO'if(.— 1 and 2, R. Fu'ton. he, A. & W. H, Silveatcr, Sheffield. Any other eoionr.—l, A. ft W. H. Silvester. 2, H. Yardley. he, A. & W. H. Sil- vester ; R. Fulton. Owls.— 1, K. Fnlton. 2. L. Allen. „ BAHBS—C'ocfc.— 1,H. Fulton. 2. J. Firth, /w, R. Fulton ; H B. MaBsey. e, C. G. Cava, fli/i —1 and 2. R. Fulton lie. J. i'irth. c, U. Yardley ; J. iittll, l'0Mri{7 Birds. -F.xiTA and 2, J. Firth, he, W. Massey. ANTWERP8.— Cocfc or Hen.—l and 2, H. Yardley. Jacobins.— Extra and 2, R. Fulton, he, W. Woodhouao ; L. Allen, TcRBirs.— L T. S. Stephenson. 2, R. Fulton. Dragoons.— 1, N. Smallpage, jun. 2, R. Fulton, he, R. Woods (2). Any other Variety.— 1, R. Fulton. 2 and c, A. &. W. H. Silvester, he, H. Selling Class.— 1, H. Simpson (Carriers). 2, R. C. Jardiao (White DragoonB). he, J. S. Howard. RiBBITS. l^np.— All properties.— Buck or Hoc —]. T. Schoflo'.d, Jan., Cheetham. 2, J. Barker, Louth, he, Mrs. Pickworth. Broken colour.— Duck or Doe.— Extra, T. Sohofield. jun. 2, C. King. London, lie, Mrs. Pickworth; C. King; E. Frost. c, W. Cunnington ; J. Barker. .„..,,, nrn, .^ Himalayan.— Bucfc or Doe.—l, O. G, MiUett, Fau-faeld. 2, J. Barker, lie, C. G. Mason; J.Tebbutt. c, R. A. Boissier. .,.„,. ,, ,.„„,! DuTen.—Biiek or Doe.-l and he, Mrs.'Pickworth, Moulton Marsh. 2, E.H. Moss, Noith Ferriby. „ , t- ,, j , . > n Any other Variety.— Bii<;J: or Doe.—l, H. Swctnam. Fulford (Angoral. 2, H. W. Wright, London (Silvcr-Grey) lie, T. Schofleld. jun. (Silver-Grey) ; B. S. Smith (Silver-Grey); B. Greaves (Belgian) (2). e, G.Johnson (Silver-Grey); E. S Smith (Silver Cream). „ , „ „ , Heaviest.— Bucfc or Doc—1, A. Nainby, Spalding. 2. J. Brown, Boston. Selling Class.-I, W. Beety, Long Suitun (Black-and-white). 2. Mrs. C. E. Cave, Spalding (Lop), lie, Mrs. Pickworth (Belgian Hare); J. Barker (YeUow- and-whiie Lop); A. Spencer (Himalayan); C. G. Mason (Himalavan); G. Frost (Grev-and-whito Lop), c. C, King (Silver-Grey) ; W. Kirby (Yellowand. white) ; P. JBooth (Sandy-and-white). ALTEINCHAM SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The fourteenth annual Show was held on the 22nd and 23rd inst. The schedule for poultry ia a good one, and in conse- quence the entries were good— about three hundred in all — the whole, except Turkeys, Geese, and Ducks, being for young birds; the whole of the above-named being very good, the Bouens a large good class, and the cup awarded to them. Spanish cockerels were a good class, but several of the best- looking rather flat. Pullets better than the cockerels ; but only five entries. In Black-breasted Red Game some of the other- wise best were sadlv duck-clawed, especially the pullets. Brown Beds were better. In cockerels a smart forward bird was first ; the second, a dubbed bird, had a fine head, but would have been better uncut for a while longer. There were some very young birds of great promise. Pullets a good class. In cockerels of any other breed Piles were first and second, and a Duckwing third ; the whole very good, the first being a grand bird, but as yet quite unfurnished. In pullets Duckwings were first and second, and a Pile third; the first a grand bird of good colour. Dorhing cockerels a fair lot, but the first-prize bird very rough- legged. Pallets, first and second Dark, and third Silver-Grey ; a fair lot. Cochins, Buff, only four entries.bat these very good, and the cup for Cochins awarded here. Pullets very good and high in colour. In any other colour cockerels Partridge won the prize ; and in the next class the first and third were Par- tridge, and second White, the first a pullet with such pencilling as has never been seen before, but a little short of leg-feather ; a large and good class. In Brahma cockerels the winners were well-known birds of previous successes. Pullets a large class, and many good birds; the first a grand bird, splendid In pen- cilling; second the Birmingham cup pullet, showing a little short in breast-marking; and third a good bird. In Hamburghs the entries were not large, but in some of the classes the Spangles of both colours by far the best, although there were some good ones in the Pencils, particularly the Gold-pencil cockerel and pullet, first-prize winners. There was no class for Black Hamburghs. French fowls produced some good birds, the first-prize Creve pullet being one of the best ever seen. The Polish fowls were much better than we have seen at any other show this season. The winners were Golden. Game Bantams had six classes, and all other varieties only one ; but we would strongly advise that the latter class be divided, when there is no doubt but that the entries will amply repay that course. In Black Red cockerels the first was a grand stylish bird; the second also good was not in as fine order, but we did not consider the pullets equal to these. Biown Beds were very good, the pullets especially; in the latler our choice was with the thira- prize bird, which had a most perfectly laced breast. In cockerels, any other, the winners were Piles, the third had yellow legs ; but in pullets the first was a Pile, and second and third Duckwings. In the Any other variety of Bantams a silver cup was offered by Mr Townson, the well-known amateur in Pigeons, the result being a fair entry, but of such quality as we have not seen thia season, almost every pen being good enough to win such a prize, which was, however, awarded to a pen of Silver Sebrighta rather large but most excellent in lacing ; the second and third being Black. In the Variety class Black Hamburghs won the prizes. Pigeons were under a very good marquee, and the pens were from Messrs. Turner, the poultry being in the open field in the pens of the Society. .,,.,. , The collection of Pigeons was cf such quality as is rarely seen together in a field show, the classes being also well supported in numbers, and these were well attended to with food and water; but we would draw attention to the system adopted by some 304 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 30, 187S. exhibitors of feeding with eome special mixed food before the arbitrations are made. This was the case here with one exhi- bitor, no doubt thoughtlessly, but this being about one of the best studs shown it might have served aa a poict for some ill- natured remarks by ill-disposed people, and after a few classes had been judged the whole were swept clean, and in future we would recommend all such to be disqualified. A silver cup, value £5, was offered by Mr. Crabtree for the best bird in the Show, and was won by one of the most perfect White Owl cocks we have ever seem, closely pressed however by a grand Black Pied Pouter, which lost only through a little dulness of colour. Carriers were a good class— first a smart stylish Dun hen, and second a Dun cock, good in all points but eye, which is rather small as compared with the beak wattle; very highly commended a very heavy Black hen, which in high condition must come to the front. In Pouters the above-named Black was first, and second a good Blue cock. A White, highly commended, was grand but a little fiat; most of the others were deservedly noticed. Barbs very good, but many in the moult. First a Black, and second Red, and very highly commended Black. Ail cocks. Tumblers, Almonds good, the winners very well spangled and good in head ; the highly commended birds too dark, but otherwise good. In Tumblers, Any other variety, first a Yellow Agate, and second a Red Bald. The class good. Dragoons were a large class, the first going to a Silver hen of great quahty and black bars, second to a young Silver hen, and extra second to a capital Blue. Bnglith Owls were a good class, and the winners m grand order. First a Blue, and second and extra second Slivers. Pen 1529, a grand Blue, but dull in eye. As before slated, the first in foreign Owls won the cap for the best bird in the Show; the second in this class was also White, and all the others noticed. Jacobins were not good as a class, though the winning Reds were very good. Tnrbits were a real good class, the first a Silver cock, and second a Red, an extra second being awarded to a capital Black. Fantails were mostly noticed, and the winners White. Antwerps were a fair class, the first going to a Silver Dun cock, grand in colour and Antwerp points, but a little wanting on top of beak; second going to a well-known Red Chequer, deep in moult; very highly commended a Silver Dun cock, a previous cup-winner, but now bad in eye and grizzly in colour. In the Variety class, which by the way was not as good as we expected to find it, the first went to a Blon- dinette, and second to a Black Trumpeter cock of the old style. The Selling class was large, the first going to a Black Carrier cock, and second to a young White Pouter, the third being a Bine English Owl. For Babbits there were six classes, but no extras, and the entries fifty in number. Lops had one clafs, the first going to a Fawn-and-white buck, 22J by 4} ins.; the second a Fawn doe, was 21J by 4j ins. ; highly commended a Sooty Fawn doe, swarming with fleas. Angoras a smart lot, the winners very good in fur. Himalayans were a poor lot, the winners only being of any note. Dutch bad, except the first, a Yellow ; and one Rabbit in this class was very bad of scurvy, and ought not to have been sent. In Silver-Greys the first was in splendid order and grand in colour, but a little shaded on head ; second a good Rabbit, rather light bat in deep moult. lu the Variety class the winners were Belgian Hares, the first very good in far bat small. At future shows we would advise that the Rabbits be accom- modated with room in the tent. TnRKEVB.-l and 2, J. Walker. Rochdale, c, J. Brookwell, WiEan. Geese I Whitel.— 1 and 2, J Walker. Geese (Grey).— 1 and 2, J Walker, c, T. Mills, Seacombe, Birkenhead. Ducks (Aylesbury).— 1 and 2. J. Walker. DncKS (Konen).— Cup and 1. W. Evans, Prcscot 2. P. Unsworth, Lowton, Newton-le-Willow8. he, J. Walker; W. Evam; J. Brookwell ; C. W. Brierley Middleton. c, T. Wakefield, Golborne; Haslam 4 Scotsou, Hindley Common, Wlgan. Spanish (Black) —Cocforc;.—!. H. Wilkinson, Earbv. 2. J. Robert". Silsden, Leeds. 3. J. Powell, Bradford. Jic, E. Walton, Rawtenetall. c, S. L. Edwards. Tarporley. Pu»f( —1. E. Walton. 2 and 3, J. Powell. GiiiE (Black Red).- CocAcre!.— 1. s. Buckley. W inslord. 2. J. Piatt, Swanlow, Winsford. 8. J. Fletcher. Stoncclough Pudcf.- 1, J. Halsall, Widnes. 2. W. Blilner. Bradford. 3. J. Piatt, he, S. Backley. GiiiE (Brown Red).— Cockerri.-l, J. Carlisle, Earby, Leeds. 2 and 3. J. Piatt e, J. F. Walton, KawtenstaU; A. Clayton, Allerton, Bradford. Pullet.— i, Hmdiey & Scotson. 2, R. Garnett. Wyeside, Lancaster. 3, .1. Piatt, he R, Garnett; A.Clayton. GiUE (Any other coloorj.-Cocl-ere!.— 1, J. F- Walton. 2. T. Haasall, Market Drayton. 3, G. Holmes. Great Driffield, vhe. E. Winwood. Worcester, he, J. Halsall. PuKe(.—l, J. Fletcher. 2, J. f. Walton. 3, J. Halsall. ftc, J. Mason Worcester. DoBKisos.— CocfccrcJ.-l, W. Copple. Eccleston, Preacol. 2. J. Stott, Healey, Rochdale. 3, J. Walker. Pullet -1. J. Walker. 2, Mrs. A. Tyndal, Aylesbury. S, J. Royle, Lostoek, htretford ; J. Stott. Cochins (Cinnamon or BufT).— Cocfccref.— Cup. 1, and he, Mrs. A. Tvndal 2 and 3, C. Sidgwick, Eyddlesden Hall. Pullet— 1 and 3, Mrs. A. Tyndal,' 2, C. tiidgwick. Cochins (Any other colour}.— Cockerel —1. G. W. Hibbert, Godlev, Hyde. 2, C. Sidgwick. 8. J. H. Jones, Handforth. he, C. Sidgwick ; A. F. Kanlkner, Tbrapstone. Puilet— 1, .7. H. Jones. 2, Mrs. A. Tyndal. 3, C. SidRwick. he, C. Sidgwick ; R, P Percival, Northenden ; G. W. Hibbert ; Mrs. A. Tjndal ; W. Whitworth, jun.. Hale, Altrincham. e, A. F. Fanlkner. Brahma Pootbas. — Cockerel. — 1 and 2, T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount, St. Helen's. 3, R. P. Perciyal. he, J. Brookwell. c. W. A Wright, Southnort. Pullet— ], R. P. Fcrcival. 3. E. Hargreaves, Milnrow. Rochdale, he. Dr. J. Holmes, Chesterfield ; T. F. Ansdell ; Mrs A. Tyndal ; J. M. Skarralt. Worcester ; Horace Lingwood. Needham Market, e, E. Pritchard, Tettenball, Wolyer- hampton ; J. Booth. Didsburv. Haubcbobs (Oulden.spangled). — CocJrerei.— 1 and 3, G. & J. Duckworth, Church. 2, H. Bcldon, Bingley. Puik(.-1, T. May, Wolyerhampton. 2, H. BeUlon. 3 and he, G. & J. (jnckw-Tth. Hambubghs (Silver-spangled).— CocfccrcL—l. H. Beldon. 2 and 3, Ashton and Booth. Rroadbottom. Pullet— I, S. W. Hallam, Whitwick. 2, H. Beldon. 3, W. McMellon, Glossop. he, Ashton & Bo.ith- Hambcrghs ( Golden-pencilled I, —CocA-frf(.—l,H. Beidon. 2, W. H. Crabtree, Hale, Alttincham. .'I. (i. 4 J. Ducl^worth. lie, S. W. Ha. lam. Pullct.-2,Vf. H. Crabtree. 3. S W. Hallam he, G. A J Duckworth. Hambubghs (Silver-pencilled).- Cocfeerei —1. R. w. Bracewell, Earliy. 2, H. Beldou. 3, A. Sorby, -Ashton upon-Mersey. Pulkt.—l, H. Beldon. 2, R. W. BraceweP. HotiDAN OH CBFTE-CfEnB-— Cocfrerpf.— 1. J. E. Clavton, Offerton, Stockport. 2. Rev J. G. B. Knight. Ripley. 3, W. Whitworth. jun. he, W. Dring. Faver- sham. Pullet— \, W. H. Crabtree. 2, W. Whitworth, jun. 3, Rev. J. G. B. Knight, he, Pev. J. G B. Knight: G. Berry. Little Heaton. PoLANDB.— C)iic/Le»s.— I, tl. Beldon. 2 and 3, J. Feamley. he, J. Feamley ; J. S, WatftOn. Earby, Leeds. Game Basjt»ms (Black Red).- Cortore!.—l, G. Hall, Kendal. 2, A. S. Sugdcn, Swinley. ( leckheaton. 3, E. Walton, he, W. Robson, Cowper, Morpeth ; G. Hall : T. H. Mrelch. Ormskirk Pull- t—l, G. Hall. 2, G. Maples, Wavertree. 3, A. S, Sugden. he, R. Heihringtou. Stretford ; A. S. Sueden. Game Bantams (Brown Red).— Cocterf!.-l, E Walton. 2, W. F. Entwiale, Bradford. 3. G. Hall. PulUt.—l, 2. and 3. W. F. Entwisle. Game Bantams (Any other variety).— Cocfccrc/ —1. E. Walton. 2 and 3, W. F, Entwisle. PuKtl — 1 and 2, W. F. Kntwisle. .I.G.Hall, ftc. A. S. Sugden. Bantams (Any variety except Game). — C/iicteiis. — 1, G. Hall. 2. W. H. Sbackleton, Bradford. 3, K. Walton, he, N. Cook. Chowbent : C. & J. Illingivorth. llightown. Normanton ; M. Leno. Dunstable; Milneri Beanland, Keighley. c, J Walker ; J. Partington, Lnigh Any otheb Vabiety. — C/iicA-cjt-s.— 1. J. Pickup, jun., Newchurcb. 2, C. Sidgwick. 3, Stott & Booth, Bury, ftc, H. Beldon. PIGEONS. Carbiers.— Cof/.- or HcJi—l and 2, J. Walker, Rochdale, vhc, J. W. Lloyd, Kington ftc, T. Hewitt. Wincham; II. Yardley, Birmiugbam. C.T.Hewitt; W. Uenthall. Wilmslow (2). P'lUTERs.-roc/c or Hen.— 1, F. Greshara, Shefford. 2. J. Walker, rftc, W. Dakin. Glodwiek. Oldham, lie, H. Yaidley ; F. Gresham. c, W, Dakin ; T. W. Towuson. E.iwdun. BvKBS.- CocA- or HcH.— 1 and 2, J.Walker, vhe, R. H. Unsworth, Cheadle Hulme: H. Yardley ftc, W. Dakin (2); T. W. Townson, Bowdon. c, H. Crosby, Sale ; T. W. Townson. Tumblers (Almond).— Cocfc or Hen —1 and 2, R. 0. Fielding, Rochdale, he, J. Walker; H. Yardley. TnMBLERS (Any other variety) —Cock or Hcn.—l, R O. Fielding. 2 and vhc, T. W. Townson, Bowdon. ftc, P. McDonald, Sale. c. H. Y'ardley ; W. J. War- hur-t, Stalybridge Dragoons.— Cocfc or Hen.—l and Extra 2, W. Dakin. 2. W. Smith, Walton- on-the-Hill, Liverpool, vhe, F. Graham, Birkenhead ; R. Woods, Manbfield (2). ftc, H. Yardley ; F. Graham; P. MoUonall; H. Crosby, c, H. Crosby (3); R. Woods. OwT.s (English).— (7oc/c or Hen.—l and Extra 2. T. W. Townson. 2 and vhc, E. Unsworth. he, R. Unsworth (2) ; W. Dakin ; H. Crosby ; T. Booth, Charles- worth. Owls (Foreign).— Corfc or Hen.— Cup and 1. T- W. Townson. 2. D. M. Gar- side, Broughtou. he, R. O. Fielding '*;); T. W. Townson ; D. M. Garside. Jacobin's —Cocfc or Hen.— 1,0. R. .ardson. Rochdale. 2, R H. Unsworth. he, R. H. Unsworth: H Crosby; T. H.. 11, Bradford ; P.. White, Manchester. ToBBiTs.-Cocfcorflen.-l, H.Woods. 2, W. Dakin. Extra 2. R. White, he, R. H LJnsworih; H. Woods; R White; G. Richardson, c, H. Crosby; H, Woods: G.Richardson. Fantails.- Cocfc or Hen.—l, J. Walker. 2. W. J. Warhurst, Stalybridge. )ic, J. Walker; J. F. Loversidge, Newark; l^. Plukno, Higher Broi^hton (2); W.J. Warhurst. c, J. F. Loversidge; H.Woods: Q.PInkno: H.CEo^vInan. Antwi-rps. —Cocfc or Hen.— I, J. Wright, Manchester. 2, W Gamon. Chester. I'ftc, P. Frit^rley. Fishpool, Bury : W. Gamon. he, H. Yardley; J.Wright; R. Brierley; H.Crosby: VV. Deak'n. Any otheh Variety. — 1, G. Richardson, Gulden, Rochdale. 2, A. H. Holt, Sale (Black Truuipeter). vhc, D. M. Garside. lie, H Yardley: G. Gibbon. Agden (Archangel); H. Crosby (Meavc); A. H. Holt (Black Trumpeter aD(2 Blue Priest] : T. W Townson. c, H. Crosby (Ice). Sellisg Class.— 1, J. Walker. 2, T. W. Townson. 3, F. Midwinter, Ashtou- on-Mersev (Hwl). vhe, P. Norburv. Mubherley (Blue Dragoon) (2): T. H. Stretch. Ormskirk. ftc. W. Henshall. Wilmslow; S. L Bellhouse, Sale j (Tumblersi; J. Booth, Didsbury (Euglith Owlsl; D. M. Garside; H. F. Bow- man (Fantailsi. c. J. Holland, Castte, N()rthwich (Turbit) ; S. L. Bellhoase (Antwerps); A H. Holt (Blue Owl) ; D. M. Garside ; T. W. Toivnson (2). 1 RABBITS. : Lop-eabed.— Bttcfc or Doc. - 1 and ftc, T. Schofield. jun , Cheetham. 2, T. and 1 E. J. Fell. Daisvfield, Blackburn, Sheerness. c, J. Crabtree. Denton. A^oonx.—Buck or Doe.—l, R. H. Swuine. Heywood. 2, J. Uutterworlh, 1 Rochdale ftc, F. Harrison. Altrincham ; P. Dingle, Bowdon : T. & E. J. FelL j Himalayan.— i?»cfc or Doc— I. T. Schotield jun. 2. J. Wright. Altrincham. vhc, J. Butterworth, Rochdale, c, R. Duine, Hale; W. Whitworth, jun., Bate, ■ Altrincham. I Dutch.— BiiCfc or Doc— 1. T. Haslam, Timperley. 2. J. Butterworth. I Silver-Grey.— Bucfc or Doe.—l, Found & chippell, Westborongh, Dewsbury. 2, T. Scbofiel't, jun. ftc, T. Schofield, jun.; F. A. Stansfleld, Kawtenstsll ; 1 Foond & Cliappell. Any other Variety.- Biicfc or Doe.—l. T. Schofield (Belgian Hare). 2, H, I Pimlott, Bowdon (Belgian Hare); T. Schofield (Siberian); F. Mid^vinte^, Ashton on-Mereey. Judges. — Poultry, Mr. R. Teebay. Figeoiis and Babbits, Mr. E. Hutton. OSWESTRY POULTRY SHOW. As the district around Oswestry is noted for supplying im- mense quantities of poultry for table purposes to Manchester, Birmingbam, and a few other large towns, it is customary to find some of the best of specimens exhibited at its annual Show. This year not only were the entries more than customary, but the quality was fuUy equal to all previous shows. This neigh- bourhood has supplied many of the finest exhibition Game fowls that were ever shown, and exceedingly high prices have been occasionally obtained for the choicest specimens, causing an amount of care and attention to be paid to the breeding of such Game fowls that is not generally carried out in other localities. Black Reds and Brown Reds appear to be the favourite varie- ties, and for colour and character few could match them. The Black Reds were shown in pens enjoying a capital light, and they thus became objects of public interest. The Brown Reds, though by no means less praiseworthy, were arranged in the ' lower tier, (and most unfortunately in a position as regards light September 80, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 305 that necessitated taking every separate bird in hand to form even an opinion of their colour when judging, and prevented the exquisite feathering of the " starling-breasted " cocks being seen at all by visitors. This arose entirely from the light from the roof (the only one) falling directly on the tops of the pens, but another season we are assured this mistake will be carefully avoided. The Dnckwings were very perfect in feather, and the Red 3?iles were shown in no less fine condition, la pnrhimjs all colours competed together, first-rate Dark Greys being in the highest position, but very closely pressed by one of the best pair of White Dorking chickens we have seen of this season. Mr. Sidgwick had possession of the whole class for Partridge Cochin cockerels, his two entries being the only ones. They were, as they always are, hard to beat, even had the competition been by the score. Mrs. Allsopp was the winner with a grand pair of Buff Cochin chickens, which were in admirable show trim. In Dark Brahmas Mr. Ansdell, and in Lights Mr. Dean, quite upheld their notoriety in their respective classes to the entire exclusion c f all opponents. The Spanish were re- markably good, and very fine well-grown chickens throughout. The Hajnhurghs were fine classes of every variety, and by far superior to former Oswestry shows. In Game Bantams the first-prize Black Reds and the second Red Piles were perfection both as to size, health, and colour. Rouen Ducks and also Aylesbury Ducks were so far beyond those previously shown as to quality that they became the most admired of any of the Waterfowls, though remarkably fineEmbden and Toulouse Geese formed large and \:'ell-competing classes. Among the fancy Waterfozcls a fine pen of Autumnalis Whistling Ducks and a pen of very choice White Decoy Ducks were the successful ones. As to the latter they were remarkably perfect as to form of head and shortness of beak, but, as is always of late years, far too large in body to compare with those of some thirty years back, when "Decoy Ducks" were oftentimes seen but little larger than Teal. Wet weather was a drawback throughout the day. GA^dE.— Black-breasted Eed.—ChicJ:ens.~l, E. Winwood, Worcester. 2. J. WainwriphT. Guile field, Welshpool he, E. Smith, Morda. Oewestry. Brown- breasted lied.- Chickens. — 1 and he, T. Burgeas, Burleydam, Whitchurch. 2, J. Cocli, Worcester. Game —Dnckning Greys and White or Piles.~Cliickens.-\, G. Rogers, Wood- hill, Oswestry. 2. E. Winwood. he, W. C Phillips, Worcester. Dorkings.— CJiicfcens.—l, E. phaw, Plas Wilmot. Oswestry. 2. E. Williams, Henllys, Berriew, MuntRomery. c. Mrs. Somerville, Chirk, Ruabon. CocHiN-CuiNA.— Broa-H or Partridge. — Cliiekens. — 1 and 2, C. Sidgivick. White or Buff.- Chickens— \, Mrs. Allsopp, Worcester, 2 and lie:, C. Sidgwick. c, .A. Darby, Little Ne-e, .^hrewsbary. Spanish.— C/i(c'A'OTis. — 1, E. Jackson, Finchfield, WolverhamptOD. 2, H. Wilkinson. Karby, Leeds he, Mrs. Allsopp. c, A. Darby. Brahma Puutra.— Dark— Chickens.— 1 and 2, T. F. Ansdell. Cowley Mount, St. Helen's, tic. Bridy:,-water & Yoxall, Wednesbnry; J. Eimmer. Penybryn. St. Asaph. Light— Chickens.— \ and 2. T. A Dean, Marden. he, Mrs. H. Ffoulkes, Moiitgiimery. c, R A. Poissier, Penshurst. IlAMBUBOiifi.— Si/r. rof Gold-pencillcd-Chickcns.-liS. Robinson, Garstang. 2. W. Clayton, Keighley. he, 'I. .—\, 2, B. and vhc, G. & J. Mackley. he, J. Adams, e, A. Dunn. Norwich. Evenly-marked Buff —1 and S, G.& J. Mackley. 2, J. Arfams, c. G. & J. Mackley; T. Tenniswood, Middlesbroiigh. lio-Kv.'icu.— Ticked and rntvenbj-inarked Yellon\-\,'2, and3, J. Adams, vhc, G. & J. Mackley. c, G. & J. Mackley ; Provart & Willis. Ticked and Unevenly- marked Buff.—l, 2. and he, G. & J Mackley. 3. Provart & Willis, vhc, W. B. Hovell, Norwich (2) ; Provart & Willis, c. — Yallop, Norwich. HoRYiicH.—Evenly-marked Crested Yellou\—l, A. Dunn. 2, F. Woodward, Derby. 8, G. & J. Mackley. Evenly-marked Crested Buff. -\,G. &J Mackley. 2 and 3, A. Dunn, vhc, W. E. Hovell ; G. & J. Mackley. c, G. & J. Mackley ; J. Yallop. NofiwicH.— Clfnr Yellow with Dark Crest.— S,G. & J. Mackley. Clear Buff with Dark Crest.— 1, J. Adams. 2 and 3, G. & J. Mackley. c, A. Dunn: A. Palmer. VoHvricH— Clear Buff n-ith Clear or Grey Crest.— l,yv. B. Hovell. 2 and 3, G. & J. Mscklev. u/it-. J, Yallop ; E. I.awn. Norwich. Norwich.— r(cAT(7 or Uncvinhj-innrkcd Cresttd Buff.—l, G. & 3. Mackley. 2. J.YaDop. 3,WB.Hovell. /(r, A. Palmer. Belgian.— C^tar and Ticked Yellon\—l, T. M. Eeid, Halifax. Clear and Tieked Buff.—l, T. M. Reid. 2 and 3. H. Davies, Wolverhampton. LiZABD —Golden-s2mngled.—l and vhc, S. Bunting. Derby. 2 and 3. T. W. W. Fairhraes, Canterbury, he, 3. Shackteton. Rochdale: S. Bunting, Derby; C. Greenwood, Scarborough. Silver-spangled —1, T. W. W. Fairbrass. "2 and d, S. Bunting, r/ic, J. Stevens, Middlesbrough; S. Bunting; C. Greenwood ; T. W. W. FairbrasB. he, 3. Shackleton ; T. W. W. Fairbrass. c, G. & J. Mackley (2). 1.1Z ABB. —Gold or SHver-spangled Broken Cap —I, S Bunting. 2 and y, t. W. W- Fairbraes. vhe, B. Bunting; T. W. W. Fairbrass (2). he. T. M. Reid. e, 3. Adama (2). YoRKSBiRE.— Clear 7ellow.—l. G. & 3. Mackley. 2, J. Thackrev, Bradford. 3, W.Evans, c. J. Wilkinson, Bradford; G. &J. Mackloy. Clear B»#.— 1 and S, G. & J. Mackley. 2. J. Thackrey. he, 3. Wilkinson ; J. Thacitrey. YoBKsmn-E— Evenly-marked Yelloic—l and 2, J. Thackrey. 3, J. Wilkinson. vhc, L. Eelk, Dewsl ury. Evenly-marked Buff.—l, 3. Thackrey. 2, R. Hawman, Middlesbrough. 3,L Belk. vhe, 3 Wilkinson, he, 3. Thackrey; J. Wilkinson. YoBK<.HiKE.— Ticked or Unevenly-marked IVi(o)''.— I. J. Thackrev. 2, G. and J. Mackley. 3, L. Belk. Ticked or Unevenly-marked Buff.— I, 3, Thackrey. 2 and vhc, G. & 3. Maokley 3, J. Wilkinson. Lanxashibe CofPY— Clear Yelloiv.— 1,2, and vhc, 3. Shackleton. 3, G. &3. Mackley. Clear Buff.— 1,2, and vhc, 3. Shackleton 3, L. Belk Lancashibe Plainheads. — 67ear ¥elloio.—l, A. Hamer, O'dham. 2, G. and J. Mackley 3, J. Yallop he and c, J. Shackleton. Clear Buff.— 1,3. Yallop. 2, J. Shackleton. 3, A. Hamer. vhc.W. Evans, Manchester, he, 3. Thacki-ey ; J^ Shackleton. Cinnamon-.- Tf^txr.— 1, 2, 3, and vhc, 3. Adams, he, G. & J. Mackley. Buff.— 1, 2, and 3, J. Adams. Cinnamon— FariV^afftZ Yellotv.—l, T. Tenniswood. 2, J. Thackrey. S, W. and C. Bumiston. e, J. Wilkinson. Variegated Buff.— 3, 3. Adams. Any OTHan Variety of Canary.—! and 3, J. Shackleton (Ticked and Yellow Buff Coppy). 2. G. A: J. Mackley (Ticked Buff Coppy). vhc, W. Evana (Ticked Buff Coppyj. he, L. Belk (Lancashire Coppy). MULES. Goldfinch and Cana-ry.— Cicar or botia-fide Ticked. — 1,' 2, 'a.n6. vhc, S. Bunting 8, G. &J Mackley. Goldfinch and Ci.v&ti^— Evenly-marked Yellow.— I ariA ^, G. & J. Mackley. % R. Hawman. Evenly-marked Bnff.—l, 3. Stevens. 2 nnd c, G. & J. Mackley. 3 and he, — Bunting, vhc, — Bunting ; E. Pearson, Whitby. Goldfinch and Canary.— Dar/c.—i, G. & J. Mackley. 2, S. Bunting. 3, R. Hawman. vhc.S Bun'ing: G. & J. Mackley. Linnet.— 1, J. Stevens. 2 and 3, G. & J. Mackley. he, G. E. Russell, Brierley Hill. Any other Vabiety.-I and 3, G. & 3. Mackley. 2. R. Hawman (Greenfinch Canary), he, 3. Drake, Ipswich (Siskin and Canary). GROUPS. Six NoRwicn CkfikTiiBB.- Trrespective of colour.— 1 and 3, Provart & Willis. 3, J. Yallop, Bigh colour, three Yellows and three Buffs.— I and 3, W, B. Hovell. 2, J. Yallop. Natural colour, three Yellows or three Buffs. ~l and. 3,W. J. Hutchin, Norwich. BRITISH BIRDS. Goldfinch.— 1, Knight & Spencer. Baldock. 2, J. Drake, vhc, J. Swain, Pickering. Linnet.— 1, J. Drake. 2, R. Pearson. REDpLiL'i: OR Siskin.— 1, G. & J. Mackley. 2. C. E. Dade. Norwich. Song Thbush.—1, — Frost, Norwich. 2, F.Cubitt, Norwich. ^'/^c,C. Watson, Norwich. Magpie.— 1. M. Athow. Norwich. 2, W. Perfect, Norwich. Any other Variety.- 1, R, Humphrey, Harleston (White Blackbird. _vhc, J. Drake (Miniature OwlJ. FOEEIGN BIRDS. Wax Bills —1, W. Walter, Winchester. Sparrows.— Cora^necfcf(^—l. W. Walter. Vakakuets.— Australian Qrass.~l, 3. Drake. Ring-necked or Indtan.-l, J. Barron, Sunderland. LovR Bird*! —1. J. Drake. Parkots.— iL'iHj?.— 1, Miaa Bateman, Norwich, vhc. 3. Drake. Grey.— I, 3. F, Breeze, Norwich. 2, J. Yallop. 8, Mre.Blyth, Norwich. CooKATOo.-l, J. Drake. 2. M. Gedge. 8. J. Hart, Norwich. Anv other VARiETr.—l, W. Walters (Nonpariel). Messrs. Blakston and Copeman were the Judges. HINCKLEY SHOW OF CAGE BIRDS, &c. On the 21st of September a very good Show was held at tlie Mineral Batb Grounds, Hinckley, situated Bome few miles from Leicester. The Exhibition comprised Canaries and other cage birds, besides Rabbits and Cats. The rain which fell plentifuUy somewhat damped the affair, and was anything but suitable to the Rabbits and Cats, which were shown openly, whilst the birds were more protected beneath an open and capacious tent. The entries in the whole were upwards of 230, the greater portion of them being for birds. Several exhibitors of some pretensions put in appearance, but most of the principal prizes in the Canary classes fell to the lot of Mr. Adams of Coventry, who exhibited fifteen specimens mostly peppered. The other most successful competitors were Messrs. Bunting of Derby; Athersuch, Coventry; Goode, Leicester; Coldnew, Burton; and R. Whitaker of Darley, near Derby. The show of Belgian birds was poor. Norwich good, the classes being well patroniRed. Crested birds beyond average quality, and must have taken a little sorting-out. Cinnamon birds not quite so plentiful, but rich in colour. Lizard birds exceedingly good. Mules firBt-claes. The British and Foreign classes fairly represented considering the time of year, but the moulting season apparently is a favourable one for birds. In the locul classes for cage birds there were about fifty entries, but there was nothing of an extra kind shown. The class for British birds was the best supported, there being fourteen entries. Rabbits numbered three classes in the AU-Euglaud part of the Show — namely, Lop-eared, Any other variety, and Heaviest. There were sixteen entries in the first class, fifteen in the next, and two for heaviest. The chief winners were AV. H. Crewe, Et-q., Etwall ; and Messrs. Woods, Mann, Clew, Barrows, and Robinson. For the heaviest Rabbit, W. Kirby was awarded a second prize, the first being withheld owing to the want of suffi- cient competition. Local exhibitors made a score entries. Cats. — There were about thirty Cats and kittens shown, but in some of the classes the first prizes were withheld for want of competition. In Class 19, heaviest Cat, only two entries were effected, one of which was that of Mr. Minton's white short- haired English Cat, the winner of first prizes at the Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Hanley, Boston, and Burton-on- Trent. "With all these honours surrounding it, we think a first prize might have been given at Hinckley ; had the Cat not been qualified for so distinguished a position, it would have made all the difference. The following is a list of the awards : — Bflgians.— 1, W. Stringer, Atheratone. 2, T. Moore, Thringstone. 8, E. Arnold, Hinckley. NiiR-wicn.-Clear Yelloii\—\ and 2, 3. Adams. Covent'y. 3, R. Whitaker, Darley, Derby, he, G. E. Russell, Brierley Hill, c, C. J. Salt, Barton; J. Athersuch, Coventry. Clear Buff.—l and 2, J. Adama. 3 and he, 3. Athersuch. c, E. Whitaker. Marked or Variegated, Yelloic or Buff.—i, 2. and he, J. Adams. 3, J. Atherauch. c, R. Whitaker; G. E. Rasaell. Crested.-l and hCf 3. Adams. 2, J. Goode, Hinckley. 3, R. Whitaker. c, W. Bowyer, Leek; C.J. Salt. Cinnamons, — Yellow or Buff. — 1, 2, and he, 3. Adama. 8, T. Coldnew, Burton. Lizards.- Go Irf or Silver-sjyangled,-!, J. Athersuch. 2 and 3, S. Bunting, Derby, he, 3. Adams. • MoLEa.- ^ni/ variety.— 1 and he, S. Bunting. 2, J. Goode. 8, W. Timson, Leicester, c. G. E. Ruasell British Bird3.— .-^hj/ variety.— I, T. Coldnew. 2. C. F. Foson, Lutterworth, S, J. Lacey, Burton-on-Trcnt. he, E. Pearson, Whitby. Foreign BiRDa.— ,<4;iy varietij. — 1, S. Buntinf;; (King Parrot). 2, J. Goode (Parrot). 3, H. Bentley, Earlshiltou (Cockatoo), he. Miss Eobinson, Hinckley {Bengal Parrot), e, E. Arnold; W. Rowbottom, Nailstone (Grey Parrot). Six Canaries in one Cage.— I, J. Adama. 2, C. J. Salt. 3, W. Strinfjer. Selling Class.— 1, J. Adams. 2, Martin & Griffin. 8, G. E. Eusaell. he, R. Whitaker. c, Moore & Wynn, Northampton. LOCAL CLASSES. Canaries.— CItfar Yellow.— I, A. Clark, Hinckley. 2, G. Geary. Earwell. he, W. Watts, Burbage. c, W. Young, Hinckley. Clear Buff.—l, M- Matpaa, Pincklev. 2, G. Geary, /tc. W. Martin, c, W. Taylor, Hinckley. Marked or Variegated.— I and 2."G. Suffolk. Hinckley, he and c, W. Taylor. Any ot/wr variety.— I, G. Geary. 2 and he, E. Arnold, c, W. Steane, Hiockley. Six Canaries in one Cage.— 1 and he, G. Suffolk. 2, M. Malpaa. c, T. Pincliess, Hinckley. Mules.— /Inw variety.— 1, E. Arnold (Goldfinch Mule). 2, G. Suffolk (Linnet Mule), he, 3. Taylor. Hinckley, c, A. Clark. British BiRD9.—i4?iwi'arie^i/.— 1, G. Cocklinga.Earlahilton (Thrash). 2,W.S. Pridmore, Hinckley, he, 3. Taylor, c, W. Hall. EABBITS. Lop-eared.— 1, H. Woods, Blackburn. 2, J. Mann, Burton. 8, T. S. Barrows, Leicester, he and c, W. 3. Oolev. Any other variety. — I, W. H. Crewe, Etwall, Derby. ■.^. R H. Clew. Wakelield. 3. B. R^'biuson, Ru^by. /ic. H. T. Hincks. Humberetono, Lpiceater ; T. S. Ludlow, Hinckley. e,3. E. Pilgrim, Hinckley. Heaviest —2, W. Kirby, Ashbyde-la-Zouoh. Local ChAS6K3.—Lopeared.—i,G. BiUington, Hinckley. 2, R. Austin, Nun- eaton, he, G. BiUington. c, M. Malpaa. Any other variety —1, S. H. Pilgrim, Hinckley. 2, J. E. Pilgrim. Hcai'iesf.—l, A. Famdon, Hinckley. 2, E. Muston, Hinckley. CATS. ToRTOiaESHELL.— 2 and he. Mrs. Jordan. Nailstone. S, W. Kirby. Tabby,— 2, E. Sherwin. Hinckley. Any other colour— I, T. Col'inew. 2, G. Godfrey, 8, 0. S. Pocock, Great Berkhumpstead. Heaviest —2. E. Minton. Newcaatlo- under-Lync. Cat and Kittens.— 2. Mra. Pocock. 3, A aiaddocka. Local ChAf^sES. - rortoiscsfiell.— I, 3. WUIa, Hinckley. 2. T. Trnalove. Burbape. Tahhy.—l, 3. Baxter, Hinckley. 2. E, Colman, Hinckley, c, Misa K. Moore. Any other colour,— U E. Lord, Hinckley. 2, T. Hont, Hinckley. September 30, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 307 Cat and Kittens.— 1, A. Bosle, Hinck'ey. 2, T. Pratt, nincklej-. he,}. Guiin, Hinckley. Jddge, — Mr. J. Eexson. JACOBINS. I WAS much gratifietl to see that my letter on the above birda had called forth articles from the pens of such able and experi- enced fanciers as Mr. Harrison Weir and Mr. Huie, confirmatory of my remarks. That the birds known at present uudfr that name are utterly worthless there cannot be a doubt in the minds of those who have seen the old type. What, then, can be done to bring about a better taste and restore the old bird to his proper position ? Mr. Weir's remark that judges will in general give prizes when the classes are filled, though there may not Ije a moderately good bird in the lot, has no doubt had something to do with bringing such trash into their present position. This certainly ought never to be the case when the professed object of societies and shows is to improve the breeds of our fancy birds. If a class, however numerous, do not contain the requisite properties to a fair extent, then the prizes ousht to be withheld entirely. This, I imagine, would soon bring forward something better. The most hopeless aspect of the case, however, is, that many of the present judges hold that those maned birds are the correct type. Some, no dnnht, err from never having seen the genuine mgh-class birds. Were they to see them side by side, I believe no fancier with the slightest good taste could hesitate for a moment in deciding which was the high-bred bird; indeed, it would be easy to distinguish them in the dark. If the fine old bird is to be placed in hia proper place, I again say that it is time something should be done; but what to do and how, it is not so easy to say. Perhaps Mr. Weir or Mr. Huie may suggest some way of accomplishing this. I hope the matter will not be allowed to rest here. — Geo. Ube. LIZAED CANARIES.— No. 2. In a former number of the .Journal (page 147, No. 7oO) I drew attention to a first-prize Lizard, an excellent life-like illustration of which was given, representing a famous bird exhibited at the Palace Show by Mr. T. W. W. Fairbraes of Canterbury. I like to be in the company of the "fancy," whether it be the humble artisan or one in more easy circumstances. Like birds of a feather fanciers will mix together. I often think there is an abundance of fraternity about Canary fanciers, although at intervals there may be jars and difference of opinion. It reminds me of birds passing through their period- ical moult — they generally come all right and smooth in feather. During any little chit-chat with a brother fancier something of interest is sure to crop up, either about seed (that has been serious enough of late), cages, or birds. The following remarks may perhaps not be uninteresting to those who have of late moved in Lizard circles. Nottingham Canary authorities (and I look upon Mr. Joseph Widdowson as one) have assured me that " the oldest Lizard breeder in England is old Sam Godber, who has bred Lizards all his life." When I heard that remark two years ago I wondered how old the identical " Sam " was, and upon inquiry having ascer- tained that he had passed the age allotted to man, I knew not where to look for one who had devoted so much attention to a particular breed of the Canary. So far as the Canary cause generally is concerned I could mention the names of other veterans — for instance. Waller, London ; Newsome, Bromley ; Bond, Derby ; but cannot pofitiveiy assert that they, like " old Sam Godber," have been in the fancy " all their lives." Find- ing myself in "old Sam's" company (during one of the very recent Nottingham bird shows) in a "little back parlour," where fanciers chose to discuss bird topics (it's no use disguising the fact), I was much interested in hearing him relate his Imow- ledge of Lizards as they ought to be (but not with white eyelids as once stated in a paper now defunct), the famous birds he had bred, and into whose hands they had afterwards passed, to win for their respective possessors laurels as their own " bond-fide specimens " at some of the best shows in England. "Old Sam's" ambition was more for breeding a good thing or two, and either selling them or exhibiting the same in his own locality, than sending them to distant shows. Previous to my personal acquaintance with the veteran Lizard breeder, I had for years previous heard it remarked that So-aud-so's birds had a strain of " old Sam Godber's breed in them." Yes, and if I do not mistake, I think that the famous prize Lizards exhibited by Isaac Stevenson (tbe miner, of Old Basford) at the Crystal Palace some years back, had some of the same strain in them. In accordance with my promise I will devote a brief space to exhibitors of Lizard birds who have during the past few years been most successful upon the show stages. I have generally found that where any breeder and exhibitor has paid particular attention to the breeding and the bringing of them out, greater success has resulted than would otherwise have been the case had that attention been but partly devoted to the same. As some proof of what exhibitors have done, and the oppor- tunity offered to others, I may state that during the season of 1874-5 Mr. Fairbrass won no less than thirty prizes (eleven first, nine second, and ten third) with his Lizards, besides twenty-two honourable mentions. With one exception the above is the greatest achievement I am aware of respecting Liz'ird Canaries in one season, and Mr. Fairbrass may be justly proud of his birds when he states in a letter to me, "I feel a pleasure in forwarding you an account of the number of prizes won." The exception alluded to was that of Mr. W. Watson, jun.'s, famous Lizards, which the same year and the season prior to the above won twenty-three first, twelve second, and eleven third prizes, the birds having been exhibited for the de- cision of the following ten judges : Messrs. Barnesby, Willmore, Moore (Fareham), Calvert, Tnckwood, Bexson, Moore & Wynn, Blakstone and Clarke of Sunderland. Without exception Mr, Watson's Silver-spangled Lizard cock was one of the finest birda ever exhibited of its class. Mr. Watson was the winner of numerous prizes, besides a silver medal tor the best bird in five classes at Newcastle, a silver medal at Leeds, and a copper kettle at Darlington. Instances are known of other breeders gaining more prizes with Norwich and other birds, but there ia no comparison betwixt the Norwich and Lizard breeds, it being much more difficult to bring perfect-marked Lizards to the front than Clear Norwich birds. I have often thought it would be well to encourage exhibitors in exhibiting their own bred stock by offering prizes to the most successful exhibitors and breeders of various kinds of Canaries. The following are the names of a few enthusiastic admirers who have at various times gained some repute as breeders cr exhibitors of Lizards: — Williams & Tuckwood, Nottingham; Stevenson, Basford ; Taylor & Stevens, Middlesbrough; Rev. V. Ward, Hythe; Ritchie, Darlington; Fairbrass, Canterbury; Aehton & Martin, Manchester; Belper, Derby; Hawkins and Judd, London; Watson, jun., Darlington; Reid, Halifax; Smith and Preen, Coventry; Mackley, Norwich; Buntiog, Derby; Hayes, Suttonin-Ashfleld; Warren, Macclesfield, besides other numerous breedei's in the neighbourhood of the last-mentioned town and in Lancashire and Yorkshire. — Geo. B. B.vbneset. BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW. This Association held its second annual Exhibition on the 2l6t, 22nd, and 23rd inst. ; and although we have had such an unprecedented bad season, a few magnificent supers of honey ornamented the show-tablea. But it was amongst the hives and appurtenances that the value of the Association's labours was chiefly shown. The hives now shown were almost without exception good ; inventors and makers had taken the lessons of last year well to heart, and adopting what they thought most useful, had in many instances added novelties of their own, which still further improved the whole. A very large attend- ance of bee-keepers gathered together and enthusiastically handled the exhibits, freely buying for patterns those they admired most. Nearly everything of value in the Show was claimed where a fancy price bad not been asked. A prize was offered for the best collection of hives and bee-furniture. The first was awarded to Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, whose collection made a grand show of itself. Conspicuous among the hives was a large bunch of melilot clover standing 10 feet high ! This plant is said to be highly attractive to bees, and is often sown for their exclusive use. Mr. Marriott, the Crystal Palace bee- master, had displayed his exhibits in a pretty attractive manner, but an almost entire absence of modern bar-frame hives pre- cluded hia winning second prize, which was awarded to Mr, Abbott, and an exira prize of equal merit to Mr. Lee. In the class for observatory hives there was nothing novel, and the Judges evidently thought a second prize sufficient award to Messrs. Neighbour for their well-known Woodbury observa- tory. Mr. Marriott showed an observatory hive full of comb but no bees. This exhibit had much better have been away, as the comb was evidently infested with wax moths, and infected by foul brood. In Class 2, for the best moveable-comb hive for depriving purposes, the competition was very close, several exhibits showing points of excellence that their neightonrs did not possess. The Judges had a difficult task before them, but they eventually awarded the first prize, a silver medal and £1, to No. 4. Mr. C. N. Abbott ; and a bronze medal for second prize to Mr. J. M. Hooker for No. 13 ; Mr. Cheshire's hive of 1874 with some further improvements being passed over. Both the prizetakers had adopted many good points of Mr. Cheshire's hive, and to them added a multitude of contrivances of their own, which, especially in Mr. Abbott's case, in our opinion spoils the whole. Nothing is more essential in a hive than 308 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( September SO, 1875. simplicity, and nothing could be further from it than the first- prize hive. The method of securing the frames in position is a good inEtance of this fault. It is very difficult t^ describe with- out drawings, but we will say the ends of the top bars of the frames are cut pointed like the teeth of a saw, and these fit iuto corresponding spaces in the front and back of the hive. To release them, bo that they can be removed, 1 inch of the front and back is hinged and folds outward, the bees will, no doubt, propolise every serration, and the consequent jar on its rupture will bring them angry to the top ; every experienced bee-master must know there is nothing more essential than quietness ia manipulation. On reclosing the hinged slips we are at a loss to see how the crushing of many bees ia to be prevented. For the purpose of contracting the capacity of the hive the interior is fitted with a diaphragm of vulcanite. This is a useless ad- ditional expense, as wood would answer every purpose. No crown-board is used, but the frames are covered with a carpet, which is placed directly on the frames. We do not know whether bees can depend on a supply of propolis without limit, but as tho insects never rest until they have closed every chink and cranny, we fear much energy will be expended which might be more profitably employed honey-gathering. There was one thing that particularly struck us — viz,, Mr. Abbott in the pages of a contemporary has many times most strongly advocated the absence of a bottom rail to the frames, and yet in this hive we note its presence. In this class Mr. Eusbridge exhibited a hive which he calls the Sussex Hive; it is simply a Woodbury spoiled by the absence of a bottom rail. The slots in the crown- boards also are twice the width they should be for successfully keeping the queen from the super. Conspicuous in this class was the Sherrington hive, a good, substantial, rectangular straw hive, but with an absurd roof, large enough to require two men to remove it before the bees could be reached. Mr. Cheshire's first-prize hive of 1874 was further improved by several little additions, and it is in our opinion by far the easiest hive to manage. In Class 3, for hives on the storifying priuciple, Mr. C. W. Smith took first and second, as last year, for the handsome Carr-Stewarton, The Sussex hive again appeared here, but we were unable to discover its right to claim as a storifying hive. Class 4, hives on the collateral principle, bad but three com- petitors. Mr. Hooker took first, Mr. Pettitt second. There was no special merit in this class, and the Committee would do well to consider the propriety of abolishing it next year. Class 5, for the most economical (best and cheapest) complete hive on the moveable-comb principle for cottagers' use. The first went to Mr. Abbott for a hive somewhat improved on his exhibit of last year, but spoiled by the same arrangement of frame, guides, and hinges as in Class 2. The second prize was given to Mr. J. S. Wood of Nyborg, Denmark. This exhibit, called the " allotment hive," was a marvel of workmanship, for 10s., but to this must be added its freight from Denmark, which on the point of cheapness prevented it obtaining the first prize to which it was otherwise most certainly entitled. The capacity of this hive is too small for our climate; it is only suflioient to contain eight frames, 10 by 8 inches, but the wonderful pains that had been taken to secure the bees from the inclemency of a high latitude was worthy of all praise. The sides, bottom, and top of the hive were formed of straw IJ inch thick, well cornered with wood ; behind was a shuttered window, and the whole hive covered externally with wood, a good roof sur- mounted all. In this hive it appeared to ns that necessary warmth and ventilation is perfect, and if it could only be sup- plied in England at anything like the marked price, with some modifications to suit English taste, it would become the hive of tho day. A more substantial, better made, low-priced hive was never seen. The same exhibitor eenta three-storeyed hive made after Berplesch. It ^vas made in the same substantial manner as the last described, and it was, indeed, even mora weather-proof, being 3^ inches thick of straw. A two-storey hive received from Baron Ambrozy of Hungary also showed some good economical workmanship, but the ar- rangement of the frames — i c, removeable only by drawing-out behind, seemed to oar English taste most inconvenient. The frames are arranged broadside to the front, so that to take out the eighth frame all the others must be first removed. The Baron Ambrozy is one of the largest bee-keepers in Europe, having two thousand stocks in these hives. One would think gentle- men with such extensive practice would soon discover the best hive. In Class G, for the best and cheapest skep for depriving pur- poses, the first prize was awarded to Messrs. Neighbour & Sons ; second to Mrs. Pagden. But for good workmanship nothing conld compare in this class with a dome hive, also from Den- mark. It was not for competition, as there was no provision for Bupering. The straw work was as hard as a board, the mould- ing and sewing of the hive perfect, and at the marked price of 2s. its sale in England would be limitless. The same exhibitor also sent another straw hive called the horizontal hive ; it is used on the heaths and moors of Jutland, laying on its side. It was of a most peculiar vase or bottle-shape with a wide mouth, which the bees close as they like. The collection of hives altogether was most interesting and instructive. The Association offered a prize of £2, for the best species or variety of honey bees capable of cultivation in England, other than the Ligurian or black bee. Messrs. Neighbour & Sons exhi- bited a stock said to be Cyprian, and another of Smyrnian bees. The Judges pronounced one lot to be mongrels, the other was undistinguishable from Ligurians, but the prize was allotted to Messrs. Neighbour conditionally on their producing a certifi- cate from Mr. Frederick Smith of the British Museum of their identity ; in default the prize to go to Mr. Hunter for Hungarian bees exhibited by him, which according to the French " L'Api- culteur," are famed for their docility and easy appeasement when disturbed. Perhaps the most interesting things in the miscellaneous de- partment were the honey-extractors. Mr. Cowan exhibited three, all of which were good and much admired. The prize went to No. 160, called the Rapid : this was the only machine which could clear both sides of the comb without removal. At its marked price, ±'2 10s., it soon found a purchaser, as did, indeed, nearly all the machines exhibited. No. 158, the Cot- tagers', cost only 25s., and did its work effectually. The Ama- teurs', at 35s., was the most compact of the whole, not being much larger than an ordinary pail, and with such a machine portability is a great point to consider. One extractor would be enough for a village, and either of Mr. Cowan's exhibits could be easily carried by a boy. An American extractor exhibited had some good points, but was too large for English use. The little power required to set the framework in motion was cer- tainly rather astonishing. In the classes for drone traps, feeders, fumigators, and supers we did not notice any striking novelty; but in that for new inventions calculated in the opinion of the Judges to advance the culture of bees there were some very curious and ingenious things. Foremost amongst them was Mr. Cheshire's arrangement for making embossed wax guides in position. By the aid of this little affair, costing only 2s. 6f?., every frame in a hive can be furnished with guide combs, em- bossed and fixed ready for the bees to work on, in ten minutes. Embossed plates, gauges, and smelters are all superseded by this apparatus, to which a silver medal was awarded ; as was also one to Mr. Hooker for an ingenious wooden block for making friimes. The bronze medallists in this class were Mr. J. S. Wood and Mr. Carr, the first for an apparatus for la3dng was guides, now scarcely required when Mr. Cheshire's is to hand ; the other for queen cages slightly modified from those used by Mr. Carr for many years. By what reasoning the Judges arrived at the conclusion of this being a new invention we are at a loss to discover. Mr. J. S. Wood also sent a straw-pressing machine ■ for making straw hives, and a novelty in the shape of wax queen cages, with moulds to make them. This cage is made somewhat like a thimble ; the queen is to be pot within, and after pricking air holes and the top closed it is put into the hive. The bees gnaw out the queen, which takes them many hours, by which time they have become accustomed to their future sovereign. Mr. Hunter exhibited some simple hive-supports for open driving, by the use of which both hands are at liberty and the upper hive is prevented from slipping; also benzolated wax paste for forming guides and cementing decoy combs like Mi;. Wood's smelter. For the former purpose it is superseded, but will be found still useful for the latter. The prize for the best MS. lecture on bee-keeping was awarded to Mr. W. Hunt. We prefume the Committee intend to print this for circulation. Now turning to the honey classes — the prize of the day, £5, for the largest and best harvest of honey in the comb from one stock of bees under any system of management. Grandly among these exhibits stood a magnificent octagon glass super containing 80 lbs. nett of splendid honey exhibited by Mr. George Fox of Kingsbridge, Devon. By its side stood a small straw skep, the hive containing the bees which produced the work, and a written description of their progress. I5ut no prize was awarded; and on inquiring why we heard it said that the Judges did not believe such a hive could contain sufficient bees to fill such a super. Allowing the Judges to be conscientious in their award, we fear here they made a great error. Mr. George Fox is well known as a reputable gentleman, famed for obtaining large supers ; and before coming to a decision, which was tantamount to a charge of fraud against one of our oldest and most esteemed contributors, at least it was the duty of the Judges to make some inquiry. If the Committee would have their reputation for fair play stand good it behoves them to call upon the Judges for an explanation of their award if they have not already given one, and see that justice is done to an old and respected bee-keeper. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Cuwan for two supers, 80 lbs. nett, which, setting aside Mr. Fox's, fairly deserved the position obtained. Competition was not great, and second, third, and fourth prizes should have been won by something more worthy. .\mong straw supers of honey there was nothing of tranFcendant merit, and in ordinary seasons they would have been out of the race. Mr. Cowan and Mr. Eusbridge showed some very good wood supers in Class 11, but the latter bad a suspioiouB white- September 30, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 309 nesB very much liko comb made from loaf sugar. In Class 12, a tine glass super from Mr. Aaebee received the first prize. The remainder to the seventh prize were of small merit, nor were thirteen prizes allotted to cottagers any better. The prize for liqueur or wine made from honey was taken by Mr. Desborough with a sample twenty-eight years old. At intervals during the meeting Messrs, Abbott, Cheshire, Carr, and others, gave practical demonstrations of driving, trans- ferring, honey-extracting, itc, which was very attractive to the general public as well as instructive to bee-keepers. The latter class are noted for enthusiasm, and many came from very long distances to the Show. Mr. Wood of Denmark, who, we pre- sume, is an Englifibraau, musthave gone to considerable trouble and expense to send his numerous and interesting exhibits to instruct his countrymen at home. His things were very low- priced, and therefore there could have been no hope of profit. We append the award of prizes in detail. HIVES. Hive for Observation Purposes (all Combs to be visible on both eidefl).— Prize G. Neighbour & Sons. Moveable Comb Hive (to include coveritg, for deprivinf; purposes) —1, C. N Abbott. 2. J. M. Hookpr Hive for »«f on the Storifi/inq jninciple.—l and 2, C. W. Smith. Hive for u»e on the CuUatiral principle.— \, J. M. Hooker. 2. W J. Tettitt. The Jitost Economical [best and cheapest) Complete fliut' (on tlie Moveable comb principle) for Cottae. rn' uee).— 1, C. N. Abbott. 2, J. S. Wood- Thebest and cheapest Sleep (for depriving purpoBee),--!, G. Neighbour & Sons. 2, Mrs. Pagden. HONEY. The largest and best harvest of Honey (in the comb, from one Block of beep- under any syatem or combination of bj feteme).— 1, J. W. Cow an. 2, H. Wilbnall 3, Rev. F- T. Scott. 4, W. Martin. The best exhibition of •iuptr Honey from one apiary.—S, 3. LiKhton. The best atraiv Super of Honey ~i, J. highion. 2, W. Martin. S,4,audG,F.R- Jackson 5. Rev. C. N. Gray. The best Wood [or wood in combination with glass or straic) Super of Honey. — 1. A. RuBbr^dge. 2. T. W. Cowan. The best Ghus Super of Boneit. -1. J. ABbhee. 2, W.Martin. S.F. G.G. Lines 4, J. Shield, fi. O Youne. 6, Rev. C. N. Gray. 7, W. O. B. Glennie. The best exhibition of Run or Extracted Honey (in glasses of 5 lbs. to 10 lbs. each).-l, G. Neighbour A Sons. 2. J. Walton. 3, A. Rusbridge. Tke best exhibition of Hi-ney in Sujyers (or sections of Supers, each seoarable and singly, not more than 3 lbs. in weight).— 1, Hun. and Rev. H. Bligb.' COTTAGERS' CLASSES. The largest and best exhibition of Super Honey in Comb (the property of one exhibitor, and gathered by his own bees).—!, J. Walion. 2, W. Marlm. 3, M. Freeman. Best Super of Honey —J. W. Martin. 2 and 5, W. T. Ellingbam. 3, J. Walton, 4, J. CJay en. The best Exhibition of liun Honey in glass jars (containing 5 tba. to 10 lbs. each).— 1, J. Ulayden. 2, W. Scorer. 3, W.Martin. 4, J. Walton. 5, W. T. Ellingbam. COMESTIBLES. Lirjueur or Wine made from Honey (with recipe attached).— Prize, J. S. Desborough. Cakes made from Honey (with recipe atttached).— Prize, Mrs. Jonea. MISCELLANEOUS. Tlie best aiul largest collection of Hives, Bee- furniture. Bee gear, and Apicul- turisls^ necessities (no two articles to be alike).—!, G. Neighbour & Sons Equal 2, C. N. Abbott, J. Lee. Drone Trap —Prize, F. Cheshire. Bee feeder (the invention or adaptation of exhibitor).— Prize, G. Neighbour and Sons. The best method of Quieting Bees during Mani2)ulation.—TTize,T. W. Cowan. Best and cheapest Supers for general use in an apiary. — Prize, G. Neighbour and Sons. Cheapest, neatest, and best Supers for producing Honeycomb in a saleable /(Drm— Prize, T. W. Cowan. Honey-extractor (portability and cost to be taken into consideration).— Prize, T. W. Cowan. The finest sample of pure Bees' Wax (the produce of 1875, in cakes of not less than 1 I'l. in wt-ight) —1, J. M. Hooker. 2, W. Scorer. 3, S. Thorne. Any New Irii'ention calculated in the opinion of the Judges to advance the culture of Bees —^\\-veT Medals, F. Cheshire and J.M.Hooker. Bronze Medals, J. S. Wood and W. Carr. The best and most interesting collection of natural objects connected ivith Apiculture, illustrating the natural history and economy of the Honey Bee. — Prize, W. Carr. The best MS. Lecture on Beekeeping, with or without diagrams, the Prize MS. to become the property of the Association,— Prize, W. Hunt. BEE HOUSES.— No. 1. Mr. Htjnter's interesting paper of a recent date, in which he allndeB to bee honsee, induces me to make a few observations on these structures. I believe Mr. Pettigrew condemns them utterly; so do I, if by bee houses are understood those boxes with a roof, shut in on all sides, which one usually sees in cottage land even in more pretentions) gardens. These are for iLe most part simple abominations. They have scarcely a single recom- mendation. They are hot in summer, and harbour insects of all kinds, notably the bees' worst enemy near home — the spider. They are very difBcult of access, nor is it possible to meddle with one hive in them without disturbing the others. Add to which we never saw one yet which was not exceedingly unsightly. Away with all such, we say; yet in all the years that I have kept bees I have rarely had any hives that were not kept and managed in a bee house or bee sheds of some kind or other. When I was firtt known to the readers of the Cottufie Gar- dener, in very early days, under the name of " A Country Curate," I used to keep my bees in windows in my lodgings. As I sat at my study table I had sweet music discoursed (o me, as pleasant to my ears as the wild notes of the harp of zEolus. from the interior of what seemed to be an ordinary cupboard just behind me. The strange noise which proceeded therefrom — strange to uninitiated ears — often attracted the attention of visitors who were admitted to the privileges of my sanctum. "Country Curate's" friends would say, " What have you got there? Have you a spinning jenny behind those doors, or a private engine droning ? " "Neither, my friend (I would reply), although your allusion to the 'droning' is not far wrong in the most literal sense." Then I would unlock my cupboard doors and explain the mystery. Had you been there, reader of these lines, you would have seen a window deeply inserted in the wall, narrow and high. The frame itself was neatly boarded up from top to bottom, so that the glass could not be seen, nor any light find entrance. A stout board divided the space into two equal parts, affording room for a colony of bees in a set of bee boxes on each shelf on the collateral principle. In the bedroom above was a similar window arranged for hives of wood or straw on the storifying plan. I believe the collateral use of two boxes was the invention of a Mr. White, long before Nutt advocated the three-box system. In my own case I used supers of glass and wood over the stock-box of each of my colonies, thus com- bining the two principles. The bees, of course, found their way into the open air through a tunnel ingeniously cut downwards through the floor-board, and communicating with a correspond- ing tunnel in the window frame. Nothing could be more successful than this sort of bee house. It was a continual source of pleasure to me, accessible at all times, and I found it profitable too, as I obtained a quantity of honey mostly from supers, but also I secured some in the side boxes. Nor did I find any difficulty in getting rid of the bees at any time when occasion required that 1 should take off or shift supers or boxes. It was only necsssary to darken a part of the other window in the room while opening wide the rest, and the escaped bees missing their queen were soon off in search of her, and troubled me no more. My recollection of this early ad- venture with a bee house warrants me in confidently recom- mending its like to any person who can aflord the trifling expense of fitting it up. Now is a good time to have such a one arranged and tenanted in view of the year 187G, which we are all looking forward to in hope of a better honey harvest than this year has given us. My next apiary was started while still a country curate, on higher ground in the same parish in Herefordshire. Here, to my great regret, I had no suitable windows to rig up for my bees. However, I soon found myself in possession of a bee shed of wood capable of holding eight colonies, four on each shelf. As far as I can recollect the dimensions of it were as follows — it was 7 feet high from the ground to tlie " wall plate," if I may so call the wood frame on which the roof rested. The width was 6 feet, allowing ample room for four colonies abreast, mostly superod stocks, for I soon found the collateral principle cumbrous and comparatively unprofitable, and so I presently discarded it for ever. The depth of this bee shed was 2J feet. It was closed-iu at the sides, and had doors at the back suspended on hinges and falling downwards. They were so arranged that I could open one of them and communicate with the upper or lower tier of colonies and not disturb the others. The front of the shed was quite open to the air. This shed I found very useful, although it had some of the disadvantages open to all such structures. For instance, I had to wage a continual war with spiders and ants, besides which, in the autumn time espe- cially, I had some trouble with angry or inquisitive bees from the adjacent colonies. On the whole, I can honestly recommend a bee house like it. It has this great advantage over single detached colonies on separate stands, that there was no need of covering the hives against sun or rain. They were always dry, and stood side by tide under the protection of a common roof. I should state that to the best of my recollection the four corner uprights were let into stout sleepers which simply rested on the surface of the ground. As it was erected in a sheltered situation there was no fear of its beiug blown over. Had there been any such danger it would have been remedied by securing the sleepers to posts let into the f round at each extremity. I must add that in front there were moveable boards running from side to side, one at top just under the eave of the roof, and one at the bottom below the upper shelf to partially shade the hives during the hot weather. The hives themselves also were moved backwards or forwards in the summer and winter so as to receive more or less of the sun's warmth as the season re- quired. The planks rested in assort of groove made of bent iron affixed to the upright posts, and were removeable in an instant. — B. & W. A CHAT ABOUT QUEENS. The description given in the Journal of the 9th inat. of the reception given to young queens which had cot been in contact with other bees is interesting and curious, and suggestive that we have not yet arrived at the full knowledge of the sentiments and habits of our little favourites. The observatioas of your correspondent on the combats of queens opens a wide question, as it is so extremely dif&calt 310 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 30, 187f to witness the event wlien it takes place unfler the normal conditions of the hive. That they do fight and destroy each other was demonstrated by Huber, and his views are corro- borated by a practical bee-keeper and accurate observer, Mr. E. Golding, who describes the combat which he witnessed, the clergyman of the parish being also present. The account ia given in the shilling bee-book, a valuable little manual, now unfortunately out of print. At the same time it is remarkable that a disabled queen never has the appearance of suffering and distortion which the workers when stung exhibit. May it be that the venom from a queen's sting is of a less acute nature, or does the constitution of a queen resist to some extent the virus of the poison? That a princess at liberty does destroy other princesses in their cells was also proved by Huber, and I have witnessed the process in an observatory hive from which the old queen had led a swarm. Having no intention of swarming again, the bees permitted the first-hatched princess to open the side of the remaining royal cell. Its destruction occupied about two hours, the bees around offering no opposition, and when the immature young queen was fully exposed the victor retired, leaving the workers to remove the royal nymph. It is agreed by apiarians that one queen only is allowed to remain in a hive, but that to this rule there are exceptions, apparently when the old queen is superannuated and ceases to lay eggs. My impression has always been that super- numerary queens have been disposed of before the reigning sovereign takes her flight. But this year my observations in regard to this fact have puzzled me, and perhaps some of your apiarian readers may be able to solve the mystery. I will explain the difficulty. Number 4 hive was determined to swarm with its young queens. Its owner was determined they should stay at home, and after each attempt returned the swarm the same evening, capturing the queens, which were required for other purposes. When this was no longer necessary the next swarm was kept off one night and one day, the result being that two mature queens and two royal nymphs not arrived at maturity were cast out. This was evidently the clearance of supernumeraries. Four days afterwards the young queen took her flight, the same the day following, when she returned with the evidence of fecundation. Next day about noon there was some crowding and sensation at the mouth of the hive, and a fresh good queen was brought out just dead. It was equally inexplicable that the healthy young queen of the previous day should have died, or that another queen should have existed after the ejection of the two nymphs; and there was no unusual excitement or distress apparent in the bees. Two days after a fertile queen was presented, and left in a cage forty-eight hours, and then admitted to the hive. As nothing was seen of the queen alive or dead the following day, it was supposed she had been grate- fully welcomed, and here unfortunately the observations were interrupted, and the hive removed; but a few days later a dead queen was found on the ground under this hive, leading to the inference that the throne had not been vacant nor her services required. The hive is now in good condition, but I have not had an opportunity of ascertaining if it contains brood. — A. OUR LETTER BOX. Vaeious (Dark Brahma). — No. 1 is the best feather. The yellow tinge in No. 2 is very objectionable. When they sneeze you may give bread and ale, and yoa may also pnt some camphor in their water. It is an excellent thing at this time of year. Creve-Co?ars will not be confined by a fence 5 feet high. They are excellent layers, especially in winter, and their eggs are large. Their chief merits are they do not sit and they will bear confine- ment. FoTsxs Dying (A. B. O.)-— Tour fowls die of disease of the liver. Where fowls are in low condition changes of temperature will cause it. The same result will follow feeding on substances that are not sufficiently nutritious. Potatoes frequently cause it ; we may say always where they form the prin- cipal food. We wish you had stated what their food in. The grass run at the back should do much towards keeping them healthy. Feed them on barleymeal or ground oats slaked with water morning and evening. You may give them whole com or household scraps at mid-day. Give no prepared food of any kind, but confine yourself as closely aa possible to a natural diet. Errata. — In the article last week on " Cups and Entry Fees " read *' decep- tive " for "acceptive," and "sop" for "loss," and in report of Stamford Show read "raw" for "rare." Uttoxeter Show. — Mr. L. Norris, Trumpington House, Cambridge, had two pens of pullets which were highly commended at the above Show. Bath Poultry Snow {Gi'iia). — We agree with you in applauding the Rev. G. F. Hodgson for insisting that " an exhibiting reporter should have 'no admittance ' until the conclusion of the judging." Keeping Pigeons (Anxious). — You can keep ten pairs in perfect condition in a loft 13 feet 4 inches by S feet 6 inches, roof 9 feet high, and oven a few more pairs if kept very clean. The best flooring is made of hot tar, over which fine gravel should bo lifted. When cold another layer of each. We know nothing impervious to rats. Mb. Woodbury (4.).— We do not know if any of his writings will ha re- pubUshed. Hive Deficient in Honey (Welli/igton), — Your hive i^ like thousands of other hivea in having no food for the winter. Give it 14 lbs. of sugar boiled in twelve pint.s of water as fast as the bees will take It— say four pints of syrup every night. If the hive is healthy in other respects such treatment will make it a strong good stock for next year. Commence at once to feed it. Keeping Cock and Hen Canaries Together (A Suhicriher).^la a sufifi- ciently .spacious aviary cage you miy keep a number of birds of both sexes together all the winter, or at least until the turn of Cbristmi^, when those for breeding purposes may be sorted out and the cock birds kept separate. If you intend breeding with the birds the hens may ba kept together until paiiiug time, when yuu can match them according to the 8tii':k you have and as your fancy directs. Of course you would not think of pairing yellow birds together. Preserving Unripe Figs (E. d- IF.).— Take some half-ripe figs, prick them near the stalks, and blanch them. When half cold throw them into cold water, and then drain them; boil some clarified sugar to perl^^. put in the fi™8, and give thera three or four boils with the pan covered closely; then take them from the fire, skim them well, and, having poured the whole into a pan, set it in a stove for the night. The next day drain off the syrup without removing the fruit, boil it up ten or a dozen times, and then pour it on them when no more than lukewarm. On the ensuing day, having drained off the syrup, boil it to graiule jierlc ; then add the figa, cover the preserving pan closely, boil the whole up once, skim it well, and put it into pots, &c., for use. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONB. Caudek Sqcabe, London. Lat. GV 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet. Date. 9 A.u In the Day. S,i,^ Hygrome- "■3 _ Shade Tem- Radiation -a Barom ter at 8 and Be Level ter. B.9 o.oS perature. Temperature. a Sept. Dry. Wet. Hoa Max. Min. In sun. On grass Inches. ieg deg. deg. deg "eg.! deg. deg. In. We. 22 29.700 63.9 61.8 S.W. 610 70.6 5K.1 1(9.0 58.8 O.ICO Th. 23 31123 55.3 510 N. 61,0 69.5 53.2 63.9 53.8 0.775 Fri. 21 S0.U3 51.0 5!.3 S.W. 59.0 60-3 52 2 85 0 62.0 0.120 Sat 25 29.n7(! 66.2 62 6 S.W. 68.2 68.0 53.3 lU.l 532 0.220 Snn.28 29 921 611 5S1 S.W. 58.3 68 6 47.2 106.7 414 0.014 Mo. 17 29 709 67.2 51.5 S.W. 68 5 61.3 60.1 109.0 16 2 O.IEO Tu. 28 29.729 57 2 55.0 S.W. 67.2 61.1 51.1 103.6 40.1 0.050 Means 29.633 59.4 56.1 59.0 65.1 62.3 982 53.3 1.489 REilARKS. 22nd. — Dull and dark nearly all day, and rainy after 7 p.m. 23rd.— Cloudy and dark all day ; heavy rain between 6.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. 21th.— Dull morning, rain before 10 A.M ; fine after part of the day; lightning at night. ■25th.— Thuuierstorm heaviest about 1 A.M. ; a dull morning, but clearing off, and fiae afternoon and night. 26th. — Rather dull day; rain after 9 p.m.; wind rising, and very strong at midnight. 27th. — Fine at 8 a.m., rather dull forenoon ; fine in the afternoon, but the wind still very high ; and rain at night. 2Sth. — Showery all day, very heavy latn at times, bat fine and starlit between ten and midnight. A dark, dull, cloudy week. Showers more or less heavy every day; very little sun, and temperature in all cases, except the minima, 6- beloir that of the preceding week. — G. J. Symons. OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— SEPTEaiEER 29. We have very little alteration to quote this week, except that the glut of common fruit will soon be over. Jersey Grapea are now coming very poor, but good samples of Dutch Hamburghs have taken their place, yet have not prevented a slight recovery in value of English hothouse Grapes. Quotations for Kent Cobs and Filberts are slightly lower this week. Apples i sieve Apricots. dozen Cherries lb. Chestnuts bushel Currants i sieve Black do. Figs dozen Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Gooseberries quart 0 0 Grapes, hothouse. ... lb. 1 0 Lemons 1^100 8 0 12 0 Melons each 10 6 0 0 0 I Nectarines dozen S 0 8 0 0 0 ! Oranges.. s. d. B. d. I s. d- s. d. 1 Otol 6 I Malberries lb. 0 6tol 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 5 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 9 U 9 %► 100 12 0 20 0 Peaches dozen S 0 12 0 Pears, kitchen.... dozen 0 0 0 o dessert dozen 10" PineApples lb. 8 0 Plums i sieve 1 0 Quinces dozen 0 0 Raapberries lb. 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 Walnuts bushel 8 0 ditto ^100 1 0 0 6 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 u VEGETABLES. Artichokes dozen S Asparagus it^ 100 0 French handle 0 Beans, Kidney, . . . J sieve 1 Broad j sieve 0 Beet, Red dozen 2 BroceoJi bundle 0 Brusaels Sprouts 1 sieve 0 Cabbage dozen 0 Carrots bunch 0 5 Capi-i'tums ^101 1 6 Cauliilower dozen 2 0 Celery bundle 1 6 Coleworts,. doz. bunches 2 0 Cucumbers each 0 3 pickling tdozen 1 0 Endive dozen 1 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 Garlic lb. 0 6 Herbs bunoh 0 8 Horseradish bundle i 0 0to6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 4 0 9 16 0 0 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce dozen Mushrooms pottle Mustard i& Cress punuot Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley.... doz. bunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes., duz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Salsafy bundle Scorzonora bundle Seakale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes dozen Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows doz. s. d. 0 4 too Ootober 7, 1875. ] JOURNA.Ii OP HORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 311 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Average San Son Moon , Moon Moon's Clock after Son. Day ot Year. ol Month o( Week. OCTOBER 7— IB, 1875. Temperatare near London. RiseB. Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Day. NiBht. Mean. m. h. m. h. m. h ' m. h. Days. m. s. 280 281 7 Th 63.7 43.4 63.6 12a(6 23af5 49 a(2 23 a( 9 )) 8 F 61.7 42.0 51.8 1 14 6 21 5 22 3 S5 10 9 12 26 9 S 60.7 42.4 61.5 16 6 19 5 47 3 54 11 10 12 42 10 Son 21) Sunday after TnrNiTT. 61.6 43.3 62,4 17 6 17 5 6 4 morn. 11 11 u T. A. Knight born, 1758. 61.7 42.4 62.1 19 6 15 5 19 4 1 16 1 12 13 13 12 To 69.2 41.4 60 3 21 6 12 6 81 4 39 2 13 13 28 13 w Twilight ends 7.4 p.m. 60.7 41.8 51.2 22 6 IJ 5 43 4 2 4 14 13 42 From obseiTatiouB taken near London daring fortr-three years 36.6°. , the average day temperature of the week ie 60.6"; and its nigM temperatare A FEW CHOICE BRITISH PLANTS.— No. 1. }i HE beauty and utility of barely berbaceo c^ plants being now recognised, it requires or eons , ■ - . - . - - °°'y ^\..,^ a very sligbt extension of tbe same principle to include some of our Britisb plants in tbe same category, for many of tbem wben viewed impartially and pitted against some tender exotics will be found to put to sbame our patronage of tbe one and neglect of tbe otber. It is true tbere are some of our prettiest wild plants not tbe easiest to culti- vate, but others, I should expect, may be made to grow in most ordinary situations. I therefore make no apology for calling attention to a few old favourites of mine. Some of them I have been estranged from for nearly half a century, but I expect they still continue to bloom in the same unobtrusive manner they did in tbe times when Briton, Roman, and Saxon claimed them as theirs. I will point out a few gems in tbe wild-plant way which deserve more general attention, and tbe search for which would form a fitting subject for young gardeners when out for a holiday. Mcmjantlies trifoliata (Marsh Trefoil or Buckbean) is a sub-aquatic plant, with glaucous leaves ratlier fleshy, the stem robust rather than slender, flowers mostly white, but with a beautiful pink fringe, giving it a most band- some appearance. It is not by any means common in tbe south of England, but in Scotland our tourist friends will most likely find it plentiful in wet mar.shy places and on a peaty soil, very often diificult of access on account of the wet nature of the ground, and not unfrequently in a half -floating state. I believe the plant possesses a bitter property common to others of its fellows, and has been used extensively by the poor people, amongst whom it is known as a cure for certain diseases. This plant is easily discovered where it exists ; for, notwithstanding its pro- strate habit, its pale green leaves look so different fi-om other herbage around it. Its flowers appear in July, and remain in beauty about a month. I have only met with it on peaty marshes, and it may possibly be in company with Sweet Gale and other plants of a like kind. I'arnassia j^alustris (Grass of Parnassus). — Tliis very pretty plant and flower, somewhat resembling a Eauun- culus, is, like the last, only found on wet mar.shy pastures or bogs, but not exactly floating on water, as the last- named \?, sometimes found, but it is very often hidden by the coarser herbage by which it is surrounded. It is a low compact-growing plant, in habit resembling some of the Primulas with a different class of foliage ; the flowers, however, are its maia points of beauty, and they are very attractive, being white, neatly fringed, erect, and on stalks that enable them to be conveniently gathered for nosegay purposes. I do not know whether attempts have been made to cultivate it, but it deserves to be where a site suitable for it is obtainable, for, apart from its poetic name, it is very pretty. Nartliecium osslfragum (Lancashire (or Bog) Asphodel). — This is a neat little plant with upright spikes of yellow No. Tiy.— Vol. XXIX., New Series. flowers. It is both pretty and ornamental, and, like the preceiling, is found growing on wet marshy ground, but not always confined to soil of a peaty character, for I have met with it on a hungry wot clay where but few things would grow. It is seldom more than 0 inches high, but might possibly attain greater proportions if cultivated; but it is likely to be driven out of cultivation as drainage progresses, unless it fixes its abode on some of those inaccessible wastes where it is safe from invasion. Erijihrcea ccntaiirium.— This beautiful annual yields to very few in point of habit and appearance, and it is surprising it is not more grown. It is frequently met with in rather poor pasture land where its fine corymbs of beautifully rose-coloured flowers, equalling the Sweet- william in size, are often met with. As a wild plant it is more easily cultivated than many, especially^ those re- quiring some special position not always available. In florists' catalogues it still retains a place. Pinguicula grandijlora. — My acquaintance with this plant is a long one. I recollect finding it in great abun- dance on a piece of waste clayey land near the margin of a sheet of water in the north of England. Its singularly- formed blooms of a beautiful bright blue with a prominent spur are elevated on neat little footstalks sufiioiently above the fleshy foUage to give it an interesting appear- ance. The foliage somewhat resembles that of the smaller leaves of the ordinary Ice-plant (Mescmbryanthemum erystallinum), a little more curled at the edges, perhaps, and the plant is of lowly growth. It is only recently that attention has been called to the plant as one to which the term carnivorous has been appended ; of its capability that way I can give no opinion. This is a beautiful plant worthy of cultivation. Hydrocoti/le vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort). — This is not by any means a florist's plant, but is more plentiful than either of the two last mentioned. It is of low growth, and its rounded leaves supported by stalks in the centre instead of at one edge, as the majority of foliage is secured, is attractive in its way. It is found on marshy peaty places, whereas the Pinguicula is more common on bare places on clayey ground, where it grows freely. Butomus umheUatus is a highly ornamental plant, found only in ditches and ponds and other wet places, where its prettily-marked florets, united, as its name implies, into an umbel of considerable size, give it a claim to notice which many exotics really do not deserve. As an ornamental plant it is easily transplanted, and a site suitable for it is easily obtained, as an ordinary ditch even if in the full sun will be found to suit it, provided there be sufficient water. It is reported to be scarce in Scotland, and I do not know that it is plentiful anywhere except in certain localities, but it is well worth cultivat- ing. Those having a piece of ornamental water would find this occupy much less space than the more princely Water Lily, of which more anon ; its foliage is also not to be despised, and has sometimes been mistaken for some of the Sedges, which often accompany it in its growth. Comarmn imlustre. — This is not a water plant, but one No. 1110— Vol. LIV., Old Series. 312 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Cctobw 7, 1678. confined to peaty marshes, where its brown-colonred flower- heads rise to the height of a foot or more ; and though not posBcssing the stamp of a flower likely to attract the flower gardener, it is somewhat singular and ornamental. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Loosestrife). — This plant is now-a-days worked into higher company than it formerly was expected to keep, not nnfrequently being met with in the parterre, and even advanced to the dinntr-tablc. It is a hardy useful plant, and one well adapted for trailing over unsightly objects, or even for training into formal lines, its prostrate habit rendering it available for many purposes. I am not very ture whether the distinctions between this species and L. nemorum are sufficiently conspicuous to prevent their being confounded with each other in cultivation ; both are, however, Britidh plants, and one if not both are plentiful, usually being met with on shady banks by the sides of ditches. It flourishes well amidst the smoke of towns — in fact it is a town plant of the first order of merit. — J. Eobson. A VI8IT TO AEKLETON.— No. 2. Gkapes are the most popular, and justly so, of all dessert fruits. In quality, appearance, and long season of use they have no rivals. Grape lore is therefore ever interesting to the great community of gardeners and garden lovers. In no branch of gardening are greater efforts made than in perfect- ing the cultivation of the Vine, and in no branch have greater successes been achieved. There are two distinct modes of Grape-growicg, or rather there are two distinct purposes iu view — two different goals to be reached. The one is the pro- duction of a few immense bunches to win triumphs at public exhibitions ; the other is the securing of a large number of medium-sized bunches for everyday table use to win appro- bation at home. In both these phases of culture it is alike honourable to succeed. But although there are those, and they are certainly the majority, who do not require sensa- tional bunches of Grapes, there are very few, if any, who do not desire to know the conditions under which such Grapes are grown, and the treatment which is given to produce them. Especially is this so when it is considered that he who can produce bunches of unnsual size can also, by simply increas- ing the number of bunches on the Vines, obtain bunches of any leeser size that may be required. The condition of a Vine to produce extraordinary examples of Grapes must be in the first order of health ; its constitution must be sound, and its food and treatment must be in all points coirect. A Vine in this state will produce superior Grapes, and large or medium-sized bunches according to the number it is permitted to bear. Hence the grower who can produce large can alto produce small bunches, while he who can only pri'duce small bunches cannot perfect larger bunches because his Vines are not in a condition to produce them. In noticing, therefore, the practice of a man who has, as a series, obtained the heaviest Grapes which have probably ever been produced, is to notice a practice which is capable of answering the requirements of all who covet healthy Vines, for, these provided, they can regulate the size of their bunches by the numbers they permit the Vines to carry. That this is sound logic the Aikkton Vines tuificiently attest, for more perfect Grapes of almost every sized bunch, except small, it would be difficult to find than is produced in the vineries of this small but celebrated garden. Mr. Dickson grows the following varieties : — Black Ham- burgh, Mill Hill Hamburgh, Golden Hamburgh, Black and White Froutiguan, Black Prince, Mufcat of Alexandria, Archer- field Muscat, Tynningbam Muscat, Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, Madresfield Court, Lady Downes', and Syrian, adding also the newer varieties as they are introduced. It is not necessary to particularise the condition of each variety, for all are grown to a high state of excellence, and the Vines are cropped the second year, each carrying seven or eight bunches. There were not to be seen a few sensational bunches only, but examples of splendid table quality, alike fine iu berry, colour, and flavour. The Black Hamburgh vaiied from 3 lbs. to 7 and 8 lbs., and were worth going a journey to see ; and the crop of Mrs. Pince's Muscat of the same weights is altogether a re- markable one, but too heavy in all probability for the berries to colour perfectly to the stalk. This is a common and per- haps the only fault of this valuable late Grape. Wherever Grapes of exceptional excellence have been pro- duced, the first question aiked is, How are the borders made ;' I can tell how the .\rkletoii Vine bord"r8 have been made, and in doing bo I fulfil a promise made to Mr. Blackburn on page 121, No. 724, February 11th, 1875. But it is not the borders alone that possess the virtue of producing these wonder- ful Grapes. The border must be considered as only one ele- ment, and be judged in connection with general management and some natural advantages, the latter being the geological formation of the district and the heavy rainfall. The last might be considered a disadvantage by many cultivators, but as read by the light of the first it must be regarded as of great moment. A depth of 5 feet of rain falling from the clouds and soaking the borders would frighten many dry -district gardeners, and induce them to cry out for shutters; but Mr. Dickson, instead of covering the borders to shoot off the rain (which is really CI inchetj, supplements the amount with liquid manure. It is no use anyone shaking his head doubt- fully, for the fact is stated, and in that fact lies one secret by which these wonderful Grapes have been produced. But let me not advise any thoughtless attempts at imitation. It is easy to pour on a Vine border .5 or 6 feet of water, but not so easy to put a gravel bed under it for drainage. But now to the borders. A few and (dain words are only needed to describe them. In the first place they rest on several feet of gravel, so that the important condition of perfect drainage is provided by nature. The inside border is 14J feet wide and 3J feet deep ; the outside border is of the same width and the same depth in front, and 2i feet deep at the edge nest the walk. The Vines are planted inside, and have free access to the outside border. The components of the soil are fibry loam of medium texture taken from an old sheep pasture, and to every twelve cartloads of turf were added two cartloads of old lime rub- bish, one cartload of horse droppings, one cartload of char- coal, and 5 cwt. of inch bones. The turf was fresh from the field, mixed well with the other ingredients, and wheeled into the border without lying exposed. That may be taken as a first-rate recipe for a Vine border. It is not necessary to discuss its merits, for the Vines have given their testimony and I shall be silent. I will next briefly notice the inside management. It must be remembered that Vines so strong as are these require a long summer period to mature their wood. Vines which are less vigorous may be started late and grown cool, and the wood will become solidified ; but these require a season both long and waim, and the more so, probably, on account of the many dull days which are a characteristic of Eskdale. j The Vines are started about the end of Febtuary. In the ; first place the border is given a good soaking with warm water j from a cistern in the houses. The temperature of the houses ] is about 45° by night and 50° by day, rising 10° by sun heat; and as soon as the Vines show the first leaf the heat is increased 5* more, and kept gradually rising until the Vines are coming into flower. At that stage the temperature is about 05° by night and 70° by day, rising 10° with sun heat. In the summer Mr. Dickson is not afraid to let the thermometer rise as high as 95° about shutting-up time, say between four and five o'clock, but he would consider such a heat dangerous in the early part of the day. Mr. Hunter's practice of giving air Mr. Dickson quite agrees with — that is, admitting a little air in front instead of at the top or back of houses, which most gardeners are in the habit of doing. He has always found it very difficult to keep up the desired heat at night with top air on, but none whatever with front air. Throughout the whole growing season, unless when it is frosty, or cold cutting winds are blowing, he leaves 1 to 4 inches of air on along the whole front, and whenever the Grapes begin to colour a little air is left on at both front and back by night. The border is annually dressed with about 3 inches of turfy loam and inch bones, which tend to keep the roots near the surface. A great number of people are of the opinion that when once they have made a good border it requires no more than a little water. That may do for ordinary Grapes ; but to grow first-class Grapes Mr. Dickson says wo must be liberal with bones and liquid manure. During the growing season he gives the borders a good watering with liquid manure taken from a tank in the stable yard. This dose is generally given at three different times before the Grapes begin to show colour, aud as soon as the Grapes are all cut he gives a further good watering, as he thinks it is very unfavourable to the growing of fine bunches to keep the border dry in winter. His opinion is that if good and efficient drainage is provided, and the soil everything that can be desiied, that it would be no easy mutter to give Vines too much water in the growing ^tusou. October 7, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 313 In Bubmitting to Mr. Dickeon the opinion as to these hnge Grapes being produced by chance he repUed — " I am aware that a considerable number of people are of the opinion that these monster bunches are produced by chance ; but if that be so what is the use of all the heavy manures used to produce big Cabbages, big Loek", and many other things in the vegetable kingdom ? And again in the animal world, why are flock- maaters at so much expense for feeding material to produce fine fat sheep, cattle, Ac. I have very little faith in the word chance, and none whatever in it having any connection with the growing of large bunches of Grapes." His achievements during his whole career of Grape-growing fully justify him in the expression of that opinion. The general arrangement of the gardens at Arkleton as to flowers, plants, and vegetables, as well as Grapes, is evidence that skill is devoted to every department. All who are interested in Grape-growing will join me in thanking Mr. Dickson for his willingness and generosity in permitting his practice to be detailed for the benefit of others. Like Mr. Hunter he has shown true greatness, not only in growing great Grapes, but in telling others how to grow them. His chief points of practice may be summarised thus — per- fect drainage, generous soil, abundant supplies of water, heat, air, cleanliness, and raising his canes from healthy and vigorous stocks. — J. W. NOTES BY THE WAY. Wetbridoe. — The skies were not propitious on the day that, in the fulfilment of an oft-repeated invitation, I went from Cooper's Hill to Weybridge to visit the garden of my friend Dr. Henry Bennet, so well known to all horticulturists by the descriptions of his charming garden at Mentone which have been given in the Journal, and to scientific men by his valu- able books. When we left Cooper's Hill it bid promise of finer weather than we had had in the morning; but by the time that we reached " The Ferns " the rain descended in such a steady downpour that it was the pursuit of garden-seeing under difficulties indeed ; and yet I saw much that interested me, and heard and saw much that was new to me. What shall I aay of "The Ferns" itself? Simply this, that every nook and corner of the house is a study in itself ; that everything is in accordance with the most refined taste, and that gems of art in pictures, china, bronze, &a., meet the eye in all direc- tions. Long residence abroad has fostered a taste which gives a foreign aspect to the rooms in their elegance and arrange- ment, while English comfort has not been forgotten ; and I shall not be guilty, I hope, of intruding on the sacredness of the home when I say he has a most willing coadjutor, whose own room is a perfect gem. I suppose it is known to many of the readers of the Journal that sixteen years ago Dr. Bennet, overdone with the demands of a wide and important practice, had to seek in the genial climate of Mentone a relief from the cold and damps of an English winter, and that he may literally be said to go and return with the swallows. As soon as October begins there comes that restlessness for a southern clime which it is said the swallow shows, and when there is prospect of brighter skies he wends his way back to find, as the swallow finds, his nest prepared in England for him ; and in both places he carries out his favourite hobby. We have read what he has done with a barren rook at Mentone and have seen the views, which must give but a very faint idea of the beauty of his garden ; and while of necessity there can be nothing of the kind at Weybridge, yet he is not one to rest content with mere commonplace gardening, but must be trying to mark out something new. Dr. Bennet believes it to be possible to utilise Palms for the summer decoration of the garden even in England, and has been trying it with the Date Palm, Chamserops, &a. ; and cer- tainly nothing could well be more vigorous and healthy-looking than those he had plunged out in his garden this season ; yet for eight months in the year they are kept in a coach-house, and for the remaining four are plunged out of doors. Through this coach-house he has carried a flue from his greenhouse, and this gives sufficient heat to exclude the frost. He has done this fully believing that we lose a great deal of heat in our ordinary heating apparatus which might well be used to good purpose. This year he purposes putting a glass side to the coach-house, so as to give the plants more light. But here is an instance of how seeming impossibilities may be overcome. Most persons would have said, " But I have no place for Palms, my houses are full." Not so Dr. Bennet : he seizes on a very unlikely place and bends it to his purpose. " The Ferns " abuts on the wood or forest which stretches down to Bigshot, and Dr. Bennet has rented a few acres con- tiguous to his residence, where he has carried out another experiment worthy of noting. All the ground here is covered with Heather ; but as we know, Heather grows tall and strag- gling, and to obviate this he has cut it down with a hook close to the ground, so that a close and beautiful carpet of Heather clothes his laud, and next year this will ba mown. It will be at once seen how very charming this must be when in flower, the whole ground covered with its brilliant blossoms as closely set together as the blades of grass upon an ordinary sward. Then he had to run out a kitchen, &a. Under ordinary cir- cumstances we know what an ugly adjunct this is to a house with its slate roof. But this would not suit the ideas of taste prevalent at " The Ferns," and so it was mide with a flat roof, and over this roof has been raised an iron trellis, on which are trained Roses and other climbing plants of a deci- duous nature; so that it will form in summer a charming arbour, while, as the leaves will have fallen in winter, it will not engender any dampness in or about the house. The plants grown in the houses are principally for decorative purposes, and hence are not grown in collections. In the large house I noticed some Tomatoes, and was told that they had been so grown for years, not for the sake of the fruit, but because the strong smell of the leaves kept the wasps from the house. Have any of our readers any experience of this matter? It would be a simple plan indeed if it were found generally suc- cessful. These were a few things I noted in a hasty run through the garden. I hope at some future time, when Jupiter Pluvius is not in the ascendant, to see more of it. Being at Weybridge I could not omit a call at a garden whose owner has made it famous — Mr. George F. Wilson. Alas ! he was not at home, so that I could only see how much he has added to his herbaceous garden, and what gems it must contain in spring and early summer ; that he is still as earnest as ever over Lilies, and that his orchard house is, as he has ever made it, productive and satisfactory. The trees were all out of doors. Peaches, Nectarines, &c., had borne their crop, while the Pears and Apples were full of fruit. Surely such an orchard house as this is worth having — D., Deal. OLLEEHEAD'S ROSE HURDLE. On entering my present situation I found a quantity of iso- lated Roses worked on Manetti stocks, and planted in small beds along each side of one of the principal walks in the flower garden about 6 feet from the walk ; each plant was traiued-up two rough stakes about a foot apart, with pieces of tar cord from one stake to the other. The idea occurred to me that something could be done to improve their appearance, which led to the hurdle which I will now describe. The sides of the hurdle erj made of half-inch round iron rods 5 feet high, with claws or feet 1 foot long, and braced together at top and bottom with rods three-eighths of an inch thick and 18 inches long. The space between these uprights is laced with diamond network made of No. 9 bright wire, •5 inches apart, and twisted round the side of the hurdle, and where the wires cross each other they are tied together with lacing wire, so as to make the whole of sufficient strength to resist any pressure in tying strong shoots, &o. These hurdles are of simple construction, and can be made by any country smith at a small cost, and where stakes have to be purchased, as in our case, they will soon pay for them- selves— being durable. They will last for years, and where such things are required they certainly have a far neater ap- pearance than a lot of rough stakes. — James Ollebhead, The Gardens, Wimbledon House. A TRIP TO LONDON.— No. 2. THE CET3TAL PALACE GARDENS. It is with a keen sense of enjoyment that one turns from the unfinished aspect of the grounds of the Palace at Muswell Hill to those of the stately structure at Sydenham, which are constantly increasing in richness, beauty, and interest. The shrubs. Conifers, and other trees are annually assuming more prominence. Mark how charmingly the Deodars — flourishing in rude health and vigour — relieve the formality of the south wing by the bright greening which presents itself so agreeably in the symmetrical outlines of the trees and the graceful sweep 3U JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB, [ Octoier 7, 1875. of their pendant branches. Ample repose is alBO afforded by the bold semicircular sweep of lawn along the enter margin, of which a chain of circular beds of Dahlias and Hollyhocks impart an air of finish and dignity that is very grateful. The scene is a perfect one, with every feature in fullest harmony, denoting a master hand equally in its original design and in its present treatment, affording a useful lesson to all who may wish to embellish the surroundings of a lofty building of formal aspect. Nor is this all, for after regarding this particular point as so worthy of admiration for itself alone, we are com- pelled to recognise its peculiar fitness and unity with those parts of the grounds adjoining it. Let us glance at them. Proceeding from a central part of the terrace garden towards the rosery, we leave for a time the gayer masses of bright colour of the ordinary bedding type, and pass along winding walks among masses of shrubs where the flourishing groups of Ehododendrons, enlivened just now with a lovely fringe of Lilium lancifolium rubrum, are as remarkable for the graceful irregularity of outline as for the pleasing effect of the deep green foliage in contrast with the bright and more chequered 1. Colens. 2. Lobelia Blae King. 3. Tagetes. Fig. 68. — Carpet bed at the crystal palace. 4. Ivy FelargOQiom Dote of Edinbnrgb. 6. Cerastium. 6. Altemantbera paroDychyoides. 7. Pyrethram Golden Feather. 8. Alternantbera versicolor. 9. Mcsembryanthemum cordifoliam varlegatDm. 10. Echeveria Becunda glauca. aspect of the terraces. Beyond these shrub groups on the slopes below the terraces are large beds treated in a singularly bold and successful manner by mixing the showy Tritoma with dwarf Dahlias, Phloxes, Hollyhocks, and a dwarf form of the yellow Helianthns, all in large bold clumps and sufKciently apart to avoid confusion. Prominent dispersed clumps of Hollyhocks and Dahlias next attract the eye, and then comes the Deodar lawn on the one hand, and dense masses of shrubs of an irregular but pleasing outline on the other; beyond which the rosery, bright with its belting of gay beds and its graceful surroundings of undulating lawns, carving walks, masses of shrubs, and noble Conifers, meets the eye precisely at the point where its effect can be most fully appreciated. One pauses here, for the scene is well worthy of contem- plation and study, and the question involuntarily arises, Why is this particular part of the garden which one has visited so many times always as fresh and interesting as it was at first ? I think the answer is found not simply in the keeping of the grounds or the planting of the beds, to all of which due praise must be given, bat in the contoui and designing of the grounds October 7, 1876. J JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 315 themselves. There is nothing tame here, and therefore it is always enjoyable, simply because the surface is so beautifully undulating. It is just a little bit of Sussex in miniature, toned down, refined, and embellished by the hand of art. Many of the flower beds were excellent in every respect — soft, rich, and harmonious in colouring, even in outline, and well balanced ; but on the whole there was a deficiency of growth and dulness of colouring that detracted considerably from the general effect, causing many of the beds to lack that brilliancy and high finish for which those of last year were so remark. able. The Alternautheras had evidently suffered from the trying effects of the ungenial weather, for they were wanting both in the free growth and high colouring of former seasons. It has been asserted that improper soil is the cause of this, which is a mistake, as it is undoubtedly owing to the baneful effects of an unkindly season, always especially trying to tender plants when growing in such an exposed situation, and even in the sheltered grounds at Battersea a great deficiency of colour is this year perceptible in plants of this das?. Of notable beds a deep purple Viola springing-up among 1. Tagetes. 2. Ivy Pelargoniam Duke of Edinburgh, Fig. 69. — Carpet bed at ihe cbystal palace. I 3. AJternanthera versicolor. I 4. Pyrethrum Goldon Feather. 1 5. Alternanthera ma^'aiiica. 1 6. Echeveria BecuDda glauca. 7. Sednni glaacum. white-edged Pelargoniums was very fine. The soft scarlet flowers of the Geraniums were left on, and rightly so, for nothing could be more charming than the soft yet sprightly effect of such a combination and judicious intermingling of two plants so dis- similar in form and habit of growth. In the chain beds upon the terrace the alternating masses of various shades of pink, white, scarlet, with mottled groups, were very fine, the pink being especially telling — more so than usual, perhaps, from the superabundance of greenish yellow Pyrethrum forming a oon- tinnoQB edging to the whole of theee beds, and which I venture to suggest might advantageously be replaced by the soft grey Gnaphalinm lanatum. I was glad to see my old favourites, Purple King Verbena and Lady Plymouth Geranium, still in full force and really quite as effective as ever. This clinging to old favourites is a praiseworthy trait on the part of the managers of public gardens. Space should, of course, be given to all meritorious novelties, but it should be done cautiously. The Pelargoniums on either side of the central terrace steps were in fine flower, and I came upon splendid large masses of a bright rosy crimson variety snrronnded by a fine belt of 31G JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1 October 7, 18TB. the old pink Christine, followed by another of white-edged Garaninm with the flowers kopt picked off; then came a rich purple Viola, very fine, with an edging of Golden Pyrethrnm — two charming beds, so perfect when I saw them that one conld not but regret that the blossom was not as durable as the bright-toned foliage of the carpet beds. Of other goo'l-colour combinations there were lovely cheqiipred masses of Verbena vpnosa and white-edged Geranium, not kept separate but ming- ling irregularly but very beautifully together ; circles of Iresine Lindeni alternating with wide bands of Gazania eplendens variegata ; rich circles of deep crimson Geranium edged with the grey Guaphaliam, and some grand masses of Amaranth Geranium. The roECry borders had a pretty design of rich circular masses, around which swept brilliant curved bands which were continued throughout each border. The colouring was bold in character and in exceedingly good taste ; it consisted of white, pink, blue, grey, yellow, green, deep crimson, and scarlet. The carpet bedding comprised many intricate geometrical designs, most of which were fine examples of this justly popu- lar style of bedding, and Mr. Thomson may be congratulated upon the skill in designing and exquisite taste in colouring which they so fully exemplify. An attempt at an imitation of butterflies is, I think, a failure and a step in the wrong di- rection. So long as carpet bedding partakes of the character of mosaic work it most worthily takes high rank among art works, but when it is diverted into a mere pictorial delineation of insects or other figures it sinks from its high position and becomes a mere toy. Designs of two of the most effective of the beds with the mode of their planting accompany these notes. — Edwabd Luckhubst. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. October 6th. A p.iRT from the quaint forms and varied colours of a collection of Fungi, the edible and nutritious qualities possessed by one section and the poisonous properties of the other impart to an exhibition of them material for both study and admiration. One cannot hut be struck with their attractive appearance, and regret that the different species — their nature and properties — are so little understood. It is only by bringing collections before the public that knowledge on this generally-unknown branch of vegetation can be disseminated : hence the exhibitions which are occasionally provided. The display on this occasion was only small, Mr. James English, Epping, Essex, being the only exhibitor of note, and who evidenced great industry in collecting and arranging his numerous spf cimens ; he received the whole of the awards. A very fine specimen of Polyporu3 eulphureus was exhibited by Mr. Burnett, gardener to Mrs. Hope, The Deep- dene, Dorking; it was of the shape of a half-blown Cauliflower, a foot in diameter, and of a deep sulphur colour. It had been taken from an old Tew tree. Mr. Beeob, Castle Aehby, also exhi- bited some curious specimens. Fruit Committee. — Henry Webb, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Beale of Messrs. Carter & Co. sent fruit of an American Grape, sup- posed to be Catawba, which had been ripened against a wall in the open air. A Raspberry was sent from the Society's Garden at Chiswick called Surpasse Merveille de Qaatre Saisons Rouge. There was also the white variety of the same, and the fruit was large and handsome. Mr. Richard Smith of Worcester sent fruit of the Worcester Pearmain, a fine handsome Pearmain- shaped Apple of a brilliant pcarlet colour. It was awarded a first-class certificate as a valuable market and highly ornamental Apple. Mr. R. Harvey of Bury St. Edmunds sent a seedling dessert Apple called St. Edmund's Pippin, a middle-sized some- what conical Apple of a pale brown russet colour, with a tinge of brown on the side next the sun. It was rich in flavour, and resembled in this respect the Golden Russet, but is much earlier than any other of this class. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. William Paul sent a seedling Apple called Beauty of Waltham, a large round Apple of the shape of Blenheim Pippin, but quite distinct. It it a kitchen Apple, and has a white and tender flesh. Mr. J. Murray, Hall Stile Cottage, Hexham, sent a seedling culinary Apple, which was not of Bufiicient merit to be recommended. Mr. James Clark, gardener to Rev. A. D. Stackpoole, Writtle, Essex, sent fruit of a Pear called Berwick Place Seedling, which is Grosse Calebasse, and also a seedling Apple, which had nothing re- markable in its character. Mr. Mills, market gardener. Turn- ham Green, sent fruit of Winter Windsor Pear which were unripe. Mr. Peter Grieve sent a seedling Pear, which was unripe, and was referred till the next meeting. Mr. Francis Dancer of Little Sutton sent fruit of Fondante d'Angleterre, a small juicy pyriform fruit, with a thin sweet juice, and which has the property of not decaying at the core. He also exhibited Madame Treyve and Benrre Hardy, which were of very fine flavour. Messrs. Carter & Co. sent fruit of their Green Gage Tomato. Messrs Hurst & Son of Leadenhall Street sent fruit of Hanham's Champion Tomato. Mr. William Heath, gardener to J. Black- well, Esq., Newton Lodge, Middlewich, sent a seedling Melon of medium size, oval, fine yellow colour, and well netted. It is red-fleshed, and was inferior in flavour through being over-ripe. Mr. Owen Thomas, The Gardens, Drayton Manor, Tam worth, sent a seedlina Melon cf large size, round, yellow, and slightly netted. The flesh is very white, and it has a large seed cavity. It was of good flavour for the season. A very large and interesting collection of Apples and Pears, consisting of three hundred varieties correctly named, was exhi- bited by Mr. William Paul of Waltham Cross, to which a letter of thanks was awarded, and which was of such merit the Com- mittee recommended to the Council the award of a medal. Mr. Francis Dancer of Little Sutton sent a very fine collection of Pears and Apples, which were remarkable for their size and high culture, to which a letter of thanks was awarded. The Committee recommended this collection also for a medal to the recognition of the Council. Mr. Robert Fenn of Woodstock received a letter of thanks for a fine collection of his seedling Potatoes. Floral Committee. — W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair. The Council-room presented quite an ornamental appearance on this occasion, Mr. Bull's group of plants being a show in themselves. The Crotona were especially in fiae condition — viz., Majesticum, Weismanni, Imperiale, Volutum, and Spirale, These distinct and fine varieties were very effective. The group also consisted of Cycads, Dracaenas, Palms, and Ferns, with a good plant of Anthurium crystallinum. A vote of thanks was awarded for this collection, and a medal was recommended to be given. Mr. B. S. Williams exhibited an attractive group of table plants, consisting of Palms, Ferns, Orchids, Dracasnas, Ac. On- cidium tigrinum had a fine spike of thirty flowers. In bloom also were Miltouia Morelliana, a very dark-coloured species; Cypripedium Harrisianum, and Pancratium speciosum. Ber- tolonia guttata alba punctata was in exceedingly good condition. A vote of thanks was awarded for the coltection. Mr. Wills, Onslow Crescent, exhibited twelve plants of Ce- losias in a variety of rich colours. The plants were in 8 inch pots, were 3 to 5 feet in height, and deservedly received a cul- tural commendation. Mr. Douglas, Loxford Hall, exhibited a bouquet of the single white Macartney Rose, for which a vote of thanks was awarded. It is especially suitable for furnishing vases. Messrs. James Veitch i^' Sons had a first-class certificate for Brahea filamentosa, a Palm somewhat similar to Chamfflropa Fortunei, but covered with filaments; it is very distinct and ornamental. A cultural commendation was awarded Messrs. Veitch for Renanthera coccinea, carrying a fine spike of fifty flowers. The same firm also exhibited Pescatorea lamellosa, Masdevallia Hirryana, Exacum zeylanicum, Areca Dicksonii, and Artocarpuses ; and a like award was made to Mr. Green, Botanical Nursery, Holmesdale Road, Reigate, for Streptocarpus Greenii, which has previously received a first-class certificate. Mr. George Smith, Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Road, exhibited plants and cut blooms of his new semi-double Pelargonium Wonderful. This plant worthily had a first-clasa certificate awarded at a previous meeting. It is a sport from Vesuvius, is even brighter than the parent, is exceedingly dwarf and flori- feroup, is an admirable bedder, and as affording cot flowers has no superior, if any equal, amongst scarlet Pelargoniums. He also exhibited P. George Smith, a blush variety with a salmon centre. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Croucher, gardener to J. T. Peacock, Esq , Hammersmith, for Agave Victoria Regina. This is a Mexican species which is singularly at- tractive by its white veins and black terminal spines. This plant received a gold medal at Cologne, and was worthy to have received one at Kensington. Mr. Peacock holds the entire stock save ore plant, which he has presented to Her Majesty. A first-class certificate was also awarded to Mr. Noble, Bagshot, for a dwarf variety of Gynerium argenteum. It is very distinct with fine compact plumes, and is highly ornamental. Thujopsis borealis aurea variegata was exhibited by Mr. Noble, Sunningdale Nursery, Bigshot, and was requested to be seen again by the Committee. "This is a very promising sport, at once decided in its variegation and apparently vigorous in habit. Masdevallia Harryana came from Mr. Stevens, Trentham; Tropeeolum James Russell from Mr. Russell, gardener to Sir G. Maclean, Pendell Court, Bletchingley. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, had a first-class certificate awarded for Pompon Dahlia Dove, a perfect bloom, creamy white with pink tips, and very charming. A vote of thanks was also awarded Mr. Turner for a box of twelve varieties of bouquet Dahlias. Ootober 7, 187S. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 317 Theee blooms were of perfect form atd iu a great variety of colour. A vote of thanks was also awarded for tbirty varieties of large blooms, The Clown, Capt. Webb, Samuel I'limsoll, and Barmaid being varieties of great merit. A plant of Ficus Cooperii bearing fruit was sent by Mr. Peacoclj, Hammersmith. A collection of Fir sprays bearing cones was sent by Rev. G. T. BoEcawen, Lamorran, Cornwall. The collection consisted of over twenty species from the common Larch to the Welling- tonia, and from the gigantic cone of the Redwood, 18 inches in length, to the small coral-like berry of the Yew. Some of the specimens were from the Mariposa group, California. The col- lection was highly interesting and ornamental. PLANTS FOR CUT FLOWERS AND SPRAYS. No. 3. Eanuncclcs. — The Double Persians have the individual flowers IJ to 2 inches in diameter, and are as lovely in form as any flower which the florist delights in. They, from their com- pactness and symmetry, are valuable as cut flowers, but they lack scent, and so do Camellias ; neither are all Roses remark- able for rose odour. One Rannnculus at least is scented, the Double Persian. Ophir d'Or, yellow, black-spotted ; DoUard, white, violet-tipped ; Darius, creamy white ; Hector, white, tipped rose ; Djedalus, crimson ; Gioriosa superba, crimson ; Fireball, vermilion; Rose surpassante, rose; (Ell Noir, black; and Jaune Supreme, yellow — are all good, and for cutting are as useful in May and early June as the Rose, which unfolds its beauty when the Ranunculuses are over. Turban Rannnculuees have not the fine imbricated form of the Persian, but have Pffiony-formed flowers, which are larger and flower earlier. Hercules, white ; Merveilleuee, yellow; and Romana, scarlet, will be Buflicient of this family. Bannnculases require deep, rich, moist soil, well pulverised and well aired — exposed to the weather by frequent stirring. The Turban varieties should be planted from Ootober to Janu- ary, and the Persian from January to March, 2 inches deep, and the roots 4 to 0 inches apart. In severe weather a mulch may be given of litter, partially decayed leaves, or other pro- tective material, removing it before the plants appear. Water daring April and May, if the weather be dry, twice a- week, and when the flower-buds appear and when in flower every other day or dally, but avoid wetting the foliage. Take up when the foliage is yellow, and store away in dry sand in a cool dry place until planting time. Ranunculus aconitifoliua flore-pleno has quite charming double white flowers ; R. acris flore-pleno, double yellow; B. amplexicaulis with large pure white flowers, are all three well worth a place in a moist position in the herbaceous border, and will produce their flowers in early summer. Though RanunouluBes delight in moisture, it is rpquisite that the soil be well drained. Anemones. — We do not recommend these except for the million. No plant is so floriferous, giving large supplies of flowers; in fact, for a quantity of flowers of varied hues a bed of the single Anemone from seed sown in July or early in August will give a large supply of flowers the following sum- mer. The doubles may be planted iu November to February about 2§ to 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart, afiording a protection of partially decayed leaves in severe weather. They like sandy loam enriched with leaf soil or vegetable refuse. Though I do not press the claims of Anemones, I shall cer- tainly put forward the double Wood Anemones (A. nemorosa alba plena) and double rose (A. nemorosa rosea plena) as of the most valuable, coming-in in spring when flowers are scarce ; and having soft stems they keep freth some time. Then the fiery brightness, orange scarlet, of A. pavonina flore-pleno, with its narrow numerous petals, blooms in spring; the more stately A. japonica, with its rose flowers; the still finer A. ja- ponica alba {Honorine Jobert), with the chastest of white flowers, at the end of September onwards, is truly grand as a plant and iu a cat state, and ought to have a place in every garden ; and even as a pot plant for the conservatory during the early winter months. A. japonica and varieties require rich deep loam, and if moist all the better. Iris.— Growers of the Iris have from May to July flowers not put to shame by comparison with Cattleyas ; the gorgeous- nesB of their colours and the extreme beauty of their form and marking, at once render them the Orchids of the garden. Many are very fragrant, particularly I. reticulata, the first to flower, and I. persica. The scent of the Iris is comparable onlv to Violets. The English Irh (I. anglica) in great variety attains a height of about 18 inches, and produces large flowers of various shades of blue, purple, and lilac ; alba grandiesima being a fine large white. They flower in July. Spanish Iris (I. bispanica) is smaller in all its parts than the EDglish Iris, but the colour of the flowers is more dazzling, and they are quainter in form, and the marking is very distinct and varied. The Spanish Iris flowers in June. It requires to be planted in autumn about G inches apart and 3 inches deep, well-drained light loam being most suitable, though it will grow anywhere except in shade. Japan Iris (I. Kaampferi) has what may be termed flat flowers, the petals very broad, giving very nearly a circalar form. The foliage consists of rather narrow, sub-erect, lanceo- late leaves, spreading in a fan-like order, the flowers being from 5 to 7 inches across. Their colours are blue, purple, rose, salmon, orange, and white, with stripes, blotches, and veins that baffle description. These Irises do best ia a peaty soil, and if overlying a cool bottom which will afford moisture without stagnation they are at home ; in fact, a strong loam growing Rhododendrons well will grow this Iris perftctly. German Iris (I. germanica) commences flowering in May and continues until the bulbous Irises — i e , Spanish and English, come in, and continues often with those. The varieties are very numerous, and in various colours — blues, purples, yellows, reddish shades, and white, with reticulations, venations, bronze and metallic hues, which give much beauty to the flower, no flower improving so much upon inspection as the Iris. The German Iris will grow anywhere, forming admirable subjects for the margins of ponds or artificial waters, or in the herbaceous border of strong soil or light. Iu the open parts of woodland walks spots should be dug and the German Iris planted by the thousand. The beauty of a bieadth of them is grand for foliage, and gorgeous when in bloom ; and what a grand subject is the I. pseudacorus in the mass in swampy spots ! Crimean Iris (I. pumila) flowers in spring or early in sum- mer, and occasionally again ia the autumn. It does well in Rhododendron beds, and in front of herbaceous borders or the base of rockwork. I. pallida, lavender blue, possesses a fine odour ; I. sibirica has small flowers and narrow drooping foliage ; besides those are many other species of Iris useful for affording cut flowers. One of the many great claims of Iiises to favour are their succeeding well in the impure atmo- sphere of towns, not suffeiing from dust and smoke. Ills' persica does well in pots, potting iu September, allow- ing a space the diameter of the bulbs between them, and half that from the sides of the pots. They should be covered abont an inch deep, making the soil firm about them, and give no water until the foliage appears, and then only a little, increasing it with the growth. The pots should be plunged in ashes in a cold pit or frame, admitting air abundantly, but protect from rains, and in severe weather afford mats as protection in addi- tion to the lights. In February, or earlier, rtmove them to a light airy position iu a greenhouse or other structure where they will be gently brought forward. Its flowers are white tinged with pale blue, the interior velvety purple, striped orange and purple spotted, and sweet. 27ie Peacock Iris (I. pavonia) has white flowers with three blue blotches, one on each petal. It requires frame or cool- house treatment. Suitable for pot culture may be mentioned I. chinensis (Tiger Iris), starry red flower, spotted and striped black ; I. iberica, white, marked with reddish purple ; I. reticu- lata, violet, blotched yellow; I. ruthenica, blue-purple, netted white ; I. stylosa, blue, yellow-blotched ; I. susiaua, blush, tinted brown and netted with daik brown lines ; and I. tnbe- rosa (Snake's-head Iris) with large singular flower, interior petals green, the exterior petals velvety black. They need to be potted in autumn, placed in a frame, and introduced to gentle heat in January or February. In the frame or pit the pots should be plunged in ashes, which will afford generally sufficient moisture, but they are not to be allowed to become dry. Note. — The German and other Irises are named under the heading " Bulbs," but they, as everybody knows, are herba- ceous plants, and I wish to explain that they ara introduced here to make the continuation of their blooming season complete. IxiAs. — These, with Sparaxis andBabianas, are to the spike- flowering Orchids what the larger flowers of the Irises are to Cattleyas and Lcelias, subjects with flowers of the richest and brightest-spotted, streaked, blotched, flushed, and "tigered" in a manner that cannot fail to please. All three require similar treatment, which is of two kinds — viz., pot and outdoor. When grown outdoors the bulbs should 318 JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C October 7, 1876. be planted in a south border along the front of a greenhouse, and G inches deep, the soil being well drained ; if the soil is to be prepared, three parts sandy fibrous loam, one part each leaf mould, sandy peat, and silver sand, well incorporated, answers for pots or borders. The bulbs should be 2 or 3 inches apart. A covering of dry leaves, with a little soil over them to keep the leaves stationary, or still better is a straw shutter or a framework of laths thatched, as they throw off the wet as well aa afford protection from frost, and are easily withdrawn in mild weather and replaced in cold. Planted in October Ixias will bloom in or soon after May, and continue some time ; and another batch planted in January in a warm, sheltered, dry spot, raising the soil, if the ground be wet, a foot high, and the bulbs put in 4 inches deep, and mulched with 2 inches of partially decayed leaves, or cocoa refuse, and with shutters to throw off heavy rains or snow and to use in severe weather, wUl lay the foundation for a display in June or July and to August of the finest flowers for cutting that ever graced a boudoir. For pots put five bulbs or six in a 6-inch pot, well drained, the bulbs an inch deep, the soil made firm about them, and after potting place them in a cold frame plunged in ashes, which will afford some moisture, and do not water until the foliage appears, when they may be moved to the shelves of a greenhouse or light airy position, then water carefully at first, increasing the supply with the growth. They will flower nicely, but they will not be as fine as those flowering outside. Varie- ties are very numerous, and all are good. Teiionhs are good alike in borders or grown in pots with cool treatment. The habit of growth is that of the Sparaxis, but the bloom differs in being self-coloured. The varieties are becoming rather numerous ; parti-coloured flowers are being added, as in Brilliant, orange, dark centre, spotted, and Longiflora rosea, blusb, white and rose, which add no beauty; but Eclair, scarlet, and Prince Alfred, white, are good additions; still the best of the family are T. crocata, orange, and T. aurea. orange yellow. The former blooms earlier, and grown in pots blooms in June or earlier, according to the tem- perature, and T. aurea comes in at the middle of July if brought forward in a greenhouse. Outdoors they flower after those under glass, and give a succession of blooms for a long time, commencing in August and continuing until frost. A dozen bulbs in a 10-inch pot, potted early in October, water- ing moderately until the growth appears, but keeping moist as they are more or less active alway, increasing the supply of water with the growth, letting it be copious when in free growth, and brought forward in gentle heat, keeping in a cool house until January, then introducing to gentle moist heat, with a light airy position but plenty of moisture. T. crocata will flower during the spring and early summer months, and if kept from frost and brought on in a cold pit or house it will flower later and keep up a succession until those in the open ground come in. Half a dozen bulbs may be grown in a 7-inch pot, and in potting let them be about IJ inch deep, those in the open ground about 3 inches deep, and afford a mulch of leaf soil in winter over the clumps. The soil named for Ixias suits Tritonias, or turfy loam will grow them well with the addition of a third part of vegetable soil and a sixth of sand. They like a moist soil, but well drained. — G. Abbey. NEAR AND AMONG THE ANTEDILUVIANS. Most satisfactory is it to me having things congruous about me. I am in search after things old, so I lodge in a terrace with an Anglo-Saxon name— Holme Lea, the Wooded Meadow ; and certain is it that the whole region round about was a forest, that is in the time of the ancient Britons, whose name of the place is still retained. They called it Lym from the streamlet on the west bank of which it is, and that they termed " y nant Llym," the Rapid Stream. One of the evidences of its forest surroundings is afforded by the submarine trees found abundantly in the liaa between Lyme and the mouth of the river Char. It was a woody region even in antediluvian times, for on the table before me aa I write is part of the branch of an Oak firmly bedded in a slab of lias, that geological form- ation from whence the Ichthyosauri and other old-world monsters were dug, which now are in the British Museum. The town is built upon that lias, and in walking along the sea- shore towards Charmouth you may find many remains of animals and plants that were alive before the Flood. I may be permitted to dwell on one as not irrelevant to your columns, I mean the Coprolites. Their name signifies petrified dung, and certain it is that they are the excrements of the lohthy- osaurua ; they are found within the fossil skeleton of that animal. They are shaped like a kidney Potato. I have one before me ; it is nearly 4 inches long, fully 2 inches broad at the widest, tapering to each end, and 1 inch thick. It retains the marka given to it when passing through the animal's in- testines, as well as the undigested scales of the fish on which it subsisted. Coprolites were analysed in the laboratory of the London ManureJCompany, and proved to contain in 100 lbs., besides a Fig. 70. — Lobelia urens. small portion of unimportant ingredients, 56 Iba. of phosphate of lime, 14 Iba. of phosphate of iron, and 21 lbs. of carbonate of lime (chalk). These ingredients are what were to be ex- pected, as we know the food the Ichthyosauri and other marine antediluvians fed upon — that food was fish, and in many coprolites, as well as that I have described, are found their scales, and of some so undigested that M. Agassiz at once pro- nounced one to have been from the body of the Pholidophorua limbatus. The bones and scales of fish contain the phosphatea and carbonate found in coprolites. They are so abundant in places on this seashore that they might be mistaken for scattered Potatoes. This abundance — and it prevails in other (iotobor i 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 3ld maritime districts — renders coprolites a valuable ingredient for artificial manures, and their manufacturers grind tliem to a powder and mix them with other fertilisers, for those phos- phates are found in cultivated plants. It is a curious fact that our field and garden crops are being nourished by the excrement of an animal produced before the Deluge. Some estimate may be formed of the abundance of fossil animals in the lias by the fact that Sir Henry de la Beche distinguished more than 130 species ; and how numerous was one of the species, the Ammonite, is apparent to any observer. I have a flat mass not 5 inches square and 1 inch thick, that contains at least a hundred small Ammonites. This fossil, known among old geologists as the Cornua Am- monis, has that name preserved corruptly among the poorer classes here, for they call it " Cornomis." Heavy fragments of some that must have been 0 inches in diameter are used to keep doors from closing. The peculiarities of the plants of the district are no less noteworthy than those of its fossils. One instance for the present must suffice — " The Flower of the Axe," or, as the country people near Axminster call it, " The Flower." Until the present week I never heard of this member of our national Flora, and, therefore, was ignorant that it is found nowhere but on one small spot at Kilmington, near Axminster. For all my relative information, and the outline portrait ac- companying this note, I am indebted to the Eov. Z. J. Edwards's excellent little volume on the Ferns of this vicinity. The plant is Lobelia urens (Stinging Lobelia). It was un- known as a British plant until Hudson published the second edition of his "Flora Anglica" in 1778. He described it as having an erect stem, the lower leaves rounded at the end, scolloped; upper leaves lance-ehaped, toothed; flowers violet blue. It is a perennial, flowering in July, August, and early September. On Kilmington Common this Lobelia has a range of about a mile in length, and in no place more than a hundred yards in breadth. In some fields that have been recently cul- tivated near its usual haunt it has appeared abundantly on the newly turned-up soil. Hudson states that it was first dis- covered by Mr. William Newbery, a noted herbalist, in the vicinity of Axminster. Since writing the above I have visited Kilmington Common, and, though the last day of September, found many plants of the Lobelia still in flower. Then, as on many other similar occasions, I entered into the feeling that made Linnreus fall on his knees by the side of the first Furze bush that he saw clothed with its golden flowers. Kilmington Common was entirely mantled with them ; the bushes were dwarf, and above them stood forth the blue-flowered stems of the Lobelia. They are 2 feet high, and '■) inches of their summits bear the flowers, alternate, and half an inch apart, so that the drawing copied from Mr. Edwards's volume does not approach to doing the plant justice. The leaves are alternate, the lower being 4 inches long, and 1 inch wide where broadest. The soil of the Common is stony but wet from numerous springs ; yet the water is not stagnant, for the Common is on a hill about 300 feet above the Axe, and facing the south-west, so that when the Lobelia is transplanted to neighbouring gardens it can only be kept in moderate vigour by copious and unre- mitted waterings. Kilmington Common is on the road from Axminster to Honi- ton, and the habitat of the Lobelia is about six and a half miles from the town last named. — G. SUMMEK FRUITS. It is true, as stated by Mr. Lnckhurst on page 177, that Rivers' Early Prolific Hum stands out prominently in any col- lection, but I must have Rivers' Early Favourite along with it. These Plums ought to be on every garden wall in the best position they can be placed in, and in the borders too, as pyramids and bushes wherever there is a square yard to be found. I have endeavoured to impress this on many calti- vators, especially those in humble circumstances. Some years ago at an horticultural exhibition held the first week in August, within a few miles of the sea in north York- shire, I exhibited a dish each of Eivers' Early Favourite and Early Prohfic Plums from the open wall. It was with diffi- culty that I could persuade those connected with the exhi- bition that they were grown outside, for they were quite sure they had been grown under glass. There is another early Plum, Precooe de Tours, which in years gone by used often to be met with, and was the earliest Plum we then had, and I believe the parent of Mr. Rivers' rightly-named Favourite. It is but seldom met with now. I saw many years ago at Old Thornville, the residence of Colonel Thornton, a fine old place twelve or fourteen miles north-west from York, trained on a wing of the mansion a fine old tree of Precoce de Tours with one of the heaviest crops of fruit on I ever saw. This was at the latter end of July, and the fruit was ripe and in use. The favourable spring and fine summer no doubt had much to do with the fruit being ripe so early. I have often wondered why fruit trees are not more numerous. I am of opinion that they ought to be as numerous as Thorn bushes. We all know how beautiful our fruit trees are when in bloom in the spring and early summer, and then in autumn we have the pleasure of storing the fruit. In planting it is very important to know which kinds of fruit came the soonest into a bearing and profitable state, and amongst Plums I know none which will pay their expenses more quickly than the sorts I have named. — F. F. DIONiEA MUSCIPULA. I HAVE a plant of Dionroa muscipula which is thriving well. It recently threw up a vigorous new leaf, and one morning I found this new leaf tightly closed with the end of an insect's leg just showing between the edges of the leaf. I noticed a brown mark extending from the edge of the leaf nearly to the base of it. I feared that my grand new leaf was going to deeay, and I wondered what the food could be that had evi- dently disagreed with it. A few mornings since the problem was solved. The leaf opened, and it then appeared that Dionsea had captured a wasp, and the brown mark was produced by the sting of the insect. I have not removed the wasp, and he lies in his trap with his sting fixed into the flesh of his captor. It is curious to note the effect of the wasp's revenge on the plant that has made a meal of him. — George C. Stenning, BcauUeii Parsonage. SALES OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT COVENT GARDEN. In Covent Garden Market is transacted the largest fresh fruit and vegetable business of any market in the world, it being the grand centre of distribution not only for London and its suburbs but Great Britain. It receives contributions from the chief fruit-bearing regions of the world, and vege- table products from France, Spain, and Portugal, as well as from more distant quarters. Of fruit, schooners built for the purpose, and faster sailing steamers, are constantly bringing hither supplies from the tropical, intertropical, and temperate zones of America, from the Channel ports of France, the shores of the Mediterranean and Adriatic, and of Northern Asia. Of late years the purveyors of Covent Garden have entered into active competition with the city importers, ware- housemen, and dealers in Pudding Lane and its vicinity, fruit and vegetables being now consigned on a large scale directly to them. The Covent Garden dealers have their agents at the leading foreign shipping ports, many of whom dispatch representatives from time to time to the interior fruit-growing districts to report on the crops, and forestall, by advances and agreements to purchase, the native dealers. As crops mature or arrive at port for shipment, a large part of the correspon- dence between the agents abroad and the Covent Garden dealers is carried on by telegrams, for in these days of com- petition early advices are essential, the character and amount of prospective supplies exerting an important influence on prices. By large capital intelligently applied, by maintain- ing an intimate conversance with all the influences calculated to increase or lessen foreign supplies of market garden produce, taking at the same time into account home contributions, these dealers may be said to rule over our supplies, and to some extent to govern prices. It is by the completeness of their organisation in connection not only with producers and intermediate agents, but their connection with the host of retail dealers throughout the country, that the statement holds true that of fruit and vegetables "the best come to London." The tendency year by year has been to vest these large trans- actions in a few hands, or at least in a few families. To allow of the enormous trade carried on, it has become a necessity to extend the transactions of the market proper to the short streets branching from it north and left, the upper floors and cellars of these afYording storage, whilst the ground floor is 320 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( October 7, 187f. given up to Bamples of stock and sale transactions. Bat in securing the requisite space for transactions, not only are neighbouring hotels, bars, and ooffee-housea resorted to for bargaining, but as in Mincing and Mark Lanes, the pavements and roadways themselves are at times made available, and whole waggonloads of produce are sold by private contract or by auction around. To ba impressed with the absorbing powjr of Covent trarden I Market one should visit it at early mom to be in time for the arrivals. The noise and stir gradually increase, like a quiet sea being lashed into a storm. From each point of access come all sorts of vehicles, from trucks to farmers' heavy carts and railway contractors' waggons. The members of the vegetable kingdom in season make a huge display on the southern side, and choke up Great Russell and James Streets, whilst fruit, of which the air is redolent, and the delicate vegetable products of the hothouse and garden, such as encumbers and Artichokes, find their way to the northern colonnade and the piazza. Above the crunching of the heavily- laden vans and the tramp of multitudinous feet are heard the voices of porters, market dealers, greengrocers, costers, all on the alert. There is a veritable babel of tongues,"of which only October 7, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDE NEB. 331 those initiated in market lore can oatch the full significance. Covent Garden, like the Cattle Market, Smithfield Meat Market, Billingsgate Fish Market, and Leadenhall Market, has a language of its own. What with the throwing down of huge piles of Cabbages, and crates and boxes, the fillings of baskets, and the rushing of everyone to and fro, unpacking from laden vehicles and repacking in empty ones, the storing in shops and cellars, the depositing of produce on the flagged areas, the incessant endeavours of drivers of vehicles to make headway or to retreat from their positions, the exclamations and objurgations from the hundreds upon hundreds moving in a labyrinth of wheels and hoofs, the cries of the porters in the crowd to clear the way, the excitement of the scene is all but bewildering. Amidst all this uproar one hears ia every direction the chink of money. The negotiations are carried on with marvellous rapidity — each seller seems to deal with half a dozen persons at once ; yet buyer and seller, such is the throng and the number of counter currents, are like persons bargaining in a heady stream, sometimes in the very act borne out of sight of each other. Thousands of pounds are changing hands ; the produce of hundreds of acres being bartered away whilst we gaze. A moment suffices for the bargaining of the retail dealer, and, in fact, with so many competitors he has no choice but to be " sharp and quick." Equally prompt are those who purchase on a wholesale scale, these frequently, through the advantages of capital and the terms they can obtain, supplying the shops of large districts, and this promptly. Thus one man has secured almost the monopoly of the Watercresses by greengrocers in the western central district, being able to obtain them on better terms than they could themselves, not to speak of the saving of time. A large assortment of vegetables and fruit will be selected, purchased, and carried off by a vendor in less than a quarter of an hour. Up to nine o'clock a. jr. the price of produce of the same description is uniform, as fixed by the market dealer.^. To this price all purchasers must conform ; and thus business is facilitated — a consideration to buyers who have little time to spare. The early part of the day is necessarily that most convenient to a large number of greengrocers and other retail dealers. They are supplied before the local trade has well- nigh commenced, and the prices charged by them tociistomers fluctuates, as a matter of course, with the terms they have been able to secure. It does not follow that this early pricing is satisfactory to the market purveyors or dealers. It is largely influenced by the state of the weather and the general amount of current supplies. If it is desirable to move off a large quantity of any produce, the terms will be lower than otherwise. It would scarcely be interesting to our readers to give particulars of the conclave which result in the determina- tion of the figures to be demanded up to nine o'clock ; nor need we explain the interest all dealers have in uniformity. In addition, through custom and common interest, it is a regulation which none dare break. In this period many of the costers as well as shopkeepers are supplied, and pur- chases are made for the country, to be carried off by early trains. After nine o'clock all dealers are free to name their own prices, and no one can have visited Covent Garden without noticing the variation in ticketed figures in different locahties of fruits of the same quality. SimOarly a variation necessarily extends to the sales in larger quantities, whether by private arrangement or by auction. Auction sales are frequently held by various dealers throughout the day. The early sales will, to some extent, have fixed metropolitan prices, and the object of buyers now is to make good bargains. Every regular frequenter is known to the several classes of purchasers, and it is a prime consideration with costers and others to wait the thinning of competitors. The departure of a score of well-to-do greengrocers will accordingly be patiently awaited, in the knowledge that their presence serves to keep prices up, and that they cannot afford to stay. It is a sort of time duel that is being fought, for on neither side can the holding-off be kept up for ever. Many of these auction sales are adver- tised by slates hung up against a pillar, or in the case of the shipment of foreign fruit being telegraphed a day or two before the stock arrives. There is, in addition, a sort of free- masonry among those interested in market sales, by which information as to goods to be disposed of would seem, without any formal previous notice, to become common property. At these auction sales the produce, as we have stated, is frequently sold in the street waggons as it stands ; while of stored fruit I and vegetables opportunity is given for previous inspection, whether above ground or in the subterranean caverns. With foreign and home-boxed fruit all the boxes are sometimes opened as offered for sale ; and so, at times, with hampers, &c. It is at these sales the costers mainly buy ; as in the city, bo here, they constitute an important class of purchasers, being the virtual purveyors of two-fifths of the metropolitan popu- lation. It is to be remembered, too, that they buy some of the best fruit and vegetables in the market. These sales give occasion for abundant displays of character, though they are conducted on the whole with a quietness foreign to the city fruit and vegetable sales. Each sale has different stages. There is the reserve price with which it sets out, and which, as soon as demand flags, is sure to be abated. Then again, the best lots are, as a rule, sold first. The most amusing sales, those which differ in character from all the others, are the latest. What is sold must, as a rule, be sold, whetlier to clear stock, and so make way for to-morrow's arrivals, or "sorted out" because the " signs of decay" or just "going off" have become apparent. For the first reason we have seen the choicest of Apricots, Plums, and foreign Cherries, Green Gages, and other fruits thus disposed of. A mixed company assembles, including costers, who operate on their own account, and others who hold money for investment that has been clubbed together by half a dozen others, with fruiterers of poor neighbourhoods, whose business will be carried far into the night, and whose customers are not too particular for quality, so that they get cheapness and quantity. The buyers have not a penny to lose ; the costers particularly are a shrewd set, capital judges of what suits them, and well capable of " sorting stock." Hemmed-in by heaps of "empties" that serve as tea-tables or smoking couches to a number of wearied market servitors who have borne the burden and heat of the day, we join, not without some hesitation, the aforesaid group, which clusters on the flagged area by one of the closed shop windows. From below the shutters a long narrow panel is removed, showing three grim faces belonging to men whose business is evidently subterranean. The conversation is the genuine staple market talk, a compound of business hints, suggestions, and assevera- tions as to current prices and qualities of fruit, interspersed with rough social amenities, such as hearty slaps on each others' shoulders and backs, the utterance of broad jokes, followed by loud shouts of laughter at the expense of some butt of their rude wit. Such as it is, there appears to reign a general good-fellowship. Presently a small thick-set man, brown-coated and grey- trousered, with felt hat of the Vandyke style, mounts a box, memorandum book and pencil in hand. Instanter the three heads at the panel disappear, and from the dark cavernous mouth three boxes of Cherries are pushed out on the pave- ment. " Now, what's the bid ? " asks the auctioneer, " see, they're prime." One of the boxes is open and a good look ia taken. " Three — four — five — six" (meaning Gs. for a given number of boxes) , come like a rattling volley. Auctioneer gives a hard defiant look, but the fates have ordained that nothing more shall be offered, and the entry of the name of the successful bidder in the auctioneer's memo- randum book is followed by successive acceptances of like lots at the same figure. With small as with large auction sales excitement is apt to grow, chiefly evinced in the sarcasms passed on the condi- tion of the fruit by artful bidders desirous of checking the bids of others, in conflicting claims for the last bid, and sundry personal remarks, which assume, by their pointedness, that the speakers have an intimate acquaintance with each other's domestic and business affairs. To represent the wordy con- flicts whilst the auction goes on, we would have to be aided by as many stenographers a?, according to Dean Stanley, attended on St. Anthony. In some of these conflicts each unit of the lot seems to become judge and witness when two contestants claim to have bought each the same lot, stretching their necks like cranes towards the auctioneer and vociferating till they are hoarse. The auctioneer, careful to offend none, looks at all, hears all, and apparently believes none. To carry conviction pro or con, the buttons of his coat are laid hold of, his arms are pulled by huge brawny hands, whilst ever anon a palm floats over his book to prevent him making an entry before he hears the full case out. In the end the contestants divide the spoils. 322 JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 7, 1875. ' What have we next ? " is the cry of the auctioneer, These pass rapidly to the costermongers, and at an incredibly low figure. Next come Strawberries. " I haven't heard you bid," says the auctioneer, accosting a costermonger in a solicitous tone. "Can't take jam," remarks the peripatetic dealer, making all but the auctioneer laugh. The lots go at an average of 2s. the dozen baskets (such as in their prime were being sold at the time for (jii. each). "Let's have the Peaches," says the auctioneer to his men, who, in handing the boxes, rip off the covers. " You can't go wrong. Come, hurry up." The price reserved is half a crown for three boxes, and some few lota bought at this figure ; the rest go cheaper. "You must give me credit for I'ld." says a coster, aged and decrepid, as he empties the contents of his purse. " All right," says the auctioneer. " Ah," responds the coster, with a twinkle in his eyes, " you know me ; you'd give me credit for £5." "Apricots," exclaims the auctioneer. " Bid away, you can't go wrong, surely." The sale is over ; the shades of evening gathering, and Covent Garden, after its fitful day-life, becomes gradually deserted. It may be well, in conclusion, to trace in a few lines the history of Covent Garden Market. Six hundred and fifty- three years ago (1222) the site constituted part of a garden belonging to the Convent of Westminster, whence the con- traction Covent. It devolved to the Crown on the dissolution of the religious houses by Henry VIII., was granted to the Duke of Somerset by Edward VI., and on the attainder of that nobleman again came into possession of the Crown. Edward VI. conveyed it as a mark of royal favour to .John Earl of Bedford in 1552, together with a field to the north, termed Seven Acres — whence Long Acre. The property has remained in the possession of the Bedford family ever since. John Earl of Bedford built a mansion in Seven Acres, the square on which the market now stands being the rear garden, and walled. The locality was fashionable, and persons of distinction resided in houses contiguous to the wall. At this time a market was held on the sites now occupied by South- ampton and Tavistock Streets, but owing to building improve- ments the market was transferred to the centre of the garden, which was the signal for the aristocratic inhabitants in the vicinity to seek abodes elsewhere. Vintners, coffee-house keepers, and others, took possession of the wooden houses ranged round, and which at one time had been thought magnificent. The historian Maitland, writing of Covent Garden in 1756, soon after the change, says : — " Things remarkable at present are a magnificent square, wherein (to its great disgrace) is kept a herb and fruit market, two charity schools, one meeting house, a parish workhouse, a cold bath. Hogarth sketches it on an early winter's morning as a medley of tented sheds and hoards, with fires kindled here and there to warm shivering creatures, vegetables collected in heaps lying on the stones or piled in baskets ; quarrelsome rakes are issuing from Tom King's coffee-house, a woman is bawling ditties, a quack doctor dispensing his nostrum, and market folks are being served at a stall with rice and milk. To these must be added growers of vegetables and retailers, the whole scene — not forgetting the swords and staves and bob-wig high in the air — making a scene of amusing confusion." The tem- porary standings were in time made permanent, but years elapsed before these were removed to give place to superior erections. The market was rebuilt in its present form m 1829-30. It is quadrangular, consisting of a colonnade — north, east, and south — with ranges of shops ; a central arcade from east to west, three passages running from north to south, and ex- tensive storage cellars. At the eastern entrance there are capacious conservatories. It is somewhat singular that only in the present year a portion of the wide unsheltered space between the arcade and the southern range of shops has been covered in, an improvement shortly to be extended to the corresponding flagged area to the north. So far from detract- ing from the architectural appearance, the glass-and-iron roof gives to the market a Ughtsome appearance previously wanting, and is the more to be admired from its obvious utihty. An essential requirement of a good market is abundance of water. This is supplied from an artesian well, which yields IGOO gallons per hour. The market days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.— (WdtionaJ Food and Fuel Reformer.) STRAWBERRY CULTURE. I THINK " An Old Subscribee" has not read my letter on page 242 with sufficient care and attention, or he would not have found out so many objections to my way of growing Strawberries. Such a formidable host of objections I was not prepared to expect, and as my time is limited I must be ex- cused if I do not notice them all. The first objection, then, that I shall answer is " planting without manure." Well, the fact is my half acre of land where I grow my Strawberry plants is as rich as a compost heap, as least for 12 or 15 inches deep. I have used on this piece of land for the last five or six years from twenty-five to thirty cartloads of manure, and it is conse- quently in such a high state of cultivation that if I were to omit to use any manure for a twelvemonth my crops would never feel the want of it ; and as a proof that my plants have not suffered from " planting without manure," my runners now measure above a foot across them, their fruit buds are formed for next year's crop, and they are so large and forward that some of them are throwing up their flower stalks and bursting into flower. " Planting after Potatoes " is another objection. I again repeat my land is deeply cultivated and manured for Potatoes at the time of planting. They are planted the first week in May, and are ready for sale by the first week in July. " Taking the runners from each alternate row" is objection No. 5. I do not see what matter it would make if I did, but I do nothing of the sort. I " strike " or root my runners in each alternate row, but I take runners from every plant. My reason for raising my runners in this way is that I find in practice that gathering fruit and striking runners are antago- nistic, the runners being trampled to death by the fruit-gather- ing ; and Ijy setting apart every other row for the runners, allowing no person to set foot on this row, I obtain runners at least a month earlier. This I think a very important point, and I am sure my friend makes a great mistake when he objects to so simple and easy a way of securing early runners. Objection No. 6 I pass over, as time wUl prove what sort of a crop I shall have, but judging by past experience I am led to hope that I shall have a very good one. I5ut after all the great difficulty with " An Old Subsceibek " is to " comprehend " how it is possible to grow 1 lb. of fruit per plant the first season after planting. This is no joke. He is content to wait two years and sometimes three years before tasting any fruit. In reply, I answer it can be done by having the runners rooted early and grown to as large a size as possible during July, August, and September ; to plant as soon as the land is ready and the season favourable on land in " good heart," that has been deeply cultivated and well manured. A few of my largest Strawberries this year weighed 2 ozs. each, and I had scores that weighed 1 oz. each. From British Queen, Dr. Hogg, President, and others I could pull thirty Strawberries to weigh 1 lb. I remember reading a short timo since of a Strawberry called " Brown's Wonder," that would produce one peck of fruit per plant, Dr. Roden writes to say that " his plants of British Queen this year have produced an average of 8 lbs. per plant, several of the fruit weighing 2 ozs. each." Can "An Old Subscribee" comprehend this? In conclusion I would offer this advice to all Strawberry growers : Do not rest satisfied until you can produce a good crop of fruit the first season after planting.^W. Lovel, Weavertliorpe, York. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A FLOWER-POT. It has often occurred to me when potting, and seeing the roots of plants winding round the pot in search of food, if their wants might not be specially considered at the time of potting, especially in the ease of those plants which of necessity have to be kept in small pots for the decoration of the dinner table, and for fitting into vases, epergnes, &c. To attain the desired result I have for the last two seasons acted as follows : — ■ After placing the requisite drainage in the pots I procured some fresh cow dung (that from fattening oxen is preferable to that found on pasture fields), and with a broad label besmeared the inside of each pot to the depth of one-third to half an inch, according to the size of the pot. The pots are then put to dry in an airy shed for a few hours, otherwise the wet lining would interfere with the work of potting. October 7, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 323 Bulba of all kinds — Hyacinths, Crooases, and Tulips especi- ally— are benefited thereby, it bringing oat that brilliancy of colour in the latter which is so desirable. Mignonette, Cine- rarias, Primulas, Poinsettias, &a., also show, by outstripping their brethren which have not been so treated, that they thoroughly relish it ; moreover, it greatly supports all succu- lent growing plants. This additional stimulant should as a rule not be given till the final potting, as it is difficult to remove the ball without injury to the roots. In case, however, a plant should have to be repotted, an old table knife should be passed round the pot to cut through any dung still adhering to the pot. If the pots are required for other plants they must be steeped in water and scrupulously cleaned before using, or the plants may at their next potting come out minus half the roots. I keep, however, all my " cow-dung pots" separate, and only use them for the class of plants above named. I am making experiments with another class of plants, and the result I will state it at some future time. — A. W., Heighington. GEAPES AT THE EDINBURGH SHOW. The correspondents who have favoured me with a reply to my communication in your issue of the 23rd ult. have evi- dently failed to catch the chief points at issue. My inquiry was, " What constitutes a bunch of (irapes ?" I maintain that it is what is produced by one fruit stem from the shoot. If this be so, then the Eskbank Grapes were at least two distinct bunches, for there were two distinct fruit stems with a clear space between them, and in this I am corroborated, I repeat, by half a dozen of the principal Grape-growers and prizetakers at the Show, and I have subsequently received from four of them written testimony to the same effect. Mr. Curror says that the .Judges had ample opportunity to inspect them, but did they do so? or have they said they did ? Perhaps like myself they never for one moment doubted the honesty of the bunch, neither would I have doubted it had not my attention been drawn to it by two gentlemen whose faith in its honesty had evidently not been so strong as was mine. From the place which it occupied at the back of the table, and the fact that it was guarded by a policeman, the public had no opportunity of inspecting the shoot on which the Grapes were hanging. The writer of the second communication signed " I). E.," evidently evades the question, and for reasons best known to himself answers it only by praising the Eskbank Grapes, and depreciating those from Arkleton. Now, I beg to remind him that I wanted the opinion of men who were not interested in either of the bunches. No person can doubt after reading the letter of " D. E." but that this gentleman is a partisan in the Eskbank Grapes, and perhaps one of the party who cheered, but of that more hereafter. " D. E." thinks that for months past I have been living in the belief that all I had to do was just to go to Edinburgh, lay down my bunch and take the prize. Practice in showing has taught me never to be too certain on that score. I never for once doubted but what the Judges could weigh a bunch of (irapes, but I ask the question. Did the Judges weigh them, or did they leave that for others to do ? But before entering on this I must explain matters a little. On the Wednesday morning about six o'clock I called at the Music Hall, but was refused admittance by the Assistant-Secretary (Mr. Young), who declared that none were permitted to enter but the Judges and Committee. I told him that I only wanted to see the Grapes weighed, when he answered me by saying that if I called again about nine o'clock I could see that done ; but on returning at 8.40 in company with a friend I was twitted by a gentleman with the following : — " Where have you been ? Why weren't you seeing your Grapes weighed ? They were weighed half an hour ago?" Now this is a fair question, and perhaps " D. E." will be able to explain. If I was not permitted to be present, and if none but the Judges and Committee were there, where did the dozens of witnesses come from ? Who were the parties that cheered (for I am aware they did so) ? Who were they that shouted, one 20 lbs. 1 oz., another 'iG] lbs., and a third 20 lbs. J oz. ? Now, to say the least of it, this is not very assuring that there could not possibly ba any mis- take in the weighing ; and if " D. E." is a true example of the dozens of disinterested gentlemen who were looking on and checking the weights, I can understand the reason for the cheering when the Eskbank Grapes were made out to be the heaviest, a course of proceeding which I trust will not esta- blish a precedent for the guidance of future international shows. "An Esglish Grape-Gkower" says that the Arkleton bunch was much rubbed and appeared to have received injury in transit, which spoiled the appearance of the berries. Now, I beg to state that when I staged my Grapes the berries were neither rubbed nor broken, and no bunch could have carried better ; yet when I saw it about nine o'clock next morning I should certainly have had some difficulty in knowing it to be the same had it not been for the board that it was lying on, it was so tarnished that the public had not the pleasure of seeing it to advantage. I will now state a fact which I witnessed myself. AVhen I entered tbe show-room a gentleman in com- pany with a photographer were working on my bunch to have it photographed, and to give an idea how carelessly it had been tied (after having been weighed), it slipped off the board and fell into the arms of one of the gentlemen — judge from that if it could have a good appearance. " An English Gkape-Gkower " expresses his surprise to hear that half a dozen principal Grape-growers and prizetakers at the Show should consider the compact Eskbank bunch to be two bunches, and asks, " What does this mean ?" It simply means that in their opinion, and the opinion of many others that I could name if necessary, that it was two bunches of Grapes, because it had two distinct and separate fruit stems springing from the shoot, and I have lodged a protest in the hands of the Secretary against the award being given to the Eskbank Grapes on that score, and I have corroborated my statement that it was not a hom'i fide bunch by giving him the names of five gentlemen who are unquestionable authorities. To that protest I have as yet received no answer, but I con- sider that the Committee are bound in honour and justice to investigate the case, and also that the interests of horticulture justify my bringing the circumstances of the case before the public ; for if this award to the Eskbank Grapes has to form a precedent, and henceforth as many fruit stems as can be drawn together and made to form a cluster more or less com- pact are to be regarded as one bunch of Grapes, it will revo- lutionise the growing of large or any other bunches of Grapes. As I said at the outset, the weight is not the point at issue ; and though I demur to the proceedings, I should never have thought of challenging the award on that account ; and had I been satisfied that I was honestly beaten I would have scorned the action of seeking to detract from the well-earned merits of another, or have envied him his laurels, but under the circum- stances I stand by my protest, and maintain that I have grown and exhibited the heaviest bomi tide bunch hitherto produced, and assert my right to any Uttle credit to which the world may deem the producer entitled. — James Dickson, Arkleton, Langholm. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Mr. James Aebis, J.P., the Vice-President of the success- ful International Potato Exhibition held at the Alexandra Palace on the 29th ult., has offered a piece of plate of the value of £10 to be competed for at a similar Exhibition to be held in 1870. Messrs. Gale, 11. Fenn, and J. Coutts have also promised special prizes in the event of another Exhibition being held. At the Exhibition held last week we omitted to state that Mr. R. Dean, EaUng, was awarded the first prize for six Round varieties of Potatoes with dishes of similar quaUty to those which won the £10 silver cup. In the western parts of Dorset and the eastern parts Devon we have just seen how abundantly loaded are the Apple TREES, and are not surprised, therefore, to read in the Bridport News that Apples are so plentiful in Devon that they are offered at Is. a-bag, and cider is considerably less than 7s. Gd. per hogshead. We have received from Mr. K. Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, a fruit of his new geeen-fleshed Melon A. F. Bar- ron. The fruit was of bluntly oval shape, and weighed about 0 lbs. It was regularly ribbed, beautifully netted, and was very handsome in appearance. The fruit was over-ripe, yet it was of excellent quality. It had a thin rind, thick flesh, and remarkably small seed cavity. It was singularly juicy, sweet, and possessed a delicate aroma ; it sustains Mr. Gilbert's re- putation as a successful raiser of Melons. • The Commissioners of Her Majesty's Works and Public Buildings intend to distribute this autumn among the work- ing classes and poor inhabitants of London the subplus EEDDiNG-ouT PLANTS in lUttcrsca, Hyde, the Rpgent's, and 324 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ October 7, 1875. Victoria Parks, and in the Kew Eoyal Gardens, and the plea- sure grounds Hampton Court. If the clergy, school commit- tees, and others interested will make application to the Super- intendent of the park nearest to their respective parishes, or to the Director of the Royal Gimlrts , ICew, or to the Superin- tendent of Hampton Court Gardens in the cases of persons residing in those neighbourhoods, they will receive early in- timation of the number of plants that can be allotted to each applicant, and of the time and manner of their distribution. The Cryptogamio Society of Scotland held their first Exhibition at Perth on the 29th ult. The display of Fungi, Ferns, Lichens, itc. ,was extensive and varied. Round the walls of the hall were hung hundreds of sheets of dried Ferns and Mosses. On the centre table, which was beautifully and scientifically arranged, all the specimens were placed accord- ing to their species. There were also several drawings illus- traticg the Peronospora infestans, or Potato fungus, magnified five to seven hundred diameters by Mr. Worthington G. Smith, London. On this table there was also a hat made from Fungus (Polyporus fomentarius) from Transylvania, Eastern Hun- gary, exhibited by Professor Dickie, Aberdeen. Nearly the whole of the sheets on the walls containing Mouses, Lichens, and Ferns were shown by Mr. Howie, Largo. His collection included forty-eight sheets obtained from Mr. Thomson, Secre- tary to the Field Naturalist Club, Dunedin, New Zealand, the specimens being collected there ; and also 461 sheets of foreign Mosses from Professor Simper, Straeburg. Mr. Croall, Stir- ing, had a fine coUtclion, comprising two hundred specimens of Mosses, Ferns, anatomical dissections of Seaweeds, and microscopic Fungi. Specimens were also sent from the seats of the nobility and gentry of Scotland. The Exhibition was a great success. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Undodbtedly it is a very essential point at this time of the year to fully consider the means to be adopted in the matter of wintering the necessary stock of plants for both bedding and decorative purposes. The resources tf a villa residence are often too limited for plants to be preserved according to the owner's wibhes, and various plans must of necessity bo resorted to. Although there may be no immediate danger by frost, yet as it often comes suadenly it is well to be prepared for it. In the first place I know cf no better opportnnity than the E resent for tbe preparation of the greenhouse by either scrab- ing the paint, cr if necetsary giving one coat of paint before placing plants of any kind in it. After it ia dry such plants as Azaleas and Camellias, as well as most other greenhouse plants, should be brought in ; but if a pit of any kind, whether of wood or brick is provided, I would prefer the Azaleas and Camellias going in that for a month or two, as tbe atmosphere of a green- house is too dry, and the change would be too great perhaps for the benefit of the plants. This would give the room in the greenhouse for the most tender plants, and several others still in growth or bloom, such as Coleus, Balsams, Fuchsias, Be- gonias, Achimenes, &o. Primulas, Cinerarias, end Calceolarias in pots should be placed in frames and protected from wet by the lights, but not without an abundance of air being given in mild weather, and taking care that the plants are kept nearly close to the glass, which keeps them dwarf and causes the foliage to spread out instead of curling-np in a cup-shape as we sometimes see it. It is the extreme wet that we occasionally have at this period of the year that injures snch potted plants as mentioned above. This wet, accompanied with cold airy nights, soddens the soil and cools the roots too much, rendering Camellias liable to shed their buds, and preventing Azaleas ripening their flower buds, which is so essential to a plentiful supply of good-foimed flowers. After having these housed, the next thing is to secure all those plants from the flower garden that are wanted for autumn and winter use, or for the bedding season of next year. These are chiefly the berried Solanums, which should be well watered before taking up, and the soil sufficiently removed from the roots to prevent injury, yet to enable them to be potted into as small pots as possible. These must be kept well watered aud free from the sun until they have rooted afresh, or the berries may drop. These are useful decorative plants, and should be grown by everyone. The Chrysanthemnms in the open ground which it is desired to take up should be treated similarly m every respect; and those already established in pots should be well tiedout, and not once neglected in the matter of water- ing with clear water overhead, and every other time with liquid • manure at the roots, and if necessary give them a top-dressing of rich loam and manure. Some thinning of the buds should take place now, especially of the Pompon kinds which produce so many ; but if any flowers are wanted for a special purpose of larger than the ordinary size the buds must be thinned more severely, even to one on a twig if necessary. Again, there are few places where there are not a few Geraniums grown for some special purpose, such as covering a dwarf wall, or as single specimens in borders. These must soon be taken- up although they may be still flowering well, unless there is means of protecting them from frost. I have many similar plants doing good service, which 1 usually leave out till the middle of November, but they are properly protected every night. These are not potted when taken up, but brought as careful as possible to a shed well lighted by a skylight, and as the boiler is there no frost reaches them. The roots are plunged in leaf mould and common garden soil mixed and pressed firm. For a time they are watered overhead till the leaves die-off, after a time these are picked-off and the bare stems allowed to remain dry all the winter, and the roots moderately so till about March. The young foliage appears then, and they are encouraged a little, afterwards worked-out under protection, and encouraged to grow in a similar soil to iio duly as before. Other Geraniums are treated similarly, that is such as are scarce, but being small they are tied in bundles of from six to a dozen. Variegated sorts being more delicate are kept in frames or the greenhouse in pots each holding a dozen plants. These are cut down in the spring, and when beginning to grow again divided and potted, grown on, and then hardened-off for the purposes required. Now that is as little trouble as possible, and is a plan which an amateur may imitate, though, perhaps, not on so large a scale. When the late- flowering plants above spoken of in the greenhouse are stowed away, the spaces are gradually fiUed-up with Primulas and Cinerarias, as well as the bedding plants from frames. Such other plants as Iresines, Tropieolums, Helio- tropes, and others similarly tender are generally propagated best in the spring; therefore, they may be at once put thickly in pots and put into the dry places in the greenhouse. — Thomas Record. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND "WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HABUY FRUIT GARDEN. Apples and Pears are being rapidly gathered and stored. After a long-continued drought, at the time that fruit ia nearly ripe, a heavy rainfall more than anything else tends to the speedy ripening-off of these fruits. Cox's Orange Pippins have coloured-up in a most remarkable manner during the few bright days we have had. Suffolk Thorn and Dr. Nelis Pears that showed but little signs of ripeness when the ground was dry, ripeued-off directly and began to fall from the trees when the ground was saturated with the rains. We would also draw attention to the fact that many persons gather their fruit from the trees before it is ripe enough to gather. They see fruit lying on the ground at the base of the trees, and if a slight gale should arise more of it may fall off, yet if the fruits are carefully examined many of them will he found to be defective, and some of them may be attacked by the Apple maggot. The true and best test of ripeness is when the fruit parts easily from the trees; if one of the fruits is gently lifted up, and it will part without any effort on the part of the gatherer, then it is ready to be taken from the tree. The fruit ought also to be quite dry when it is gathered. Peach and Nectarine trees upon the walls now require atten- tion; the leaves will begin to separate themselves from the growths, and should be removed as soon as they part readily. Many persons use a birch broom about half worn, and if this is handled carefully all the leaves can be removed without the buds being knocked off. Those who have but a limited extent of wall surface covered with these trees, and have time to spare, will remove the leaves by hand. Any shoots that are being injured by shreda or ties cutting into the bark should be loosened from the wall and fastened -up more loosely. Walls that are furnished with wires, to which the trees are trained, require more attention at this season than tbe ordinary wall-trained trees nailed to the walls with shreds ; the wires cut the bark if the shoots are tied tightly to them, and canker is sometimes induced. If wires are used they ought to be of iron and painted. Uupainted galvanised iron wire is the worst of all to train the trees to by the roughness caused by the process of coating the BUI face, if there are any loose branches it is quite necessary to nail them in at once, as the equinoctial gales which may now be expected may break off or otherwise injure loose growths. We continue lo look over the Strawberry quarters, and cut off all the runners as soon as they are formed ; we also hand-weed if necessarv, as but little good can be done with the hoe at this season. We never dig between the rows at any time. Red spider is very troublesome to us, and seriously retards the growth of the plants during hot weather. The most mischief is done when the runners are badly attacked in the early stages of their growth ; but at this time the pest can be the more readily destroyed, the plants can be taken in the hand and the leaves be October 7, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 325 immerGed in a pail of water in which a sufficient quantity of Boft soap has been dissolved ; iudeed, it has been necessary to dip all the pot plants only quite recently, &(\ the ppider could not be kept under by frequent Byrinpinf*. The difTiculty with Strawberry plants is to reach the insects, as they feed upon the under Bides of the leaves. Mr. W. Taylor*8 remarks last week are very mnch to the point as regards the influence of soils on cultivation, but soil exerciBes quite as much inflaence on the insect pests as it does upon the trees. We could almost venture to say that Mr. Taylor knows nothing of the trouble that we have to keep our plants clean and healthy ; aud not only does this hold good with Strawberry plants, but Viues, Peaches, Melons, aud Cucumbers are under the same control. Gardeners who have had experience only with heavy or clay soil may think too much fuss is made of the difficulty of dealiug with insect pestp, but this only proves the value of experience gained in such widely different circum- stances as that of the different correspondents of this Journal. FRUIT AND FORCING HOUSES. Vineries. — Those who intend to start their Vines about the end of November should have them pruned and the canes di- vested of all loose bark, thoroughly wapbing them and afterwards painting with the usual dressing — viz., 2 ozs. of soft soap dis- solved in a quart of water, and add to this a little tobacco liquor and thicken to the consistency of paint with flowers of sulphur. A little Boot added will tone down the colour. Our attention is next directed to the inside border. The surfnce soil of this should be removed to the depth of from 3 to 6 inches. If few roots are near the surface the greater depth should be removed. This old soil is to be replaced with some rich dressing. Stable and cow manure in equal proportions answer our purpose best; this is moderately rotted and mixed in about equal proportions of good turfy loam. Many persons might not be able to obtain this, and manure from the hen houses or pigeon lofts could be obtained ; this might be used in the proportion of &ix parts of loam to one of manure. Guano or bones ground to powder are equally well adapted for this purpose. One good Grape-grower always uses cow manure for his Vmes, and though he does not grow large or very highly finished bunches we never tasted better- flavoured Grapes. This may not be attributable to the manure, but to the loam, which is medium clay on a clay subsoil, and well adapted fur Vine culture. In the late bouses, as is usual when the leaves begin to fall, there is some difficulty in preventing the berries from decaying. The best way is to air the houees freely by day, at the same time warming the heating apparatus ; but the heat ought to be turned off in time to allow the pipes to become cool before the house is shut up at night. It is quite as well to shut up close as not, for not only are the nights becoming quite cool, but the atmosphere at the same time is usually laden with moisture. We remove all decaying berries and leaves as soon as they are perceived. MUSHROOM HOUSE. Some instructions for preparing material for the beds were given a few weeks ago; if the material as directed at that time has been prepared by allowing all the rank steam to be thrown off, the beds may be made up. We make up the earliest beds on the ground if that is not required for forcing Seakale and Rhubarb. It is necessary to say that overmoist material may be fatal to the production of a crop, and the same may be said of too much heat. These are two evils that must be guarded against at all hazards. As we have said in former numbers, success or failure rests in the preparation of the materials. The manure can be dried by being spread out in an airy shed, and a large proportion of moisture is thrown off by evaporation. If it is supposed that the bed is too wet at the lime of spawning, some very dry decayed manure may be placed around the spawn when it is inserted in the hole. At present no artificial heat is required. The spawn will run better if the house is merely ventilated by day and shut up at night, so that the temperature does not fall much below 55*^. Overheating, with a dry atmo- sphere combined, will be very injarious. If it is necessary, as it will be in a few weeks, to use the heating apparatus, water must be sprinkled about to counteract its drying effects. A word on ventilation. Good MuBhrooms may be produced if but little attention is paid to the ventilation, but it is much better to see that the house has a renewal of fresh air daily. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. It is now a busy time in this oepartment; all the plants re- quire to be re-arranged. Camellias that have been out of doors since the flower-buds were Bet have now been removed to the greenhouse. Azaleas and all other New Holland plants will also be placed in positions under glass. At this season it is necessary to lay the plants on their sides to protect them from heavy rains, for as long as there is no danger from frosts the hardier species are better out of doors. We have been repotting stage Pelar- goniums. These beautiful flowers are not quite so popular as the zonal or Bcarlet-flowered section. They cannot be had at all seasons, and the plants are subject to the attacks of green fly ; this may b^ against them, as people uow-a-days like plants that can be cultivated with the least amount of trouble. If green, fly is not allowed to make any progress, bat is destroyed by fumigation on its first appearance, tbe plants will nob suffer. The potting material used at this time is lighter — contaios more leaf mould and sand, than that used to repot the plants in spring. The mould is shaken from the roots, so that the plants growing in, say, an 8 inch pot, may be potted in one 6 iochea in diameter. We drain the pots well and pot moderately firm. Some young Heaths and other hardwooded plants that were potted in August have filled their pots full of roots, and have again been potted. It is now quite late enough for repotting plants of this nature, but it is better that any young speci- mens be shifted at once than that they should be checked in their growth for want of pot-room. The Chrysanthemums that were showing colour in the flowers have been removed to the blooming house; the others will be taken in as soon as they are ready. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige us by informing ua of the datea on which exhibitions are to be held. Jersey.— Autumn October 13th, Chrysanthemnma NoTember 10th. Major Howell, Spring Grove, St. Lawrence, Hon. Wee. LouoHBOKOUGH.— November 15th and ICth. Mr. W. Palletfc, 55, Battergate, Sec. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Charles Turner, Royal Narseries, Slough. — Catalogue of Roses, Fruit Trees, Coniferce, d-c. Hoopes Brother & Thomas, Cherry Hill Nurseries, West Chester, P. A. — Trade List of Ornajnental Trees and Shrubs, Fruit Trees, d'C. Messrs. William Paul & Sons, Waltham. Cross Narseries, Lon- don, N. — Catalogue of Bases. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should bo directed either to "The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble aud expense. Alexandra Palace Show. — We find that Mr. Rawling8 of Romford was awarded a special certificate for an excellent collection of named varieties of Dahliae. The blooms were large and in good condition. Address iH. B.). — It is not our practice to furnish the names of any corre- spondents who prefer to write anonymoualy. Preparing Qdinces for Table (R ). — There are various ways of nsing them, as in cakes creams, jelly, marmalade, pnddiogs, tarts, preserveB, and as i.iickles. To detail all these modea woald take up too much space, bat if you specify your requirements we are willing to aid yon. Glsdioli not Flowering {M. H.). — The bulbs ought to have bloomed. Let them remain until the foliage turns yellow then take them up and store in a cool and dry place, planting them again in March. We hope you will have better succeas next year. Admitting Azaleas Infested with Mealy Bug and Camellias with Scale to a New Greenhouse iB.). — There is little chance of your clearing the plants of these pests in a new anymore than in an old huuse; and tbout^h we should not object to the CameUiaa, we should not admit the Azaleas had we tbe alternative. Edging foe Kitchen Garden Walks— Material for Waiks (Idem), — Edgm^ tUea. if stout and hard-burned so as to withstand frost, are best, and fur the walk asphalt. Skating Rink. — *' Oena" asis what is the nature of the flooring of the skating-rink in use at Aston Park and other plai;es ? Two Best Peaches for a South Wall {M. E. P,).— It is difficult to select two of tbe very beat as there are now so many very good kinds, but wo give you two selections of two each — Dr. Hogg aud Noblesse, and Crawford's Early and Gosse Mignonne. The last-named is of splendid quality, bat tho tree is rather sabjtct to mildew. Select Pyrethrcms (TT. W. B.).— Ne Plus Ultra, Versailles Defiance, Snlfaterre. Delica'isBimum, Miss Kirke, Imiieratrice Charlotte, striatum plenum, Carminatum plenum, Boule de Neige, Galathea, Alfred Salter, RoBBUm Perfectum, Imbricata plena. Brilliant, aud Princess de Mettemich. Moving Briars Stbuck and Budded this Year {Briar S/ocfc).— Yon may move them next November, the stock being as efficiently rooted as they will be in twelvemonths hence, though for sale purposes it la necessary they stand a year to become plants instead of buda as at present. Heating a Greenhouse (Q. M.). — The very best (and cheapest in tbe end) mode of heating a greenhouse is with a stove boiler fixed iurtide the house and 2-inch hot-waier pipes, and for a greenhouse tbe size you name you will require four rows of 2-inch piping the length of the boose. The boiler may be beneath the stage, or you may have it in a shed at the back of tbe house. If you have it inside be careful that the smoke-flue, or that carrying off tho obnoxious products of combustion, be perfectly tight, none of the vapotira escaping by the joints into the house, and take it outside clear of tho wood* work. Distance of ^spar^gus Plants (Tilta).— The plants being in rows 2 feet apart in beds 4 feet wide, and the beds having 2-feet alleys bttween, are as well as they can be, the plants being 15 inches apart in the rows. Con- nover'e Culuseal is a btrong grower, but will do excellently at the distance yoa have ^ven it. We consider Asparagus does beit a yard apart and 15 inches 32G JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { October 7, 1875. apart in the rows, IiaTing no beds or alleys, bat planting on a slightly raised ridge. PBEPARisr, Allotment Ground (FI. C. J?.1.— We should bring np about 8 inches of the soil deeper tlan it has been stirred before; or take out a trench 10 inches deep and 2 feet wide at one end, and taking out the loose soil, then loosen the bottom of the trench another ppade depth if you can- in fact, diqgicg it, and upon this turn the nest trench, and before throwing np the " shovellings " apply the manure and cover it with tlie shovelUngs; this being done iu November you will have nothing to do but plant io spring, forking over the ground as the work proceeds. We have seen the plan pro- posed to be pursued by your tenant practised with a very satisfactory result, but not baming the weeds unless they are couch grass or others of a perennial hind, and then it is necessary; but the weeds being of an annual kind, to bum them is to waste the fertilit-ing property they possess when dug into the Boil and there decayed. Phospho guauo at the rate of 2 to 3 cwt. per acre would at the time of planting be a suitable dressing for Potatoes. Fruit Trees for NoRTH-NORTn-EAsr Wall (A Constant Suhsci'iber). — The wall is about as bad as a full north-aspected one, and would be useless for such Pears as Marie Louise, Williams's Bon Chn'-tifn, and Coe's Golden Drop Plum. .Targinelle Pear would do, aud Pond's Seedliug, White Magnum Bonum, Wai^hington, and Winesour Plums, with May Duko and Morello Cherries, the latter being very prolific. Information as to the be^t fruit trees lor a north aspect is much wanted, and we should be obliged for particulars of experience. Brown Turkey Fio for South Wall (F. M. S.).— This and the Bruns- wick are the two very b^st Fips for outdoor culture. the Brunswick not being so free-bearing ag the Brown Turkey, but is abetter grower. You may safely have the one which has been grown at the back of a vinery, but we should not advise you to plant it until spring (March), or if you plant this autumn afford a protection over the roots, and cover the branches with two or three thicknepsea of mats. Add some well-rotten manure to the soil, looseuing it to a depth o[ 2 feet, the width being the great objection, but we have seen them do remarkably well in a similar position. Roses for South Wall (IJcih). — We should have Mari'chal Niel prefer- ably to Gloire de Dijon, and Perle de Lyon to Climbing Devoniensis, though those you name will answer well. The border should have some strong loam added to it and be liberally manured. Grass Terraces (J. P. of York). — We consider your plan much the h£st, and should not hesitate to adopt it, as with the three terraces you will be able so to arrange matters as to have the outer wall a sunk one, or, better still, dispense with the wall altogether, having neither of the walls shnwn in your second plan but the wire fence, increasing the width for its position to half that of the width of one of the teirace.s from the bottom of the slope. The slopes should have a base twice that of the heii^'ht, aud the terraces should not be less in width than double the width of the incline of the slopes. If you object to the wire fence plant a Yew hedge 4 feet from it on the terrace side, or the sunk fence would rid you of any objection to the wall being out- side. Greenhouse Geraniums for Spring-flowering {Rodn/'y Stohie). — Cat them back now, and when they have made shoots an inch long turn them out of the pots and remove most of the old soil, shorteninc any straggling roots, and repot in the same size pot, shifting into larger in March. IxiAS (Idfin). — Pot them now five or six bulbs in a 6-inch pot in a compost of turfy loam two parts, and one part each leaf siil and sandy peaN with a half part of silver eand, making the soil firm about the bulbs, and covering about an inch deep. Stand the pots in a cold frame or pit plunged in ashes, and do not water until the plants appear, and then very moderately, increas- ing the supply with the growth, and protect in severe weather with mats or other covering; and in February remove to the shelves or other light airy position in a greenhouse, keeping them well supplied with water. Azaleas after Flowering (IfJcm). — Place them in a house with a brisk moist heat, repottin? if required, aud keep therein until tbe growth is com- plete. They should be sprinkled with water overhead two or three times a-day, and after the buds are set remove them to a cool airy house, shading from bright sun up to October, or the shade of climbers will be sufficient. Madresfield Court Grape Cracking {Philip Barker). — Iu a badly ven- tilated atmosphere, and when tbe watering has been neglected, the border dry in the early stages of the swelling, the berries of Ibis kind are liable to crack ; but under good treatment it is one of the very best Grapes. In your case we think the insuflacient thinning of the berries the cause of the berries craskiag. Gros Colman is a thicker-skinned sort, and is not so susceptible of injury by moisture upon its surface as Madre&lield Court. Fruit Tree for West End of House (.-f. F. K< iv man). —The Breda Apricot would no doubt succeed, but the fruit, though abundant, is small, but excellent for preserving. Transparent Gage, the best of all Plums, which ripens early in September, or Coe's Golden Drop ripening at the end, would also be suitable. PYRAMID Fruit Trees for Garden (<4 Would-be Amaffur).~-The ioUovi- ing is a list of kinds that succeed in a cold, high, exposed, and wet district, and would no doubt suit you. Pearn : Doyenne d'Ete, Jar^^onelle, Williams's Bon Chretien, Beurre d'Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Cotnte de Lamy, Jersey Gratioli, Thompson's, *Marie Louise, -Beurrt'. Diel, and 'Bergamot Esperen. Dessert Apples: Devonshire Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, Margaret, Downton Pippin, Red Astrachan, [Summer Pearmain, Whorle, Besspoo), Cockle Pippin. Keddleston Pippin, Konpareil, Scarlet Nonpareil. Stnrmer Pippin, and Sjkehouse Russet. KHch^n Apples: Keswick Codlin, Lord SuflBeld, Nonsuch, Emperor Alexander, Cos's Pomona, M-"re de Menage, Tower of Glamis, Blenheim Pippin, Bedfordshire Foundling, Dumelow's Seed- ling, Warner's King, and Northern Greening. Plums : De Montfort, Oullins' Golden Gage, Green Gage, Kirke's Transparent Gace, Coe's Golden Drop. Kitchen Plums : Early Rivers, Victoria, Orleans, White ^lagnum Bonum, and Pond's Seedling. Probably we have mistaken your requirements, and you do not wish for pyramids, but trained trees for the wooden rails and walls. Those named will answer for either purpose, and we may just hint that the wooden rails would, having a west aspect, suit the kitchen Plums, dessert Apples, also Pears; the south aspect the desfett Plums; and tbe stone wall, that having an east aspect, the Pears marked with an asterisk, and you may add to those so distinguished G< m ral Todtleben, Van Mons Lt^on Leclerc, Benrre Bachelier, Winter Nelis, and Josephine de Malines. Moat of the Apples we should grow as pyramids along the sides of the walks. Outdoor Vines (F. J). — The thoots 18 inches apart should have been allowed to make six leaves and then been stopped, the laterals stopped at one leaf. This is what we presume yoa have done, and these shoots should be cutback to within two eyes of their base. The leading shoot need not be stopped unt'l it reach the top of the wall, and then take out its points, and cut this back no more than to remove any unripened part, training it in in the serpentiae form its full length. The laterals to be cut-in close to the cane. Night Son. (Idem). — You may apply it fresh, placing it rather thinly around eich Rose, a spadeful being quite sufficient for each plant, dis- posed in a circle a foot from the stem, and covering about 2 inches deep with soil. Perennials for Bedding (A. M. O.). — We know of none attaining the same height and flowering at the same time as Gerauiunn. Any of our correspondents having experience of any good hardy perennials for bedding purposes would oblige us by furnishing the information. Treatment of Souvenir de la Malmaison and La Eelle Carnations (Id^m). — They are climbmg kinds, and require to have the shoots trained around columns or half-balloon trellis, to ^e grown in a greenhouse from the end of September to June, and then outdoors, potting iu June, if for winter flowering, after cutting out any long bare shoots. A compost of turfy loam, with a fourth old cow dung and a like proportion of old mortar rubbish, with good drainage, will grow them well. If to flower in winter a temperature of 45' to 50^ from fire heat in necessary. Outdoors they should have an open situation, but sheltered from winds and be duly wa'iered. Tulips and Crocus for Pot Culture (Drake). — TnlipftSingle varie- ties: Belle Alliance, Bride of Haarlem, Canary Bird, Ctirysolora, Due Van Thol in variety (the best for forcing), Keysera Kroon, Pottebakker, red-striped, white, and yellow vars.; Proserpine, Rosa Mundi, Thomas Moore, Vermilion Brilliant, and Yellow Prince. Double Tulips: Due Van Thol, fine forcing; Imperator rubrorum, Murillo, Princess Alexandra, Tournesol, and Toumesol Yellow. Crocus: Albion, Bride of Abydos, Garibaldi, Golden Yellow, La Majesteuse, Mont Blanc, Othello, Su: John Franklin, and Sir Walter Scott. Blue Pimpernel (hUm).— The blue Pimpernel (Auagallis crernlea) is less common than the red (A. arvensis), but is not by any means rare. Deodar Cedar Producing Cones (Q. C. S.).— It is not unusual, but they do not usually perfect seeds. Roses for East Wall { ).— Gloire de Dijon, Mar.'chal Niel, Sombrenil, all Tea-scented, and Noisette Celine Forestier, Earl of Eldon, and Solfaterre. If you want reds, Alfred Culomb and Charles Lefebvre, which are Perpetnals; or whites, Boule de Neige and Perle des Blanches of the same class. Stopping Decay in Elm Trek (E.).— Clean out the hole thoroughly, re- moving from it any accumulation of decayed substance, and run into the hole, after filling it with broken bricks, omitting the small particles, Roman cement brought to the consistency of thick whitewash with water, and allow it to dry, then add more cement in a mnrtar condition, and bring up level with the hark of the tree. This will exclude wet and prevent further decay ; but we have still the thickness of the bark wanting, and that fill with a pigment formed of equal parts of clay, cow dung, and cocoa-nut fibre, bringing it over the sides of the live bark, and make the surface smooth as in grafting. This renewed every three months, and seen to occasionally that it do not crack and fall oft, will encourage the bark to grow in that direction, aud not unlikely you may cover the hole with live bark. Anyhow, if you only exclude the wet and air from acting on the decayed part your tree will live for many years. Manetti Stock for Roses— 'Maiden" (Jd^m). — Manetti stock is a free- growing kind of Rose known by that name, and largely employed instead of the Briar as a stock for grafting and budding Roses on. " Maiden " is a tree a year old or a year's growth from the bud or graft, aad which has not beeu cut-back or " headed.'' Evergreen Screen {ldem).~Tho American Arbor Vitae is very suitable, aud moves quite safely when of large size. You may obtain plants of nearly the height you require, and taken up with good balls and carefully planted would grow well. Cupressus Lawsoniona is a superior plant, but Thujopsis borealis is hardier and equally fine. Coraican Pine, which is, however, not a good transplanter, grows quickly, and planted two or three lines deep is an effective screen. The quickest-growing screen (but it is not evergreen) is Lombardy Poplar. Potatoes in the North of England (6f. B.).— Potatoes are now selling at Cd. per stone of 1411)3 in the markets of Ulverston, North Lancashire; Whitehaven, Cumberland ; and Kendal, Westmoreland. The sorts most used there ar?, we believe, Skerries and Flukes. So far they have been a fine well-grown crop ; but as many are still in the ground in these counties it is quite possible that the heavy rains of the latter end of September may operate prejudicially on the later kinds. During the past month the markets at the places named have been largely supplied, and the prices have been as low as -id. per stone. 4s. per cwt. may be taken as the medium prices for good tubers. Peaches as Espaliers (S. B., Hafifs).— Early York Peach and Lord Napier Nectarine are equally worth a trial in your garden as espaliers. Management of Lawn {B. E. L.).—Yon may miw jour lawn regularly until November, and then roll it weekly nntU March, when it wiU be necessary to resume cutting. Postal (Q. S., Kif/imon*^).— The Journal of Horticulture can b-;; delivered to you by post direct from the office by mid-day en the day of publication. Fruits for Naming {T. G.).— They must be packed io a box cr basket, be sent by rail or carrier, caniage paiJ, aud not more than six varieties. Names of Fruits (Dr. Mark, uzie). —Bla-ck Alicante. (S.l— Bergamotte Esperen. {Horjg cf- iroo-/),— rrbaniste. (IF. M. B.).— All the Apples are correctly named except Ci>x*s Orange Pippin, and the sort you have under that name is not it, nor can we distinguish it. iE.S.H.).—l, Braddick's Non- pareil; 9, Summer Pearmain ; 3, Adams's Pearmain; 4, Brooks's ; 5, Golden Noble; (J, Calebasse Grosse. (.Y. A'.).— 1, Marrchal de Cour; 2, Beurrc Bachelier; 4, French Codlin; 5, Fair Maid of Taunton. (Dr. Wallace).— 1, Norfolk Stone Pippin; 2, Golden Reinette; S, Stnrmer Pippin; 4, Beurrt Diel; 5, Nut known ; 6, Lemon Pippin. [J. Conn e II ).— I, Vihile Doyenne; 2, Amandine de Rouen; 3, St. Ghislain; 4, CeUini. (S. fl.).— We cannot name Plums with certainty without a portion of the young wood. It does not seem to he of any great merit. (Scybov}.—l, Beurn- d'Amanlis; 2, Swan a Egg. (ir.Joftn.fOTi).— A-ars: 2,Urbanist6; 8, Autumn Bergamot; 4.Bishop's Thumb. Apple.* : 1, Gravenstein ; 2, Winter Greening ; 3, CellinL (J. J. Lorey).—!, Mortchal de Cour; 3, Beurrc d'Amanlis; 4, Williams's Bon CliK'tion; G, Comte de Fiaodres; 11, Beurrt- d'Amanlis; 12, Souvenir du Congrx3c^s— Aylesbury.— \, J. Hedges, Aylesbury. 2, G. Harriaon, Nottingham. 3, T. sear, Ayleabai-y. he, E. Snell; G Harrison. iJouen.-l, P. Unsworih, Newton-le-Wi'ilows. 2 and S, J. Hev. Huddersfleld. he, C. J. Stephens : W. Bygott, jun-: Rtv G. F. Hodson; W. H. Rob^on ; W. H. Crewe; T. Milla East Iniiian.—l and 2. 6. S. Sainsbury, Devizes, he, 0. T. Pelham ; G. Harrison. /Iny other variety— 1. A. & ■A'. H. .Mlvester. 2, H. Yardley, Bir- mingham, he, A. & W. H. Silvester; Mra. Arkwright. PIGEONS. CAERtRRa.— B/acfc.— Cocfc.— 1 and 2. G. ijordin. Bii-miogham. 3, G. F. White- house, Birmingham, fic, A. Biiiyeald: W. T. Aehley; R. A Pratt: C.H.Clarke; W Cartwright Hen.—1, A. Billyeald, Nottingham. 2, T. C. Marthall, Peter- borongb. 8, li. Gordin. CAHwiERS.~.4ny other cotour.—Coek.—l, A."BilIyeald. 2, J. B. Hicks, Forges Street, London. 3, G F. Whitehouae. Cabbierb.— /V/acfc—youii{7 Cocfc or Hen— 1, J. Hawkina, Nottingham, 2, W. Cart^vTight. Edgbaston, Hirmingham. 3, C. H. Clarke, ol.l Sneinton he, J. Atkins; G. Gordin; G. F. Whitehouse. Any other colour.— Young Cock or Hfii— I, W. Cartwright. 2, A. Billveald. S. J. B Sicks. PouTFRS — .4ny co/oiir.— Hen — 1, Mrs. Ladd, Calne. 2 and 3,'.F. Gresham, Shetford. lie, W. -i. Aehley: Mrs. Ladd. Bakbs —1, H. Yardley. 2, T. Hives, Cotgrove. 3, J. D. Huatwayte, Not- tingham. Tumblers.— .. particularly draaahta of air. Pigeons will b'^ar any amount of warmth and like it. but no cold draughts. Often the lofts are over-ventilated. A touch of oil wciuld prevent the eyes from closing at nii^ht. Canaries Dying in a GREENHOtrsE (A Suba/'Tiber). — Upon referring to the Journal of September 9th, page 240, you will fii.d remarks coneer'jing Canaries being kept in a greenhouse, therefore it will be unnecessary for us to travel again over the pame ground. Respecting the loss of your two birds, one of which "has died suddenly without any apparent cause," we should attribute the loss of the birds to the seed becoming poisonei with the excre- ment frjm the vermin, fur in your letter you further state, "lam much troubled with mice getting in the seed boxes." This gives very little doubt. From your description of the greenhouse we imaaine it to he proof against rain and cold winds, especially as it is well mofed, and "has walls on all sides but the south." You will have to declare a war of extermination against the fierce-eyed pests, or you will not be successful with your feathered pets. The bird-i being kept in an aviary cage will afford you the opportm-ity of laying traps and poison for the mice during the iiight time, and to better ens ire success each night remove the seed hoses from the cage. We should not advise you to paint the wires — white lead is poisr*nous. Continuous aud eice^nive dampness will do your birds harm. The place will not be too cold for them. Canaries Phort of Breath (Stnmford\. — If the nostrils of the birds are affected or clogged they will show outward signs of humour, bat if they ap- pear in a healthy state no outward appUcation will be needed, and there will be no necessity to pass a small quill feather through them. The "suffocat- ing" or ghnrtcees of breath proceeds from the air pa'^aages or breathing organs, which have become impaired through cold or intiuenza. Remove them from the other birds into a spacious cage, and place in a dry atmo- sphere a few degrees warmer during illness. Let them have grit sand (so that their gizzards may perform their necessary functions), a bath daily, and let all seed he well sifted before supplied. Mix or sprinkle over the seed before giving it a pinch or two of flowers of sulphur. Once or twice a-week give a drop or two of cod-liver oil, and daily let them have as much of the plantain weed to pull as you can obtain for them. Ir. is plentiful just now. A little watercress is good. No sweets, or you will make the breathing more difficult. A piece of salt to peck at will tend to clear their throats. Biscuit soaked in sherry give twice a-week. Alternate the diet. Keep the birds as quiet as poRsible, and when you require to catch them darken the cage with a cloth, which will prevent much scuffling and excitement. Canaries Casting their Feathers (W. M. Grose). — In reply to your questions we give the following:^!, The Canary, Goldfinch, Linnet, Mules, and all other cage birds should cast all and every one of their fea'.hers every year after the first year's moult. 2, They throw their flight feathers annually — every one of them — from the smallest of the tertiaries, which are those next the body of the bird, to the secondaries, which form the middle of the vane, and to the primaries or qniUa which form the flying feathers of the wings. According to the natural order of things birds should bacome possessed with cntue new feathers once a year. If through artificial temperature a bird should have a partial moult oat of its proper season, there is the bare possi- bility that it will not cast the whole of its feathers as free as one which has not been so subjected. There are well-known instances when birds pass over the autumn or proper moulting time without casting their feathers. Such cawprt are exceptional and nunatural. Then it is a Mgn that the system is failing to act properly. The birds are feather-bonnd owing to a defective state of the blood. When this happens the birds should be removed from the position they may have occupied either into a warmer or colder atmosphere for a few weeks; and if this does not bring about a change or looseness of feather, ten to one the birds' health will become so impaired that they will either quickly die or become linf^eriog fuffererjt. When birds are healthy and well th»-y begin to get loose in feather the end of June or in July, especially following intense heat. The first symptom is thefiadingof a flight feather or two on the cage bottom. If you take the bLrds in your hand and examine them, mr)st likely you will find the sixth or seventh primary quills deficient, and perhaps new ones shooting forth. If the birds should be up breeding ii will be useless letting them continue to breed, for the reason that the hen's eegs may become unfertile; and if not, it is unwise breeding from parents when they become sickly. A general looseness of feathers speedily ensnes. The most difficult feathers for birds to cast are the two or three extreme flying feathers. Sometimes it is necessary to draw them. Driving Bees (A Constant Header). — Generally ^ipeaking there are a few stragglers left. If the hive with these is so placed at the door of the swarm hive I driven bees), the stragglers will mu to the noise. Sometimes the brimstone is used to remove those that refuse to leave the combs. In cold Weather bees are loth to leave their combs, and therefore diflBcult to drive. In such weather the combs should he sprinkled with syrup about fifteen minutes before driving begins. The syrup thus given makes the bees qnite jolly, and causes them to run as readily up into an empty hive as they do in summer. MBTEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camuen S40ARB, London. Lat. 61^ 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0-^ 8' 0" W. ; Altitude. Ill feet. Datb. 9 A.u In the Day. 1876. L%a, HyfiTome- "i Shade Tern* Radiation a Sept. ter. 1^ So Hoa peratnre. Temporatare. « and Oct. Dry. ■Wet. Max. Mm. In [ On Bun. ; grass Inches. Seg deg deg. deg deg deg. deg. In. We. 29 29 837 61.2 60 3 w. 56 5 63.0 44 2 107.2: 40 2 — Th. 30 30 on 65 1 61.0 N.W. 64.8 62.1 45.8 1(15.7 42 6 0 015 Fri. 1 29.97B 68.0 56 0 s.w. 65.2 62.2 48,2 715 42 7 0233 Sat. 2 29^89 64 5 54 1 w. 5-13 61.3 64 0 91.6 6S1 0.410 Sun. S 29 9.t0 53.6 60.2 w. 61.2 57.7 43 7 65.5 42.2 0.325 Mo. 4 V9.729 60.0 59.0 w. 618 67.0 52 0 88,0 49.3 — Tu. 5 29.98-2 63 0 59 9 s.w. 56 3 70.2 57.2 109.0 549 0.200 Means 29.881 56.8 54.4 55 4 6! 4 49.3 918 46.4 1.183 KEMARKS. 29th. — Very fine morning; dull about noon ; fine afternoon and evening. 30th.— Brilliant morning; dull about 2 P.M., but fine afterwards. Oct. Ist.— Biioy morning; dull and cloudy with showers all day, but cot heavy showers; rain at midnight. 2nd.— Rainy morning; showery all day, but bright at intervals; fine evening and night. Srd.— A thiTough rainy day, a constant mizzle rath r than heavy rain. 4th.— Very rainy at 8 A.M., but cleared off before 11 ; bright and fine for an hour or so, then cloudy and rainlike ; but fair all the afterDoon and evening. 5th. — Cloudy early ; fine about noon, and very bright for an hour or two, bat suddenly becoming very dark and storralike; a short; bat very heavy shower just be'ore 4 p.m., with some hail ; fair after. A dull damp week, very little sun, and rain almost every day. The tempera- ture [generally about 3' below that of last week ; b^it the mean maximum in sun was V lower than last week, and 18° lower than the preceding one.— G. J. SVMONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 6. The present damp weather is sending large quantities of hothou.^o Grapes into the market, which otherwise would have been retarded, keeping prices much the same. We are also well supplied with late Peachts, these being as good as we have known them for years. Pears consist of Mario Louise, t^ansel's Bertiamot, Louise Bonne of Jer.^jey. and Duchesso d'Angouleme ; aud of Apples Ribston, Cox's Orange, and Blenheim Orance Pippins._ A cargo of St. Michael's Hues arrived during the week, but in very bad condition. October 11, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 333 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day ol 1 of Month Week. OCTOBER 14—20, 1875. Average Temperature near London. Sun EiBes. Son Sets. Moon Rises. Moon Seta. Moon's Age. Clock after Sun. Day ot Year. Day. Nieht. Mean. m. h. Days. m. 8. U Th 69.9 40 5 60.2 24af 6 8af5 65 af4 28 at 5 • 13 56 287 15 F Virgil boro, 15 B.o. 69 0 40.5 49.8 26 6 6 5 li) 5 m 6 16 14 10 288 16 S ValisDeriua died 1790. 69.0 40.1 49.5 27 6 4 6 29 6 29 8 17 14 22 289 17 SUH 21 SONDAT AFTER TKINITT. 68 8 40 7 49.8 29 6 2 5 65 5 4 10 18 14 34 290 18 M 60.4 40.7 50.6 31 6 0 5 34 6 35 11 19 14 46 291 J?, ^° Aleiandra Palace Poultry 8how commences. 69.4 41.7 605 .33 6 67 4 81 7 after. 20 14 67 £92 20 W 59.0 89.2 49.1 84 6 65 4 44 8 61 1 21 15 8 293 !EVom obserratioDB taken near London daring forty-three years 40.6". the average day temperatore of the week is 59.2'; and its night temperad ra AUTUMN WORK. HA.T a relief to the flower gardener to bid farewell to the suramer of 1875 — if such a season as we have had is worth the name — when aU his ingenuity, his time, and strength have been exhausted in an ineffectual attempt to produce something hke harmonious colouring ! The work has been quite double to that of ordinary seasons; weeds and grass liave grown as they never gi-ew before, while the more tender plants in beds have scarcely grown at all. Now and then we had a gleam of sunshine to cheer and encou- rage us to make another effort, and again and again as soon as we began to get a Uttle tidy came a thunder- storm or a hurricane, thwarting all our attempts at neat- ness. Gardeners, however, never give up for trifles, and it is not till October is here that we acknowledge our- selves beaten. The trees are now putting on their autumnal tints ; Elms and Tulip Trees are being arrayed in the brightest of gold, by the side of which our so-called Golden Feather and Golden Ghickweed pale into a sickly green. Maples, Scarlet Oaks, and deciduous Cypress quite reconcile us to the loss of our' Alternantheras and Iresiues. The delicate tracery of our carpet beds, so much admired a short month ago when the woods were verdant, is very insignificant now when we look beyond them and catch a gUmpse of the timber-covered hills with such bold masses of brown and gold. Leaves of every hue are playing about in the gentle breeze as they fall to rustle beneath our feet. What a mistake to run after every leaf with a barrow and a besom as it fulls ! what a waste of time and a want of taste ! Gather them up certainly before they begin to de- cay on the walks and so discolour them. But, employers, please remember that October is a month in which trimness is impossible out of doors, and if it were not impossible it would still be undesirable. And there is another reason for not insisting on too much trimness in October ; it is a month in which the professional gardener has two seasons at once. In one respect his new year begins somewhere about Michaelmas, the same time as the Russian Violet commences flowering. Forcing has to be prepared for in earnest, planting pushed forward with all possible speed — evergreens first, and frnit trees immediately afterwards. Pruning has also to be finished, with the modei'n gardener, before Christmas, and where there is much to do must be commenced with early. Currants are already fit for the secateur, Gooseberries ■win shortly be, then Plums, Morellop, and Peaches. After the principal leaves are ripe the sooner such trees are pruned the bettei-. The secateur, or French pruning-shears, is a very hacdy little instrument ; its total length is about 9 inches, and its weight half a pound. It can be gripped with the whole hand, and consequently does not tire the operator like the ordinary shears ; it makes a cut as clean as a No. 759.-V01. XXIX., New Semes. knife, and by its aid the pruner can do his work much faster than with a knife. No one having used it for one season will go without it till a better intlrument is in- vented, which will probably be some time first. Digging, trenching, potting bedding plants, planting Box-edging, laying turf, storing fruit and vegetables, sheltering tender plants, and a multiplicity of other things too numerous to write of, all want doing now, and it is altogether an exceedingly busy month. Gardeners generally have a comparatively leisure time of it during August and September. They are enabled to look round themselves at home, and often to make a little tour and pick up useful hints from others of the fraternity ; they then begin about October with renewed vigour to work for another year. This year, however, I know many have found it impossible to keep up with their work, and consequently anything like relaxation baa been out of the question. This continued-unbroken work is already telling severely ou several strong and able men of my acquaintance, and I have no doubt that many more yet will suffer from it. The work is bo ex- citing and so intensely interesting that it is almost im- possible for an enthusiast to think of his health while he is behind with his work, and consequently many go on till nature can no longer stand it. I would ask employers, then, if they happen to possess a good and enthusiastic gardener whom they value, to be careful just now and not tax him too much, for there are some hundreds at this moment who if they had another straw placed on their backs would break-down. But enough of this. Autumn is here. Bright and breezy autumn, I give yon a hearty welcome ; you shut out of sight for ever our dis- mal wintry summer; you release me from floricultural millinery, and put an end for a time to my polychromatic disappointments. I go to enjoy my vacation with a spade and a pruning-hook, for the most perfect rest is a change of occupation. — William Taylor. RENOVATING VINES. By going the right way to work, and setting about it at the right time, it is surprising what great improvement may be made in Vines which are apparently approaching dissolution. I know no plant so tractable as the Vine, and none which answers to the whip, so to speak, so promptly and clearly. Vine borders may be renewed at almost any period of the year, and the roots be taken from an ungenial soil and placed in fresh compost, providing due care is exercised in the work and a correct system of treatment is subsequently given to the Vines by shading, temperature, moisture, &c. The eac-iest time, however, to do such work is during the present month, before the Vines have cast their foliage, and before the soil has parted with its summer's heat. These are two important conditions, and both are assent 'al to the speedy re-esta- blishment of the Vines. A few years ago I found it necessary to lift the roots of some old Vines, and my employer found it necessary to warn me that he should expect a crop of Grapes the No. im.— Vol. LIV., Old Series. 334 JOXJENAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 14, 187B. following season. The Vines had been bearinK' fairly well, but each year were losing Tigour, and the time of their complete failure was evidently not far distant. I was in a fix ; I dare not sacrifice a crop, yet to defer operations of renewing the border was simply waiting for the dreaded year when the Vines would be barren. I resolved to act. I bad the new soil ready. It was fresh loam without any admixture. I coveted bones, but they were not to be had ; so in their stead I made charcoal by burning all the rubbish I could collect, including the (I may as well confess it) surreptitioua use of my employer's firewood. I then took out the border, and kept the old bare roots moist by syringing them, brought in the fresh soil, and lifted them from their bed of cold clay into one of warmer drier loam. I did not cut them — at least I allowed the point of the main root of each Vine to remain deep down I know not where, still lifting the other part of it as near to the surface as it could be bent. The smaller roots I cut. The main roots I notched at 2-feet intervals, and severed them more than halt through at the extremity of the border where they entered the bed of the gravel walk. Each of these roots I surrounded with charcoal, enveloping them 2 inches in thickness on all sides. I covered them with 4 inches of soil and C inches of manure, and the work was done. The foliage was on the Vines, and I wished to keep it there to induce the emission of fresh roots. I therefore syringed — autumn though it was — and kept the house somewhat close. The Vines were eventually pruned, and in the spring they broke with their usual weakness; they, however, gathered strength daily, and ripened a finer crop of Grapes than they had done for ten years before, although every particle of soil was taken out of the border in the pre- vious autumn. In the summer the roots were examined, and bristling from their surface both at the notches and between them were thousands of fat-looking epongioles. I have proved the value of charcoal in many ways, but I never saw such a satisfactory instance of its virtues as in drawing feeders from these fibre- less roots. The extremities of the main roots were then severed, and a network of feeding roots permeated the border. These are tear the surface, and I intend them to be kept there by annual dressings of manure. The change was magical. Young canes were trained up, and a new lease of life was given to the old Vines. They had been planted thirty years when their renewal was effected, and cer- tainly they have never been in such a good and satisfactory condition as they are now. My employer is especially proud of them, perhaps more so than I am. He is sensible enough to be satisfied with a great number of one-pound-weight bunches having large black berries, while I nm vain enough to covet a few monsters such as we read about. He has ever been firm in refusing me permission to train thinly, crop lightly, and create a sensation, and perhaps he is right, for perhaps I should fail. — A Noriheen Gaedenek. PENTSTEMONS: THEIR PBOPAGATION AND CULTURE. Pentstemons are amongst the most beautiful of border plants, and the present is a good time to propagate them. It may not be generally known that the treatment which is usually given to the bedding Calceolarias is almost exactly applicable to Pentstemons. It is preferable, however, to put in the cuttings of Pentstemons a little earlier than those of Calceolarias, although they will flourish fairly well if inserted at the same time and under precisely the same treatment. I have been uniformly successful in raising Pentstemons by in- serting the cuttings early in October by the aid of cold frames alone, and these of the rudest description. These have merely consisted of inch boards set on edge and made firm by stakes, and covered with spare lights. Such boards a foot in height at the back and 6 inches in the front alford a sufficient fall for carrying off the water from the lights, and these rough en- closures are useful for many protective purposes. They are easily covered in the winter with straw, and the plants or cuttings in them are always near to the glass. They are, how- ever, at the best only makeshifts, and only permissible in the frame ground — the back kitchen of the garden — and for ap- pearance sake and general efficiency the low structures manu- factured by the advertisers in the Journal are in all points preferable, and should have a place in all gardens. In striking Pentstemons in these rude enclosures my practice has been to take out about 4 inches of the soil and replace with a compost of loam and leaf mould in equal parts, and surfaced with sand. Before putting in the soil, however, a layer of soot should be spread, which prevents the worms working upwards, and also affords a stimulant for the plants when they become rooted. The cuttings selected must not be those which are soft and such as would strike in heat readily, but short-jointed semi-woody side shoots, which will flag but little and damp-off scarcely at all after they are inserted. The cuttings inserted 3 inches asunder will neither need repotting nor transplanting before transferring them to their blooming places in April. After being put in it is necessary to shade them during bright weather, and sprinkle them occasionally — in fact they must be kept close and not be permitted to flag. If properly selected and carefully tended very few fail to strike and make fine blooming plants during the summer and autumn months. In order to grow the plants well the soil must be rich and deep, and the plants need copious supplies of water during dry weather. They are moisture-loving plants, and are gene- rally finer in Scotland than in England owing to the heavier rainfall and cooler temperature of the north. For large beds or rows, as well as for isolated plants in mixed borders, they are beautiful and effective, their glossy foliage, agreeable habit, elegant spikes, and fine Gloxinia-like flowers, being a combina- tion of claims which few plants possess. Great improvements have recently been made In Pentste- mons, and each year new varieties are being added to our col- lections. They are offered in almost all colours, and named collections should be included in all gardens. The present is a good time to secure plants from the nurseries, where they are now rooted and established in thumb pots. These, if shifted into pots two sizes larger and plunged in ashes, and kept safe from frost, will make handsome blooming plants in the forthcoming season. As plants which can he kept from year to year without the aid of artificial heat, they are adapted to those with moderate conveniences, and cannot fail to be enjoyed by all when seen under good cultivation. They have been much admired in Battersea Park this year, and doubtless we shall see them em- ployed at the Crystal Palace, where plants of every rank and degree appear to be embraced in Mr. Thompson's comprehensive and able management. The more general cultivation of Pent- stemons is cordially recommended. — A Surrey Gaedeneb. PEAS. Me. Laxton's name will be indelibly written on the page of horticultural history as the raiser of many varieties of Peas of great excellence. In spring I had sent me for trial four small packages of Peas, and I now somewhat tardily acknowledge their receipt by recording my experience of them in the columns of this .Journal. They were sown and treated the same as other older kinds, and adjoining them for facility of comparison. Pam- pering and giving special culture may bring out merit, but I prefer that a new vegetable be proved under ordinary treat- ment, and to stand or fall by that treatment to which they will be eventually subjected. The Peas were Unique, Dr. Hogg, Snpplanter, and Connoisseur. I sowed them all on May 4th, and all came up strong. Unique.— This was stifi in growth, and commenced flower- ing when only a few inches high, podding near the ground, growing to a height of 18 inches, being a dwarf grower, very prolific, larger in pod and pfa, also better filled as well as earlier than Little Gem. The pods were of a bright green colour ; the peas about eight in a pod, of a deep green colour and of excellent flavour. The crop comes in all at once and not sneeessionally, which is a consideration in growing dwarf Peas, as the ground can be cleared at once and planted with other crops. Unique is unquestionably the best dwarf Pea in cultivation, more prolific than Little Gem, and of superior quality to any of the dwarf kinds. It will be found an acqui- sition for small gardens, for growing in pots or forcing, and in front of wi 11< for early crops. Dr. Hnrjfi. — Tbis hiid pods fit to gather at the same time as Unique, but a very different fitness to that of that variety ; for whilst Unique was over in ten days. Dr. Hogg had pods fit for use after thirty days. It and Unique had pods fit to gather on the Kith .July. Dr. Hogg is therefore an early kind, and possesses the continuity of bearing of Ne Plus Ultra. The pods were 5 inches long, of a dark or blue green, slightly curved October 14, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 335 and very handsome, containing usually nine peas of a very fine dark green colour. It attained to a height of 5 feet. A fine Pes, the earliest and best of wrinkled Green Marrows. Supplanter. — This is very robust, and attained to a height of 4 feet, having very large pods (i inches long and correspond- ingly broad. Peas large and of a rich green colour ; and though it is of the Imperial class it is fully half wrinkled, possessing a quality equal to any of the latter class, being a large, handsome, and very prolifio kind that will supplant many others. The first pods were fit to gather the 13th of August, being neatly a month later in this instance than Dr. Hogg, and it continued in use up to the early part of September. Connoisseur. — This attained to a height of 8 feet and is growing yet, having the rambling growth of Ne Plus Ultra. It commenced podding at 2J to 3 feet from the ground, and producing twenty and more pods upon a stem. The foliage is deep green and enduring, which gives a kind of evergreen appearance to the rows — i.e., plants and seed, being green and having very great resemblance to Ne Plus Ultra, but the pods are straight and well filled with about seven good -sized peas of the highest excellence. It is more proUfic, more continuous- bearing, and decidedly as a late kind superior to Ne Plus Ultra. It had pods fit to gather the 1st of September, and has now (September 28th) upon the same plant pods with ripe seed, some fit to gather, others just slatted, and also flowers, which will give an idea of its continuity of bearing. Now, by omitting Unique we have from a sowing of Peas of three kinds — viz., Dr. Hogg, Supplanter, and Connoisseur, made early in May, a succession of Peas from the middle of July into October. Such a trio for excellence as I have not found before ; whilst the dwarf one, Unique, is essentially an amateur's Pea of the first cropping and using quality. — G. Abbey. NEAR AND AMONG ANTEDILUVIANS.-No. 2. Rapidly becoming antediluvian — that is, things of the past — are country pleasure fairs ; that of Lyme Regis was on the 5th inst. and two booths for the sale of toys and sweetmeats then comprised the whole ! The useful portion of this annual gathering retains its full vitality. Householders lay-in their winter store of Onions on that day, and garden-holders buy the Cabbage plants which are to yield their spring supply. The Onions are sold in " bags," each bag containing six pecks, and hundreds of bags were there. Pickling Onions sold for lOrf. the peck of 14 lbs. The best store Onions, averaging 3 inches in diameter, sold for Id. the peck. The Cabbage plants, a large-hearting variety, were 6(i. per hundred. I have now journeyed over a semicircle round the town having a radius of ten miles, and in all directions the cottage gardens are worthy of praise. The flower beds even at this season are gay, for Fuchsias, Geraniums, Hydrangeas, and Myrtles remain in the beds throughout the winter. Many hedges of Fuchsia Ricoartonii are to be seen in superior gar- dens, and single shrubs of it 10 feet high with branches cover- ing a circle of 8 feet diameter. Myrtles are also tall shrubs, and are now in flower. Other plants which in colder districts are dwarf shrubs, or require the shelter of a wall, are here tall standards. I have just seen a Fig tree, a 20-feet-high standard, with 6 feet branches all round, and a stem 2 feet in circumference. It is loaded with fruit nearly full grown, and which will ripen if this month prove sunny, and if it prove unpropitious the fruit will be fit for preserving. The Holly is more than usually em- ployed for hedging round fields as well as gardens, but it is only on its tree-grcrwth that I wish to note. Holly trees are frequent and noble both in size and vigour. One close to the town is .50 feet high, its single stem more than 3 feet in girth, and its branches shade a circle of 20 feet diameter. Portugal Laurels, and, indeed, all hardy evergreens, are of superior stature and vigour. I dwelt in my previous notes upon that unique plant " The Flower of the Axe." Among other plants rare in the neigh- bourhood is the insect-devouring Drosera, rendered more no- torious recently by Mr. Darwin, and the Bog Pimpernel. The Primrose is here common, but the Cowslip is scarcely known, and is popularly called " the Crewel." This and other local names of plants induced me to hope that among them might be the mysterious " Cnlverkeys," but no plant is known here by that name. The Apple orchards are most numerous, and the crop this year very large. From here down to the valley of the Axe is the locality where the best cider is made. The cmshing has commenced, and I have seen cartloads of Apples being taken to the mill. As I write cartloads of seaweed are passing the window, and they continue passing all the day, and every day except Sunday. The supply is inexhaustible, for every tide throws it up into an accessible cove behind the solid stone Cobb, or pier as it would be called elsewhere. The seaweed is chiefiy spread over the grass land at this time of the year, but it is used as a foundation for the compost heaps. In the garden it is espe- cially liked for Cabbages and Potatoes. One gardener tells me that it is spread thickly beneath Gooseberry bushes to prevent the caterpillar. As might be expected from Sir Walter Raleigh's connection with, and the trade with Spain being largely carried on along this coast, it was one of the earliest to cultivate the Potato extensively. Chard was, and still is, one of the largest markets for it. The commonalty at first had a great prejudice against its use for food, and they thought that the higher classes had some sinister motive in promoting its growth — no fact could show this more forcibly than the election cry at Lewes, " No Popery ! No Potatoes !" The word "Popery" reminds me that I have just been to the church here — though nothing can possibly be further from decoration than that — but it enables me to jot down that in the nave there is an epitaph on one of the Roses, contem- porary with him who was Charles II. 'a gardener. It is in memory of Elisabeth Rose, and it includes this anagram, " Ohe ! blest arise." Totally differing in every respect is the church, and all its surroundings of Monkton Weald, a good old Saxon name, and going thither I passed an inn with a sign, probably the only one in all England. It is the " Pen Inn," so called, not in reference to the writing implement, but because it is on the top of the hill. Pen being the Saxon for a summit. The parsonage, the churchyard, and the church are all models worthy of general imitation. The incumbent, the Rev. J. B. Camm, is known to the readers of this .Journal as a skilled rosarian. His Rose beds on three descending terraces are occupied by about two hundred standard, and a more than equal number of dwarf Rose trees. Far away on the other side the churchyard is the Rose nursery. Hundreds of this year's budded standard stocks looked like a miniature Hop ground. Much did I regret that my visit was not in the season of Roses. The parsonage is on a hill side, and the terraces follow at different levels down the hill in its front. The little side gardens, filled with Geranium beds, and surrounded by lofty HolUes, the beautiful specimens of Conifers, the Magnolia, Coton- easter. Fuchsia, and Tea Roses, covering the house front, are all impressed on my memory, but should be shown by the pencil. The churchyard has no common-shaped gravestones, but all have neat memorials, alternating artistically with small flower beds. Roses, Gladioluses, Phloxes, and Heliotropes were its blooming tenants when I was there ; but there are successions for other seasons, and a purple Clematis and a Passion-Flower are on the church wall. These all tell of happiness to those gone on before, whilst the Cypresses and Weeping Willow of the boundary are fitting for those they have left behind. There and everywhere the harvest thanksgivings have just concluded — gladdening all, for all feel the gratitude that they are instituted to express. The interior of all the churches have been in some mode decorated, and I will slightly detail the decorations of Beaminster church as an illustration : The reredos had an elaborate course of Barley, Dahlias, scarlet Geraniums, and foliage across the top, and in the centre under- neath there was a cross of white Roses, bordered with a design in corn and flowers. Two miniature sheaves of Wheat tied with scarlet Geraniums stood upon the communion table, and there were two more on the communion-table steps. The organ screen had an artistic adornmfnt composed of Wheat- ears, flowers, and fruit, interspersed with Ferns and variegated foliage, and the reading-desks and lectern were similarly em- bellished. Each panel of the pulpit was marked out with a blade of Indian Grass, and filled-in with vases of Moss, five in number, containing handsome bouquets of flowers, and at the top and bottom were wreaths of Wheat-ears, Apples, flowers, and foliage, from which Grapes were pendant. The font was covered with white Roses, Oats, and Barley, and at the base were placed small sheaves of Wheat and pot flowers. All the gas standards were adorned with Indian Grass. — G. Straweebeies.— On Thursday the 30th of September, and on Monday the 4th of October, there was gathered from my 336 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ootober 14, 1876. garden a good dish of Strawberries, the colour perfect and the f rait of excellent flavour. The Strawberries were from plants of the Vioomtesse Herioart de Thury. — E. G. H., South Norwood. A FEW CHOICE BRITISH PLANTS.— No. 2. Resumino my remarks on this subject, I select the follow- ing as worthy the attention of collectors and cultivators of hardy plants : — Saxlfraga oppositifoUa — This pretty low-growing plant I con- fess never to have met with in a wild state, although I have sought for it where it was said to exist. Its merits, however, as a rock, or what is called an alpine plant, are too well known to require farther notice here. It is a gem in its way when it can be induced to thrive, which it will not always do ; and there are many, who preserve their Geraniums and other pets by the thousand, fail to save this hardy denizen of our highest mountain tops. Lycopodium Selaqo (Fir Club Moss). — This conspicuous plant I remember gathering when ascending one of the Cumberland hills in winter. It was standing up erect on some bare patches of grass with all the sturdiuess of a liliputiau tree, and pro- tected by its peculiar medical qualities from depredation from sheep and other mountain animals, whose sagacity in under- standing what is bad for them far exceeds that of our lowland- bred cattle or sheep. I believe Dr. Hooker ascribes violent poisonous powers to it, as well as some of a useful kind in dyeing or fixing colours. It is needless here to say that the sharp eyes of the botanist are required to discover its flower ; but its Spruce-Fir-tree-like growth of about a foot or more high gives it a conspicuous appearance, and as a plant it is well deserving of notice. I do not know how it comports itself under cultivation. Most likely, like many other denizens of great elevations, it may refuse to thrive. Cyclamen liedcrtefolium. — -I have frequently been assured by those who have met with this plant in a wild state that it seemed plentiful enough where it was found, but I have never had the good fortune to discover it. It has, however, been found in Kent, and notably in larger quantities in Cornwall. I am told it is but seldom met with there now, the denuding of woodland that was once its favourite haunts having tended to render this plant more scarce than it ought to be. Neither is it so generally met with in cultivation as its merits deserve ; and it would be well if those who are fortunate enough to find it in a wild condition would note such particularities about its site, character of the soil, and other matters as would be of service to those who try to grow it. In an ordinary way it grows and flowers well enough, but either the seeds lack vitality or they require Bome other mode of treatment than that usually given them. Orchids. — I fear I must leave to others the task of dealing with these, as I have had comparatively little acquaintance with them, and I believe the attempts to cultivate these have not on all occasions been successful. I need hardly say they are all most beautiful, the early purple Orchis putting to shame the best coloured Hyacinth that can be produced at the time ; while the Bee, the Fly, and Spider Orchis have all their ad- mirers for their structural beauty, and the others are not less so, while the one called Ladies' Tresses is a great addition to a Nosegay. I fear, however, I can give no practical hints as to their cultivation beyond the meagre one that chalk would seem to be wanted for many, but perhaps not for all. Armeria vulgaris (Common Thrift). — This is plentifnl in certain places by the seashore, especially on a rocky one. Used as edgings it is a highly ornamental plant, and either in flower or not it has a neat compact appearance. Bat accommodating as Thrift edgings are, tbey are not so much so in shady dark situations as London Pride (Saxifraga umbrosa), which is about the best live edging I am acquainted with. Water Lily. — I am not sure whether anyone would contra- dict me if I were to aflirm that this is the prettiest flower that grows. The Rose may possibly take offence at the assertion, because that generally acknowledged queen of flowers appears before ns in so many garbs, whereas this queen of another realm still holds by and retains her original loveliness, which it would be diCficalt for the artist to improve. Heath. — -Like the last, poets, historians, and writers of romance have made this plant theirs through many genera- tions, and the beauty of the ordinary one is perhaps not ex- eelled by those more rare. It is a plant, however, that I would not advise removing to the formal parterre, neither to dressed ground anywhere ; but it may with advantage be introduced into roagh shrubbery or other suitable sites. Possibly, how- ever, the early- flowering Cornish species might have a place in the fashionable garden ; but as the whole family prefer not to be shifted too often, it would be as well to give it a permanent position if possible. Primroses. — I here only allude to the wild kinds, which at some future time may possibly be more numerous and varied than at present. A good deal has been done in the way of hybridisation, some of them with garden kinds, and we all know their accommodating character. The outcasts from gardens have already spread many pink and other dark-coloured flowers amongst them. The more general distribution of the Oxlip and its liability to merge into the Cowslip and Polyanthus are matters known to all, and may possibly end in great diversity of this plant. Lily of the Valley and Solomon's Seal. — Both these are doubtless British plants, but more generally met with in culti- vation. The first-named species in a wild state is seldom met with in such good form as it is in cultivation, leading to the inference that the latter is an improved variety. Comment 18 unnecessary on either. Crocus. — This is a most useful family of spring as well as autumn flowers. They are all, however, more regarded as of foreign extraction than of British origin. In planting them on wild places we have so often had them destroyed by mice that bat very little care really has been made of them. The autumn Crocus usually escapes the mice. Foxglove. — Nowhere is this plant so pretty as when found wild, and no plant can possibly look better than it does in the position it is often met with. Toad Flax. — Both the hanging and upright-growing species of Linaria are pretty and deserve attention ; while in connec- tion with them the Snapdragon is often met with apparently naturalised, and flourishing on some wall or rockwork naturaJ or artificial. Lythrum salicaria. — This stately plant, growing as it does by the sides of ditches, is one of the prettiest we know of late in the summer, rising to the height of 4 feet or more with its closely-set spike of rose-coloured flowers. It is a striking object, and well deserving attention. Myosotis. — As the garden species or variety — for it is no easy matter to distinguish the one from the other — is more easily managed than the wild, it is not necessary to encourage the latter, unless it be M. palustris by the side of some ditch or pond, where it yields to none for beauty ; but its flowers are less plentiful than the garden variety called M. dissitiflora. Saiyitfoin is a very pretty plant, as likewise is the field cr»p, Trifolium incarnatum. The latter, however, is not a British plant. Dry chalky soils suit both. Pyrola media is a pretty-habited plant usually met with in Fir plantations on rather a stiff soil. Both flower and foliage are good. Rhinanthus Crista-galli (Yellow Rattle) is not by any means an unsightly plant, while the flowers are really showy. Pasture or rather meadow land, on rather a stiff soil, seems to be its home, and in England it is thought to indicate the time for cutting the hay when its seeds rattle in their pod. In Sweden the hay is mown when it is in flower. Sedum acre, and some other species, are more or less in demand now that dwarf plants are sometimes wanted. There are several varieties of the first-named all produced by culti- vation, but the original is likewise pretty and interesting. Spirica ulmaria. — This would have been considered a hand- some flowering plant if it had been imported from some tropical clime and was difficult of cultivation, but as it is no one can deny it the claim of beauty. There is a golden variegated form of it very pretty, but it is of slow growth. Thyme (Wild) looks very pretty when it covers the ground and throws up its lavender-coloured flowers in profusion. A dwarf form, not British, T. micans, is very handsome and pretty as a dwarf plant. Trollius europaus (Globe Windflower) — I am not certain of having found this plant wild, but I know it has been found so in moist rather exposed places. Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold). — Foliage and flowers are alike pretty. As its name implies, the margin of ponds or rivers is its home. Valerian. — Nothing can possibly exceed the beauty of some of the chalk cuttings and embankments by the sides of rail- ways in some districts where this plant abounds. The most carefully cultivated flower bed does not exceed it, and it is found in such abundance, too, attracting the attention of the Gctoher 14, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTOBB AND COTTAGE QARDENEa, 337 most careleBB passers-by. It will grow in most places, but reproduces itself in greatest abundance b.y the sides of railway embankments where chalk abounds. — J. iioESON. WHEN TO PLANT PBUIT TREES. It is generally conceded that autumn is the best period for the removal of trees and shrubs. I will not dispute that it is 60, but at the same time I am of opinion that trees may be moved any month in the year if care is exercised and correct treatment is subsequently afforded them. Early this spring, in consequence of alterations, it was found necessary to remove some Peach and Nectarine trees which had been planted seven years. These trees I removed on the •28ih and 29th of April, and I have since gathered from them an excellent crop of fruit. They were removed with great care and planted against some spare places on a north wall. On this aspect they have not only ripened their fruit, but it was ready at the usual time. Malta Peach was gathered in the middle of August, and Bellegarde the last week in Septem- ber. I can only account for this early ripening on a north aspect to the fruit having been set early and the regular atten- tion the trees have received in syringing and watering them. These trees will be removed to a south wall, but to have put them there in the first instance would have ended probably in their destruction. Shortly before moving the Peach trees I removed some pyra- mid Pears of large size and full of fruit. These trees were taken up and replanted with great care. Fresh soil was placed round their roots, and the foliage was syringed several times a-day for some time. These trees have perfected finer fruit than ever they have borne before. I attribute success in these instances to the care taken in not mutilating the roots or safferiug them to become dry during the operation of removal, to the fresh soil given them, and to the frequent syringings to keep the foliage fresh. Thus it is that I believe that trees may be removed at any period of the year if means are provided to attend to their wants afterwards. These wants are reduced to a minimum in the autumn, and hence it is that planting should be expedited at the present time, and before the earth has become wet by the rains of winter, sodden, and cold. If planting cannot be done early in the autumn I think it well to wait until the ground has become dry in spring. More depends on the state of the soil as to its being in a free easy-working state, and the attention thai, can be given to the trees, than to any mere date at which it is best to transplant fruit trees and shrubs. — John Taylor, Hardwiche Grange. CARNATIONS: LIST OF FOUR OP THE BEST IN EACH CLASS. Scarlet Bizarres. — Admiral Curzon (Eaaom), Dreadnought (Daniels), so much alike that I grow them as one sort; Sir Joseph Pdxton (Ely), Lord Napier (Taylor), Mercury (Hextall). Crimson Bizarres. — Eccentric Jack (Wood), Captain Stott (Jackson), Lord Eiglan (Bowers), Warrior (Slater). Purple Flakes.^^Sqmt6M.eynell (Brabbins), Juno (Baildon), Premier (Millwood), Mayor of Nottingham (Taylor). Scarlet Flakes. — Clipper (Fletcher), beet; Sportsman (Hedder- ley), John Bay ley (Dodwell), Mr. Battersby (Gibbons). Rose Flukes. — John Keet (Whitehead), James Merry weather (Wood), Uuele Tom (Brammas), Flora's Garland (Brooks). Red Picotees. — Princess of Wales, H (Fellows) ; Brunette, h (Kirtland) ; Mrs. Dodwell, H (Turner) ; John Smith, h (Bowers) ; Wm. Summers, l (Simonite) ; Mrs. Bowers, l (Bowers) ; Mrs. Keynes, m (Fellows) ; Thos. Jivens, i (Fiowdy). Purple Picotees. — Alliance, H (Fellows) ; Norfolk Beauty, H (Fellows) ; Mrs. Summers, H (Simonite) ; Mrs. May, h. (Turner); Mwy, l (Simouite) ; Ann Lord, l (Lord); Mrs. Hannaford, L (Simouite) ; Amy Robsart, l (Dodwell). Rose Picotees. — Mrs. Lord, h, rose (Lord) ; Edith Dom- brain.H (Turner); Rsv. H. Matthews, h (Kirtland); Flower of the Day, h (Norman) ; Empress Eugouie, l (Kirtland) ; Beauty of Plumstead, L (Norman) ; Cynthia, l (Lord) ; Berthas, L (Morris). Many of the foregoing were shown well at the National Show at Manchester. With regard to a suggestion of the Carnation Show being held on the 13 th and 14th of Suptember, it must be a mistake, as all bloom is over with us before that time. The National Show was held on the 13th and 1-lth of August. Next year it will bo held on the 11th of August. The general meeting to arrange the schedules for all the national shows will be on the third Wednesday in January next, at 1 p.m., at the Old Biill's Head, Market Place, Manchester, when I as one of the Committee, and I have no doubt all the others, would join in welcoming any of the southern growers who might be able to attend. As to fixing a time suitable for north and south that U impossible, but there is nothing to hinder U3 from having a number of shows every year under the one head (National). I have had some correspondence with growers in other districts who are in favour of holding a show (national) to come off about the SOth of August, which would be a means of giving the late districts a chance. The more extended a national society is the better it is, as it will always prevent the market from being flooded with indifferent varieties. We always show the blooms on cards, and have done so for the last thirty years. The cards generally used are 3 J iochea in diameter. Most of the growers procure them from Geo. Meek, Crane Court, Fleet Street, London. If a flower is small wo use a smaller collar in proportion. We are, however, having sorts now for which the S^-inch collar is none too large. A few words with regard to dressing. This has always been done ever since I knew anything of Carnations, &o., and it there are any who can grow them well but not dress, I say the sooner they learn the better. All the old growers that I know make no secret of it, but are willing to show anyone. After the National Show, and at the general meetiug which took place, a flower was taken and dressed before all present by one of the best dressers in England (E. S. Dodwell, Esq ) ; at least I have always taken him to be such. — Geo. Rued, Undercliffe, Bradford. A VOICE FROM A TOWN GARDEN. Amongst the many enemies I have to contend with the most formidable are smoke, sparrows, caterpillars, and an exposed situation. My last sowing of Peas has failed entirely through these feathered depredators ; and whole rows of fine Cabbages are fairly riddled by a perfect army of caterpillars. Then the smoke is everywhere, and how to fill up profitably a few vacant spaces in the garden and on the walls is an enigma too hard for me to solve. Will someone kindly come to my assistance ? I have somewhere read that where Black Currants flourish Raspberries will do so likewise ; but I have not found this to be the ease. I have, perhaps, half a dozen Kaepberry canes, from which I have sometimes gathered about as many Rasp- berries. It has been suggested that they are too far apart, but would that make any difference? If so, I will at once proceed to fill up the spaces, and should be glad to know what are the best sorts. Red Currants bear here, but not bo abundantly as the Black, and are small and not very juicy. Gooseberries I can do nothing with. I have one Walnut tree which has sometimes borne a few hundreds, but from the Filbert bushes I have never had a single nut. Apples do no good, though one or two old trees bear a few most years, Northern Greening and Keswick Codlin for instance ; but these are gradually dying down, and the few youug trees I have planted are infested with American blight every season. With Pears I am more fortunate. A standard Jargonelle has borne plentifully this year, having before always failed, though a free bloomer, from late frosts, being in an exposed situation. Of Pears against a west wall I have a tolerable selection. One, Knight's Monarch, bore well last year for the first time, though twelve years old ; but this spiing it was attacked with a grub — which indeed attacks all the fruit trees more or less — every leaf and bud was eaten away, and the tree is now dead. I should like to replace it, and what sort would be best to have? The trunk of this tree, and the trunks of most of the others, looks rough and cracked, and our gardener says it is a bad sign, and shows that all are in a bad way. The sorts I . already have are Beurre Diel, which has never borne; Beurrc deCapiaumont ; BeurredeRauce, never borne; Louise Bonne of Jersey, Napoleon, Williams's Bon Chretien, and Glou Morceau, never borne. One of these, a small tree that makes but little growth, bears well most years. The fruit is ripe now, but having lost the label I cannot tell which it is. It has a fine ruddy colour on the side next the sun, pale yellow when lipe on the other; fruit rather long, tapering towards the stem, and not very large. Does this description point to Louise Bonne of Jersey, which I rather think it is ? From Pears to Roses is a wide step, but I have one — a Tea- scented, I think Gloire de Dijon — which after making little 338 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. ( Octolier 14, 1876. visible growth dnring the spring suddenly shot-up one long stem, which bore one very fine blossom quite at the end, and a small imperfect one on a lower branch. The new branch is at least 4 feet long, and looks straggling and awkward. Should I cut it down ? And sTiould Rosea generally in such a locality be cut short at this time of year ? I have tried in vain to find a good crimson climber. Before I close let me recommend, as one of the very best yellow bedding annuals I know, Tagetes signata pumila. It is at this time a perfect mass of colour, and grows compact and very bushy, making a moat ahowybed. — A Lady Gakdenee. [This ia the letter of a true gardener — one who clearly loves her garden and will not willingly succumb to adverse circum- stances. It is Bueh earnest workers whom we are especially desirous of aiding. In a smoke-polluted atmosphere the only antidote is the water engine; by its aid and a judicious selec- tion of plants a smoky garden may be made fairly enjoyable. Sparrows may be dealt with in two ways ; one is to destroy them, and the other is to feed them. If they are fed regularly in a place distant from the garden a great deal may be done in preserving the crops. Peas should be protected. In the absence of regular " protectors " (which are cheap and efficient) lengths of closely-woven hexagon wire netting bent over the rows will answer the purpose admirably, and will completely baffle the birds. Caterpillars (in this instance the sparrows have not eaten them) can only be kept down by hand-picking. This may be done, and should be in young plantations of Cabbages. A mixture of soot and lime to be dusted over the young plants occasionally is also recommended. Black Car- ranta and Raspberries are alike in requiring a moist soil, and both will endure some shade, but the latter do not flourish so well in a town garden as the former. Closer planting will not induce fruitfulness (the canes are worn out), but a fresh plan- tation from a vigorous stock might produce fruit for a few years. Carter's Prolific is a good and robust-growing sort. Raspberry canes are short-lived in town gardens, and need fre- quent renewing. Filberts are not adapted for town gardens, and are never profitable. The American blight on the Apple trees may be destroyed by dressing the parts affected with paraffin. This must be done in the winter. The unnamed Pear is Louise Bonne of Jersey. Fill the vacancy with a dupli- cate tree of the sort which has been found to flourish the best. Are the trees too fall of wood ? The one " which makes but little growth bears." If the branchea are thick the growth is gross by each shoot struggling to obtain air. The branches must be thin, so that the sun can shine quite through each tree, and if after that they continue to grow too luxuriantly cut some of the main roots. Prune the Rose to one-third its length of young wood, and all the Roses should be encouraged to grow strongly by liberal supplies of liquid manure to the roots, and frequently syringing the foliage, and they should be pruned short-in in the winter. Amadis ia a good crimson climber. Is not the surface soil of the garden light and poor, and the subsoil strong and wet ? Rich surface dressings and Uquid manure at any season should be given to the Raspberry canea and Roses. Mulch also to induce surface-rooting of the fruit trees, for surface roots produce fruitful wood, but subsoil roots create an excess of robust shoots and foliage, which is not conducive to fruitfulness.] PEACHES INDOOBS AND OUT. Enclosed ia a Peach grown on a atandard out of doors ; the tree has had no protection, and was removed out of my orchard house, after the wood was ripened, in October, 1874, where it had ripened a crop of fruit very much larger but not so high- flavoured as they are this year. The tree has ripened all its fruits this season ; all exactly the size of the enclosed speci- men. It is planted in a bed having a westerly aspect and gravelly soil two miles south of Birmingham, and nearly 500 feet above the sea level. I have found that anything which checks luxuriance ia con- ducive to fruitfulness : the replanting would do so. Some of my labels were tightly tied with fine whipcord, and cut deeply into the branches ; these branches alone bore fruit on several of the trees when young. My practice is not to water Peaches, Nectarines, &c. , from October (when they have several hundred gallons) until the fruit is set ; the young fruit then adheres very firmly, and shows no tendency to drop o2. There are twenty-five trees in my orchard house, each from 8 to 14 feet in diameter, and all with only one exception bore a good crop. This season the glass is butted instead of being lapped, which admits the dew as well as more air than the old plan, hence I think my succeas. — Thos. A. Bickley. [The fruit seat was perfectly ripe, but we could not test ita flavour, as it was smashed. — Eds.] THE POMEGRANATE. The Pomegranate (Punica granatum), although it does not produce ita fruit in England, is exceedingly attractive by ita beautiful scarlet flowers, which it produces freely on warm Bonth walls in the southern counties. It is generally, how- ever, sparse in flowering, a consequence in most instances of over-luxuriant growth by rich soil and extreme moisture at the root. Where the site is warm, and the soil dry and rather poor, this plant will generally flower freely under careful cul- Fig. 72.— Punica granatum. tnre and a correct system of pruning. The branches should be thinly disposed, so that the foliage of one does not overlap that of the next, and the lateral growth should be weak and stubby. If the lateral growth is robust no amount of pruning will result in blossom, for each cutting only causes stronger growth and more unlikely blooming-wood being produced. In most cases where bloom does not appear the remedy is to be found in root-pruning. This in connection with a free thin- ning of the branches ia almost invariably the meana of in- ducing the formation of blossom buds and a profusion of the coveted scarlet flowers. In pruning much the same treatment as that given to the Apricot will be correct — that is, by pinching the young growth in summer, and admitting the eun to every part to mature the wood. But still this pinching must not be excessive, for if the shoots are so strong as to require continual pinching it is plain that root action is too vigorous, and it is at the root that the check must be given. If the breast wood of the Pome- granate grows more than 6 inches in length it ia seldom that Ootober U, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICtLTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 330 blossom is prodaced, while stubby shoots of halt that length almoEt invariably flower if the temperature is sufficiently high to mature the wood. The I'oinegranate is, apart from its flowers, ornamental by its bright green Myrtle-like foliage. It is adapted for pot culture, and is extensively used as a terrace plant in continental gardens. It rfijuires the full force of the summer's sun, and to be kept rather dry at the roots in autumn and through tho winter, when it will generally flower freely. The fruit of this plant is imported from the shores of the Mediterranean, and varies in size and quality. The pulp is pleasantly acid, and is used for tho same purposes as the Orange. The bark and root are used for medicinal purposes, and in countries where the tree abounds it is used for tanning leather. A poor soil, warm site, and thin training of the shoots are the main points to be attended to in cultivating the Pome- granate in England. GRAPES AT THE EDINBURGH SHOW. Mn. Dickson in bis letter distinctly says that he saw and examined the bunch of Grapes from Eskbank, and that it was two bunches, also that six of the best Grape-growers saw and believed the same. If this is correct (and as yet I must believe it is, for Mr. Curror in his letter did not deny it), I think it is the duty of the Secretary and Committee of the Show to make a most searching inquiry into the matter. It is natural enough to suppose that if the Eskbank Grapes were only one bunch Mr. Curror would have come forward boldly and publicly denied the accusation, but instead of doing that he merely says that the " character and position of the gentlemen who acted as judges are sufficient guarantee that nothing was wrong." That is no denial. No one doubts the honesty and character of tho gentlemen who acted as Judges, and no doubt if they had discovered that it was two bunches they would at once have disqualified it ; but in the hurry and generally short time that judges have to do their work (and on this occasion in a singularly dark room), they might easily not observe whether it was one or two bunches, for judges are not there to act as detectives, but to award honour to whom honour is due. Another thing worthy of remark is contained in the letter from "An English GiiArE-GuowER " — viz., that " the Arkle- ton bunch was much rubbed, and appeared to have received injury in transit ;" now, I know for a fact that the bunch was, when it was laid on the table at Edinburgh on Tuesday night, in splendid and perfect condition. As " D. E." appears to have been present at the weighing, perhaps he may be able to give some information whether he noticed the bunch rubbed before it was weighed. — Justice. With regard to this controversial matter, it appears to me to be of very easy solution. Surely the fruit stems of these celebrated bunches are preserved and can be submitted for examination. I suggest that they be forwarded to the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society of London. That body is unquestionably unprejudiced and undoubtedly competent to determine, on that data, whether Mr. Curror or Mr. Dickson exhibited more than one bunch for the prize at Edinburgh. — A Noethekn Gakdenek. All Grape-growers have an interest in knowing what con- stitutes a bunch of Grapes, and perhaps you will allow a pretty old Grape-grower, exhibitor, and frequent judge, to state that he has always been accustomed to regard a cluster with two distinct footstalks as two bunches, and never heard this defi- nition questioned. It is a weU-known fact that two bunches are often produced from the same eye. Sometimes they come with a fasciated stem, and sometimes the footstalks are quite distinct. Both examples are common in the Black Alicante ; and though with us such bunches are always the largest — in fact generally twice as large as the others, we never yet thought of exhibiting such as a single bunch. Now, putting aside personalities, Mr. Dickson's charges (page 323) on this head are distinct enough, and if false they are easily refuted. The question can be put in a nutshell : Had the Eskbank bunch of Grapes two footstalks, and were the Judges aware of it ? If they were, then they have set the usual rule aside, rather unwarrantably it would appear ; and if they failed to ascertain the fact, after what has been said on the subject of big bunches before, as regards their bond fide character, they made a grave omission. If the facts are comeatable let us have them. It is an awk- ward way of answering a straightforward question by referring to the immaculate character of the Judges. One is not disposed to doubt them, but let us have the facts; and while on this subject it is not too much, I think, to ask Mr. Dickson for the names of the gentlemen who are able to corroburnte bis state- ment. It would strengthen his case, and do them no harm whatever, — Gkai'E-Ctkoweh. STANHOPEA BASKET. All Orchid-growers have experienced the inconvenience of tho unendurable nature of the wooden and wicker baskets which are or- dinarily used for the cultivation of] their epiphytal plants. They need no longer experience that inconvenience, for Mr. Matthews, the Royal Potteries, Weston-super- Mare, the well-known manu- facturer of flower-pots, has pro- duced a basket at once neat, light, and imperishable, and which mu3t>upersedo the usual wooden baskets for the cultivation of Stanhopeas and kindred plants. This basket needs only to be seen for its merits to be appre- ciated. It should find its way into all Orchid houses. The ac- companying figure gives a true representation of this useful aid to the cultivation of Orchids.— J. Earthenware Stanhopea Basket. POND'S SEEDLING PLUM. I Exmr.iTEn at Daventry Hor- ticultural Show, September 7th, six Piums that weighed 1 lb. 7 0Z3. The tree grows on a south wall. In 1873 I gathered my firpt ripe Plums, August 2Qd, from Early Favourite, and my latest from Pond's Seedling. In 1871 I had fruit from these varieties from July 20lh to October 10th, and this year from July 22ud to the present time. Pond's Seedling is an excellent late variety. The hive bees have been much more troublesome this year than the wasps in destroying fruit. Can any of your readers give me the name of the dark Plum that took the first prize at the Stamford Show?— C. E. Beacebeidge, Manor House, Kihbij. OLLA PODRIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUR.— No. 5. I LEFT oif in my last at Baveno : from there we started to cross into Switzerland by the St. Gothard Pass. And here let me give a word of warning to any who wish to take this Pass by diligence, which starts now from Biasco, not to trust to the truthfulness of Italian hotel-keepers. We wanted to secure three places in the coupe of the diligence, and wrote to the landlord of the principal hotel at Biasco, asking him to secure them for us. We received no answer ; so, after three days, we telegraphed, and had as a reply that all the places in the coupe were taken, but that there would be, most probably, a supplementary diligence, in which case he would try and secure the coupe seats; but— and here was the gist of the whole matter— he could be certain to secure a return voitnre at but little greater cost than the diligence. We started late in the evening, took the steamer to Locarno, and then went by train to Biasco, where the landlord met us, and again assured us that there were no coupe places to be had in the diligence, and wished us to make arrangements for a voiture with a per- son who entered the train at Bellinzona, and had immediately tried to make us hire his voiture, for which he wanted at first 200 francs. We refused point blank to have any dealings at all ; and I rose up early in the morning, went down to the office of the diligence, and found that the whole story of the coupe places being taken was a fabrication, as no places had been booked at all. I consequently booked three places, and went back to the inn, when the landlord met me, and was very Bcrry no places could be had, and he could supply a return 340 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTl'AGE GARDENER. [ Oetobet 14, 1S75. voiture at a less price than that anked the night before. I answered, he need not distress himself, as I had the tickets for the diligence in my pocket. Biasco is situated in a narrow valley at the head of the Lake Maggiore, the river Ticino running into the lake past it. At Biasco the valley branches, one road going to the St. Gothard Pass, the other leads to the Lukmanur Pass. The valley from Biasco to the Lago Maggiore, called Riviera, is very warm and sheltered, and abounds in vineyards. We were very unlucky in our day for crossing, the heat was intense ; there had been no rain for a long time, and the roads were worked up into white dust from 3 to 4 inches thick, mixed with loose stones. The roads are mended with white granite containing a good deal of gneiss, and owing to the railway being in process of formation and their being at work at the tunnel between Airolo and Goschenen, there had been a more-than-usual amount of traffic along the roads, and they were much cut up ; to add to our misery the wind was at our backs, and was sufficiently strong to blow the dust after us, so as from time to time completely to envelope us in clouds of dust, which pre- vented na even from seeing the horses in our own diligence in front of us. Three other carriages followed in our track, and at times we had the accumulated dust of all three added to our own ; add to this that a midday June sun was pouring down upon us in a narrow valley, and your readers may judge that our experiences were by no means pleasant. I will not, how- ever, dwell on the discomforts, though till then I had no idea how unpleasant dust could be. As in crossing by the great Mont Cenis tunnel, so here, too, as we gradually rose the valley of the Ticino the vegetation altered, and I was not sorry to be rid of the white Mulberries to get to the Chestnuts and Walnuts ; then after Airolo both the Vines and Chestnuts, and also the Walnuts, ceased, and we reached the Firs and the Pines. Between Bodio and Faido the mountaineers were busy in securing their crops of hay, and it was rather strange to my eyes to see all the hay carried to the stacks on men's backs. Large cocks of hay were bound up with ropes and hoisted on to men's shoulders, where they were carried on a peculiar kind of shoulder-boards, with projecting arms below the shoulder- blades, the rope being grasped in front, and the bundle of hay held taut against the shoulders. This contrivance seemed to equalise the weight, and great bundles of hay were carried in this way where it would have been almost impossible for a cart to have worked. i After Airolo, where one end of the long St. Gothard tunnel begins, the scenery began rapidly to change. The St. Gothard tunnel will be about a mile longer than that through Mont Cenis ; they are working it by means of water power from each end, but they do not expect to have it finished till the year 1881. Soon after crossing the opening of the tunnel at Airolo the road begins to make a rapid ascent up the Val Tremolo by means of zigzags. Here we passed through meadows filled with alpine plants, which were at that time in full flower, and nowhere did I see them in greater profusion. But here I may venture to remark that — though my own experience, perhaps, is limited — I cannot see that there are many more wild flowers to be found in these alpine regions than in our own lanes and hedgerows. Some, no doubt, as the Primula farinosa. Primula auricula. Gentian, Ac., are very pretty, but on the whole I was disappointed, and never found them anywhere in the same abundance as I had been led to expect. After the alpine meadows our road laid through some Pine woods, where, in walking from one zigzag to another, we came upon a very beautiful fall of the river Tessin or Ticino. Soon after this the road continues to rise very rapidly by means of zigzags, in one place there being no less than twenty-eight in succes- sion, and we were very soon above the limit of the Pine woods to vegetation of the most barren description, chiefly Moss and Lichen, though here and there plants are to be found of the dwarf DianthuB, Ac. The top of the Col de St. Gothard is C936 feet above the sea (for which information I am indebted to Murray). We did not reach there till after eight o'clock, and found the inn and opposite hospice at the top full to over- crowding of Italian workmen, who are quarrying the loose boulders of granite for the sake of the masonry and approaches to the tunnel. They were all eating a sort of stirabout soup of maccaroni out of wooden bowls. I do not think I ever saw humanity packed much closer together feeding. We only stopped at the top to change horses, and then went downtoHorpenthal. Thedtsoent in thedark was by no means pleasant, the drivers and horses, which are accustomed to the work, swinging the diligence round figure-of-8 curves, with a descent of about 1 in 7, at the rate of eight or nine miles an hour. The diligence stays for the night at Andermat, but we stopped short at Horpenthal with the intention, if it were fine, the next day of paying a visit to the Rhone glacier at the Furca, but fates decreed it otherwise. The next day looked threaten- ing, and we wisely gave up the idea, and at one o'clock, or before, it began to pour and continued the rest of the day. In the morning I climbed with a friend a short way up the side of one of the hills to look for alpine plants, and found some good beds of Primula farinosa, which seem to like the damper situation. I had no idea before how hardy the common Alder was ; it was here growing above the line of the Firs, and where the little ravines were still covered with snow the bougbs, which had been completely weighed down and covered with snow, were beginning to start into leaf, while those growing on the tops of the ravines were nearly in full foliage. Can any of your readers tell me if there is any tree that will grow at a higher elevation than the Alder ? The next day we abandoned the diligence (not being sorry after our experience to be rid of that means of locomotion), j and took a carriage for Tells Platte on the Lake of Lucerne. I The roads after the rain were a pleasant change from our previous day ; and what most struck me in our day's travel j was the great luxuriance of the Ferns. The first we saw, or rather which much attracted our attention, were some beauti- ^ ful plants of the Parsley Fern growing in the walls which support the road in the zigzags immediately after pasfing the Devil's Bridge, where the road crosses over the foaming torrent of the Eeuss. From that point all the way down to Arusteg we saw Ferns in abundance, chiefly Pteria aquilina, Adiantum, Athyrium Filix-fccmina, Lastrea, Ac. I will now digress to remark that those persona who think it right to make artificial rockwork look like natural stratification are mistaken. What I have so often observed before in moor- land dales and narrow ravines up the sides of mountain streams I noticed here too on a larger scale — that the Ferns were never growing in the natural stratification, but in the debris of the fallen rocks, among loose stones, under huge boulders, or wherever the soil washed oB the overhanging clifia was covered with broken rocks. Nowhere — and I kept a good look-out here and afterwards among the hills and rocks on the sides of the Lake of Lucerne — did I see Ferns growing out of the strata where it had been exposed by the fracture of the rock. Why I am induced to make these remarks is because some persons — and among them Mr. Ingram of Belvoir, whose opinion I do not like to gainsay — find fault with any rock- work put together for the sake of growing Ferns and alpine plants unless every stone is laid in its natural bed. Now, I have found as an invariable rule that where I have seen Ferns growing best has been under cliffs and in ravines, or by the side of mountain streams where no single stone is lying and in its natural bed — that is, in the strata in which it was deposited. About Baveno and again about Bellagio the finest specimens of Ferns were growing in the walls by the side of the vineyards and roads. And after passing Goschenen on the St. Gothard route to Wasen, where the road passes through Pine forests, the Ferns are all growing most luxuriantly in the debris of the rocks which fall from the stupendous cliffs that tower many thousands of feet overhead. It is a mistake, I maintain, to try in rockwork to imitate cliffs and stratification. This I shall allude to again when I conclude these notes with a few re- marks on Battersea Park, which I went to see on my return, in order to compare our English and foreign gardening ; and my apology is due cii j'asfant to Mr. Rogers who kindly escorted me round Battersea Park, for being so long before I get to the end of what I am afraid your readers will think a somewhat prosy paper. What I maintain is, the object of rockwork and rockeries is to grow Ferns and alpine plants in an ornamental and pictur- esque way, and in a way which is best suited to the habits of each kind of plant ; and this can only be done, not by any attempt to imitate nature or by making concrete and stucco stratified rocks, but by using stones and soil, and taking ad- vantage of sun and shade, north aspect and south , dry places and wet, A'c, according to the kind of plants you wish to grow. If when you take up a stone to put it on to the rockwork are yon to think which is its bed?— did it lie on this side or that? Yon simply make yourself a slave to an idea. Where Ferns and alpine plants grow to the greatest perfection Nature has performed wild freaks and will do so again, and in many a Ootoier 14, 1876. ] JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 841 place no one stone will be found in its original bed. This, however, is a digression, but a digression which I have been induced to make, because all that I saw in Italy and Switzer- land so certainly confirmed what I have previously noticed in the woods aud dale valleys iu Yorkshire, where Ferns grow with great luxuriance and beauty, that nowhere do they suc- ceed so well as in the loose stones and ik'bri,^ washed down the face of the cliffs or in the beds left by mountain torrents. I do not mean to say I never saw a Fern growing out of the exposed strata of rocks, but it is an exceeding rare thing to sec them do well, aud none hardly but the Ruta murariaortho Ctteraoh officinale, or occasionally the Bkchnum boreale ; but as a rule Ferns rejoice in much more depth of soil, and shade, and moisture than stratified rooks will give them. On the Switzerland side of the St. Gothard Pass we did not again meet with the same luxuriant vegetation as in the valleys on the Italian side. The valley of the Eeuss as it nears the Lake of Lucerne is, however, very fertile ; and after passing Amsteg the roads are much improved by the use of the moun- tain limestone for roads instead of the white granite. The Eeass is full of the detritus of granite aud gneiss washed out of the mountains by glacier action, and the whole of the Lake of Lucerne, especially at the north end, is coloured by it. At Lucerne the waters of the lake leave it a deep pure green, and, till the Keuss joins the Ehioe, the water of the river is very beautiful to look at. Here I will conclude for the present, and will finish in two more papers with a few remarks on Paris aud Battersea Park. — C. P. P. OUR BORDER FLOWERS— WALLFLOWERS. This is an estenoive family of plants met with in many parts of the world and under various circumstances. We, too, in our " own loved land " have a grand representative of this cherished family in Cheiranthus fruticulosus, so prized among our rural population. Few of them would like to be left without their favourite, for a garden is not complete without Wall- flowers. They appear to chng to the old homo with a lifelike tenacity, aud well have they been termed the emblem of fidelity. They attach themselves to the desolate, and conceal the crumbhag records of feudal times ; they occupy the chinks of the mouldering edifice, and weave garlands of beauty on the ancient monument. " For this obedient breezes bear Her ligbt seeds round yon turret's mould, Aud undispersed by temijests there They rise iu vegetable gold." Wallflowers are at home everywhere. They are of shrubby habit, sometimes lasting for years. When once established they take care of themselves. Others there are that require more attention ; these are the beautiful double varieties that are not met with so often as they ought to be, uor nearly so often as they might be. In old-fashioned times and in old-fashioned places you might meet with three or four varieties of double Wallflowers, but now you look for them in vain. I would ask, What flower is more esteemed, aud especially for fragrance? The old double Wallflowers are easily increased by cuttings made of half-ripe shoots which may be struck in heat, or by shoots taken off with a heel in autumn aud inserted iu light sandy soil under a handglass, also by layering during the summer. For indoor decoration no plants are more desirable. With care they may be grown to a large size in pots ; by stopping and potting-on they may be made to approach a small bush in form ; and when iu bloom in late winter aud early spring what can be more charming than these fragrant Wallflowers ? They succeed well at the foot of a wall or by the dwelling house side in dry sheltered situations. One of the best of the double varieties is Cheiranthus purpureus and its compeer the varie- gated variety, and when grown in masses the air becomes loaded with their perfume. As they have been, so must they remaiu, favourites with all lovers of beautiful-scented flowers. The German Wallflowers are a splendid race of plants; they may not emit such a perfume as our own, neither do they prove so hardy in our changeable climate, yet thoy do us good service for spring garden and border decoration. Then we have Cheiranthus alpinus, a real gem, perfectly hardy, and readily increased by cuttings in autumn iu a cold pit or under hand- lights, or by division in early spring. It is a capital rock plant. C. Marshaliii is a telling plant in the spring garden, and is worthy of extensive cultivation ; C. ochroleucus is much like alpinuB, and is sometimes substituted for it. The i^latits should be frequently renewed or they become unsightly, and old plants often drop off altogether after wmter. All are beautiful, lasting a long time in bloom. There are many other kinds equally attractive which ought to be more sought after, but those I have named are among the best of the race and should be in all collections.— Yewtas. BEES AND FRUIT. I DEC, to add my testimony to the destructive habits of our honey-producing friends. I thought I was the only sufferer by their fruit-eating propensities, and would bear the incon- venience in silence in the hope that they would of themselves leave off troubling me. I thought, too, that I might be accused of presumption had I made my trouble known. I will now state that they have not forgotten for the last four years to visit my British Queen Strawberries, and defy all my powers to prevent them in their attacks, and the worst of it is the bees are not our own, but come from a distance. The destruc- tion they make is incredible. Apricots have also come in for their share of attack as well, and the only means to prevent their ravages I find is to gather the Apricots a little under-ripe and place them in a warm room where the bees cannot obtain ingress. My Aston Red or Warrington Gooseberries, netted or matted, they are determined to have and devour. I have not seen them attack other kinds of fruit.— Obsekver, I THINK that bees are of great and inestimable value in setting the fruit of Gooseberry, Plum, Apricot, Peach, Apple, Pear, and other fruit trees, and that it is but seldom they injure fruit. My experience extends over fifty years, and I have wit- nessed two cases only of bees injuring fruit. The first time was in September or October of 181::!. The weather being warm, and the flowers being over, the bees did attack and destroy many luscious fruits of Coe'a Golden Drop Plums that were hanging near to them. The other case happened in 18GS, when the herbage was burned up by a long and severe drought. There were no honey flowers, and the weather was uncommonly hot. The bees then resorted to Raspberries, sucked the juice out of them, and rendered them comparatively worthless. In neither case were the bees prompted by hunger, having plenty of honey in their hives at the time mentioned. Our bees are surrounded by Raspberries, but they have never touched ore since. — A, Petiiqbew. SALVIA GESNER^ FLORA. Evert October for I cannot remember how many years past I have had the pleasure of potting up from the open ground immense pyramids of this fino Salvia. My lot has fallen iu a place where not only a full display of flowering plants are required, but where scarlet is expected to be the prevailing colour. Now, it is not an easy matter to set a conserva- tory ablaze with scarlet during the winter and early spring mouths, but the plants which above all others are capable of producing it are Salvias. Scarlet aud whito are the most effective colours for winter. Both by dayhght or gaslight they are alike striking, and if the flowers can be had in elegant sprays they are doubly useful for many purposes of decoration and in giving relief to the formal masses of Camellias, Azalea?, &c. For affording floriferous sprays of these colours my staple plants have long been Deutzias and Salvias. Salvia fulgens is now iu full beauty, and will continue until December. S. splendeus will continue until February, and by that time the handsome pillars of S. gesnerasflora will be in their zenith of beauty, Usting until April. But while all of the trio are useful, the one last named is the greatest and the best. Very commonly aro these plants grown in pots throughout the summer, but' by that mode of culture it is almost impos- sible to bring out their full beauty. By an occasional want of water or an insufficient amount of food the fohage loses its rich green tint, and the plants are deprived of half their attractions. By planting-out in deep rich ground in May and affording occasional supplies of liquid manure, every leaf is preserved of a full deep green, and the spikes are produced of twice the size over those from plants which have been grown in pots. By striking the cuttings in March, growing carefully on until May, shifting in larger pots as required, and subsequently planting-out, I have had no difficulty in growing plants 7 feet in height and 3 feet through near the ground, and tapering — as they will do without any pinching— to a point. Such plants 342 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( October 14, 1875. from February to April have few equals for conservatory aud I flowers can be grown, but unfortunately it is rarely met with, corridor decoration, and their cut sprays are ever in request, and then only in a half-starved state. If this simple mode of culture was generally adopted this fine Many gardeners do not know the plant, and not a few con- plant would be seen everywhere where large plants of bright | found it with S. falgens. It is, however, altogether more 74.— S.iLVIA GESNEB-tFLOP.A. ro'uu4 thaa the list-named species, having larger cordate- the correspjndeuts who are geeking iaformation on this ex. ovate loaves, with an acuminate point, jrrnpi? A MiTJTTAKA colour, and are much larger thau those of S. fulgens. Salvia bTANHOPEA MAUiIA^ii. gesnerffiflora was introduced froQi Central America in 1810. Stamhopeas are of very easy culture. Many of the species This brief record of practice ii tha best reply I can give to have singularly beautiful and quaint flowers, but they last only Octobev 14, 187B. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 343 a very few days in perfection, aud to this cause more than to any ditliculty attending tlieir culture mnst bo traced their decadence in popular favour. Baeket culture suits then- requirements better than ;any other system, aud the baskets need not be very deep. On the bottom place a layer of live sphagnum, and plant the Orchid in a compost of turfy peat, sphagnum, and potsherds. Ordinary stove culture answers well for all the species. The minimum winter temperature Fig. 75.— SlANHOPEA MiKTIiM. bhould be 55', but less or more than this will do uo harm, although it is better it should occasionally fall to 50° than rise to 60" or G5\ A high winter temperature is very injntious to most Orchids, starting them into growth prematurely, which, if a high temperature is continued, impairs the constitution of the plante. It ii seldom, however, that this happens with Htanhopeas, for the genus is not liable to start prematurely into growth. When the plants are in growth the house ought to be warm, and a moist temperature thonld b3 maintained. Keep the plants moist at the roots, and syringe overhead daily should red spider appear on the leaves. This and tbiips &re very troublesome, and the plants will not thrive if they are not kept clean. Scale is also sometimes found on the plants, but this is easily removed. It is neceseary that the growth be made in a shady position. The basket may at this time be suspended under some of the cUmbing plants, and which a-.e free from insect pests. For the purjose of shade no plant can be compared to Clerodendron Thomsonrp, as the leaves of this plant are obnoxious to all insect pests, and afford ample shade. After growth is made the basket must be removed from the shady position to a more open one, and after the 344 JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 14, 1876. pseudo-bulbs are ripened and the plant is fat rest no more water ought to be given than just sufficient to keep the bulbs from Bhrivelling. In " Paxton's Botanical Dictionary " instructions are given to pot Stanhopeas. Small bulbs to be raised but slightly above the rim of the pot, and large plants to be placed on a cone of peat a foot or 15 inches high. Such cultural instructions are at least half a century behind the present age, and ought not to have been retained in an edition of the work published in 1868. If the plants are but slightly raised above the rim the result will be such as happened to a gardener in the north. He ordered a collection of Orchids, and among them a Stan- hopea was sent. The gardener potted his Stanhopea as directed in " Paxton," and it grew well but never flowered. A com- plaint was made to the dealer, and he went over to see this healthy Orchid that refused to flower. The acute nursery- man turned the plant out of the pot, and it was found to be beautifully in flower, but its exquisite beauty and powerful fragrance were lost amongst the ample drainage at the bottom of the pot. Neat baskets of teak or pottery (not wire), such as the one figured on page 339, are best adapted for Stanhopeas ; and with very little attention the plants will produce a profusion of flowers annually. But three things must be borne in mind : First, cleanliness; second, a season of growth; and third, a season of rest. S. Martiana is a native of Mexico, and pro- duces its white or straw-coloured flowers during the autumn months. By growing plants of this species— S. Bucephalus, S. msignis, S. oculata, and S. tigrina— flowers may be had from June to November.— J. Douglas. HARDY FEUITS. Mr. Taylob admonishes young gardeners to look themselves up a little in the cultivation of hardy fruits ; many others of us may take the hint, and profit withal. The hardy fruit department is one of the most important points of our pro- fession. Orchard houses under many circumstances are not what fancy painted them, and to many an industrious gardener they have been a source of grief and disappointment. I have known eases where men have felt continual failures so keenly that they were disposed to give up in despair, while to others they have proved a pleasure [and a success as well as a source of profit. I wish the time had come when not only gardeners but everyone who has a rod of land as a garden would devote some portion of their time to the cultivation of hardy fruits. There is nothing more beautiful to look upon than fruit trees iu bloom, and in autumn when laden with fruit what can be more useful and profitable? I am inclined to think that pyramids are the most suitable form of trees, for when once put iu form they are easily managed. Fruits of good quality always meet with a ready sale, and ought to be obtainable bv all.— P. P. o J A TRIP TO LONDON.— No. 3, BATTEESEA PAEK. There is no approach to Battersea Park that is so pleasant as by the river, and country visitors who are desirous of seeing something of other London sights as well as the public gardens will do well to go by steamboat to the park pier from any of the numerous piers above London Bridge. The embankments, the bridges, and several fine buildings are all seen to greatest advantage from the bosom of old Father Thames. This route is always preferaljle even in a fog to the noisy streets or the horrid "underground." A quiet stroll at Battersea affords many useful lessons as well as much enjoyment to a gardener, more perhaps than can be had iu any other place so close to the metropolis. The early morning is the best time for a visit, the place being so much crowded during the evening that one's chief pleasure then consists in watching the enjoy- ment of others ; but in the comparative quiet of the morniug there is nothing to call the attention from the plants or to prevent a careful study of their various combinations. Now for a few of the lessons. Note first the striking and graceful effect of Ailanthus and Sumach, with a front belt of Caunas. Here beauty is evidently imparted by the contrast of three kinds of foliage, all elegant and yet dissimilar. It was a happy idea to place the Ailanthus behind the Caunas, not only because of its tall growth, but from its spreading habit, 60 different to the formal erect growth of the Cannas. The group is all the more valuable because it is hardy, and may fairly be expected to become more striking and effective year by year. At another point— a corner — we find a mass of common Laurel in splendid health with very large foliage of a deeper shade of green than I had seen it wear before, form- ing a capital background to some Palms and Musas associated with Yuccas. This was a fine group, and graceful from the absence of crowding, each plant standing sufficiently apart from the others to retain its individuality, and with the foliage of all charmingly iutermingled. Another group totally dif- ferent to this, but exceedingly chaste and elegant in its effect, consisted simply of Pampas Grass and Seaforthia elegaus ; all the more striking from its position — an alcove formed by the shrubs. Then we come upon another fine arrangement of white Abutilon mixed with tall plants of Fuchsia Sunray, Ficus elastica, the yellow variegated Abutilon Thompsoni, and Acacia lophantha — a very beautiful group deserving especial notice, and not difficult to introduce into any garden. Other combinations equally ornamental are seen at every turn, and it would require several papers to describe them fully ; these I cannot contribute, but a few other groups shall have a passing notice. The Polymnias and Wigandias were of more than usual excellence, the huge foliage of both being abundant and very large. The plants were iu quincunx order about 4 feet apart in the rows, and 2 feet between the rows; this distance affording ample space for the full beauty of the foliage to be seen, and yet showing no unpleasant looseness about the arrangement. The surface of the bed was carpeted with dwarf ornamental-foliage plants. A number of luxuriant Wigandias springing out of a dense wild growth of Lantana with pretty pink flowers was very good. Some New Zealand Flax mingled with green Ivy and variegated Vinca gave a pleasing relief to a flat expanse beneath a tree. A flourishing little Araucaria excelsa about 2 feet high in a circle of about 0 feet in diameter was so beautiful that I could not but regret finding the bed carpeted with yellow foliage instead of a deli- cate shade of pink, crimson, or blue, either of which would have afforded a lovely contrast to the pale green lint of the spreading branches of the Araucaria. Some of the carpet bedding was excellent, with well-coloured Alternauthcras, and highly finished in every respect ; in other examples the Alternantheras were not so bright. A carpet of Cerastium arvense, as dense in growth as G. tomentosum, and with bright green foUage, was most effective, with the orange red Alternanthera paronychyoides. Golden Pyrethrum, and the carmine Alternanthera amccna. This green-leaved Cerastium is a great acquisition, and promises to supersede Tagetes sig- nata pumila for carpet bedding. Sedum acre elegans, a pretty plant with yellow and green variegation, made a capital edging to this bed. Two large circles had a novel and very beautiful arrange- ment, consisting of an interior band or chain of twelve small circles, each with a single specimen Agave in the centre upon a carpet of Sedum acre elegans, enclosed with a band of mixed dwarf succulents, with outer rings of green Cerastium, Golden Pyrethrum, and crimson Alternanthera. The centra of each bed inside this chain of circles had a carpet of Alter- nanthera magnifies, and outside the chain there was blue Lobelia with enclosing lines of Leuccphyton Brownii and Sem- pervivums. The best of the specimen Agaves were A. filiftr* nana, a compact dwarf form of a deep green colour, with white longitudinal markings, black-spined tips, and numerous whito thread-like filaments recurving from the edges. A. americana variegata; A. verucosa, with very broad, deep green, spinous leaves ; A. alternata, pale green with yellow stripes ; and A. filitera with broad chocolate spinona leaves mottled with long green blotches. A host of other subjects claim notice — alpine plants. Fern glades, shady banks not only clotlied in green, but really as ornamental as a flower bed, with various succulent plants, Ferns, Ivy, Ajuga, Viuoas, and Antennaria ; rocks clothed and fringed with Cotoneaster microphylla, Bramble, and Jasmine, as well as with succulent plants ; water edged with Sedges, Ferns, and Rushes, etc. These passing notes will serve, I hope, to show that Battersea grows in beauty and interest in the hands of Mr. Roger?. I have been there many times, and have always come away with a feeling of time improved and know- ledge gained, and never more so than on the present occasion. — Edwaed Luckhukst. Destroying Mealy Bdo.— Carbolic acid judiciously mixed and applied to ripe Grapes will effectually disperse mealy bug, but the Grapes must bo ripe, and then no iijjnry accrues to October 14, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 315 the fruit if well syriuged with pure water; but the green berry is completely killed by it. — W. Vincent. PLANTS FOR OUT FLOWERS AND SPRAYS. No. 4. ALSiECEMEniAS. — ThesB have curiously-formed flowers with delicately-spotted or marbled petals, and being borne upon soft stems they are very enduring in a cut state. They com- menoo blooming in July and continue until September. An open situation is the most suitable, and free from shade. The plants delight in moisture, but yet the soil must be well drained. A soil composed of sandy loam and peat will grow this genus to perfection. Plant the roots from October to November, or early in spring, 9 inches deep, surrounding them with sand, and all they will require after this for a generation is a mulching in autumn of vegetable soil or leaves nearly rotten. A. aurantiaea aurea, orange, with carmine spots ; A. brasiliensis, red, tipped with green ; A. chilensis varies in colour from red to white ; A. psittaoina, crimson and purple spots; A. Hookeri, yellow, with red streaks, are a few of the best varieties. A. pelegrina alba, white, and A. pelegrina rosea, pink, and delicate-striped, are all that need be grown in pots, and they may succeed in front of a south wall if pro- tected. Peat and loam with a fourth of sand will grow them well. They require copious supplies of water in the growing season. LiLiCMs. — The powerful odour of some kinds is so unen- durable in a out state in rooms, that I shall not include in this list the splendid L. auratum and the stately L. giganteum. Delightful as may be their perfume diffused through a conser- vatory or in halls, it is quite unbearable in the dining, drawing room, or boudoir. I do not wish to discourage the extended culture of the " King of the Lilies," but advise it to be grown in any quantity in bads or in pots, but as cut flowers their odour is not agreeable, and very unlike that of the beau- tiful L. speciosum or lancifolium and its many varieties, which from their delicate fragrance, purity of colour, beautiful shad- ing and spottiugs, with the fine recurve of the petals, at once claim our attention and admiration. The stamens carrying the yellow or brown pollen add immensely to the beauty of the flower ; but before cutting them the pollen-bearing parts should be removed by taking them between the finger and thumb, or the pollen, by moving the flower about, will come into contact with other blooms and spoil them. The Wliitc Lily (Lilium candidum) has large snow-white flowers, and few plants are more truly beautiful or ornamental in garden borders during June. Its odour is powerful, but the blooms used sparingly are admissible in rooms. The double variety is more enduring in a cut state than the single variety. L. longijiorum, with its large pure white trumpet-shaped flowers, is very fine and flowers early, but its variety, L. longi- ilorum eximium, has larger and finer flowers, and the plant is also of larger growth. The L. longiflorums, given greenhouse treatment, will flower in May, and as they have foliage in winter they should be duly supplied with water, and have a light and airy position near the glass. In the open ground they do best in rather sheltered situations, as mixed with Rhododendrons, in which beds they succeed admirably, having a mulching of partially decayed leaves in winter. For associating with the white Lilinms a fine effect is pro- duced by the fiery scarlet of the Martagon or Tarn- cap (L. chaloedonicum), which has the flowers recurved; whilst the White Martagon (L. Martagon album) is so choice as to tell well intermixed with scarlet zonal Pelargoniums. The double White Martagon (L. Martagon album flore-pleno) is very fine. The Scarlet Pompone (L. pomponium) flowers early in May and June, and is sweet-scented ; the flowers are pendulous. The Colchicum Lily (L. monadelphum Szovitzianum) has fine recurved flowers, having black spots on a citron ground. L. testaceum is a nankeen yellow, and has a fine scent. Fiery are the orange Lilies, formerly L. aurantiacum, but now L. croceum, and still brighter is the variety L. eroceum ful- gidum. I must include also L. Humboldti, golden yellow, spotted with crimson, and L.Leichtlini, yellow, spotted thickly with crimson. Of the fine L. Browni or japonieum, with its white large flowers tinted externally with brownish purple, I must also make note, for it is one of the finest of the trumpet- shaped class, and does well in a peat bed. We now come to the Tiger Lily (L. tigrinum), which has muoh-recurved, splendid orange-scarlet flowers, spotted with black or very deep crimson brown. L. tigrinum Fortunei is more floriferous, and the double variety (L, tigrinum Fortune! flore-pleno), orange scarlet, and very double; and the very fine L. tigrinum splendens, which is much the finest of the Tiger Lilies must not be omitted. These associated with the varieties of L. speciosum are truly magnificent, and do well in pots, but flower earlier than L. speciosum. L. tigrinum grown under glass will be in flower about the same time as L. au- ratum, and for filling a vase if we have L. tigrinum var. around the margin, and L. auratum blooms in the centre, interspersed with sprays of Bambusa gracilis and B. Fortunei variegata, the effect is superb. L. speciosum in variety is, for cut flowers, the finest of all Liliums, whether we consider its beautiful form, purity of colour, distinct marking, or delicate fragrance ; and by growing under glass, as also in the open ground, its ex- quisite flowers may be had from July to September inclusive. Most, or nearly all, Liliums may be grown in pots, but some do not do well, as the Martagon group, and all flower grandly outdoors. Beyond the longiflorum, speciosum, and tigrinum vars., with L. auratum, there is no need to grow in pots, as the Lilium season is surely sufficiently prolonged — viz., from June to October. Liliums should be planted outdoors in October, though planting may be performed up to March, the ground being well and deeply dug and enriched with loaf soil and old cow dung. Good loamy soil, if it has a cool bottom but freed of stagaaut water, and containing decayed or decaying matter as peat or vegetable refuse, will grow these plants to perfection, and they will not require attention for many years beyond a dressing of manure or rich compost every autumu, which will protect the bulbs and enrich the soil. Plant t to 0 inches deep ; and if there are beds of low shrubs with suitable openings for plant- ing, three or more bulbs planted in such spaces twice their diameter apart, will, with the flowers towering above the shrubs, have a grand effect. In pots it is well to allow a distance of half the diameter of the bulbs from the sides of the pot, and a full diameter between the bulbs. The pots should have, when the bulbs are inserted, space left for a top-dressing of about 2 inches thickness, as from the base of the flower-stem the roots proceed which sup- port the flowers ; this top-dressing should be given when the stems are about 6 inches high. The bulbs should be covered about an inch deep. They may be placed on and surrounded by silver sand. The pots must be well drained, and the com- post be equal parts of turfy loam, leaf soil, and sandy peat, and half a part old cow dung, and a like proportion of silver or sharp sand. The soil being rather moist when used, and the pots placed in a cold pit or greenhouse away from the dry- ing influence of the heating apparatus, will not require water, or very little, until growth takes place, but the soil must not become dust-dry, that being prevented by watering around the inside of the pot, and not pouring it upon the crown of the bulbs. As growth advances water more freely, and when the flower-buds appear weak liquid manure given twice a- week will increase the size of the blooms. If required to flower early the pots should be introduced to a viuery or other house early in January, and at intervals of a month up to April. The first will flower in May or early in June, and a succession will be kept up until those in a cool greenhouse come in early in August. — G. Abbey. NOTES ON THE BROWN-TAIL MOTH (lipaeis chrysorrhceus). Wheee the Brown-tail occurs it is found in profusion nearly invariably from its habit of colonising, so to speak. And therein, as it seems, is one of the most notable distinctions between it and the closely allied Gold-tail. While the larva of the Brown-tail lives gregariously almost throughout its life (for as a rule they keep together until they spin their cocoons tor pupation, though now and then a brood will scatter after the last change of skin), that of the Gold-tail (L. auriflual is solitary in habit, or well-nigh so. As the eggs are laid in patches the young larvx keep together a little at first, but they scatter off long before the winter sets in ; and when the time for hybernation arrives each spins his lonely habitation, and, hermit-like, abides until the spring calls forth fresh leaves on the Hawthorn. Two species, therefore, so much resembliug each other in the imago state as to be chiefly known apart by the colour of the anal tuft, golden in one species, golden brown in the other, are thus notably distinguished by the habits of the larva. In markings the larva of the two also differ more JODBNAL OF HOETICULTtiEfe AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. t Octotfr U, 1616. than do the two images. To me, however, the point of most interest is, how far the afsertions of early writers on entomo- logy— the illustrious Kirby, for instance — are to be relied upon as to the injarioua effect the species has occasionally exerted on the trees of our orchards, and a lengthy memoir of this moth was compiled by Cartie, the species having the traditional repnte also of having occasioned as much alarm in our country at one period as the locust frequently does in warmer climes. The well-known Editor of the " Entomologist," whose ao- ijuaintance with insects, derived from Nature herself, is so extensive, agrees with my view that there is much exaggeration if not actual misrepresentation in the statements about the ravages of the Brown-tail, which have been so freely copied from book to book. Certain it is that we have no recent chronicles of harm done by the species, though in Francs the larva ia reported to do injury in some seaEons to Apple and Pear trees. AVhat has added to the difliculty of obtaining a correct history of the species is the fact that the allied species has often been mistaken for it, and the confusion renders it impossible to tell sometimes which the writer means. Eennie, a pretty careful observer generally, was evidently under the impression that both species formed winter nests. A clerical naturalist of our day, who in the extent of his writings has few to equal him, omits the Brown-tail from his work on the " Friends and Foes " of the gardener, whether by intention or accident I cannot say. In the locality where I have watched the species repeatedly — viz., in the vicinity of Milton-next-Gravesend, the nests occur along the Hiwthorn hedges, and the insects do not seem averse to a somewhat exposed position. In isolated places a few straggling parties may be found, but the bulk of the Brown- taUs have centred themselves along hedges lying in close prox- imity to each other. They were first observed by me in the autumn of 1873, soon after they had formed their winter nests, and in each season since there has been a gradual increase of numbers, so that what they may arrive at finally is doubtful. Possibly some reader may wrathfuUy exclaim, " You, a con- tributor to the Journal of Borticiilture, ought to set to work and destroy them at once." I beg to differ. What reason have I for cutting off the lives of a number of insects on mere suspicion? In these hedges where the larvai abound, besides Hawthorn various shrubs grow ; the only one, however, they condescend to touch is the Blackthorn. Even Oak does not appear to please them. Willow does not grow in their range, though it has been reported to me that the larvse have been taken upon that. There are large orchards and many scattered fruit trees in the district around Gravesend and Higham ; hence if the Brown-tail was really a dangerous enemy, it is true much harm would ensue were the species to extend itself and proceed to attack trees. The larviE are unquestionably sluggish. In one spot parti- cularly I noticed that where one strip of hedge had been defoliated by the hosts of larvaj some of them were dying on the twigs for want of food, yet by merely crawling across a moderately wide road they might have obtained an abundant and fresh supply. This to me tells decidedly against the sup- position that the Brown-tail larva could ever be an important garden pest, since almost universally it holds good that those species which are moat prejudicial to horticulture have a facility in transporting themselves from place to place ; and nothing can be more simple than the operation which in any particular locality would soon largely reduce the number of, or even ex- terminate the larva of the species. It could be done, too, without putting the insects to any pain, supposing, that is, they are capable of that sensation. All that is necessary is to go amongst the bushes in the winter with a pair of shears, cUp oft' the white nests of the larvie , which are very conspicuous on the bare twigs, and then burn them. At this moment I could indicate, perhaps, as many as five hundred nests, which, at an average of a hundred larva) to a nest, would represent fifty thousand individuals ; but I am not prepared to advise such a " slaughter of the innocents." Though some folks may argue that there is a double reason why the Brown-tail larva should find no favour at our hands — for besides the known damage it does to the Hawthorn, the hairs of the species have a marked and specially unpleasant effect on the human skin. Of course there are those who feel them not, just as there are those who can defy the attacks of fleas, but with many persons these hairs produce painful swellings somewhat akin to nettle- rash ; and you cannot have them once and be done with them, for they come up again and again if yon meddle with the larvffi. I have authentic reports of persons who cannot ap- proach without discomfort the hedges on which these are feeding ; and though the urtication is produced at all times by the larviB when they are in a state of activity, it is worse when parties of them are casting their skins or forming their cocoons, as the loose hairs float about in the atmosphere. Lastly, I would say that it would be of much interest to myself, and doubtless others, if any horticulturists who have had under their own observation any case where this species attacked fruit trees (or Roses ?) would communicate such details as they can give. — 3. E. S. C. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. We have received from Messrs. Rivers it Son of Sawbridge- worth a branch of the Plum Bonnet d'Eveqi-e, which is so laden with fruit as to give it the appearance of a branch of Damsons. This is an excellent late Plum, and possesses a flavour which is unusual in Plums of this kind so late in the season. It appears to be an unusually great bearer. Accom- panying this were some fine large fruit of Eeine Claude de Bavay, and handsome fruit of that delieiouB October Pear Beurrc Hardy. In the nursery of Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, may now be seen growing an extraordinary crop of Mr. Kelwaj'B new Cccujieer Conqueeeb. Specimens of this variety were exhibited at the Eoyal Horticultural Society held at South Kensington September Ist. The seed was sown May ITith, and thirteen plants were planted-out .June 2nd, each plant now bearing on an average (without the aid of artificial heat) thirty fruits, from 18 inches to 34 inches in length, and weighing from 2 to -IJ lbs. each. The house in which the above are growing is erected and glazed on Mr. Kelway 's new principle, without wood or paint being exposed, thus doing away with the old and troublesome method of fixing the glass with putty. At a Meeting of the Horticultvbal Club, held at the Club House, 3, Adelphi Terrace, on Wednesday last, the fol- lowing gentlemen were admitted as members : — 0. J. Rigley, Bridge Hill, Bury ; F. G. Dougal, Clyderdale Bank, Glasgow ; George T. RoUisson, Tooting; Joseph Stevens, Grassmere, By- fleet, Surrey; Hugh Austin, Glasgow; and Edward J. Beale, Stonydeep House, Teddingtou. We may add that all the arrangements are now complete, and that the Club has every prospect of a successful career. We are informed that in the counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and north-west Lancashire Gooseberries, ArrLES, Pears, Damsons, and Plums have all been equally good, and the trees have had to be supported to enable them to bring their fruit to perfection. The markets are so full that American fruit is very rarely seen now, where are great quantities used to be sold in ordinary years. Potatoes are also a splendid crop, and little affected by the disease ; whilst Hdzel Nuta, Acorns, Blackberries, Elderberries, Easpberries, Haws, and all wild fruits are in great abundance. Messrs. Carter & Co., 237-8, High Holborn, have received a letter signed by the Executive Committee of the Cologne Exhibition, informing tbem that the Jurors have awarded them the silver medal for the Grass Seeds supplied for the creation of turf on the exhibition grounds, &c. At the sale of Orchids late the property of John Eussell, Esq., Mayfield, Falkirk, by Mr. J. C. Stevens on the 1st inst., the following prices were realised ;— Cypripedium Lowii, £21; Oncidium splendidum, £31 10s.; Sacoolabium Eussellianum, £29 8s. ; and S. Holfordii, £23 2s. ; AngrfECum seequipedale, £2.5 is.; Arrides Fieldingi, £21 Is.; A. mar- aud A. Veitchii, £36 5s. ; Cattleya C. labiata Warnerii, £30 Os. ; and Cujlogyne cinnamomea, £23 ; and £(J5 2s. There were 039 lots offered ; the total proceeds of the sale being £2211 14s. Messes. Keelincj & Hunt have received a letter with reference to the first shii'ment of American Peaches to the London market, stating that " by this successful experiment the AUegreti Refrigerator Company of New York City have demonstrated that they can place the American Peach in the London market." garitaoeum, £26 5s. ; Eusselliana, £44 2s. ; C. Dowiana, £27 10s. Saccolabium guttatum. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBDRBAN GARDENING. Blanchixo Endive. — As winter approaches this hardier kind of salading is more useful than at any other time of the year . October 14, 187B. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 347 In order to make it tender a regular process of blanching should be carried out. There are various ways of doing this, but nearly all are simple in application. The first, and perhaps one of the eldest methods, is that of tying-up the leaves about two-thirds the way up the plant, enclosing the heart in such a way that no light can reach it. This answers the purpose very well, but some attention is necessary only to tie-up sufficient to last lor a certain length of time. By this mode of blanching, and if the tying is properly done, much of the wet will be thrown off by the leaves, and rotting of the plants will be averted. The broad-leaved Batavian is a cabbaging sort, and is about the hardiest, and will endure exposure to wet after blanching without rotting for a considerable time, but not so the Dwarf Green-curled and the Moss-curled, which should be blanched in another way. Two boards placed lengthways over the rows and set-up ridgelike would keep the plants dry and blanch them ; or, if only few are grown and pots can be spared of the right size, the plants can be gathered-up with the hand and the pots inverted over them, stopping the holes up at the bottom. This is probably the simplest and the best plan for the amateur to adopt. In whatever way the plants are covered they must be perfectly dry at the time, which is generally in the afternoons of sunny days. As the season approaches towards the time for frost and snow the plants should be taken up and placed under the pro- tection of a frame, and by plunging the roots in damp soil the plants will keep fresh a long time. In the absence of frames I have many times taken up the plants and plunged them thickly under a wall, and covered them over with boards, pots, or hand- glasses, and then covered the whole with straw or mats— in fact, almost anything that will keep them dry and free from frost. Where salads have to be supplied daily through the winter months, and Endive being one of the principal ingredients, any means whereby it can be preserved is to be sought after. While on the subject of salads I should state that the Lettuce, being so tender and sweet, must be retained for the salad bowl as far into the winter as possible. It is my custom to sow a lot the last week in July or the first week in August on a dry border under a wall. The plants from this sowing are not transplanted, but merely thinned-out to proper distances, say from 8 inches to a foot apart. These are now turning-in well, but are not large. They will shortly have some glass or boards placed over them at night. Plants which are in the frames will have all the air possible in fine weather, and if any are left unprotected they will be used first. The best sorts are the black-seeded Bath Cos and Tom Thumb Cabbage Lettuce. The foimer sort should be chosen from a later sowing to stand over the winter. — Thomas Eecobd. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOE THE PEESENT WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. It is desirable to sow early Peas on a warm border about the end of this or the beginning of next month, and the gardener who would be successful with this, or indeed any other crop, must make previous preparation. It is a mistake to allow the ground to remain undug until the time that the seeds have to be sown, and then to either dig or trench it hurriedly, sowing the seeds immediately after. At no season of the year should this be done, and late in the autumn more care is necessary than at other time. In many places the time of the head gardener is much taken up with the forcing and decorative departments, and the young gardeners are seldom interested in kitchen-garden work. The general belief is that anybody can grow Cabbages and Turnips, the result being that the work is done in a careless manner and with but little previous forethought. Some of our ground has been trenched, but it is at present quite unfit either to receive seeds or plants, having turned up so wet. Now if the trenching had not been done until it was time to sow the seeds, there would have been no time for any further prepara- tion. Owing to the rapid succession of crops it is not always possible to give everything the best chance ; but when the soil turns up wet, as it is at present after so much rain, it ought if passible to lay a month, and the surface should be forked over lightly two or three times, taking the opportunity to do it when the surface is dry. Exposing the soil to the air in this way causes it to crumble down finely, and it is then in the very best condition to receive the seeds. We are now trenching a border for Peas, and a month hence will be early enough to sow them. A border facing south and sheltered on the north side by a wall is the best position for early Peas. The best sorts are Laxton's William I. and Alpha, the last-named is an early wrinkled Marrow. The same attention is necessary for Cauliflower plants ; these are planted in handglasses, but we likewise obtain some dry tine loam and place in the handlights, covering the surface to the depth of 2 inches or more. Our glasses are 22 inches square, and contain four plants, one at each corner; one or two extra are planted in each light, in case of any accident to any of the permanent plants during winter. The lemaining plants are pricked-out into portable boxes. The boxes can be moved to any position, and during severe frosts they are placed in glass frames. The thermometer has not yet fallen below 45^ at nij^ht, but frosts may be expected at any time. Until sharp frosts set in late Cauliflowers are best in the ground, but towards the end of the month it may be necessary to remove some of them to an open shed or some such place. The plants are pulled up by the roots, and have a portion of the outer leaves removed, and they may be planted in some damp mould. It is better to store such plants in a vinery or Peach house from which the fruit has been removed, as light and air is of much benefit. We have occasionally pulled the plants up with the roots, and hung them by the heels in a shed, where they keep good for two or three weeks at this season. Lettuce has been planted-out in rows a foot apart and about the same distance between the plants. Hick's Hardy White Cos is our standard variety. All crops must be kept free from weeds, and on any drying day the Dutch hoe may be run through the ground, even if there are no weeds to be destroyed. ORCHARD HOUSE. The trees have now been removed out of doors to be plunged in cocoa-nut fibre refuse. There is no better material than this for plunging pots in either out of doors or under glass, and the same material will last for many years. When it has decayed considerably worms get into it, but they are prevented from working into the pots by placing a handful of soot under each pot ; this is obnoxious to them, and they will not go near it. The pots are now plunged up to the rim, and some fresh fibre refuse will be placed over the surface to prevent the frosts from penetrating to the roots. Many of the trees become mis-shapen and unhealthy in the course of years. All that are not worth retaining are destroyed as soon as the fruit is gathered, and a succession of plants kept up by purchasing "maiden" trees (that is, trees one year from the bud) from the nursery. The roots are trimmed back to allow of trees being potted in 9 or lO-inch pots. The trees are received in November, and are potted at once, the pots being plunged out of doors with the others; the potting material for these is the same as that used for the older trees. Nearly all the best new and old sorts of Peaches and Nectarines have been tried in our orchard house. Those most preferred are Peaches Early York, Royal George, Early Grosse Miguonne, Bellegarde, Barrington, Grosse Mig- nonne, and DeEse Tardive. Of Nectarines — Lord Napier, Elruge, Violette Hative, Pine Apple, and Victoria. Three of the Nec- tarines have been raised by Mr. Rivers, and they are very dis- tinct and splendid fruits. ORCHID HOUSES AND PLANT STOVE. In the cool Orchid house we have in flower at present Odonto- glossum crispum (Alexaudrffi) ; its lovely flowers last in beauty for a very long time at this season. Epidendrum viteUinum has been in beauty for three months, as has also Masdevallia Veitchii, the most beautiful of the species except, perhaps, the more free-flowering M. Harryana. Odontoglossum grande is also in beauty, while Oncidium tigrinum and Odontoglossum bictoniense are throwing-np flower spikes. There are many beautiful Odontoglossums and other Orchids that will be in flower during the winter months. Many persons fond of Orchids, but who object to the steaming atmosphere of an East Indian temperature and the expense of its management, can now with some pleasure, and at much less expense, indulge their fancy for this fine class of plants. The temperature with little or no artificial heat ranges from 50° to a maximum of 65°. We do not dry any of them off entirely in winter, but no more water is given to many of the species except sufficient to keep th« sphagnum alive on the surface of the potting material. Masde- vallias, especially M. Harryana, continue to grow during the winter months, and, indeed, many of the different genera are more or less active. Those plants that are in growth must have sufficient water at the roots to perfect the pseudo-bulbs. In applying the water none should be allowed to fall upon the pseudo-bulbs or leaves at this season. The Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, &c., that have completed their growth in the Brazilian house do not receive much water, and only sufficient is given to prevent the bulbs from shrinking. The minimum temperature is kept as near as possible to 55". The same treatment is required in the East Indian house, water only being applied when the roots have become dry. Phalffinopsis and Cypripediums require rather more water than most of the others, and a little difference of treatment is necessary when the growth has not been completed. Some few Ferns in the stove of small size had filled iheir pots with roots, and it has been necessary to repot them, doing it carefully, and not shifting into pots much larger than the plants were growing in pre- viously. After this month nearly all plants require rest, as but little growth is made, and the soil is apt to become sour if it has not been thoroughly penetrated by the roots. FLOWER GARDEN. The beds and borders still look gay with Pelargoniums, Ver- benas, ko., but decayed trusses of flowers and withered leaves render them unsightly; these must be picked off frequently. 348 JOURNAL OF HOBTICOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GAfiDENEB. [ October 14, 1875. The grass edgings and lawn mnst also be kept neat and trim. In many gardenb there is a tendency to relax the attention that has been bestowed incessantly daring the Bommer months ; this Bhonld not be, and until the irost kills the plants we mast labour to preserve neatness. Excepting a few Tricolor Pelargoniums that had been dag np and potted, a sofBcient stock of all other plants were obtained from cuttings. If it is necessary to lift a quantity of Pelargo- niums it ought to be done at once, to allow of the plants being established before the winter months. A very large proportion of the oldest leaves should be removed before potting, for if the leaves are left on they will decay and have to be removed in a few days, and bv removing them before potting much after- labour will be avoided. Cuttings of shrubby Calceolarias have been put into boxes; these are placed in a frame against a north wall until roots are formed, when the boxes are removed to a more open place. . ^ We have planted out the Pinks in beds, but it has required some ingenuity to have the ground dry enough for planting. The beds had frequently to be forked over, and some very dry mould from the surface of the Vine borders mixed with the soil ■was of much benefit. The plants are put out in beds at the distance of a foot apart each way. Cloves have also been taken from the parent plants where they were layered, and planted in the place where they will flower. Carnations and Picotees that ■were potted a few weeks ago are now rooting freely. The lights are entirely removed frcm the frames by day, and placed OTer the plants at night or to throw off heavy rains. Miss Joliffe, which is usually claFsed amongst the perpetual-flowering Car- nations, is quite different in habit from the usual type of them. Plants that were propagated from cuttings early in the year are now in fall flower. They are now out of doors, and have been in the same position all through the summer months. It would be well worth a trial to plant a bed of this variety from spring- struck cuttings. The plants would flower about the end of Sep- tember or early in Octobtr, and would be quite a novel feature in the garden. — J. Douglas. TBADE CATALOGUES BECEIVED. Jonathan Booth, Pole Lane, Failsworth, Manchester. — Catalogue of Carnations, Picotees, Finks, and other Florists' I'lntcers. Eag. Verdier Fils Ain§, 72, Bue Dunois, V&iis.—List of New Hoses Andre Leroy, Pros la Station du Chemin de Fer, Angers.— Descriptive Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ',* All correspondence should be directed either to " The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will writo privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Election of Eoees— The retnrniiig cfficfr would feel oliligca by all lists being Bent in by tte 20th Octcbcr, as he hi pes to have the portion pertaining to the newer varieties in the itsue of the lirst week in November. His ad- dresH is, Mr. -T. eeiih Hinton, W arminster, AiDSESS (C. Z.).— Wo cannot name a dealer. See advertisement in onr colnmns last week. EoBE Trees MinnE-n-Er— Clematises (C. T.).— The Eoses, though yonr lionse maj be in a low end ibady situation, may snffer from mildew owing to want of water at the roots, especially as they are framed against the house ■where ihe «• il is dry. Mildew is of two or three kinds. One is promoted by a check to the sap caused by want of water ; auother kind by damp, owing to stagnant air. The best Cleniatises are Jackmanni, Kubro-violacea, lanu- ginosa. Miss Balfman, and Lady Londesborongh. There are none that bloom either more lieely or so cominuously as Jackmanni. Do not discard your Eosea till you have tried liberal treatment with plenty of liquid manure. Peas f-'R Exhibition {One in a fij:i.— Ci>mmander-in-Chief. James's Prdific, Dr. Hogg. Connoisseur, Omtga, G. F. "Wilton, Duke and Duchess of Hdfnburgb, and Be^t of All have been exhibited to pteat a-ivantage at the principal shows this season. Mr. Turner's coming Pea Dr. Maclean is a grand variety. Large Green Gooseberries (Irfcm).— General, Green London, Shiner, Tbnmper, Telegraph, and StockweU. STRi^n-BERjilES IN AuTDMN (Mts! B.).— 'Weare glad to hear of yoursuccces. It is common fur plants which have been forced in the spring to bear an autumn ciop after being planted out, but not usual for estabUshtd plants to do so. Forcing Ln-v of Vallet (P.P. S.).— Pot theclampiin two parts loam and one part leaf njonld or old mouldy manure. Do not fill the pots too full of soil and nearly cover the crowns. Plunge them in cocoa-ont bbre, cover- ing them sliehily, and in January introduce them into a gentle heat. I' they can be plungtd in a bed of leaver attoroing a gentle bottom heat, it will be advisable i o do so. 'When in active growth place them in a light positlun near the glans. The time of flowering deperds entirely on the time they are in- troduced into heat and the temperature which is kept up. The temperature which is given to Viues will be suitable for them, for the increaso of beat which is needed as the Vines grow will be correct also for the Lilies. You cannot have anything better than cocoa-nut fibre as a plunging material lor ;oQr Hyacinths. EAEL-sr Beatrice and Eably Locise Peaches (F. 0. M.).—The Early Beatrice is the earlier of the two, and the earliest of all Peaches. Ihe Early Louiee is a little later, but is a larger and finer fruit. Tenant Bemovino Rose Trees (An Old SubtcribeT).—i. tenant bavin; planted in the garden of which he is the tenant Eose trees of any kind, or any other tree, shiub, or plant, has no right when leaving to take them or any one of thtm away unless the landlord gives him permission. ■S'lNES Unhealthy (A Sulscrihir).—1aie ofi the surlace soil from the border iust baling the roots, and replace with 4 iccbes of fresh soil, and il leaves and charcial can bo added all the better; over this place 6 inches of rich manure, and the rains will wash in its viituts. Ilou have done right in thinning the wood, and if jou now apply flie heat with air and a dry atmo- sphere it will ripen, and Grapes will follow in due course. Vabiocs Kei'dses for Mani-re {Bowton}.— The sulphate of lime is a uselul manure for Cloveis, and the spent tamer's baik as it slowly decom- posed would afford some nutriment to the grass; but that decomposition la very slow. Tanner's bark kept in a hiap until oecajed is a good manore. Gas lime and sulphate of lime mixed with night soil as a disinfectant would be a good manore for all kitchen garden purposes. To Buse trees the quantity applied should be small. Maooots at the Boots op Pot Plants (TT. S.).— Themaggots are oidy due to the piesente of decaying matter in the soil and may be destrojeilby soaking the plants, alter sicpp-ng the holes of the pots with clay, with dear lime water, which may be maue by pouring water to lime in a tub at the rate of three gallons to a pound of trish lime, ana al owed to stand forty-eight hours, and then employ the clear lime water. The pots shoold be deluged with water for about three hours, and then have the drainage set iiee by re- moving the clay sttipping. Evergreen and otbee Shrubs foe Small Garden (B. H.).— Aucuba japoniia, Berheris Darwinii, B. aquifolia; Boxus artioreacens and var. margi- natus, and Handswoithianus; common and PonUbal Laurels, Lex Hodginsl, and the Mlver and Gold Variegated Hollies, Cuprestus Lawsoniana and var. stricla, Juniperus hibemiia, Taxue baccata pjramioalis, T. elegantissrma, T fastigiata; Ihujopsis borealis. Thuja plicaia, and I. aurea. The preced- ing are all evergreen, and to those add Khododeudrons. Deciduous trees are Double Scarlet, Double Pmk, and Double ^\hlte Thorns, and bcolch La- burnum (as etandards for the outsidel, Deutzia cienata Hore-pleno, Kibes sanguinenm and lis vaiiety album, Spirsa aria;folia, ajringa persica and var. alba. Those will be ample, and all are very hardy. Storing Filberts (fe/ixi.— Remove them from the busks, and store away in earthenware jars or packed in dry sand, and place them in a cold and rather damp cellar. If you wish to retain them in the husks have them thorou"bly cry and place in the jars packed in silver sand, also thoroughly dry, an°d place in a coi 1 rather damp oehar. 'WalnutB may bo kept m the same way, but " hulled" of course. FONGCS Rings on Grass (S. M.).— The cause may be doe to the dryness and ptcuharily of soil, hut tho efieot is the luugus growing in cucles, and it may be destroyed by making holes about 0 ini;h..»dtep, and giving a thorough soakiog of lime water. SmaU holes will answer, thoroughly saintating the ground. Trees for Blind (E. O. H.).— Lombardy Poplar is of quick and close growth, and the best of all deciduous trees for the purpose you name. Syca- moie ia also quick-growing, and though good in summer is u .t nearly so good in winter as the Lombaroy Poplar from its closer growth. The best evergreens are Corsican Pine, Scotch Fir, and Austrian Pine, but the most beautiful and equally eflective are the American Arbor-Vitai and Lawaon'a Cypress, ibese glow at a rate of about hall that of the deciduous trees. Dahlias Broken bv Wind (A Seginmr).—1<, wiU not make any diHerence to the stormg and growth of the shoots from the tubers in spring, lake them up at once and store away alter drying in sand in a place safe from frost, bit as cool otherwi.e as possible. The ground for Dahlias ought to be well trenched, very liberally manured, and thrown-up roughly lor the winter durin" dry weather in November, throwing it level by forkuig-over the first dry w°eather af^er February. No manure will be required at planting time, but some rich eoil should be placed aroundeich plant, supplementmg it by mulching and copious waterings. Plants foe Outdoor Hasoinq Basket (TT. A. Groin).— For a basket of the size you name we should have the different varieues of Ivy-leaved Geranium, as the white and pink-flowered, and the variegated Silver Gem with pmk flowers, and L'iligante variegated kind with white flowers. Pnt m a ulaut of the kinus n.-.n,ed at the corner of the basket, and between each a nlant of Lyslmacbia .•mmmularia, and have iu the c^nlre a good plant of Tropa^olum Ball of Ki.e. The basket should be done-up early in April, using ricn soil and by "r' ^ing-on in a greenhouse, and hardening well ofl, it wlil bo iu fine condition by the end 01 May lor suspendmg outdoors. Water very Uberaliy during the summer, and give hquid manure twice a-week. Definition of Pink, Clote Cabnation, and Picotee (Bom).— The Pink difiers from a Carnation in being of lesser growth m aU us part*, and the flowers are ■' laced," or have a circular stupe neai- the edge of each petal, and have an edge of white both outside and inside, the ground Colour being White T. e Clove Carnation has the edges of the petals se riated, the colour, stripes, or flakes, or splashes running from the edge to the centre of the flo.ers ■ or the flowers are sell-coloured, and all have the odour of Cloves. Ihe Carnation has the marks on its petals from the centre to the edge, and through the edge in flakes or stripes of colour. The Picotee has its coloured marking only on the outer edge of its petals.. The characteristics and piope, ties of each may be learned from oar "Fioiiats' Flowers,' Iree by post Irom our office lor &d. Sand and Salad Oil as a Feetilisee (G. C.).— It will make an eiceUent fertiliser. Rose House (E. B.).— Your house, we presume, from having to be fixed a-ain»t a south wall, will be a lean-to; but we should have it, nevei-ibeless, a hlll-spao. The width, 21 feet inside measurement, will b>»6 you S Jeet lor border all around the outside. 3 feet for each pa hway. and a ce»tral bed of a feet. All the Roses to be planted-out, the walls to be buUt in Ihe arched fashion, or pillars of a brick and half -sith 'i-feet openings between, and arched over just below the ground level; thi. wiU permit of the loots psaslng Irom the inside to an outside border. The border to be 2 feet 6 luohes deep with 9 mches of drainage, and having drains not less than 9 feet ap.r. with proper tall and outlet. Good sound rather strong turfy loam with a third ot well-rotted nanure and an eighth of hall-inoh bones would form a suitable ,.., ,i.„ i,..,H.., Ihe walla we abould not take up higher than a feet compost for the border. October 14, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 349 and have 8 feet of side li'phtF, and all made to open ; the roof should have an angle of 45'^. Bf neath every rafter, which ought not to ho nearer than 4 feet, have four wires fixeii 6 inches apart, and 15 inches from the ^'Iftsi^, and in addition we phonid ha-ve arches over the pathway at the same distance apart as tbe rafters, aod the hack wall wired — the wires (» inches apart, and not more than three-quarters of an inch from the wall. In the hordor all around plant dwarfs, alrernatinf; with low Btandards, or hotter all dwarfs, trainioR them na pyraraids. The central bed will hold three rows of plants— a cwntral one of BtaiKlardfl, and two of dwwrfs trained as bushes or pyramids. It will be desirable to have the house heated with two rowa of 4-inch pities in an open flue in the pathway, with ,an iron (grating as a covering. Thi-i will enable ynn to forward the plants, and to prevent iujury from severe weather, but keeping the houpe cool and dry after September and up to the middle of January, giving' plenty of air, for which you need to make provision at the npper part of ihe roof, having a light to open the whole length, and 2 feet 6 inches in width. The kin (Is we advise are, for the rafttrs, Tea-ncented : Belle Lyonnaise, Catherire Mermet. Climbing Devoniensjs, Gloire de Dijim, Madame C< cile Berthod, Moi^ame Hippolyte-Jamain, Madame Levet, Tour Bertrand. Helvetia, Annie Oliiver, Cheshunt Hybrid, Marcehn Boda, and Perle de Lyon. Noisette for the same purpose: Marie Accary, Claire Caroot, Coquette de Blanches, Lanoarqiie, Miss Gray, Ophirie, and Solfaterro. The back wall we should cover with Marechal Niel. For the arches or pil'ars : Isle de Bourbon, Emotion, 01 ire de Ropamene. and Horacp. Perprtuals : Alfred Colomb, AugnsteNewmanu, Baronne de Btmstettin, Baronne Louise Uskull, Boule de Neige, Edward Morren, La France, Madame Liabaud, Charles Lefebvre, Princess Beatrice. Souvenir de Julie Gonnd, Th"mas Methveu, aud SuBanua Wood. Chiiia: Ducher. Crsmoisie Supi-rieure, and Clara Sylvaiu. Dwarf, Tta:-;centcd : Alba rosea. Duche^^s of Edinburgh, Devoniensia, Gonbanlt, Tauue d'Or, Ma*?ame Bravy, Madame Julea Margotliu, Marie Sisley, NarciR<:e, Od'^>rata, Smith's Yellow, Safrano, Roiubreuil, and Triomphe de Guillot Fils. Chira : Mrs. Bosanquet, Crline Forestier, Margarita, aud Keve d'Or. Perpetual: Captain Christy, W. Wilson Saunders, Reynolds Hole, Claude Levet, Bassie Johnson, Antoioe Verdier, Baroness Ruthschitd, Prince Curaille Beruar^iin. Ceniifolia rosea, Clemence Raonx, Dr. Andry, Fran<;r>is Michelon. Louise Peyronoy, Madame Crapelet, Madame de Ridder, Madarao Marie Ciroclde. Marquis de Castellane. Maurice Bernardin, Pierre Netting. Thyra Hammerick, Xhorin, and William Jesse. LmtTM WALLiOHrANCM AND LONGiFLORnM [W. U. C.).— Lilinm Wallich- ianum is a sub-species of L- longiflorurn. but is much superior to it. The nnrserymen are quite justified in describing it in their cataloijues as a dis- tinct Lilv. L. longiflorurn proper is a native of Cbina and Japan, while L. Wallichianum is a native of the Himalayas of Nepaul. It grows from 4 to 6 feet high, while tbe true longiflorurn has a stem of from 1 to 2 feet, noi are the flowers in the typic.l species so large as they are in the other. About the same number are produced on one stem — namely, from one to two, but frequently the flowers are solitary. PREaERVTNG Bf.rgakot Esperen Pear {J. r.).— Yon either kept the fruit in a room that was too dry. or gathered it too soon. The cellar would be a more suitable place. The best way is to lay the fruit out carefully on shelves. It is no advantage to wrap it in paper or to cover it with cut hay. Seakale Growing and Forcing (5ub.'!crrt)''r).—Seakale may be increased by Beed or from cuttings of the roots. The seed, Urst breakiug the huhks, may be sown in rich soil in April, in drills 18 inches apart, the plants to be thinned-out to a font distant iu the rows. Some of these f-irm good crowns the first season, aod all are in fine condition for forcins the second season. Cuttings of the roots should be made in lengths of 6 inches, cutting the bottom of each in a tapering form, the top portion being cut straight across. These if made now and buried in light soil will form eyes by the spring, and the cuttings can then be p'aoted to mature the crowns, thinning the eyes to one on eacb ciitting. For forcicg, the roots must be taken up and closely plaiitcd in foil placed on some fermenting material, as leaves or tan, and the top growth nniKt be made in a perfectly dark place. Tbe heat should range from 55° to 65'^. If the pUnts are required to be forced under pots in the open garden, the seeds or roots should be placed in clumps, having three or four crowns in each clump, th'^se clumps to be 3 feet distant from each other. The summer culture of the plants is limited to constant hoeiuRs and copious supplies of water, and removing the flower heads as they come into bloom, preserving all the leaves on the etems. The soil must be deeply trenched and heavily manured. Grapes Scalded (R. H. JTl.— Your Vines have been kept too close, and especially air has not been given sufficitntly early in the morning. The Vines also appear to lack vignur. Remove the surface soil from the border and replace with loam and bones, and surface with rich manure. This with judicious ventilation will improve your Vines another year. Cost op Labour (E. B. 7'.>.— We have no means of assisting you in your first question. Yonr second shall have attention next week. Peaches on Open Standard Tree ill. W.). — It is not uncommon for the double-blnsflomed Peach tree to bear fruit, but we have not before found the fruit so highly flavoured as are those jou have sent. VARiorrs {J. Snrprji/.— The plant you refer to is the variegated Pear- shaped Gourd, not at all uncommon, ana which may be had of any seedsman. The Red Antwerp Raspberry is a sweet one, and for the other Prince nf Wales. A good outdoor Grape for a wall is Early White Malvasia if jou wish a white one, and MilUr's Burgundy if a black one. Names of Fruits [Convnught SuhscTiher). — Apples : 1, Court-Penda-Plat ; 3, not known. Pears: 1, Marechal deCour; 2, Achan ; 3, Beori'- Capiaumnnt. (J. B.).— I, Transparent C") a capital pair, the pullet, with the exception of her head, which was coarse, was good all over; if we mistake not this same pen took third at Aylesbury. Third good pullet, cockerel yellow. Spanish a small but good class. First old birds in good condition; second chickens, cockerel very good in face; third cockerel promising. The winning Houdans were a good pair, the cockerel having the correct Houdan comb ; second very nice pullet and good cockerel, but with a Creve comb ; third a moderate pair. Craves were a fine class. First a very grand hen with a moderate cock; second good in all points, and we should have placed them first ; third contained a splendid pullet with a good crest. lu Pen- cilled Hamhurghs the winners were far ahead of anything in the class, the cockerel especially being good ; second a nice pen of chicks, pullet well pencilled ; third cock in bad feather. Hamburghs, any other variety, first (Long) a capital pair; se- cond a good pen of Silvers, cockerel bad comb and coarse in ear ; third very moderate; 71 commended, a better pen. Game (Black or Brown Reds), first a grand pair of young Brown Red chicks ; second a nice legsy pair with good heads; third stylish Black Reds. In Any other variety of Game the winning birds were all Piles; the second cockerel having a black sickle, we preferred 86 (Fitzherbert), unnoticed, to the third-prize birds. In Any other distinct variety of fowls Mr. Kitchin came to the front with a stylish pen of Bro^yn Leghorns; second (Long) Silver Polish with immense crests, the cock quite unable to hold up his head, and had to be fed by baud ; third Golden Polish. Silkies and La Fleche in bad condition were unnoticed. The Selling classes were well filled, and contained many bargains, notably the winning Light Brahma cock, the first-prize pair of White Cochin hens, and the first Light Brahma cock and hen, which would have been in the list in the open class, and were soon claimed. Bayitams had one class only, and mustered seventeen pens, the winners being splendid Silver Sebrights ; second good Black Reds ; and third Piles. Capital Golden Se- brights and White-booteds badly shown were very highly com- mended. Aylesbury Duchs were moderate except the winners, which deserved their place. First Rouens were a grand pair; second neat, and cheap at £,2, at which they were claimed; third also good. Fancy Ducks were a pretty class, first being handsome Carolinas, second Mandarins. Good East Indians were highly commended. The winning Geese were very large. lu'Turkei/s the second wore better than the first, third poor. Pi'jeous had two classes, which contained many good birds, notably in the pairs the second Dragoons, and in the single birds Col. Hagsard'B Carrier hens. In this cUbs the third was a good Carrier. Babbits had a class. Lops being first, a handsome Angora second, and Himalayans third. A fall prize list is appended. DoRKiNoa —1. H Hiimphrev. 2, R Oheeaman. 8. H. Mills. Cocniss.— Cinnamon or Biiff. — X, Mrs. A. Chris'.y. 2, H. Stephens. 3, E, Winwood. Any otkfr varietif.—l, 2, and 3. Capt. Talbnt. Bhahmis— /Mrfc.— l.M. Leno. 2. R. Haywood. S, F. Lake. /ic. N. Edghill. Lioht.—l. S. Pitt. 2, J. Long. 3, M. Leno. he, S. Pitt; R. A. BoiBsier. c, E. Win wood Spanish.— 1 and 2, J. Francis. 3, E. Winwood. HnuDiNs.— 1, W. Dring. 2, R. A. Boissier. S, H. Stephens, he, G. W. Hibbert. Creve-Ccedrs —1, A. Sharp. 2, W. Drinf?. 3. F. Lake. he. G. W. Hibbert ; H Stephen-. U^^BVUons. — P.'n'-Jlled. — \, W. K. Tickii'^r. 2. C. Thompson. 3. A. F. Fanlkner. /ic. G Sales. C.P.Hanson. Any other variety.— 1, J. lAoni;. 2, H. K. Plattin. 3. E. Kelsey. c, P. Hanson. Gk^dE— Black or Brown Red.~\. H. R'tchic. 2, A. Ward. 3. G. H. Fitz- hftrbprt Any other varietv.—\Arn\ 2,G H. Fitzherbert. 3. E. "Winwood. he, H. Ritr;hie. Any other distinct variety.— ^, A. Kitoyxin. 2, J Lone. 3. T Marsh. Sellin'g Class.— C"cfc.—1. S. Pitt -i, Mrs. \. Chatty. 3. E- Winwood. vkc, R-v. A. C. Lee. c, H St^phena Hens —1, Mrs WiM. 2. S. Stephens- 3. R. Oheeaman. ftc. B. S. Wilrnot; Mra a. Christy; G.E. Smart; H. Stephens ; E. Havwoo 1 : G. H. Fitzherbert. c. F. Lake. Selt-isg rugs.— i.e. Haywood 2. J. Francis. 3. M. Leno. he, H. Stephens (2): T. Marsh; P.Hanson; J. Jenner. B4NTAM3.— I.M. Leno. 2. K. Winwood. 3, A. Warde. ■»f^c, M. Leno; R. A. Bnissier ; C. Owen. he. J. W. Crooks. DucK^.—.iyleshury.~l and 2, N. Edghill. 3, G. Ware. he. Marchioness Camden. Rouen.— I, J K. Lawlher. 2, E. Hayward. 3. A. Warde. he, H. Steed. Any other tJariety —1 and he, L, G. Morrell. 2 and 3. M. Leno. Geese.— I and he, G. H. Fitzherbert. 2 and c, Marchioneaa Camden. 3, H. Newnham. Turkeys'.— 1. Marchioness Camden. 2 and 3. A. Warde. Pigeons —Pair.t —1. G. Wai-e. 2. F. G. Moore. 3. J Chandler, he. T. Marsh ; G. Peake; .7. Chandler. SinpiT BmZ>i.— I and 2. Col. Hassard. 3, M. Leno. he, J. Chandler; E. Durrant; G Ware Rabbits.— 1. H. Soper. 2, W.G. Martin, 3, B. A.6oi3sier. he, H.Stephens; H. Soper. __^_ DARLINGTON BIRD SHOW. The seventh annual Exhibition of Canaries and British and foreign birds and Parrots, in connection with the Darlington Ornithological Society, took place in the Mechanics' Hall, Dar- lington, on the 8th and 9th inst. The competition was open to the United Kingdom, and brought forward upwards of three hundred specimens of various breeds. Upon the respective qualities of the birds eshibitpd we shall remark in our next issue. The birds entered by Mr. G. E. Russell of Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, arrived too late for competition. The entries were not so numerous as in former years, bat the competition was exceedingly close in most classes. The judging occupied sis hours. The awards are as follows : — Belgian.— Ci/'ar. Ticked or Varieqated 7ellow—l, W. Forth. Pocklinffton. 2 and 3, L, Horn. Leerts vkc, J. Kniter, Sunderland (2) c, W. Bulmer. Stock- ton. Clear, Ticked, or Varicijated BtiiT.—1 and 2. J. Rutter. 3 andf/tc, J. Moffat, Ulverston hr, W. Knrth. c, J. Rnt'er (2) ; W. Bulmer. Norwich.- Cicar Jonqiie.—l, .1. Athersuch, Coventry. 2, G. & J. Macklev, Norwich. 3 and vkc. J Adams, Coventry, he, R. Whilaker. Darley, Derby (2). Clear Buff—\, G. & -T. Ma<;kley. 2 and vkc, 3. Adams 3, J. Athersach. he, J. Adiira^: .t. Athersuch ; Moore" & Wvnn. Northampton. 'SnRw ten.— Evenly-marked Jonqiie —1, G. & J. Mackley. 2 and 3, Withheld. he, .T. Ath'^r^nL-h Evenly-marked fiu^.—l, J. Athersuch. 2, J. Adams. 3, G. Golbv. Northampton, vlic, G- & J. Mackley. Norwich. - Ticked or Unrvn viarked Jonqiic—I, J. Athetsnch. 2, J. Adams. 3, G. &. J. Macklev. u/ir. J. Adams (2) : J. Athersuch. Ttc, R. Whitaker. Ticked or Uneven marked Buff.— I and 3. J. Adams. 2. G. & J. Mackley. vhc. .1. Adams : .T. Athersuch fi); G. & J. Mackley. he, R. Whitaker. c, C.J. Salt, Burton-on- Trent; Moore & Wynn. titm-wicn.- Any varietu of Crested Buff —\, 3. Bexson, Derby. 2 anQ3. G. and J. Mackley. vhc. H. Stratford, Northampton, he. J. Adams; F. J. Knaggs, Newcast'e. c. J. Adams ; R. Hawman. Mlddlesbrouzh ; G. & J. Mackley. h^ZKitT) —Silverspanqled —\, Cieminson & EHerton, Darlioston. 2 and 3, S.gBanting. vkc, J. ttpvpn^, Middlesbrough; Cleminson & EUerton. he, C. Greenwotid, Scarborough (il. „ -, , ^ « LxZKHH.-Golden-spanglfd with Broken Cap or Pied Wims or Taii.—l and 2. S. Buntins 3 and vhc. CleminBon & F.Ilerton. eiilrer spanfjted, with Broken Cap or Pied Windsor ra)7.— land c. Cleminson & EUerton. 2 and 3, S. Bunting. t/jc. J. btevens; Cleminson & Ellerton. .,»*,«« CiNNAMov - Jonque.—I. J. Atherf-nch. 2, 3, and vhc, J. Adams. Buff,-!, 2, 3, and he, J. Adams, vhe, .T. Athersuch. Yorkshire.— C/mr Y<:tlow.—l, J. Harston. Yarm. 2. M. Holroyd. Great Horton. 3. S. T"mlin. Boston, vhc. J. G. Bell, Stockton, /ic, J. Wilkinson. GrP3t Horton; W. Howard, HarroRate ; .7. Hart, St.a'ybridge. c, Holdsworth and Oliver, Harrogate: Clf^minson & Kllerton. Cl^ar Bujr.—\, R. Pearson, Scarbnroueh. 2, J. Wilkinson. 3. M. Holrojd. vhe, Holdaworth & Oliver. he, J. Wilkinson ; G. Turner, Marske-by-the-Sea (2). c, J. Hart ; G. & J. Mackley ; M. Comer, Darlington. YoRKBHiaE -Evenly-marked Biifr.-^. .T. Wilkinson. 2. M. Holroyd. 3, F. Tntschler, Hartlepool, vhc, R. Hawman. he, J. Wilkinson; J. Whitfaeld, Yorkshire.— Ticfcerf or Uneven- marked Yellow or B»ir.—1, J. Wilkinson. 2, M. Holroyd. 3. J. Bowman, Darlington, vhc. M. Holroyd ; J, Harston. he, M. Holrojd: R. Pearson; M. Corner. _ „ , .« . ,r Any other Vabjett of Canaht.— 1, J. Wilkinson. 2, J. Baxter. Newcastle. S. G. & J. Mackley. vhe.W. & C. Bumiaton, Mid-ilesbrough; H. Brook, Little Horton; Brown & Gayton. he, T. Tenniswood, North Aclam. c. H. Brook; Gl4Bgow'Dons.— 1. .T. Smeaton. Tweedmouth. 2 and rftc, W. Clark, New- castle. 3, J. Davison, Newcastle, c. .T. Davison ; J. f-meaton. Goldfinch Mdlk. — .4ny description except Dark.— I, S. Bunting. 2, J. Stevens 3 and vhc. G & 3 Mackley. he, J. Horn; J. Baxter. c.J. Bexson; Brown & Gayton. .ror?^«(- or BiilT.-l, J. Bexson 2, J Ath^^rsach. 3 and I'^c, Moore & Wynn. he, Bruwn & Gayton. c, R. Hawman; J. Whitheld. Any Variety of Fokeigs Bird-*.- 1, J. Calvprt ; Crimson Lory). 2,^. Bunting fKin" Parrot) 3. W HndiTson. Darlington (Z^bra Fincheai. vfif, W Oakey. Preston (Java Sparrows), he, J CaWirt (Love Birds); J. Coker. Hull (African Love Birds); TMi^s E. Howes. Darlington (*irey Red-crested Cardinal), c, W. and C. BurciBt^m (Cardinal); W. Hodgson (Budgerigars). GoiDFiNCH —1, W. Forth. 2. Cleminson & EUerton. 3, W. Oakoy. Linnet —Bro in.—\ and 3, R Pearson. 2, W. Tarrick, Middlesbrough, vhc, W. Carrick ; J. Bage. Middlesbrough ; J. Whitfield, he, S. Roberts, Derby. C, 3. Dickinson. 352 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t October 14, 1875. Akt other VARiETy OF BRITISH THIRDS. — 1 anii 2, Cleminson & EUerton rStarliDg and Thrnshl. 3, W. Warwick, Darlington (Ihrush). vkc, W. & 0. Biirrisfon (Bramtileflnch). StLLiN'G C'LAbS.— 1, G. & J. Mackley. 2, H. Brook. S, Cleminson & Ellerton. vhc, J. Horn ; J. Athersnch : Cleminson & Ellerton. ftc, K. Pearaon ; T, Tenniswood; T. Jobling; Cleminson At Ellerton (2). c, J. Adams; W.Howard. Judges. — Mr. G. J. Barnesby, Derby; and Mr. R. L. Wallace, Berwick-on-Tweed. LIZA.ED CANABIES.— No. 3. Theke is more difEctilty in bringing a perfect-feathered and capped Lizard bird to the post in proper show trim than those of some other breeds. I kuow of no breed except the " London Fancy," where the loss of a wing or tail feather becomes such an eyesore to a judge of birds, and the owners likewise — those who love to see their birds not " out of feather." The grey tip that accompanies the end of a feather to supply the place of a lost one, tends to mar the regularity of feathers somewhat. In some, especially Silver birds, it is the most perceptible. Mealy or Silver birds are generally inclined to be of a stouter build than Jonques or Golden specimens, otherwise there is very little difference except in the colonr. As "Golden" is the recognised term by which the one kind is known, by this rule BO ought they to be considered by those who have to adjudicate upon them, and who ou^bt not to let their knowledge of a rich Golden-spangled Fpecimcn be led astray becanse a Golden or Jonque specimen (or, at least, one exhibited for such in a class), should happen to be as deep in colour of cap and lacing, or edging of spangles, as a deep pepper-colonred Norwich bird. A little carelessness in this respect, in what I may term mere surface jodping, may have equally ill effects respecting good and inferior-bred Lizards as it may have upon Norwich birds. There are many nice points to guide one over Lizards. It is true that the deeper the colour of a Golden bird the more value it is, but when a bird presents a colour with the aid of pepper the reverse of golden I look upon the destruction of the colour as grave an error as when the proper rich golden tint is not fully attained. Of course, colour is but one point, although an important one, and a bird being highly coloured with pepper could not be cast aside if fully possessed with all other points. It shonld be the conpideration of the whole, and the bird which gains the most points that shonld win. The cap of a Lizard shonld be of good size, and oval in form- ation, extending from the dark beak to the back portion of the crown, where it should terminate somewhat square, neither to run cr extend down the neck or at each side of the cap. On each side of the bead the cap shonld reach the eye-lids, which should be dark. From the neck the spangles gradually increase in size until reaching the bsck, where they should be fully and very regularly developed. The legs, feet, and web, and stalks cf wings and tail black. A good bold headpiece is much prefer- able to a narrow one, for then the cap of a bird appears to greater effect. The chief point is cap, then spangles. The following points will guide those having a fancy to breed and exhibit : — Beal-, tbe darker the better. Head, the crown should be flattish and wide with size throughout. Cap should possess purity, rich colour, and magnitude of form with great regularity, coming to the beak in front, and to the back of the crown behind, and not lower than the eyebrow or lid, which should be dark. Neck, short and thick, with small clear spangles, beginning at the back of the cap and gradually increasing in size towards the body. BacJc and spangles, wide across the back, and clearly and thickly spangled, the boldest being in the centre, and the others gradually decreasing towards the sides and upper tail-coverts. Wings and tail shonld be black, the bastard wing feathers particularly; the oih rs (pinions) black in stalk and web, and fringed with golden or silvery white according to class. Throat and breast, golden or silvery according to class, and regular througbont, the richer the golden the better. Chest and bodu, the farmer wide, and the body of good size, the bolder tbe better. Legs and feet black, and nails not twisted awry. Feaihers very close, and not deficient or pied, with the under- neath flue of the Golden-spangled a bluish black, and the flue of the Silver-spangled more of a dark grey. In the yellow portions of the Golden-spangled the richer tbe colour the better; and in the Silver-spangled the colour should be more like newly-cast virgin silver, especially in the cap. It is a fault, however, when a Silver bird approaches nearly midway to a Jonque, which they will do sometimes ; snch are likely to be disqualified, and very properly too, as an undecided-coloured bird is unworthy of a prize. — Geo. J. Baknesby. Sale op Pbize Fowls fbom Lady Gwydyk's, — The followin;; are the prices realised for some of the best of Lady Gwydyr'a birds recently sold at Norwich. — A splendid pair of Buff pullets were secured by Mr. H. Bryant of Whitton for 32s., and a fine White Cochin adult cock was knocked down to the Hon. and Rev. F. De Grey for ,£1. Lot 41, a pair of valuable Cochin hens, after a keen competition were purchased by the same gentleman for £2 12s., and he also purchased a pair of milky-white Cochin pullets of pure extraction, and cheap at two guineas, the price given. Lot 84 a Dark Brahma cockerel and pullet was bought by Mr. Field for 19s. Lot 91 consisted of a handsome pair of freckled-plumaged pnllets which went for 2.5s. to Mr. Bagshot. Lot 92, a pair similar in description, was bought by Mr. Lovely for 20s. Dr. Holden became the owner of two Light Brahma hens imported from America, for lis. ; and a pair of superior Dark Brahma cocks, noble-looking birds, went to Mr. Melton for 25s. EXHIBITING POUTERS. The schedule of the Kilmarnock Exhibition, which has just been issued, shows the usual liberality and enterprising spirit of the Committee. Year by year some improvement is effected for tbe benefit of exhibitors, which no doubt contributes to the swelling of the treasury. I wish to call the attention of Ponter fanciers to an important addition in their classes, which may be overlooked or misunder- stood. I refer to the new classes 47 and 48 in tbe schedule. It will be observed that the other classes are for standard-pied birds, while these latter bear the designation Any other Pouter. The intention is obvious. Tbe words "staniard pied" need not mislead anyone to the belief that they aim at strait lacing in the matter of the pied marks. The utmost usually seen in that direction on a standard specimen is mere approximation ; there- fore no one need be deterred from entering any bird that has a chance of winning. The new classes are evidently intended for birds for which no other class is provided, as well as for those which, though possessing all the essential elements of a Pouter, are yet disqualified in some particular from competing in the standard classes. It is unfortunate that we are still in the dark as to what these disqualifications are, for though I raised the subject several months ago no reply was evoktd. I am perfectly certain that Mr. Huie, if he still holds his former opinions, will hail the innovation as a step in the right direction. It declares in a practical manner that the Pouter is a bird of shape, and supplies what he so urgently pleaded for— viz., an opportunity for the young and the poor fancier to obtain a small share of success and encouragement. — D. McVaught, Kilmaurs. A RETROSPECT. Thottgh the apiarians of Great Britain have to lament an unfavourable season for bees, and therefore a poor harvest of honey, many of them are virtually enriched by another year's experience ; and all know that experience is the best and most effective teacher. I am thankful that what little I know of bees and their management has been gained from experience and not from books. Indeed, I never read a book on bees till I began to write about them thirty-five years ago. Huber once said to a friend, " I am much more certain of what I state than you are, for yon publish what your own eyes only have seen, while I take the mean among many witnesses." I am con- vinced that the intelligent readers of this Journal would trust and prefer the evidence of their own eyes to " the mean among many witnesses," for facts are more trustworthy than plaus- ible guesses and opinions. During the present season we have had recorded by Mr. Campbell another case of two fertile queens living together in a hive belonging to a neighbour of his. Mr. C. says the hive " was filled bv a first swarm last year, and headed by a queen three years old. In May this year the owner discovered a young queen going abroad 'on her marriage flight ; but as_ the bees often hatch a young qneen when the reigning one begins to fail in her powers of reproduction, this circumstance was taken little notice of -at the time. However, about four weeks after, the owner came to me and said that his young queen was a drone-breeder, filling the brood nest with youcg drones. I went to assist him to drive the bees and take out the objection- able queen. On driving we found the old one and young too. The old one was removed, and the young one with the bees returned to the hive. The drone-breeding was then discon- tinued. This is of very rare occurrence, as a young queen generally kills the old one as soon as she is hatched." On this phenomenon I shall make no comments at present, the object being to put the reader in possession of few facts and figures that have come before our notice. One writer has stated recently that bees live only six weeks in summer, and that the young destroy the old bees and push them out of the hive. I am sorry that the statement has been made, for no statement could be much more incorrect. After a little more experience the writer, I think, will acknowledge his mistake. ' Bees live nine months, bnt;many of them are worn out with hard work in summer, and lost in stormy and showery weather before they reach their allotted span. I have had a October 14, 1876. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 353 swarm that worked well for three mouths in summer without breeding, and at the end of that time the hees seemed about as numerous as they did when they were hived. At the end of the season the bees were destroyed, and the combs (all virgin), were taken from the hive. One other point in the natural history of bees should be noticed here— viz , the fact that the working bees assist their queens in the distribution and setting of eggs. I have seen instances of it in hundreds if not thousands o( hives. Duriuj^ the present year another apiarian saw the bees in the act of re- moving eggs from one cell to another. The scepticism of many has now been scattered to the winds, and it is to be hoped that we shall hear no more of narrow slits between hives and supers being used to prevent breeding in the latter. If bees wish to breed in supers they will carry eggs into them. It is not narrow slits that keep bees from breeding in supers. We now come to notice the season and harvest of 1875, The season has been more favourable in some districts than others, but taking the whole of Great Britain from the Land's End to John o'Groat's the season has been an unfavourable one for honey-gathering; In our own district, call it the Manchester one, we have had prevailing north winds and wet weather. S warming, though earlier than last year, was rather later than is usual, but owing to unfavourable weather swarms had to be fed to keep them alive. Swarms that were not taken to the moors have had to be fed with syrup. Those that went to the moors laid- up great stores of honey during the last fortnight of August. A few of the best swarms rose in weight to 80 and 90 lbs. each. The averase weight of first swarms in modern straw hives would be about 70 lbs. each. Mr. Thorp of Sale took above £6 worth of honey and honeycomb, and sold two hives well filled for £i from his two stock hives — in other words, £10 income from two hives. The bee-keepers at Carluke in Lanarkshire (my native place), have to take second or third place this year. Not a swarm in the parish has reached 90 lbs. At the end of the clover season some of them were 50 to 60 lbs. each, only one 70 lbs., but owing to the weather being unfavourable they did not improve on the moors. Hitherto the Carluke men have stood in the forefront with swarms ranging between 100 lbs. and 150 lbs. each, the accounts of which were sent annually to me by Mr. Robt. Reid, lately deceased. Mr. Henshilwood who has kindly sent me an acconnt this year, and all the rest of the bee- keepers there, have sprung-up since I left Carluke. Last year the apiarians of Aberdeen and Banffshire were in the van of progress and success. This year two reports have been sent to me from that qaarter, one by Mr. George Camp- bell, the other by Mr. James Shearer. Mr. Cambell considers " the present year the most unfavourable for bees, excepting 1845 and 1860, that he has experioDcad during a period of thirty-three years' practice amongst them." Last year he had two swarms that weighed 126 lbs. and 128 lbs. respectively. One he sold to a neighbour, but both of the hives were kept for stocks. The one he kept himself consumed 24 lbs. of honey during the winter months. It yielded a monster swarm of 9 lbs. on the 7th of June this year, which filled a hive 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep, but weighed only 81 lbs. at the end of the season. The first swarm from his neighbour's hive weighed 50 lbs. only. The bees of both are Ligurians. Mr. Shearer of Cairnie, Aberdeenshire, has sent me his report, which is more satisfactory and comprehensive. He says, " The British bees have beaten decidedly the Ligurians this season in our quarter." " I believe," he says, " the season has not been very good, and our success must in great measure be attributed to gooii management. My first swarm, G\ lbs. of bees, came off on the 25th of June. The weather thereafter continued so unpro- pitious that, to prevent starvation, I gave tbe swarm 7 lbs. of sugar. On the Ist of September it weighed 105 lbs. Another, which swarmed on the 28ih of June, 5 lbs. of bees, had 5 lbs. of sugar and rose to 84 lbs. I had a stock hive which gathered 12 lbs. on the day before it swarmed, and 5 lbs. on the day previous, making 17 lbs. in two days. 'The average weight of my first swarms was 78 lbs. gross. Mr. Alex. Cockburn, Shenwell, had an artificial swarm on the 3rd of July which reached 142 lbs. on September 1st. A second and a third swarm came naturally from the same stock, showing that too many bees were not taken from it to make the first swarm. The skep of this swarm was 20 inches wide and 24 inches deep — one of Pettigrew's largest sizes, but it was not quite filled. The swarm received no assistance by feeding or otherwise, and the bees were tbe common variety. Mr, Robert Gordon, Mains, Gartley, in a note to me says he considers this has been a bad bee season. In some quarters his statement as to his last year's hive being 164 lbs. was not credited ; he had his hives weighed as carefully as before, and in the presence of visitors. Natural swarming commenced on the 3rd of July (sixteen days later than last year), and ended on the 15th of July. His hives attained their greatest weights between the 17th and 24th of August. The weights include hives, ekes, and floorboards, which last year averaged 12 lbs.; this year, owing to greater size of hives, they average 17 lbs. The heaviest stock hive weighs 91 Iba., the lightest 65 lbs., average 76 lbs. 6 ozs. The heaviest swarm 144 lbs., lightest 38 lbs. 12 ozs., average 71 lbs. 2 ozs. The heaviest turn- out 99 lbs., the hghtest 64 lbs,, average 83 lbs. 6 ozs. Two of the turnouts gave swarms, the others were nadired. The 1441_b. hive was composed of (filled by) two swarms which united in the act of swarming. The unfavourable season will account for the deficiency of weights as compared with last year." Such is Mr. Shearer's report of bee-keeping this year in the neigh- bourhood of Huntley, Aberdeenshire. Mr. George Fox of Kingsbridge, Devon, informs me by letter that his " Good honest black bees gave him a super this year which weighs 80 lbs. nett., and that Mr. Prout, ticket collector at Kingsbridge Road station on the South Devon Railway, has taken a super 80 lbs. from a common straw hive." I have long considered Mr. Fox the most successful bee-keeper in the south of England, and a most honourable gentleman. I regret ex- ceedingly that his super was disqualified (owing to its weight), at the late Crystal Palace Sbow. Mr. Fox naturally feels aggrieved, and informs me that " the super was honestly worked to the backbone," and hopes "the decision of the Judges is not final." He has received many expressions of sympathy, which tend to allay the irritation experienced in this matter. — A. Pettigbew. BEE HOUSES.— No. 2. MiGKATiKG in 1853 to Tasmania I began bee-keeping anew. There my bees were kept in boxes on single stands in the open air, nor had I occasion to try bee houtes during the four summers I spent in that beautiful island. The year 1858 found me once more settled in England. All that summer and autumn I was house-building, nor did I fail to make provision for a window apiary in a small room at the end of a projecting line of offices looking into the garden, which serves the purpose of a carpenter's workplace. Here I have a bencli and tools of all sorts, with a convenient loft overhead for stowing away innumer- able things. The one window in it is large enough to accommo- date six colonies worked on the storifjing principle in two rows. Each colony has a communication with the open air by a tunnel through the woodwork. The panes of glass in this window are darkened at pleasure, so that I can a'lmit light into my tool house when I like, or shut it out whenever I have occasion to liberate bees from super or hive. In this case the door is open ajar, and the light attracts them thither, and my den is soon free of them. Besides this, which is called par excellence "the bee house," there is room for four more colo- nies on a couple of shelves in a fowl house, situated some SOyards distant. These are managed precisely in the same way, except only that as the house is "weather-boarded," the communica- tions with the outer air are cut in the woodwork. Requiring more room under shelter for my bees, I erected a shed three or four years ago in another pirt of my garden large enough to hold eight colonies. This is open to the air on every side, consisting only of uprights of oak and sleepers (under ground), with a roof aflixed to a wall-plate, as in my old Hereford- shire bee house. There are two shelves on which the hives rest, four in each row. As it is situated in the most sheltered part of my garden it generally escapes rain, but, it being quite open, the lower hives in particular often catch the drifting rain from the most exposed quarter. On the whole, my experience lea^ls me to give preference among all sheds and houses to what I have called my " window apiaries." These are really as faultless as any receptacles for housing bees can be, for here no enemies can attack them, and they are absolutely safe from damp and hurricane; and here are they most easily to be managed. No disturbance of one hive afiects its neighbour so as to annoy the operator, and here feeding can be carried on to any extent without ex- citement in the apiary, and with the greatest comfort to the operator. In my little book on " Profitable Bee-keeping," published by the S. P, C. K,, and to be had at all its depots, there is a woodcut of a simple shed for cottagers, to which I give the preference of all my other sheds and houses. It may be made of any length, and is very convenient, and gives good shelter, from it8_ being low on the ground and well admitting of one row of hives. — B. & W. ODB LETTEE BOX. Hambueghs for Exhibition (B. M.).—\i yonr birds are well grown, and have fione on -without a chet-lt, you may show them, the more bo that you prob(ib)y have yet a month before you. You must cbooBe them all with lauitleen deaf-ears. The hens should he bright coloured, and the pencilling should have a metallic lustre. Their hackles should he clear, and their tails as much pencilled as possible. Cocks and pullets must have good combs, quite firm on the bead, full of points, with pike turning upwards behind. The cock's tail should be black, but each feather edged with gold. Choosa birds of rich colour, as the washed-oat hue has an air of poverty and does not recommend itself. PoDLTEY WITH SciLY Leos (H. W.).— Tho scaly leg'? you speak of are known as the poultry elephantiasis. It is quite a modtrn complaint and a great nuisance. At first it attacked only Cochins, but now ^Creve-Ceeur 354 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 14, 1875. Brahmas, and Game eeem the only birds that do not suffer from it. The only treatment we know is to keep the lega constantly moist, either with citron ointment or with sweet oil. It is very difllcult of cure, and the sooner it is taken in hand the better. Keeping Geese without a Grass Run {B. E. Z*.).— Your letter is hardly explicit enough. Do you mean to keep Geese with a view to fattening them, being bought at an age when their early troubles are over, or do you mean to keep them as stock, and to breed from them ? If you wish to have them as Geese for the table, they may run in the yard you describe, and be pn(-up in a smaller space to fatten as they may be wanted. It is hardly possible to breed Geese profitably unless they can have a grass run ; it is their natural baby's food. All Geese of every European breed want grass when young. Geese are generally largely bred iu the vicinity of commons for this reason. If there be such places in yoar neighbourhood you will do better to buy goslings than to breed them. They are easily fattened on bran, oats, and meal. If you determine to keep Geese they must be liberally fed with t;rass cat in large sods and put in water, or on dry spots in a yard. Heating Poctltry Houses (B. E.). — We do not care to heat oiir poultry houses, nor would we have them heated if it were done gratia. If you differ from us we believe the b?st plan is to heat with hot water. The chill the birds experience when they leave their heated house for the cold outside atmo- sphere is very detrimental. We prefer to increase our fcod, and to give it of a more stimulating character, as scraps of all sorts of meat ; feeding three or four times per day on soft food, and above all feeding the first thing in the morning at break of day, and the last thing at night. When snow is on the ground, either to feed on a ppot that has been carefully and scrupulously cleansed of snow, or in their houses. Snow is to all birds a violent purgative. It must always be borne in mind that although poultry is somewhat artifici- ally treated, yet it partakes to a certain extent of the nature of Game. Except in very long-contiuued slow or frosts we do not find Pheasants, Partridges, or Grouse affected by the weather, and their feeding is far more precarious than that of fowls. The latter are therefore better able to boar it than their wild brdtbren. Swans (A Lady in Cheshire). — It is often the caqe that Swans will not take to the water they ai-e intended to adorn when there is other water near. Close observation will end by discovering the cause of the preference. There is a cause — either some weed of which they are fond, or a larger space of water, or more shelter. The rale with all auimals when they are required to keep at home is to feed them so well that they have nothing to seek. Thej are then always full, they grow fat and lazy, and stay at home. It is seldom Swans walk as far as the soace you mention, and if they are properly pinioned they cannot fly. When they have the use of their wings they will at certain seasons of the year fly long distances from home. They generally return, but they sometimes meet with accidents. Transit of Poulthy (J. C. H.).~Vfe are unable to give you the desired information, and advise you to write at once to the Secretary of the Show you name. Pigeon House (Constant Subset iber). — The more room you can give the better for the birds. It is especially desirable to make a house lofty ; it should also be hght. In gi\ing measurements we do not say the space is absolutely necessary, but, if you have it, it is desirable. We would make it 10 feet every way. A good flooring is made by putting down liquid tar and covering it with smEdl sifted gravel; when cold another fine coat of tar and another coat of gravel. This makes a surface that will bear sweeping. For purposes of cleanliness the floor should be perfectly even, and for the same reason the sides of whatever material should be smooth. There should be no harbour for dust or vermin. Lame Pigeon (W. F. C). — We can only advise you to keep the bird by itself. The leg is probably iujored iu some way, and will most likely benefit from rest. Spots of Blood in a Canary's Cage (Joe). — The spots of blood in the bird's cage may be accounted for as follows: — Birds upwards of one year old at this particular season cast their quill feathers (wings and tails), and the tapping or injary to either would cause tbem to freely bleed. In an early stage of the feathers shooting forth they are heavily charged. On the other hand, the blood might have proceeded from the bird's claws, for they are likely to get trapped in a crevice, or become entangled in the wirework or at the ends of the perches. If the qoills and claws appear all right then we will suppose that the bird might have ruptured au artery, and to prevent becom- ing suffocated with the blood in the throat would naturally shake its bill and bespatter the cage. In either case the bird may be thus treated : If the blood arise from the quills, remove the bird from others, and nature will speedily effect its own cure. If the claws have become injured bathe them in salt and water. If an artery has been ruptured let the patient be kept quiet, and not excited or flurried. Iu the bird's fountain put half a teaspoonfal of brandy, and a piece of salt the size of a bean, give a cold bath, and until the bird recovers strength a little bread-and-milk diet. It ia not an uncommon occorrence for Canaries to throw-up blood. Fright and sudden excitement is the cause, and fits often ensue. When approaching a case to catch a bird it ia always better to give it slight notice by familiarly chirping at it. Kind familiar treatment, is essential to all animal life, and Canaries qaickly ap- preciate it. Weight of Comb — Covering Hives (A Young Apiarian). — The late Baron Liebig, in the appendix to his work on " Animal Chemistry," says that " bees have to consume 20 lbs. of honey to make 1 lb. of wax, and 1 oz. of comb holds 1 lb. of honey." We have not tested the matter, and therefore Cannot vouch for the accuracy of Liebig's assertions. The quilt and carpet arrangement for the tops of hives ia ineffectual. We advise you to remove the old carpets from the crowns of your hives, and put something better in their places; you cannot easily find anything worse. Driving Bees {A Constant Reader).— It is rather late in the season to form an apiary of large straw hives by feeding swarms put into them. You have succeeded admirably in colonising three swarms in one large hive and causing them to build an abundance of comb. At this late season we think you would do well to let the bees remain a^ they are, and put the swarms next year into the large hives. Bat if you oio determined to people another large hive, take the combs out one by one and sweep the bres off them wi h a hand brush into the large hive. This you can easily do either outdoors on a warm day or in the conservatory by candlelight. But to attempt to feed the bees afterwards in the conservatory would be risky. Thousands of them would probably be lost by flying against the glass. Flakes of Wax (A Novice). — The was dust which yon gathered and seat for inspection ia composed wholly of flakes of was which ooze from the ab- domens of bees while they are building combs. All swarms lose some of the flakes (which fall on the board), in the operation of comb-baildiug. They do not pick-up or use what falls from them in this work. Your hive is quite healthy, and if it contains 12 or 15 lbs. of food now, and ia well covered, it will live through the winter. Quince Marmalade (J. F.).— Gather the fruit when fully ripe, and of a fine yellow; pare, quarter, and core it; put the quinces into a saucepan with a little water, and set them on the fire until they are quite soft ; then take them out, and lay them on a sieve to drain ; rub them through and weigh the pulp: boil an equal quantity of hug&r to petite cassf, then add the pulp, and siir them together over the tire until it will fall from the spoon like a jelly. The marmalade is then fit to be put into pots, and when cold cover them closely. Quinces, Compote of (W. Q.). — Take six quinces, cut them in halves, and core them ; scald and pare them neatly. Put some clear syrup into a pre- serving-pan, with the juice of a lemon; when hot add the quinces, and give them a boil together; ilrain the fruit, arrange it in the compotier, leave the syrup to thicken a little, and pour it over the quinces. METEOKOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camden Square, London. Lat.51°82'40"N.; Long.QoS'O" W.; Altitade, 111 feet. DiTI. 9 A.M. In the Day. [ iSia Hy^ome- "■S ^ . Shade Tem- Radiation a ter. 3. a 1^ peratnre. Temperatore. a Oct. In On ass- Dry. 1 Wet. So Mai. Min. Bun. grass Inches. deg deg. deR. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. We. 6 so 4H4 55.0 49.1) W. 661 63.2 45.2 107.5 42 6 Th. 7 30 393 56.'J 52.0 w. 64.3 64.1 44 0 102.6 42.2 Fri. 8 30.183 57.3 54 2 s. 64.8 63.1 53 1 101.1 62 2 Sat. 9 29fi60 54.6 51.6 w. 54 6 69.7 49,7 81 8 45 5 0.14S 29 9i9 48.2 44 4 w. 52 0 67.8 S9.1 94.8 37.0 0 21!» Mo. H i9.292 61.1 48.5 w. 62.2 .16.3 46.3 101.0 45.2 0.050 Tu. 12 29.332 36 2 36 0 ■w. 51.0 56.5 84.0 95.0 33.0 ~ Means 29.892 51.2 48.0 53 6 63.1 44.5 97.7 42.5 1.412 REMARKS. 6th.— Fine all day ; at times very bright. 7th. — A very fine day throughout. bth. — Hazy early, but a fine day afterwards, though there were a few drops of rain at noon. 9th. — Fine till noon; after that time rather showery, the wind rising and being at times very high ; and great fall in temperature. 10th.— Fine till 3 p-m , then showery at times ; the fall was heavy, especially about midnight. 11th. — Fine raorniog ; a sudden and very short thunderstorm at 10.55 a.m., the sun shining quite brightly when it commenced, and though dark for a short time soon clearing off. 12th.— A very fine day but cold, though there was not much wind. Rapid fall of temperature at the end of the week, with what is a very unusual accompaniment — viz., low barometer and west wind. — G. J. Symons. OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Octobeb 18. No alteration in prices this week. Peaches and Grapes from Holland have been arriving in very good condition, also Pears from France, consisting of Duches.se d'Angouleme, and Glou Morijeau. Cobs have been in good demand at slightly better prices. FRUIT. B. d. s. d. Apples J sieve 1 Otol 6 Apricots. dozen 0 0 Cherries lb. 0 0 rtif-stuuta bnshel 0 0 Corrants i sieve 0 0 Black do, 0 0 Figs dozen 0 6 Filberts lb. 0 6 Cobs lb. 0 6 Gooseberries quart 0 0 Grapes, hothouse.. .. lb. 1 0 L^^mons ^ICO H 0 Melons each 1 0 Mulberries lb. 0 Nectarines dozen 3 Oranges ^100 12 Peaches dozen 3 Pears, kitchen.... dozen 0 dessert dozen 1 Pine Apples lb. 3 Plums J sieve 1 Quinces dozen 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries lb. 0 Walnuts bushel 8 ditto ^100 1 d. B. 6 to I 8 VEGETABLES. Artichokes dozen Asparagus ^•* JOu French bundle Beans, Kidney i sifjve Broad i sieve Beet, Red dozen Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts i sieve Cabbage duzen Carrots buuc-h Capt-icnms *>■ 100 Cauliflower dozen Celery bundle Coleworts.. doz. buncbea Cucumbers each pickling dozen Endive dozen Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish bundle B. d. s. a. « 0to6 0 0 0 0 0 11 II 0 (/ 1 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 (1 9 1 6 0 (1 0 0 (1 6 II U 0 5 0 « I 6 3 0 2 0 fi 1) 1 6 a 0 •/. 0 4 0 0 3 0 9 1 0 3 0 I 0 i fl 0 8 « 0 0 B 0 0 0 8 (1 0 4 U u u Leeks bunch 0 Lettuce dozen 0 Mushrooms pottle 2 Mustard & Cress puDnet 0 Onions bushel 2 pickling quart 0 Parsley.... doz. bunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart 1 Potatoes. bushel 2 Kidney do. 3 KadiaheB.. doz. bunches 1 Rhubarb bundle 0 Salsaty bundle 1 Scorzonera bundle 1 Seakale basket 0 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel S Tomatoes dozen 2 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows doz, 1 d. s. d 4 too 1 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 & 2 0 October 21, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 355 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Da7 Day ot I of Month I Week. 21 22 23 21 2,'j 26 27 Ta P s 80S M To w OCTOBER 21—27, 1876. Sale of Mr. Bull's new plants at 38, King Street, Covent [ Garden. Robert Fish dieii, 1878. 22 SONDAY AFTER TRINITY. Twilight ends 6 40 r.M. J. Strutt born, 1743. Average Temperature near London. Rises. Sets. Day. Nicht. Mean. m. h. 68.4 39 5 49.0 36af6 6Sa<4 E8 9 42.4 5U.6 88 6 61 4 6H.2 39 8 49 0 40 6 49 4 ' 66.3 89 6 47 9 41 C 47 4 1 65.9 38.6 '.7.2 43 6 46 4 65,6 36.5 46.1 45 6 43 4 55.1 88.4 46.7 47 6 41 i Uoon Rises. Moon Sets. m. b. 8 afID 34 11 morn. 66 0 14 2 I 80 3 I 48 4 , m. h. 30 at 2 B2 2 Moon's Ago. Days. t 23 24 25 26 27 28 Clock after Sun. 15 17 15 26 15 35 15 43 16 60 15 66 16 2 Day ot Year. 294 295 296 S97 298 VM 300 39.2°, From observations taken near London during forty-threo yearfl, the average day temperature of the week is 66.9-; and its night temperature SOIL AND CLIMATE IN RELATION TO PRACTICE. .^ 0 doubt the nature .and condition of the soil €. W'^?^ K '^^^^ exercise a, material influence upon the climate ; apart from this, the treatment of soil for all purposes of cultivation is a matter of such prime importance that a clear un- derstanding of the matter in its relation to ordinary practice is most desu-able. I have ah-eady in former papers told something of my struggles in bringing what I have termed the worst soil in England into a suitable condition for vegetable culture, and I shall have some- tliing to say further on .about what has been done to it for fruit- culture, but before doing so I wish to say a little about what Mr. Taylor has told us of the soil at Longleat. Evidently it is abundantly fertile, but then its mechanical condition is about as bad as can be, and I should much like to know what has been done, or what it is intended to do, to ameliorate its crudity. In Mr. Taylor's first paper, on page 107, he states that " the soil is extremely cold and heavy, the atmosphere humid, and frost visits us every month of the year ;" and on page '285 he states that the " soil is almost too heavy to be called a soil at all ; it is clay, and such heavy clay too that if it lies a year or two unmoved it is almost im- pervious to air, and becomes, consequently, sour." Thus, then, we have very clearly set before us an evd, but we have no statement of a remedy, which impresses one as being so highly important and necessary. What else, I ask, could be expected to prevail where there is such a cold, heavy, sodden, inert soil, but a still colder and most humid atmosphere, leading to frequent frosts '? I have not seen Mr. Taylor's garden, but judging solely from his own statements I am forced to the conclusion that he is either unaware of what a radical change may be effected in such a soil by the action of fire, or that he ia prevented by circumstances from applying the remedy. Burnt clay and a thorough system of drainage would surely effect a marvellous change in this cold heavy soil. Certainly if so treated it never could afterwards settle into an inert mass or become waterlogged. Mr. Taylor questions whether the condition of the trees at Oldlauds is entirely owing to cul- tural skill. Certainly not. Let me, however, state clearly the original condition of the soil, its preparation for the trees, and its subsequent management, together with that of the trees ; it being evident from the numerous com- munications on the subject which have reached me that many .Journal readers are anxious for further information on this subject. But let them not fail to remember that each caee must be treated solely on its own merits, and that if I had to make a garden in another place there would be no line-and-rule work — no slavish following of former plans, but rather such an adaptation of means, such a mode of culture, as the circumstances of situation, soil, and climate appeared in my judgment to require. The virgin soil here is a very poor thin loam, containing such an unusually large per-centage of silicious sand that a heavy shower will beat it into a compact mass, drying No. 760.— Vol. XXIX., New Series. into such hard clods that they have frequently to be softened with water before they can be broken up. The subsoil is a mixture of marl, clay, and silicious sand of a heavy close texture, and so adhesive as to form a puddle for pond bays nearly equal to that of pure clay, alto- gether forming about as unsuitable a staple for fruit- culture as could be found ; so thoroughly was I convinced of this, that as the station holes (G feet square by 3 feet deep) were excavated the entire mass of material taken out was carted away to help to form a viaduct then in course of construction. Now, to fill the holes with good soil and to plant the trees might appear a very simple matter, but in reality it was not quite so simple. The entire future of the trees depended so much upon how this was done that results had to be carefully considered, the first shower showing plainly that without an outlet for water the holes would soon prove just so many death-traps to the roots. A row of common iJ-inch di'ain-pipes was therefore put across the bottom of each hole under a layer of C inches of rough stones and connected with the garden drains, which had previously been made 4 feet deep and 30 feet apart ; the remainder of the holes being filled with turfy loam brought from a distance, a little manure stirred in with the upper portion, the trees planted, and the surface mulched with a little fern. Thus, then, the trees were ready for a start, but for a start only, and not for a prolonged existence without future attention to the soil. It was calculated that the trees would require about three years to attain sufficient vigour and maturity for producing really good fruit, that the stations would afford sufficient nutriment for this, and that by then the soil surrounding the sta- tions would be sufficiently improved by culture to afford an additional food-supply for the roots. The calculation was a correct one. Trenching, repeated dressings of ma- nure, wood ashes and gritty matter, such as coal ash and shattered brick, have converted the once-crude substance into an excellent rich and fertile soil, into which the roots have spread with a rapidity that is admirably in keeping with a vigorous wood-growth. During the present year sewage has been given frequently, especially while the fruit was swelling, and also after it was gathered, to im- part full vigour to the fruiting wood of next year. Thus much for the culture of the roots. Now for that of the branches, which were pruned according to strength to lengths of 12 to 20 inches at the time of planting. The first season's growth was trained upwards at rather an acute angle, so as to impart as much vigour as possible ; only the breastwood being pruned aw.ay as it appeared. The winter pruning consisted in slightly shortening the leading shoots and thinning and shortening the side growths, taking care to leave the lowest shoots longer than the others. Subsequent pruning may be briefly described as consisting of thinning any growths imme- diately a probability of crowding was perceptible, occa- sionally entirely cutting away a too rampant shoot in the centre of a tree, or if good wood was wanted there to obtain it during the growing season by pinching off the top of one or two of the strongest shoots, and causing No. 1112.— Vol. HV., Old Series. 356 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 1875. them to put forth the requisite number of laterals. To main- tain as true a balance as possible the laterals — really the fruit- ing wood — are left on the upper side of the lower, and on the under side of the upper branches. No immunity from blight or disease can be claimed even for trees vigorous as these are, but it is certainly reduced to a minimum. Curled and blistered foliage, caused by cold cut- ting winds or the attacks of aphides, has been more or less prevalent every year during the earlier months when the growth is young and tender, and red spider comes later if the weather prove very hot and dry when the fruit is ripening. No harm can arise from such attacks if they are only met with prompti- tude and care. Plenty of clean water upon the foliage and branches, and screening from frost and the direct force of east winds, is all that a vigorous tree requires. The mean monthly temperature of this part of Sussex will certainly bear favourable comparison with that of Greenwich, and after calmly reviewing the matter I am inclined to agree with Mr. Taylor that the climate is really not so bad as was supposed. There is, however, a peculiarity about it which adds materially to the difficulty of ripening the wood, which is that in the present month there is a mean decrease of 7° of temperature — there have been instances of its falling as much as 13' from that of September — and this decline is accompanied by very wet dull weather, the rainfall of October exceeding that of any other month. I may add that the gardeners of this county cannot have much faith in the climate as being suitable for Peach-oulture, lor I have found Peach houses and glass casings to Peach walls in almost every garden that I have visited. — Edwabd Luckhuest. PLANTS FOR CUT FLOWERS AND SPRATS. No. 5. Gladiolus. — Invaluable for vases and for specimens in glasses are spikes of Gladioli, every bud in the spike develop- ing when placed in water. Their season of flowering is a long one, commencing iu June and continuing uutO the late autumn months. The earliest may be G. blandus, G. communis, vars. albns, roseus, and ruber ; G. byzantinus, G. Colvilli albus, G. eardinalis and its variety roseus, and G. ineignis are all of the early-flowering class, and succeed admirably planted in October in any rich light soil, well drained, doing remark- ably well in peaty or vegetable soil, increasing amazingly, and once planted not needing any attention, never taking the " yellows " as the highly-bred varieties of both ramosus and gandavensis. They do well in the open spaces iu the front lines of shrubberies, and planted half a dozen or more together, they being planted -1 inches deep, will give annually in June and July nice spikes of flowers for cutting. The clumps in- crease in fize and beauty from year to year. G. ramosus in its many varieties is more tender by the continued improve- ment of the hybridist, and this section coming in after the G. communis and other kinds named should be planted ex- tensively, for though the ramosus section have not the stateli- ness of the gandavensis, they are equally bright and varied in colour. Plant in November and again in February 4 inches deep, and mulch over the surface with about an inch thickness of partially decayed leaves or other refuse of a light protective description. Wet, however, is the great evil, and the ground should be well drained, and if grown in beds protection may be given from heavy rains and severe frost. The bulbs may be 6 inches apart and the rows 9 inches, which wiU be suffi- cient space for this section. A top-dressing of manure in spring, cow dung being best, will add to their vigour, applying it after the stems rise, and being careful to stake as the stems advance in growth, and applying liquid manure after the flower buds appear. G. gandavensis hybrids. — These are magnificent for late summer and autumn, planting during the first mild weather in March 3 inches deep and a foot apart every way. The ground for them to be trenched and manured very liberally, mixing the manure with the soil, and in a thoroughly decompoeed state by planting time. Planted after the middle of March, and at monthly intervals to the middle of May, we may look forward to a good stock of spikes of matchless beauty for cutting in late summer and autumn. The varieties are very numerous both of gandavensis and ramosus, bo that I shall not pester your readers with names, which may be taken from the hst at the price suited to each purchaser. For very late flowers plant in June with a certainty of a speedy loss of bulbs. Bulbs of the ramosus section, if potted iu November, three in a 0-iueh and five in a 7-inch pot, an inch deep, and plunged in a cold pit, removing to a greenhouse when the spike rises, will flower six weeks earUer than those outdoors, and some being left in the cold pit will succeed them and continue the display until those in the open ground bloom. If very early bloom be wanted it is better to pot some of the G. blandus, communis, or other of the early-flowering sorts, in October ; these gently brought forward after Christmas will flower in May or earlier. Gandavensis varieties are also grown in pots, but not for our purpose, except it be a late batch, put-in in June and kept plunged in ashes outdoors and well supplied with water, giving them the shelter of a cold pit or cold house in autumn. Two parts medium-textured turfy loam, with a part old cow dung and a half part of sand, will grow Gladiolus in pots perfectly, but I have a hankering after peat — sandy fibrous peat. All the species like it, and in it never, that I know, have the " yellows." Pancratium epeciosum has large white fragrant flowers during the spring or early summer months, and is quite equal to the famous Eucharis amazonica, having usually eight flowers in a scape. P. Carriba;um has also large white fragrant flowers, both being stove plants requiring abundant supplies of water when growing, and continued until the growth is complete or fuU-sized, and then gradually reducing, giving only sufficient to keep them from flagging, and not allowing them to be dry at any time. Good turfy loam three parts, one part each sandy peat, old cow dung, and silver sand with good drainage will grow the plants well. P. Cunninghami has campanulate white flowers about an inch wide, and for button-holes superior to the Eucharis. It requires a warm greenhouse, and the plants should be well watered during growth, and not dried-ofi when at rest. P. illyricum and P. maritum have both white flowers, and are hardy in sheltered positions, and a Uttle protection in severe weather. A well-drained soil is essential, and equally so is abundant watering during growth. Not the least charms of Pancratiums are the delicate green stripes which pervade their pearly white flowers, and their scent. They are easily cultivated and free-flowering, and are deserving of extended culture, especially P. speciosum, also P. mexicanum (notatum), which has often a dozen flowers of snowy whiteness on a scape, the flowers being very fragrant. It is a stove species, though both the two last-named will do in a warm greenhouse. Amakyllis and HirpEASTEUii are magnificent as cut flowers, but we confound the one genus with the other. The true Amaryllis is characterised by flowering before the leaves, and is as thoroughly deciduous as the extremely beautiful Amaryllis Belladonna, which is one of the most beautiful of hardy bulbs, and on which a very opportune and excellent article was given by "W.," at page 183 of the present volume, to which the reader is referred for particulars of treatment. The Belladonna Lily is the true type of an Amaryllis, and would be immensely improved were it induced to produce its flowers and leaves simul- taneously. There is no afiinity between the Hippeastrum and Amaryllis, hence it has been suggested by some to gain foliage for the Amarylhs at the time of flowering by crossing with Vallota, but the hybridisation cannot be efiected. Hippeastrums in their original types are evergreen, of which none are more representative than the very beautiful H. pardinum, one of the many beautiful plants brought to notice through the Messrs. Veitoh ; but the Hippeastrum has been crossed this way and that, and so thoroughly subdued by a continued system of drying culture as to become every whit as leafless as the Amaryllis in the resting season, and in this respect at least the alteration has been of a retro- greseive kind. Hippeastrum and Amaryllis are the most magnificent of aU bulbous plants, their immense trumpet- shaped flowers being truly grand in a cut state. They flower usually during the early summer months, but may be retarded or forwarded by keeping cool and dry, or starting in bottom heat with a brisk heat and moist atmosphere. Hippeastrum pardinum is a fine cream colour, closely dotted with crimson-red. It is strictly evergreen, and should not be dried-off; H. equestris major, orange and green star, is also a true type of Hippeastrum, the double form H. eques- tris being novel ; H. Alberti flore-pleno is very double and a fine orange-scarlet ; H cinnamomea, rose, is sweet- scented ; H. Ackermanni, and its variety pnlcherrima, being really grand, having large crimson-scarlet flowers very flnely marked ; Aulica platypetala is red tipped with green with yellow stripe. This is one of the best for forcing, and may be had readily in winter by affording heat and moisture after October 21, 1875. ) JOURNAL OP HOBTIGULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 357 a period of rest ; and of the eame free-blooming character ia H. marginata conspicaa, and its variety snperba, both with white crounds and crimson Btripes, and are of the finest, especially for early flowering. The finest of all for early or winter blooming ia H. robnstam. H. regina), deep red, is fine from its orange and white marking ; reticulata striatifolia is good either as a flowering plant or for its leaves, which have a clear white band down the centre, and these have a grand effect interspersed with Amaryllis blooms for the table, for no flower has given it so fine a setting as its own foliage. Prince of Orange, Graveana, crocea grandiflora, and Cleopatra are useful and much alike ; but of late there has been some grand additions, and these have, of course, " fancy" values. The above are all stove plants. They will succeed, it is true, if they are started in a hotbed and continued there until far advanced for flowering, and then removed to a warm green- house, or a house where forcing is carried on. A warm green- house is only another name for a cool stove. I am told the H. vittata and varieties may be grown planted at the foot of a south wall, protected with litter in severe weather. It would be interesting to know if this has been practised in England and where. If dry pot the bulbs in fibrous yellow loam three parts, one part each leaf soil and old cow dung, and a sixth of sand, and good drainage. This may be done in January, and the pots should be placed in a light position without water until the bulbs begin to grow — the scapes appearing first or simul- taneous with the leaves — water then should be gradually given, increasing the supply with the growth. If the pots are placed in a bottom heat of 70° to 75' it will facilitate the growth of roots, and is a desirable method of treating bulbs which have been dried. The temperature should not be less from fire heat than 55° at night and 60° day, and 15° rise from Bun heat ; but the usual stove temperature after January — i.e., 65° to G0° night, 70° to 75° day, and higher in bright weather ia more suitable ; in fact, stove treatment is neeeseary, and if this be not afforded start the plants in a hotbed, removing them to a warm greenhouse when advanced for flowering. After flowering keep them well but not overwatered, and in aU their stages they require to be near the glass and have all the light practicable with moderate ventilation. In June, especially if the plants cannot be kept near the glass, they may, the flowering being over, be placed in a cold pit, and that will be a stove by early closing and admitting air judiciously. In this position the plants wUl be the better from gentle showers, and by the middle of August they will need maturing treat- ment, water to be given only to prevent flagging, removing early in September to shelves in the stove, where they will speedily mature. No water then to be given, the moisture of the house will be ample to prevent flagging of the foliage. If the leaves die-olY, as the present race do, a light damping of the pots occaBionally from a syringe will prevent loss of roots, and if these are maintained sound there is no need of bottom heat at starting ; but if the roots are lost from overdrying the bottom heat is a necessity for speedy rooting and vigorous flowering. The most favourable time to repot is when the maximum of growth is reached, taking care not to break the ball, picking-out the soil from amongst the roots, removing the surface, and placing fresh soil at the bottom of the pots, the plants then may be returned, with some fresh soil aU around, pressing it firmly. A good watering to follow the potting, and gentle sprinkling overhead two or three times a-day, with a close atmosphere, and slight shade if the weather be bright will enable the plants speedily to re- cover the potting, and plants so treated will give flowers very superior. Shade ia not needed for these plants, except those of weak growth, which cannot stand the sun, and such should have slight shade, and a warmer and moiater atmosphere. — G. Abdet. CARRION FOR VINE BORDERS. The other morning my employer came tome and said, " We have a cow dead, and I want it buried in the Vine border. Is it not a good thing for the Vine roots ? A gardener told me that it was, and that Vine roots would go half a mile to it." I gave him, as my reason for objecting, my opinion that Vine roots do not readily penetrate a mass of putrid matter, if they penetrate it at all, and that it is an unnatural element for Vine roots ; but still, I added, " the place ia yours, not mine, and I will obey your orders." " No," said he, " your reasoning is conclusive, and I give np my theory to your practice." I know that years ago there was much said in tome quarters in favour of carrion for Vines to luxuriate in, but I never believed in it, nor do I now, but I would ask whether you think I am right or wrong in the matter. I am open to conviction, and it you choose to lay the matter before the readers of " our Journal" I should esteem it a favour to have the opinion of any of our practical men through the medium of ita columns, as Grape-growing is weU to the front at the present time. — InyuiEEB. GRAPES AT THE EDINBURGH SHOW. I HAVE been very much interested in reading the discussion respecting the merits of the two large bunches of Grapes which were exhibited at the Edinburgh Show. Mr. Dickson's letter clears up matters considerably, and explains why his bunch appeared tarnished. It certainly does seem very strange that Mr. Dickson should have been excluded while so many others were allowed to witness the process of weighing ; and the feelings of Mr. Dickson may more easily be imagined than described when he saw the bunch of Grapes which had cost him so many months of anxious care defaced almost beyond recognition, and that before the public had an opportunity of inspecting his production. I consider Mr. Dickson ia entitled to the sympathy of all lovers of fair play. I trust the suggestion of your able correspondent, " J. W.," in his description of Arkleton, that some token of respect for such distinguished ability would be fittingly bestowed upon the man who has accomplished such wonders in Grape-growing may not be allowed to lie dormant, but that a committee may be appointed to carry out the project, and to whom I will gladly give my mite. With respect to Mr. Dickson's query. What constitutes a bunch of Grapes ? my own opinion is that a bunch of Grapes must proceed from one stem, and that two or more stems pro- ceeding from a Vine shoot, however close together, must be considered as two or more bunches of Grapes. — A. K. Aa an outsider in the discussion going on of weighty Grapes you will, perhaps, allow me to suggest that in future it would be wise to give permission to exhibitors of weighty Grapes to assist and scrutinise at the weighing. If this were allowed, and a set time appointed for ita performance with the Judges by the Secretary, much annoyance, heart-burnings, and mis- nnderstanding would be prevented. — Heney EInight, Floors. After what has been stated it ia incumbent on the managers of the late Show to atate officially whether the Judges care- fully examined the bunches before weighing them, and were cognisant of the particular formation of each bunch before they awarded the prize ? It the awards were made after examina- tion, and with a full knowledge of the state of each bunch, then the matter is settled so far as regards this Show. But if this examination was not made, and any peculiarities were from any cause overlooked, then it is beyond all doubt the duty of the Committee to thoroughly investigate the case. This may be unpleasant, but it is nevertheless a duty, and on that ac- count they must do it, both for the honour of Edinburgh and in deference to the opinion of a world of Grape-growers. I write not as a partisan. I care not who obtains the prize, but I do care to know if the bunches of Grapea which have recently startled the world are really what we expect them to be — viz., fair single bunches, and not accidental monstrosities. Mr. Dickson has plainly told us that Mr. Curror'a bunch waa " two bunches," and atates that he holds testimony to that effect. I ask him to produce that testimony. — An English Gkape-Gboweb. Has not the time come when the question as to what is a bunch of Grapes should be authoritatively settled ? Surely this should no longer be an undecided question, and yet it ia a question — though apparently simple — not easy to answer. One good Grape-grower and judge says, "A bunch to be beyond dispute (and this he considers a vital point) should have a smooth and perfectly round stem, showing no signs of a cica- trix such as the union of two bunches might be expected to show, whether caused naturally or artificially." Another says, " Provided a bunch comes from a single eye, no matter what the form of its stem, it is one bunch and one only." Now which of these two definitions is right ? There is this to be said on the part of the former — that it cannot be wrong. As is well known, a cane will burst two eyes, and the stems and 358 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( October 21, 1875. bunches become naturally united, forming a fasciated stem and bunch. In that cise is it more than one bunch? Thus fcimple as the question at first sight may appear, it is when examined rather subtle, but none the les3 for that should it refit undetermined. Huge bunches of Grapes seem to be yearly increasing in size, and I submit, therefore, that the simple question of what constitutes one bunch of Grapes should be finally and authori- tatively settled, I have not either the slightest interest in the bunches lately exhibited, or the remotest feeling as to which is successful, but I should, in common with those of my craft generally, like to know what is the standard for judging " a bunch of Grapes." — A Nobth-of-England Gardener. Most of the Grape-growera in the country are anxiously waiting your version of what constitutes a bunch of Grapes. I myself, an old Grape-grower, for one, will be much disap- pointed if I find your version to be that we aie to pass a bunch as one bunch with two separate fruit stems from the main or side shoot. I have been acting as judge this season at a show of some pretence, where a bunch was shown for the heavy prize having two fruit stems from the main rod or side shoot somewhat ingeniously worked together, but we did not hesitate io disqualifying the said bunch. Anxiously waiting your version. — M. Sutherland. [We shall be glad to hear from our readers their definition of a bunch of Grapes. — Eds.] I am very much disappointed at " D. E." not answering my questions. From the fact of his being present at the weighing and interesting himself so much in the proceedings, he must have known whether the Judges were present, and, if so, if they inspected the Eskbank Grapes ; for it is very important that it should be known whether it was an oversight on their part, or that they accepted it as a hondfule bunch. In your issue of the l-lth inst. "A Grai'e-Gbower " says, "It is not too much, I think, to ask Mr. Dickson for the names of the gentlemen who are able to corroborate his statement ; it would strengthen his case, and do them no harm whatever." I most cordially comply with his request, and furnish the letters which I have received from these gentlemen, and leave the public to draw their own conclusions. — James Dickson. "My answer to yours of the 29th nit., 'What I consider constitutes one bunch of Grapes?' is, that it should all come from one eye, the same as your large bunch that was exhibited in Edinburgh, and not an inch or two apart, as the fruit stems of Mr. Curror's bunch were. To have a perfect bunch of Grapes the bunch should hang by one stem. I corroborate every word you say in reply to ' An English GrapeGhower.' I was staging my fruit in the room when your bunch came in, and I can affirm that the berries were neither rubbed nor bruised, and no bunch could have carried better. I went and looked at the bunch soon after it came in. — Alex. Ingram, The Garch'H^, AInicick Castle.''^ " In reply to yours of the 27th ult. After seeing the Eek- bank bunch it was what I considered to be two bunches of Grapes, or what I always understood to constitute two distinct bunches of Grapes. They were, as far as I can judge, from 2^ to 3 inches apart. I could have shown some splendid bunches of Blaek Hamburgh, but could not owing to the fruit stems being half an inch apart. — P. Stewart, T]ie Glen Gardens." " In reply to your note of this morning (Sept. 2.5) regarding Mr. Curror's large bunch of Grapes, I beg to say that I consider the prize fairly yours. Mr. Curror's exhibit was a grand bit of Grape-growing, but at the same time you cannot fairly call it one bunch. I have always understood one bunch to mean one stem from the wood, however short, or even two il they fairly split at the union with the wood. But Mr. Curror's had quite li inch of clear space between the two stems ; therefore I consider them two distinct bunches, and I think, for the sake of those who exhibit, it ought to be clearly understood that one bunch of Grapes should hang by one stem. — James Louden, The IJuinta, ChirU, liualxm." " Your letter duly to hand, and I must own I cannot blame you for reopening the question, 'What constitutes one bunch of Grapes?' My old friend Louden of The Quinta and myself the moment we saw it (Mr. Curror's bunch) called it a ' twin.' This is the firat time that I ever saw a twin beat a dead honest one bunch.— William Jones, Gardener to ilar(juis of London- derry, The Gardens, Wynyard Park, Stockton-on-Tees." " I AM in receipt of yours of the 4th inst. I certainly did examine the Eskbank bunch of Grapes, and there was decidedly a clear space of an inch or two between the fruit stems, which in my opinion made two bunches of Grapes. What I consider one bunch of Grapes should come direct from the shoot with one stem. Any more stems, of course, are so many more bunches. — I. Thomson, Edinburgh." " Yours of yesterday (Sept. 29) is to hand. I don't think any Grape-grower in the kingdom will for one moment dis- pute your opinion as to what constitutes one bunch of Grapes, that ' there should be but one fruit stem from the shoot.' The other morning in the Music Hall when you afcked me to look at Mr. Curror's bunch I was prevented by the policeman from inspecting it. I shall feel deeply interested to know how the matter will end, and trust justice wUl have its proper course. — Geo. Johnston, Glamis Gardens." NEW JAPAN ROSE, BEAUTY OF GLAZENWOOD. A FEW years ago we looked upon the list of forthcoming new Boses with much greater interest than at the present day, for BO many new varieties are annually poured into the market, which prove mere costly rubbish, that we have had a cooling- down. Had Mr. Smith's illustration of Beauty of Glazenwood, in the " Floral Magazine," appeared in those old times, it would have created a tremendous sensation, and, cautious aa we are grown, this real novelty cannot fail to awaken much interest throughout the Bose world. A Rose of golden-yellow, striped and flaked with scarlet or vermilion, sounds like a dream or a fairy tale. It is, nevertheless, a reality, attested by Mr. Smith's brilliant plate, in which Mr. Woodthorpe con- siders full justice is not done to the richness of colouring of the Rose itself. When I was in Essex, in July, I had the pleasure of seeing fine healthy trees of this remarkable Rose, but I waa a little too late for the flowers. Some blooms had just been sent to Mr. Smith for making his illustration, which may have been seen already by some of your readers. I am glad to testify to the very vigorous growth and hardy character of this Rose. The heads of standards of it consist of long graceful shoots from 4 to C feet in length, which were last winter perfectly uninjured even to the tips, though quite unprotected. Beauty of Glazenwood is a summer-blooming variety, and will make a beautiful climber or an equally fine standard, flowering as it does from every eye on its long pendulous shoots. Mr. Woodthorpe describes it as strikingly lovely in the bud state. It is like Madame Falcot in its yellow ground, while the vermilion flakes on the petals resemble " the colour- ation of a Tulip," and it has also a delicate fragrance. It will certainly prove an important and charming addition to our already rich array of Roses, and be most valuable in hybridisation, on account of its peculiar colouring and dis- tinctness.— Henry Curtis, Devon Bosery, Torquay. THE LEEDS NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION. 189IH MEETINO, SEPTEMEER 15. Mb. James Abbott exhibited a number of interesting plants collected in the West Riding, including Potentilla norvegica, which grows abundantly on the banks of the Leeds and Liver- pool Canal between Armley and Kirkstall, and appears to have been thoroughly naturalised. It was first gathered about 18G0 by Mr. Wm. Kirkley, but not satisfactorily determined at the time. In 18G8 it was found, also apparently native, in Burwell Fen, Cambridgeshire, by Mr. G. S. Gibson, and recorded by him in the " Journal of Botany " for that year (vol. vi., p. 302 ; also see Babington'a " Manual," seventh edition). In 1874 Mr. Abbott noticed it in great abundance, and this year it was sent to Kew to name, when it turned out to be a Scandinavian form, though in what manner it reached the Leeds district is as yet unaccounted for. Mr. Charles Hobkirk reports that in 1873 he found it on the banks of the canal near Huddersfield. — W. D. E. Strawberries at Nottingham. — On looking through the flower market last Saturday (October 16th) a groat crowd seemed to be gathered round one notable stall. I soon saw the cause — viz., a basket of very fine Strawberries (Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury) was there on view, equal in colour and fair for size. They were gathered from the open ground on the 15 th from established plants that had borne heavily during the eeason, and had received no extra care or attention. They Oetolier 21, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 359 •were grown in tlio Strawberry gardens of Mr. Joseph Lamb, Burton Joyce, near Nottingham, the same person who was awarded the two first and one second prize at the great exhi- bition held in the Arboretum during the summer.— S. P. THE OLEANDEK. When laden with their noble tresses of beautiful rose-coloured flowers these plants are ever to be admired ; but under their beauty danger lurks, for the plant contains one of the most virulent of poisons. This applies more particularly to Nerium Oleander, although the double-blossomed sppcies, N. oJorum plenum, so common in the conservatories of England and on the terraces of continental gardens, is by no means innocuous. It is well, therefore, that in appreciating the undoubted beauty of this family of plants that we should be cognisant also of their poisonous nature. They are plants to be enjoyed for their beauty, but must not be thoughtlessly played with. In proof of the poison- ous nature of the family, it is on record that some soldiers during the Penin- sular War collected wood of the Oleander and of it made skewers for their meat, and the result was that of twelve who par- took of the meat seven died, and the remainder Buffered acutely. It is further recorded that in order to facilitate the re- moval of the bark Dr. Eosburgh put some young shoots into a fishpond, and found the poison so extreme as to kill nearly all the fish. It is also known that when the trees are growing in full lux- uriance in their native habitats that there is danger even in sleeping beneath their shade, on account of their noxious exhalations. Thus the plant is treacherous in its nature, for its beauty is but a garb to hide its hidden powers of evil. There is, however, some consolation in the fact that the poisonous ntt ire of the plant is not so great when grown under artificial cultivation as ■when flourishing in its natural wild luxuriance. autumn, will often flower the year following, and large planla are produced in a less time by planting-out than can be pro- duced by pot culture. — J. Fig. 76. — The oleandeb. Therefore with ordinary care Neriums may be cultivated for the beauty of their blossoms ; but no child should be permitted to playfully eat its flowers, nor gardener thoughtlessly make a toothpick of its shoots. The double varieties of Nerium are exceedingly ornamental conservatory plants, and their culture is extremely simple. Young shoots will readily strike at any period in brisk heat, and older wood will emit roots in profusion if the shoots are inserted in phials of water. In growing the plants to a flower- ing state too much water cannot be given to the roots, and scarcely too much heat and sun can be afforded to the foliage. The points to aim at are an early season of growth in a light aad well-heated structure, a dry atmosphere to ripen the wood, and a rest in winter by withholding water. The shoots that are made one season flower the next, and the plants if properly prepared will force well. They may after blooming be cut down and shaken out, as is practised with Pelargoniums, which will keep them dwarf ; they will then have a season of growth, and wUl flower grandly the season following. Large plants Vfill, however, flower every year on the preceding year's shoots, but they attain a straggling habit if not pruned occasionally. Cuttings if struck in the spring, planted out in a hot place to make their growth in the summer, and potted during the STRAWBERET CULTURE. The few lines inserted on page 275 of "our Journal" sufficiently explained my motive, which certainly was not to enter into any controversy with Mr. Lovel, whose name had never attracted my observation till August 20ih, and I should not reply thereto it his subsequent communication inserted on page 322 had not a tendency to mislead. I do not go two or three years without tasting fruit, but I take about half a score from each plant the first year, and they are as fine as any I obtain ; that is all the plants are allowed to bear. I take my runners from old plants reserved for the purpose and in pans or pots, which I find is the only way to obtain really good plants. I do not doubt what Dr. Eoden has stated, but he is one I believe of the few who retain their plants many years ; his experience must always carry great weight, and for his contributions to " our Journal " all Strawberry- growers are indebted ; but the statement made by your correspondent of what Dr. Koden has done is not what we differ on. I can quite comprehend how it is possible to grow 1 lb. of fruit per plant the first season after plant- ing. Your correspondent should not have curtailed the sentence, but added, " on plants planted in September, grown in very light soil, without any ma- nure added at the time of planting, and twice transplanted." Another omission, I take it, occurs after the following sen- tence: — "From British Queen, Dr. Hogg, Presi- dent, and others I could pull thirty Strawberries to weigh 1 lb." Would he add from one-year plants planted last September and without manure ? All Strawberry-growers know that British Queen and all the race require strong ferruginous soil and well manured to bring them to perfection, and at page 182 your correspondent alludes to President as one of the kinds that do not fruit well the first year. I can assure your correspondent that I have very carefully read his communication at page 242, and quote therefrom : — " I strike my runners in each alternate row of first-year's plants, gathering the fruit from every other row." If this does not mean that every other row is set aside to take runners from what can it mean ? But his explanation makes his practice, in my opinion, far worse, for he states that he takes from every plant four to six runners and 1 lb. of fruit too, thus weakening his plants so much in their first year's growth as to render them worthless, for to take five plants from every 15 inches longitudinally must remove nearly all the soil on one side of the plant. The point is not whether 1 lb. of fruit per plant can be produced the first year after planting — I know that can be done, but before I believe it can be done under the circum- stances stated by your correspondent I must have the authority of such men as " D., Deal," " C. P. P.," Rev. W. F.Radclyffe, and Mr. Douglas, or men of that stamp, to whose opinion one can defer, and on whose judgment one can rely. As an amateur of more than twenty years' experience, who has studied and practically tested the opinions of such as I 860 JOUBN^ OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 1875. have named and other eoutributors to " oar Journal," and who has not neglected an opportunity of inepeoticg in all parta of the country the practice of others, I can truly eay that I never heard or read of the British Queen or any of her race doiug well on very light soil before, but, on the contrary, have both read and heard of the sort being changed for others more suit- able to the soil, and I hope to have my opinion confirmed or otherwise by such cultivators as I have named. — An Old SuBSCBIEEIi. KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOWS FOR 187G. The Council have decided to hold five great shows besides the usual fortnightly meetings in 1876. The first or Spring Show will be held on the loth of March, the May Sbow on May 3rd, the June Show on the 7th and 8th of June, the July on the lyth and 20th of July, and the Great Fruit Show on the 8th of November. A liberal schedule is in preparation, and will thortly be ready for circulation. GLADIOLI— DEGENERACY OR DISEASE. I ACCEPT the challenge Mr. Douglas has thrown down, and maintain that the cause of failure in the Gladiolus does not ariee from degeneracy, but from a disease which we cannot master, but which seems to me to bear a remarkable analogy in its effects to that which infests the Potato. Let me first define what we mean, lest it be simply a war of words. I under- stand by degeneracy a weakening of the constitution, by which the plant becomes incapable of flowering with its former vigour, and so becomes worthless to its possessor. By disease I under- stand some affection of the tissues of the plant, by which the corm becomes so seriously influenced that it is unable to main- tain life at all, and bo perishes. In some cases the disease may not absolutely kill the plant, but it very rarely is able to grew again. Mr. Douglas holds that his Gladiolus bulbs are affected by the former complaint, and adds that if I did not import each year from France I could not maintain my collection. He may be surprised to hear that, with the exception of the new varieties, I import very few bulbs, and that some of my finest spikes this year were from English-grown corms. But inde- pendently of my own experience I can give that of another grower who is, I believe, by far the largest amateur cultivator of the Gladiolus in England. He has, to my certain know- ledge, not imported one single bulb from France for the last ten years except the novelties of each year, and yet he has every year from eight hundred to a thousand surplus bulbs. Nor are these poor bulbs : they pass, many of them, into the hands of one of our most respected seedsmen, and not only are they satisfied with the bulbs, but their customers invariably speak of them as satisfactory. I may add that one or two of the spikes of Meyerbeer which I showed this year were from his bulbs. — D., Deal. POTATOES. As the time (November 10th) is drawing nigh for the Potato competition, a few remarks from one who is not a competitor, but who feels himself interested in the forthcoming struggle, may perhaps find acceptance. The competition will bring out many points of culture that will be useful to the raisers of new sorts in the way of propagation ; but according to the arrangements some unpleasantness may arise. The crops I think ought to be taken up in the presence of Messrs. Hooper & Co.'s agent and weighed on the spot, and that weight to be the standing point, no matter what is lost afterwards by disease ; whereas this season the disease is so prevalent that some of the com- petitors will lose two-thirds of their crop before the time to send them in for competition, and this will happen in the case of those that have the most weight and have been pro- duced with high cultivation. Of course when the crops are lifted and weighed they will be placed in the best position at command to keep them until the time to send them in. Now what is to prevent those competitors who have a surplus stock in hand from picking out the diseased tubers and re- placing them with sound tubers ? Not that I think any honour- able person would do it, but it is an old saying and a true one that there is " more got by scheming than by hard working." Theie will be some great weights fiom 1 lb. of seed, in faot one has already appeared in the Journal ; but at the same time I cannot see that any practical purpose will be gained by it, as the system by which they are produced will never do for ordinary cropping. The weights will also lead many people astray unless they are well acquainted with each variety and the mode of growth which has been adopted. The American varieties will stand cutting into the smallest sets possible, and they will grow, soil and season being favourable, into heavy crops ; but I think that is no proof of real value. I should hketo see prizes given for some of our best English varieties, which are not so liable to the disease as the American varieties, but they will not stand cutting nearly so small as the Yankees ; and 1 lb. of English seed would not produce more than half the weight that the same quantity of American seed would, and yet the English variety may be more really useful under ordinary cultivation. — H. A VISIT TO POTHOLM, THE BESIDENCE OF JOSEPH TAYLOR, ESQ. When in the picturesque district of Etkdale, besides my visit to the small garden of Arkleton and its great Grapes, I was induced by the owner of Burnfoot to inspect the garden of Mr. Taylor, whose residence is ensconced amongst the heath- clad hUls, and is two or three miles distant from the flourish- ing town of Langholm. I was rewarded by witnessing some good gardening, the Grape-growing especially being of a superior order. This garden was then imder the charge of Mr. Bole, who is now gardener to Lady Crossley at Somerley- ton, Suffolk. Potholm is not a large garden; it was newly made by the owner, and under the able management of his gardener it was more than ordinarily productive. As the Grapes were the chief feature of the place, almost rivalling those of Arkleton, and as I am, by the courtesy of Mr. Bole, able to supply instructive matter concerning them, I will give them prominence in this brief notice. I have said they almost rivalled those of Arkleton, but I believe that on more than one occasion the Potholm Grapes have had the post of honour when in competition with the produce of the above renowned vineries at the local exhibitions. Grapes, then, that have done BO much as have these must have a history worth knowing. The vineries were finished in May, 1869, and on the 28th of the same month the last of the Vines were planted. The site of the garden was styled The Orchard, in reality a waste which had been occupied for at least a hundred years by Apple, Pear, and Plum trees, which had grown to giant proportions, with an undergrowth of Nettles fully 6 feet high, and what was not covered with Nettles was with Docks, Ranunculus, &c. But what has this to do with Vines ? I will show that it has, or had, much to do with them, and played an important part in the success which has attended their culture. All this con- fusion had to be cleared away, the trees were uprooted, and their branches carried into a heap ; the whole surface was pared off with the spade — grass, weeds, top soil, Ac, and when all was ready the heap was fired. Some idea of the extent of the fire may be gathered from the fact that it burned for eight weeks. Here, then, is the secret of these fine Grapes — charred soil, athes, and charcoal. The whole cf this was incorporated into the soil forming the Vine and Peach borders. The old mansion house had also been pulled down ; the old plaster, lime rubbish, Ac, were also used. The soil was taken from a place where sheep had been folded, shorn, &c., from time im- memorial, the turf being out just as deep as the roots of the grass would lift. This was made up into a heap mixed with inch bones, the Ume rubbish, and the residue of the great fire ; and the whole lay in that state for about six weeks before using. The bottom of the borders were efficiently drained with about 1 foot of stones, brickbats, and the roughest of the refuse from old buildings, then turves green side down were laid over the whole. The soil was put in about 3 feet deep. The Vines were planted and watered with tepid water on the day mentioned, and by October in the same year they had canes over 30 feet long, twice stopped, and the wood well ripened. They were pruned in November and started in March. One bunch was taken off each, the Syrian bunch weighing 7 lbs. In 1871 a bunch off the Syrian weighed 14 lbs. , and in 1872 a bunch was cut weighing over 16 lbs., and in 1873 three bunches from one Vine weighed over 40 lbs. At that time the Vine, four years old, measured at 1 foot from the soil 6 inches in circumference, the young wood being 2J inches in circumference. The other Vines consist of the old standard Ootober 21, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDEREB. 361 varieties, and have succeeded in a manner that should satisfy the most fastidious. They were cropped as follows : — In 1870 they carried one bunch, in 1^71 three bunches, in lfi72 six bunches, and in 1873 and subsequently eight to ten bunches each. The Tines look as well now as ever they did, the average growth of the Black Hamburgh measuring 2J inches in circumference. The only covering which is given the borders during winter is a quantity of stable manure, and all the rain that falls on them is permitted to enter them, and that is something very considerable, averaging 5 feet a-year. Snob is the history of these Vines. It is worth giving from its simplicity and for the soundness of the practice which it embodies. The practice which has produced such fine Grapes in Eskdale will, if adopted, produce them similarly fine in other places. It is not necessary to dwell on the excellent plant culture at Potholm, or on the fine collections of Pentstemons, Phloxes, Dahlias, &c., growing in the grounds, but a passing glance may be made on the collection of hardy Heaths, many of which were charmingly ornamental at the time of my visit. These chastely beautiful hardy plants are worthy of extended cultivation. They will grow in almost any soil, providing it does not contain lime. These were luxuriating in a mixture of peat, leaf mould, and loam. I saw no collection of plants in Scotland more distinctly ornamental than Mr. Taylor's hardy Heaths at Potholm. Mr. Taylor has, by the liberal means afforded in perfecting his own garden, done much for the horticulture of the district; and it is gratifying to find that Mr. Bole on his departure from Eskdale was presented by the inhabitants of the district with a handsome Fitzroy barometer and a purse of thirty sovereigns as a token of their estimation of his character as a man and his skill as a gardener.^ — J. W. OUR BOEDER FLOWERS— KRINUS. This is a small group of early spring and summer-flowering plants belonging to the Alpines. These plants will succeed in many situations, but they are chiefly recommended for rockeries. They are also adapted for edging purposes in the spring garden or elsewhere. When once established there is little fear of them becoming scarce. They grow well in a mixture of loam, leaf mould, and coarse grit. There are a few kinds enumerated, but they are all much the same in habit and appearance, the different colours being the distinguish- ing feature. When grown together the different shades of colour have a very pleasing effect, varying from rosy purple to white. Erinus alpinns is most frequently met with. It is said to be from Switzerland, and admitted to our flora as a naturalised subject. Erinus alpinns roseus is an acquisition ; its flowers being large and approaching rose colour, makes it very desir- able. Erinus hirsutus, said to be from the Pyrenees, is but seldom seen. Perhaps the diminutive stature of these plants causes them to be overlooked, or it may be they are not sufli- ciently known to attract attention. I know a place by the side of a river where Erinus alp'.uus can be seen to perfection grow- ing among the stones and sand. Whether the seeds had been washed there by the stream, or they had been purposely sown, I had no means of ascertaining. Perhaps the time is coming when these partly-forgotten plants will be better cared for ; they ought to be much more cultivated than they are at present. — Vekitas. The Grape Cuke. — Amongst the most agreeable hygienic processes extant, says the Pall Mall Gazette, must be reckoned the Grape cure, for which this is the season. There are on the Continent numerous establishments devoted to the use of the remedy; two in France — Aigle in Savoy and Celles-les- Bains in the Ardfiche ; three at least in Switzerland — Veyteaux, Vevey, Montreux; and many in Germany, Austria, the Tyrol, and Hungary. The juice of the Grape containing, according to a medical authority, 25 per cent, of its weight in active agents — glucose, tartaric acid; potash, chalk, soda, oxide of iron, and manganese in combination with sulphnrio acid, phos- phoric acid, &c. — there is some reason for comparing this " organic mineral water," as it has been called, with the in- organic, the curative powers of which are so universally recog- nised, and for expecting similar results from it. The cure is very simple. It consists in eating an immense quantity of Grapes, the thin-skinned Bweet white varieties being best for the purpose. The patient takes but little ordinary food, and is required to eat 3 or 4 lbs. of the fruit a-day just at first, the quantity being gradually increased to 8, 10, and even 12 lbs. of Grapes. This is, if possible, to be eaten in the open air, in the vineyard whence the supply is derived — an arrangement which, no doubt, greatly conduces to the efficiency of the cure. It is frequently undertaken in their private practice by French physicians, who possess the material for it in the incomparable Chasselas, of which such quantities are now selling in Paris. LUCOMBE, PINCE, & CO.'S NURSERY, EXETER. England is pre-eminently the country of stately trees and picturesque gardens ; but in no part of our country do we meet with a more grand array of natural beauties, or a more happy application of the resources of art to enhance their effect, than in the county of Devon. The stranger visiting Exeter will find excellent hotel comfort ; and he will naturally desire to see something of the town — the grand cathedral, tha public walks and pleasure grounds, and the scenery of the neighbour- hood. Being a gardener I made my way to the nursery of Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, & Co., which I will now endeavour to describe. This nursery was established in the year 1720 by William Lucombe, the raiser of the Lucombe Oak and many other choice trees, and has long been renowed for the excel- lence of its productions ; and judging from the skill and enter- prise at present being bestowed upon it by Dr. Woodman, who has assumed the administration of its affairs, its reputa- tion is likely to be sustained. On entering the gates the visitor cannot fail to admire a fine specimen of the Lucombe Oak. This is the original plant, and close by it stands the Cork Oak (Qaercus euber), making a handsome pair. Two large plants of Ford's Oak (Qaercus Fordii), raised at the establishment by old Mr. Pince's foreman, Mr. Ford, also attract attention. They are two noble objects, being trained as pyramids, and are unsurpassed in beauty. The show house is our next object of interest. This superb conservatory is enriched with a profusion of beautiful plants, shrubs, evergreens. Ferns, and flowers arranged with great taste. Among the noted specialities were Coleuses The Shah and Lady Burrell, and Amaranthus salicifolius. These plants were sent out with glowing characters, but we seldom hear a good word spoken of them, yet here they hold a prominent position, and are unsurpassed in richness of colour and vigor- ous growth. Worthy of notice also is the Camellia house, which is more than 200 feet long by 30 feet in width. Some magnificent specimens are planted out in the borders, and seem to luxuriate in all their natural beauty, and form a perfect grove. Close to the termination of this house there is a rock garden most artistically arranged. The visitor enters apparently natural openings formed in natural rock, which is covered with a drapery of rare, curious, and beautiful rock plants and Ferns. Jasmines, Eoses, Honeysuckles, and other twining plants fes- toon themselves over the rugged parts, and feathery forms fringe the bare blocks of stone, imparting an agreeable effect to the many secluded nooks and pleasant retreats. We now pass to the stove plants. There are several large houses devoted to their culture, in which there are some very fine specimens. The clean and healthy appearance of these plants at once shows that skill is employed in their growth, and which reflects credit on Mr. Cole, the plant foreman, a member of the well-known Manchester family of plant-growers. I shall only particularise a few of the large plants in the speci- men houses. Here are tree Ferns and Palms, noble Bananas, and Cyano- phyllums; handsome Alocasias Lowii, Veitchii, zebrina, Jen- ningeii. Crotons are also in fine condition, the following being remarkably elegant, and ought to have a place in every col- lection— Croton variegata, C. Youngii, C. Veitchii, C. Johannis, C. lacteum, and C. Weismannii. Dracfenas are equally fine, the most distinct and ornamental being D. congesta, D. im- perialis, D. splendens, D. Fraserii, D. regime, and D. Mooreana. Of Marantas I noticed a rich collection ; M. illustris, M. Lin- deni, M. zebrina, M. roseo-picta, M. regalis, and M. Veitchii are the best of this charming genus. Amongst flowering plants I observed Eucharis amazonica, with hundreds of white flowers, emitting a delightful fragrance. Dipladenia amcena was quite a blaze of flowers, as also were D. crassinoda and D. insignis. The Ixoras looked pictures of health, flowering freely; I. Coleii, I. crocata, I. Dixiana, I. javanica, I. salici- folia, and I. Williamsii were all in admirable condition. »62 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 18T6. Many bouses are devoted to the culture of Heaths, New Hollaed plants, Geraniums, Ferns, and Orchids. Most of the houses are 130 feet long. Grapes and Peaches are largely grown here, the Grapes being very fine, especially Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, which continues to be a great favourite. The propagating department is a remarkable feature in this estab- lishment. The houses are the best constructed of the kind in the country, and it is surprising how tens of thousands of plants are produced here in a short time. It is now time to pass on to the outdoor department, which after all is the chief glory of the establishment. The grounds are about sixty- acres in extent. Of ornamental trees, shrubs, fruit, etc., there are great collections. Many of them are of great beauty, and as yet not in common use. I noticed many hybrids comparatively new. Hybridising has long been carried on here with remarkable success, many new plants having been thus produced. The Conifer Walk is a quarter of a mile in length and intersects the nursery. In this department are plants of considerable size and great beauty, popular kinds, which I need not enumerate. On the left of this walk is the Winter Garden, planted also with Conifers and ever- greens. The Irish Yew and standard Portugal Laurel are exceptionally fine and symmetrical. The variegated Hollies, both globular and pyramidal, are also striking objects. Oppo- site this is the Italian Garden, a perfect gem of its kind. The Irish Yews and Laurels with the vases give this garden a most exotic appearance, and the general beauty is greatly enhanced during the summer months by an extensive display of bedding and subtropical plants. I noticed here two new plants — one Begonia Woodmanii, a very fine variety, flowering well out- doors ; the other a Geranium named Bold Brook Pet, a dwarf variety with large trusses of orange-scarlet flowers. For the removing and transplanting of large trees Barron's tree-moving machine is employed. It will carry eight tons and upwards, and Dr. Woodman said there is very little risk in removing them of that weight ; and to substantiate his testimony he drove me to Exminster, a distance of three miles, where they have recently formed a new nursery, and where large trees have been planted and are flourishing well. The nursery throughout is in a high state of keeping, and an inspection of the grounds and plant houses affords both enjoyment and instruction. — N. Cole, Kensington Palace. HEEBACEOUS PLANTS FOB BEDDING. Among notices to correspondents in our Journal information ia requested about a hardy herbaceous plant for bedding to flower at the same time as Geraniums. I have used effectively Centranthus ruber. There are three colours or varieties of this plant — red, crimson, and white, and when contrasted together or in separate colours they are very effective. By careful cul- ture the plants may be had in bloom through the summer and often into early winter. To have a continuous bloom they require to be thinned and stopped to produce successional growths. Geranium sanguineum is a plant that continues long in bloom. With careful thinning the shoots and stopping them the blooming season may be prolonged. Crucianella stylosa is a continuous-blooming plant, and might answer for the pur- pose named. It should have poor soil and be kept as dry as possible, otherwise it is a rampant-growing plant. Delphinium Belladonna, with careful stopping and pegging-down in good soil, is a very useful plant for bedding, and may be kept in bloom a long time. Nepeta violacea flowers a long time, and by careful thinning of the shoots gives a succession of bloom till autumn. Dielytra spectabilis is a fine plant for bedding in good soil, and by thinning the shoots it blooms a long time and is always prized for cut flowers, CEnothera macrocarpa and others might be named. — M. H. EXTKACT FROM THE EEPORTorTHE BRISBANE BOTANIC GARDEN, QUEENSLAND. To illustrate the capabilities of the Queensland climate, it may be mentioned that the several varieties of the Mango plant, introduced principally from the far apart latitudes of Java, the West Indies, and Bombay, have yielded during this season more abundantly than heretofore; and this notwith- standing the unfavourable weather which characterised the earlier period of the season, upon the state of which the Mango is supposed to be mainly dependant in its fruiting. All the plants are yet quite young — some having been propagated ia these grounds, others imported in an infant state. There are three varieties from Java — the Sangier, the Gnmpoha, and Dagieng. The fruit of all these plants is mellow and grateful to the palate, and invariably elicits high encomiums from those whose experience well qualifies them to form a judgment. These last mentioned are considered fully equal in flavour to the far-famed Mango of Bombay, of which these gardens contain three varieties — viz., the Strawberry, the Alphonse, and the Goa. A Mango seed forwarded some years since from the West Indies has been succestfuUy propagated, and plants of it distributed to some of the residents of Brisbane. A specimen of this season's fruit from one of these plants turned the scale at 2G ozs. The following is a list of the principal plants that have flowered or borne fruit during the past year : — Rhopala corco- vadeneis. Rhododendron virginalis, Pandanus utilis, Pandanus latifolius, Pandanus pygmteus, Oreodoxa oleracea (twelve years old), Anthurium Scherzerianum, Philodendron Lindenianum, Strelitzea Nicoli, Maranta grandis, Achris sapota (Sopadilla Plum), Passiflora macrocarpa (fruit 8 lbs. weight), Lilium Wallichianum. CoFFa!A AiiiBicA (Coffee). — Attention has been called to this plant in consequence of a despatch to His Excellency the Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Carnarvon, as to the Coffee-leaf disease in Cejlon. The Coffee plant in Ceylon is suffering great ravages from a well-defined species of fungus, Hemeleia vastatrix, which belongs to a class of most minute parasitic plants, which include the oidium of the Vine and the perenospora of the Potato. This disease haa for some time past been causing great anxiety and conster- nation amongst the planters there, as well as in some other parts of the world where it has appeared. It is satisfactory to find that no trace of this disease has as yet been found in Queensland, neither do I think, if care is taken, is it likely to take root here. In my report on this matter to His Excellency I went fully into the position and prospects of coffee culti- vation in this colony, and have only now to remark that there is a fine field in the northern districts for the profitable in- vestment of capital in the cultivation of this great commercial staple. Thousands of acres of suitable land are to be found from the Herbert River to the Endeavour River, all along the north-east coast, and extending from ten to thirty miles inland. In this district the branches of the tree grow very robust and horizontal, while it begins to bear fruit about the third year, producing very shortly thereafter 3 lbs. of berries per tree per annum. The plant flourishes, however, in all parts of the colony, although it is not so productive in the south, and takes longer time to come to maturity. I have every hope that on the publication of my report in England the attention of capitalists and planters wUl be directed to this colony, when it is known that the plant has found such a congenial habitation in northern Queensland, where there appears also to be every prospect of now obtaining a cheap, though inferior, class of labour ; and especially when it is found that the plant is not subject to the ravages of this most destructive fungus. I would consequently call the attention of the Government to the great care necessary, at present, in permitting Coffee plants from being imported into the colony from countries affected with the diseape; and I would suggest that, untU the cause and origin of the disease is fully diagnosed, only seeds and plants be permitted to be imported from those countries where the disease does not exist. His Excellency has forwarded me a copy of the correspondence upon " the Coffee-leaf disease," which can be consulted, in the Botanical Library, by persons interested. Chocolate, or Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao). — This is another plant that could also be cultivated with great success in the same northern districts as coffee, i nd would form a most profit- able and lucrative investment for capital, as there is an ex- tensive market all over the world for its consumption. It ia a plant which can be cultivated with much less trouble and expense for labour than coffee, being a tree of larger dimen- sions ; it requires, however, to be planted more openly, but during the period the trees are taking to arrive at maturity the distance between the rows in the plantation could be turned to profitable account by the raising of such plants as Ginger, Arrowroot, Cassava, Indigo, &e. The trees take from four to six years to come to maturity, but thereafter they require very little labour or attention except to gather the fruit, for the Cocoa crop may be said to last throughout the whole year, although there are three principal gatherings of October 2l, 1475. ] JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 863 the frnit annually. A Coooa plantation once properly eetab- liehod is a rich possession to its owner ; it is therefore to be hoped that some enterprising cnpitalist may consider this industry worthy of his attention in northern Queensland. A groat many other highly valuable plants in a commercial point of view could be successfnlly and profitably cultivated in the lately explored territory of the north, lying between the Herbert and Endeavour Rivers, such as the Caoutchouc or India-rubber Tree (Siphonia elastica), Gutta Tercha (Isonan- dra Gutta), Gamboge (Hebradendron gambogeoides), Palm Oil (Elais Gnineensis), Quinine, yellow bark (Cinchona cali- Baya), Quinine, red bark (Cinchona succirubra), Ipecacuanha (Cepbaelis Ipecacuanha), and a host of other tropical exotics. The Lac Insect (Homoptera Coccida), and the plants it inhabits. — My attention has been recently directed to the com- mercial importance of the produce of this insect, and I am at present in communication with several correspondents in India and China to endeavour to obtain a supply of the best species of insects for the purpose of acclimatisation, as the trees upon which the insect subsists, and deposits in tuch large quantities the waxy substances from which the shellac and lac dye of commerce are prepared, flourish most admirably in various parts of the colony, but especially in the northern districts, where I believe the insect would be easily acclimatised. The trees upon which it lives in other parts of the world, and which are to be found growing to perfection in the Gardens and elsewhere in the colony, are the Indian Fig (Ficas indica), Butea frondosa, Ac. ; but I am also certain that the insect would take to many of our indigenous trees, and subsist as well upon them as the above, such for instance as the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), Rhamnus Vitiensis, Zizyphus quadrilocularis, Croton insularis, &c. The produce of this insect is largely used in the arts in various manufactures in India, China, Japan, and various other countries ; the value of the imports into England alone is from £300,fi00 to £400,000 per annum. It is, therefore, an article which is well worthy of the attention of the colonist. The Sugar industry, as will be seen from the statistics given in this report, is increasing in importance in a great ratio yearly, the production of last year being fully two-fifths or 40 per cent, in excess of that of the previous year ; and when settlement takes place upon the rich tropical lands of the north, so suitable for the industry, and with the further prospect of cheap Asiatic labour, I fully anticipate even a still larger increase in the production of this valuable commercial commodity. I have it on reliable authority that sugar cultivation in this colony is causing great uneasiness and anxiety amongst sugar planters of Java and neighbouring islands, as they are con- vinced that, notwithstanding their advantage of cheap labour, that, from the superior quality of our sugar, due to the ex- pensive and greatly superior machinery used in the relining process, that it will be quite impossible to compete with our growers, and that the fine quality of our sugars will drive their present low class sugars entirely out of their various markets. I have at present about fifty (.50) different varieties of sugar- cane in the Gardens. It is now becoming almost impossible for the Gardens to act longer as a nursery for this plant ; the requirements of the colonists for aU these various different varieties is so immense that the requisite space cannot be set apart, and the soil and situation ia not very suitable for the proper development of many of the plants. To meet the demands of those engaged in sugar cultivation, and for the successful growth of each kind, about a quarter of an acre would be required for each variety. ORCHARD HOUSE APPLES. A FEW years ago we called the attention of our readers to some fruit of Cox's Orange Pippin we received from Mr. Abram Bass of Moat Bank, Burton-on-Trent, and which had been grown in an orchard house. The beauty of their colour, the wonderful delicacy of their flesh, and their richness of flavour were remarkable. Mr. Bass has again sent us this year some fruit of the same variety which in size and colour surpass anything we have ever seen, while the flavour cannot be ex- celled. They are indeed "Apples of gold." With these are also samples of Margil and the old Nonpareil, the latter so changed by its indoor cultivation as to be with difficulty recognisable. But the lesson to be learned from this is, that Apples of this class which are grown for flavour are so highly improved both in that respect and in appearance by being grown in au orchard house that we commend the system to all lovers of fine fruit. The texture of the flesh and the delicacy of flavour are such as cannot be found in any Apples grown uudtr any other con- ditions. Such ia the effect of this eyetem of growing Applef , Mr. Bass informs ns, that the state of ripeness is so advanced that the fiuit does not keep so long as it ordinarily does when grown in the usual way. It might be worth the while of frnit-growers who can appre- ciate good cultivation to pay a visit to Moat Bank in the season when gardening operations are going on, and see for themselves what two ardent amateurs — for Mrs. Bass is herein included — can do when stimulated by a love of their pursuit. It was our privilege to see the frnit houses there when they were in their best condition about two months ago, and we can testify unreservedly that we never saw better Grapes in the vineries nor finer fruit in the orchard houses than we saw at Mr. BassV. Apropos of Grapes, Mr. Bass has been good enough to send us a handsome bunch of Muscat Hamburgh as well set as any old Hamburgh could be ; and though rather red than black in colour the flavour is very rich, and justifies Mr. Bass's obser- vation, " Nimium nc crcdc colori " — that is, " A good horse is never a bad colour." EARLY WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING. No. 8. JACOB BOBAET. TuE sixteenth century was the birth-time of botanic gar- dens. Italy led in this most effectual movement for the pro- motion of a knowledge of plants and their cultivation. Tho first established was at Padua in 1533, the movement was com- municated to Switzerland and Germany, and in England the first botanic garden was established in 1632 at Oxford, and its founder was Henry Danvers, Earl of Danby. He gave five acres on the banks of the Chorwell, on the south side of St. Mary Magdalene College. Ho built greenhouses and stoves, enclosed the garden with a stone wall 14 feet high, erected a house for its superintendent, and engaged the first — Jacob BOBART. The Earl of Danby was a gentleman commoner of Christ- church, and his mansion, Cornbury, was in Oxfordshire. Wood states that the Earl, " being minded to become a benefactor to the University, determined to begin and finish a place whereby learning, especially the faculty of medicine, might be im- proved." He gave £2."0 to purchase the meadow ground near the Cherwell. The tenant was bought-oat in 1C22, and the University took a lease of the ground from Magdalene College, paying yearly 40s. The first stone was laid on St. James's Day (Jaly 2oth) the same year. The enclosing wall was not finished until 1633, and it had then cost the Earl more than £.5000. He then had it planted with " divers simples for the advancement of the faculty of medicine." John Tradescant was to have been the Professor of Botany, but the occurrence of the civil war, and then the Earl's death in 1644, prevented the arrangement. He devised to the University the rectory of Kirkdale in Yorkshire, for the use of the garden — that is, for its keeping and a stipend to the professor and gardener. The revenue not being suflicient no lecture was read until 1669, when the King's Professor of Botany, Dr. Robert Morison, accepted the appointment for a stipend of £40. The Botanic Garden, or, as it was originally named, tho Physic Garden, occupies the ground that had been the cemetery of the Jews ; when they were expelled it became the property of St. John's Hospital. The gateway of the Botanic Garden was designed by Inigo Jones, over it is a bust of the founder ; and the statues of Charles I. and II., one on each side the gateway, were purchased with the fine paid by Anthony Wood, the Oxford historian, for a libel on the Earl of Clarendon published in the first edition of the " Athera; Oxoniensis." Two large Yews were pruned and clipped into the form of giants. They were much satirised in ballads written in 1662 and 1664. Jacob Bobart was a German, born at Brunswick in 1500, and consequently was thirty-three when he came to Oxford in 1632. Therefore Mr. Evelyn was not wrong when in 1604 he described him in the following sentence of his "Diary" — " Went to the Physic Garden where were two large Locust trees and as many Platani (Plane trees), and Eome rare plants under the culture of old Bobart." Dr. Plot bears testimony that he was " an excellent gardener and botanist," and that 36 i JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE, ( Odobtr 21, 1875. he was assidnona in collecting plants into the garden under his charge is proved by its catalogue which he published. This is entitled, " Catalogus Plantarnm Horti Medici Oxoniensis. Sc. Latino-Anglicus and Anglico-Latinus. Eas alpbabetico ordine accurate exhibens. 1648." In the address "To the Header" there is this compli- ment paid to " Bobert," as it is there spelt, that the catalogue is of the very valuable contents of the garden so largely in- creased in a short time by his diligenca, care, and indiiatry. There were then eixteen hundred " stirpes," but very many were varieties — for in- stance, of Primulas there were "Feild Cowslips, Feild Oxelips, Double Paigles.Cow- slips two in a hose, Feild Primrose, Double White Primrose, Single White Primrose, Single Purple Primrose, Single Blue Prim- rose, Greene Primrose, and Curled Cowslip." Bobart was an entomolo- gist as well as botanist, for Bay, writing to Aubrf^y, says — " I am glad that Mr. Bobart hath been so dili- gent iu observing and mak- ing a collection of insects." I3obart died in the eighty- first year of his age, in the garden-house, on the 4th of February of IGT'.t, and was buried in tho churchyard of St. Peter-in-the-Ei6t, Ox- ford, and a tablet to his me- mory placed against the church wall. His portrait was painted by D. Loggan, and an engraving from that picture is copied by our wood-engraver. Beneath tho original engraving is this couplet — " Thon German princo of plant?, each year to thee Thousands of subjects grant a subsidy. " la the British Museum is an album (probably his son's) in which is this characteris- tic autograph — Fig. 77.— JiCOIi BODART. dow," holden from St. Mary Magdalene College, upon con- dition that he paid " unto .my daughter Ann the sum of ten pounds yearly " during her life. The testator's son .Joseph appears to have been then dead, for he devises a silver cup that was Joseph's to his son Jacob, " with all my garden plants and half my books." To his son TUleman he devised " the lease of my houses at Smyth Gate," leased from the Oxford Corporation, but his executrix, who was his second wife, was to have during her life the rents and profits. To TUleman he also bequeathed the other half of his books. To his daughter Catherine he bequeathed £30 ; to his daughter Ara- bella, £10 ; to his daughter Elizabeth , £40 ; to his daugh- ter Margaret his tenement in George Lane, Oxford, hut his executrix to receive the rent during her life. To his daughter " Mary, wife of Kiehard Collier," he be- queathed £5, and to his daughter Ann 20s. a-year. In conclusion he made his " weU-beloved wife Ann " his executrix and residuary lega- tee, and asks his friends, Mr. William Shaw and Mr. Richard Moons, to assist her, and in return bequeaths to each 5s., "to buy them gloves." A poem, entitled " Ver- tumnus. An epistle to Mr. Jacob Bobart, Botany Pro- leEsor to the University of Oxford, and keeper of the Phjsic Garden. By the au- thor of ' The Apparition ' (Dr. Evans) 1713," has been considered as addressed to the elder Bobart, but no mention is made of him ; it is an eulogium of his son si- milarly named, unless these couplets may be taken as an allusion to the first formation of the Oxford garden. " All plants which Europe's fields contain For health, for pleasure, or for pain, Her squares of horticulture yield. By Danby planted, Bobart till'd.'' " Think that day lost whose descending ean Views from thy hand no noble action done. Yr. saccefls and happyness is sincerely wished by " Ja. Bobart, Osford." The will of Jacob Bobart the elder was proved in the Court of the Chancellor of Oxford, and is there preserved. It is dated 2nd of November, 1677. The will of his son Jacob was proved in the same Court, and is dated '2nd of January, 1720. The peculiarities of those who interest us are noteworthy, and therefore I jot down that on festive occasions Bobart decorated his beard with silver tags, and that he had as his following companion a goat instead of a dog. He always spelt his name Bobert, but his son as uni- formly substituted an a for the e. He was twice married. By his second wife he had no issue, but by his first three sons, Jacob, Joseph, and Tilleman, as well as seven daughters. Jacob succeeded him as keeper of the Oxford garden. Tillpmau Bobart countersigned in conjunction with H. Joynos and J. Vanburgh the account of work done for the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim in the concluding months of 170'J. His brother Jacob devised tJ him the chief part of his property. Bobart the elder's will, after the usual religions preface and declaration of the testator's being "of good and perfect mind and memory," directs his body " decently to be buried in the churchyard of Saint Peter-in-tho East, in the city of Oxon, near my dear wife Mary." It devises "unto my eldest son Jacob Bobert the lease of my Greyhound Inn and mea- Knowing that Mr. Henry Tilleman Bobart some years since was collecting materials for a biography of his ancestor I wrote to him on the subject. He obligingly sent me some MSS., but they related chiefly to the descend- ants of Bobart the elder. This is especially the case with the very full pedigree he has prepared, but I obtained from it the Bobart crest, an Oak branch of silver bearing golden acorns, and his signature, of which this is a copy :— eisa£«ass> ^^.f. — G. DUNORL.\N, THE SEAT OF B. H. COLLINS, ESQ. It was on a lovely afternoon in September that I set out from Tunbridge Wells in search of Dunorlan, in response to a courteous invitation from Mr. Walker, who has had charge of October 21, 1875. ] JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 3G5 Fig. 73.— FuDNTAIN AND COMITEK AVENUE AT DONOHIiAN, 366 JOURNAL OF nOETiOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 187S. the gardens for, I believe, nearly twenty years ; in fact, if I am not mistaken, most of the laying-out of this place was done under his supervision from the plana of Mr. Marnock. The neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells abounds with fine houses and beautiful gardens. After passing many such I came to an entrance-gate with a pretty little lodge charmingly embowered in flowers and climbing plants, opening into the finest avenue of Deodars I have ever seen. The trees stand on turf ; every one of them was in perfect health, flourishing with such vigour as would astonish those who regard this as a " doubtful " Conifer. The densely-clothed pendant branches resting on the turf, and tapering upwards to a height of about 30 feet, abso- lutely gUstened with health, the silvery glaucous hue, so con- spicuous in this Conifer when it is thriving, being finely de- veloped. " Can yon tell me the name of this place ? " " Dun- orlan," was the reply; and thought I, a treat is in store for me, and so it proved. The Cedar avenue takes a bold sweep down to the house, which stands upon a sheltered but commanding position. The building and its surroundings are equally fine, a noble pile with wide open upper and lower gravel terraces, each bounded by massive walls with open balustrading, tazzas, vases, and flights of stone steps. At one end of the building is a conservatory in admirable keeping ; at the other a croquet lawn, fringed on the north side by a belt of shrnba and trees, and with some magnificent Conifers, some standing out singly and others clustering behind a temple at its eastern end, the whole com- manding a landscape of great beauty. Banks sloping in charm- ing irregularity downwards to a valley ; on this Eide dressed grounds abounding with shrubs in groups, Conifers clustering together in rich profusion and picturesque contrast, and oc- casional fine specimens standing out alone with the happiest effect. The deep rich green of Rhododendrons, a lake with winding shores — its waters not all visible from one point, but passing behind banks and among the cool shade of trees, with glimpses of walks leading to other points of interest. On the other side banks rise gently to an open undulating country, agreeably broken by trees with dark Pine woods in the distance. Such briefly are the general features of one of the most charming scenes it has ever been my privilege to behold ; nothing incongruous is to be seen ; unity and harmony every- where prevail, and yet there is variety even to excess. Let us explore, for there are ample details to reward our efforts, and in doing so we will strive to combine instruction with enjoyment. By a walk leading from the carriage front to the conservatory there are some specimen Rhododendrons planted singly; the idea is an excellent one, and the position good. The green foliage already affords a pleasing relief and break to the bright- ness of the glass, and some day they will probably render what is usually a somewhat dull spot a most attractive one. We already have in this country Rhododendrons upwards of 30 feet high. Let the reader picture a single specimen of such sorts as Alarm or Mrs. J. Glutton of that height, well proportioned, and with branches to the ground laden with flowers. We have as yet nothing in our gardens to compare with this, but another generation may hope to see it. A gay bank of flowers in the conservatory was screened from the direct rays of the sun by means of blinds of an ornamental character made to slide along the interior of the roof, and not up and down in the usual manner, giving to it a novel appearance, and rendering the building an enjoyable resort in the hottest days of summer. Passing from the terraces downwards to the lake by a walk winding among turf-clad banks among Conifers we come upon a Rose garden of a novel design and very picturesque appear- ance. On the upper side huge masses of rock irregular in out- line protrude from the bank, and are partly concealed by a rich trailing growth of Escallonia macrantha ; on the other side a dense Yew hedge with masses of shrubs serve admirably to screen the Roses from cold cutting winds, and its formality is agreeably reUeved by an arcade of ironwork covered with climbing Koses, under which the walk passes. Many features of interest present themselves in the lower part of the grounds by the lake. A rocky cascad"^ fringed with trailing Cotoneaster and a somewhat wild but picturesque growth of shrubs, a winding stream among huge rock boulders, and shady nooks with arbours ; all very enjoyable, and possess- ing an air of quiet seclusion and retirement that is in de- lightful contrast to the open expanse of the upper lawns. It is after passing among such objects of quiet beauty that we come to an arbouf almost concealed in a clump of trees, and overlooking the view we have had engraved. The surprise is a complete one, and the effect is delightful. The avenue is 17 yards wide and 2G0 yards in length. The trees are the Douglas Fir and Dsodars planted alternately ; they have grown considerably since the photograph was taken, and are already very ornamental. Some day, in another generation or two, when they have grown into stately old trees the effect will be one of surpassing dignity and grandeur. It was a bold step on the artist's part to introduce such a feature at such a point, so totally at variance with the stereotyped rules by which the operations of most landscape gardeners are governed. It is undoubtedly an avenue, but it is not a mere formal one and nothing more — just two parallel lines of trees farther apart than usual. No, there is meaning and expression in every part of it. It is most attractive in itself if regarded simply as an avenue, but it is further replete with interest by the objects to which it leads and others which open into it. At the bottom is a fountain, bold and elegant in design, with an ex- panse of turf around it in fine proportion to its size. At the top a temple, and at intervals along the sides groups of statuary and openings affording views of the rosery and lake ; groupB of shrubs and other important features aM attracting the eye, so as to afford a continuous and pleasing variety. The temple standing at the top forms a shrine for an ex- quisite group of statuary in pure white marble, by Adams, of the Lxdy of the Lake and her dog " Brave Lufra." The atti- tude of Ellen is wonderfully natural and full of grace ; her face wears an air of abstraction and deep thought, a Rose has fallen from the hand which hangs listlessly by her side, and Lufra with uplifted paw and pleading gaze vainly strives to attract the attention of his mistress. The work is the conception of a master mind, the execution that of a clever artist. The building of white stone is itself an elegant and costly one, and its interior is beautifully tinted and reUeved with delicate tracery, the whole forming a most graceful tribute to the genius of Sir Walter Scott, and is a commanding and most important object in this beautiful place. A splendid specimen of the Mount Enos Fir, quite SO feet high, is worthy of especial note. Very many other kinds are evidently at home here, but a detailed account of them is un- called for. Alterations and additions are being made to the two kitchen gardens, and considerable additions are also being made to the glass houpe?. A range of vineries contained some good Grapes, and a glazed Vine border betokened high culture and careful tending, which indeed were evident everywhere. — Edwakd LucKnuEST. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. We are authorised to announce that the Great Fruit Snor,- of the Koyal Horticultural Society, which is to be held on the loth of November, will be open for two days ; that on the evening of the first day the Exhibition will be lighted by gas, when the public will be admitted on payment of l.<. ; and that the whole amount of the prizes will be paid in full, and not at the rate of 50 per cent, reduction, as was announced in the early part of the year. We have received Bulletin No. 2 of the International HoETicnLTUR.vL EXHIBITION of 1877, which is to be held at Amsterdam, and it is accompanied by a " Project of Pro- gramme " of the vegetable products which are to form part of the Exhibition. This will not be the least interesting part of it, seeing it embraces all the most valuable of the vegetable products used for food, and in the arts, manufactures, and medicine, such as cotton, tobacco, Peruvian bark, madder, indigo, caoutchouc, and gutta percha ; fats, including fatty oils, !Etheria (essential) oils, suljstances used for paper, cereals, Citechu, Vanilla, Rhubarb, and Sarsaparilla. The first Show of the HuU, Yorkshire, and Lincoln- shire PoMOLOGicAL SOCIETY will be held at Hull on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 2Gth and 27th. — — The Madresfield Coeri Geape, which in pome places has cracked its fruit, is this year in splendid condition in the cool vinery at Chiswick. The berries may be called enormous, and the colour jet black with a fine bloom. It is well to know, however, that this fine Grape requires a little heat in cold wet autumns like the present, for if there is too much moisture in the house the berries mould and drop. The bunches at Chis- wick are quite a sight, and the berries have never shown any sign of cracking. We have received through the kindness of Sir William Bagge of Stradsett Hall, Downham Market, twelve acorns of October 21, 1875. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 367 remarkable size gathered from a tree, the average crop of which is very little lees in size to those sent. They are from the common Oak ((Jaercus pedunculata), and measiiro 1 inch and seven-sixteenths long, and I! inches and three-eighths in latitudinal circumference. The aggregate weight of the twelve acorns was over (J ozs. We have received from Messrs. James Carter & Co. fruits of the Green Uac.e Tomato grown under ordinary culti- vation at their seed farms. The fruits were perfectly ripe, of an orange-yellow colour, and thtir flavour when cooked was excellent. ■ Messrs. Carter & Co.'s Root Snow is to be held in November in the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Turnips, Po- tatoes, and Mangel Wnrzel are included. The prizes are nnmerouB and liberal. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Hyacinths A^D other Bulhs. — Perhaps there is no flower more eonght and made more of in a decorative point of view than the different sorts of bulbs. The easy and inexpensive process in the matter of treatment necessary to bring them to Serfection, acd the certainty of flowering them finely, have oubtless been stepping-stones towards the ever-increaBiug sale of enormous quantities yearly. This being so, coupled with the undoubted fact that the number of amateur growers increases yearly, it may be well, now that the season has come round, to devote a few notes to tlieir interest. Of course I assume as being well known that these bulbs can be well grown in glasses, pots, or pans, and in beds in the open ground. In glasses they should have been pat-in some time ago if wanted early, because they will not bear the forcing those grown in pots will ; but for later flowering glasses may yet be used for them. Although theEeaeon for potting Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissuses, Crocuses, itc, extends to the end of November, yet it is best to get them in a month earlier if possible, especially if they are to be forced early; for instance, I want some flowers of the sweet little white Roman Hyacinth, and one or two other colours by Christmas. These have been put in some time, while the general lot will be potted in a few days. I do not lay much stress on any particular mixture of soil for them, because I have tried several, and for ordinary purposes I do not see much difference. Rather would I say to new cultivators. Go where you can ob- tain well-ripened weighty bulbs, and let them be put-in at the proper time ; let them have ample time for rooting in the soil before the bulb shows a leaf. This applies to all sorts ; and a soil in which they do as well as any, and which is likely to be obtained easier by our amateur friends, is loam and sand, adding one-third leaf mould to the quantity of loam got together ; drain the pots well, and pot rather firmly, so as to keep the bulb in its place. If the soil is heavy do not pot so firmly ; and if any of the bulbs have started into growth at the top, and are some- ^vhat soft in consequence, append a mark to it, and place the bulb in a little silver sand when potting, and let such as this be the last to take-in for forcing, and it is a question if they ought to be forced at all. As well as Hyacinths and Tulips there are Narcissuses, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Jonquils, Scillas, Grape-Hyacinths, Solomon's Seal, and Lilies of the Valley, and some others, may all be potted in the same way and at the same time, and, where there is DO special convenience nor any special object in view, be treated alike — that is, after potting stand them on a bed of ashes, cover between and over the pot with a foot thick of the same material, marking each kind with a long label, so that when a few pots are wanted out there will be no difficulty in finding them. Now in case any fancy baskets or pots, stands or vases, are planted with them, a coal-ash bed will not be the proper place to use, but they may be placed in a cellar on clean boards, and if not in the dark be made so by a covering of some sort. These must be looked to with regard to water, the soil made moist after potting, and the bulbs allowed to become dry before coming up, or it is likely to induce mildew and decay in the bulb. Those outdoors will need no water, as from the dampness of the ashes this will be sufficient. In cultivating bulbs of this kind when they are being grown under glass water is a special need. The roots of most are abundant and fleshy, the spike of bloom generally large, and needs plenty of water, and, after the spike appears, liquid manure twice or thrice a-week will benefit them. We now come to the bedding system of growing Hyacinths, Ttilips, &c., for which purpose there are distinct sorts cheap and good. The beds should be prepared for them as soon as it is convenient for the bedding plants to come off, and the bulbs planted before severe frosts come on. They will do well if the ordinary soil of the bed is dug or trenched deep, adding 4 inches or so of rotten manure, placing it about a foot under the sur- face, the bulbs planted in rows ; and it will be no harm, but likely do good, if a little sand is distributed in the bottom of the hole or drill. Make each bulb firm, and cover over care- fully. They may need some protection in winter; but I should like to see more town gardens planted with bulbs, also the windows of streets more frequently decorated with them. The balcony boxes should be planted with two or three colours, also room vases of the more substantial kind, in which these things thrive amazingly ; but as a rule the eingle Hyacinths do best both for early forcing as well as outdoor culture. Uunamed bedding sorts can be bought in mixture, as so also can Tulips, &c., and I think a little cheaper than others, which, though they are not to be depended upon in securing accurate placing of the colours like named sorts, they are most useful for a fnir display of bloom and for cutting purposes. Any respectable nursery- man's catalogue will afford information as to colours named or unnamed. — Thomas Record. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. We much regret to hear that Mr. Douglas is too unwell to contribute his notes this week. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries wUl oblige us by informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Jersey.— ChryBanlhemums Novemtier 10th. Major Howell, Spring Grove, St. Lawrence, Hon. Sec. LoDGHBOEODGH. — November 15th and 16th. Mr. W. Pallett, 55, Baxtergate, Sec. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Thomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham. — Cata- logue of Florists' Flowers, lioses, and Climbing Plants. Sonntag & Co., Seed Merchants, 614, Merchant Street, San Francisco, CEilifornia. — Catalogue of Shrub and Evergreen Tree Seeds. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ",' All correspondence should be directed either to "The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, 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. Wa cannot reply to questions through the post. Gbass Terraces (J. P. of I'oil-).— The wall ought to be ntxt the gravel terrace if jon have a wall at all appearing above ground, hence we suggested your having a sunk fence or a rail fence as the boundary line at the base of the sltpe. The plan ehowu in your ebetch would have a good effect looking from the house; but whether the outer wall as the boundary of the third or second grass terrace would be an objectionable object when looking towards the house when approaching it from a distance, is a matter which you alone can determine. If it will not be an eyesore we see no objection to your plan bting carried out, and we should not hesitate to carry it out, especially as you by present arrangements are debarred views of the valley or scenery around. The middle or first grass terrace may he twice the width of the others. Hedge of Rosemary and La\'ender {Edward Liddcll). — Slips or large pieces slipped cff from whence they proceed may be inserted two-thirds their length in ihe ground and firmly at 9 inches distance apart. It may he done now, or preferably in March or early April. Light taudy loam is the most suitable soil ; and if you have not plants by you we should sow seed early in April in rows a foot distance apart, and the seeds about an inch distance apart, thinning to 9 inches. The seeds should be covered about three-quarters inch deep. You wiU need to protect from rabbits. Forming Gravel Walks foe Kitchen Gaeden (.Iciii-j;).— You will need to form a foundation for the walks 6 inches deep of any rough material you may have at hand, as brickbats, stone, or large gravel, and this should have the surface covered with liner rubble, or at least all irregularities should be fiUed-up, forming the surface roughly, and then covering it with finer material. We presume yon can obtain ashes, and these in a dry state should be formed into a mortar-like consistence by mixing with boiling coal tar, and this should be laid on the walks about 3 inches thick evenly, and to the required surface, and sprinkle over it the sm.all granite chippiugs. and when it is cool and will bear a roller roll thoroughly, by which the granite will become part of the walk, and will wear capitally. The walks thus made will last many years, and no weeds will grow on the walks. You will need a tile, or preferably a stone, edging to the walks. Plants for Winter Bedding (Mary, Dublin). — You could not have any- thiig better than Wallflowers, variegated Arabis. Violets, variegated Kale, crimson-leaved Beet, Golden Feather Pyrethrum, Daisies, the Aucuba-leaved being very fine ; and Primroses in variety. Strawberries (H. B.). — For general purposes there is no better Strawberry than Vicomtesse Hcricart de Thory. As to whether the plants planted oufc in February will hear fruit the same year or not, that will depend on their strength and the soih If good plants they will produce some fruit. JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 1S75. Vine Boots Diseased [d Subscriber, North).— V?e have no doubt what- ever that the dieeaee ia dae to the pernicioua nature of the aubsoU, and we are the more convinced of this by the fact that other Vines in the dintrict are similarly affected. Fonr years a[?o we witnessed Vines precisely in the pame state — that is, the bottom roots died, and it was only by the emiseion of snrface roots that the Vines were snpported. In the enmmer the foliage flagged, and the honee had to be shaded, and the few Hurface roots were fed by a top-dressing of manure and copious supplies of water. In the autumn the Vines weie taken up and all the lower roots were dead, the surface roots being fresh and healtby. The lower portion wae cut off jobt beneath the eurface roots, and the VineH were cut down and replantad, first, however, removing the subsoil, concreting and draining the border, and placing-in prepared soil to the depth of 2 feet. The remedy was complete, and the A'ines which were nearly dead by the loss of their lower roots have since pro- duced Grapes which have seldum been surpassed for size and quality, and no better Grapes bave appeared in Covent Garden this year than the produce of those Vines. We can only advise you to adopt the same treatment, and we believe you will obtain good Grapes. Ualess you remove the subsoil your Vines will never be satisfactory. FrEST-PBizE Dabk Plum at Stamford Show (C. E. Bracebridge). — We are informed that it was the Goliath, and was exhibited by Mr. Ewart, Apothorpe, W^ansford. Fbench Shears.— "H. C." and others would be obliged by being informed where these can be purchased. They would pay for being advertised. Botanical Terms— Crystals ON Grapes {J. IT.).— Henslow's "Dictionary of Botanical Terms," publinhed by Messrs. Groombridge. A saturated so- lution of alum will deposit crystals on plants. Gatherinq Pears (B. H. F., Tbrfc).— There is no special time for gather- ing any Pear. Pears are fit for gathering when their stalk parts from the spray if they are raised a little above a horizontal position. Store them in single layers in a cool dark room. Ferns— Vines (iJ. J. S.).— We stated that we could not name the Ferns because they had no spores on them. Any queries about Vines will be answered as scon as wo receive them. Camellias Casting their Buds {A. H. fl.).— We should attribute the casting of the buds to the check consequent upon the potting just prior to placing outdoors, and this it seems also entailed loss of leaves, and a second growth resulting we are not surprised at the first buds falling, but cannot account for those on the second growth faUinp, unless it be from the drier at- mosphere of the houFO, tlio buds not being sufiiciently developed, nor the wood ripened. Nothing that you can do now will save the buds from falling; bat by careful watering through the winter, and by having the buds well formed before placing outdoors, or better not at all, keeping in a cool airy house and shaded, a recurrence of the evil may be avoided. Bulbs Planted-out in Greenhouse (B. B.).— They would succeed ad- mirably, and Liliums auratum and speciosum vars., with Sparasis, Tri- tomas, and similar plants would answer. Geraniums would not do until after March, but Mignonette would do sown early. Climbing Plants fob Conservatory {Rob IJo i/).--BIgnoma jasminoides sp'endida, MandeviJla suaveolens, Passiflora Imperatrice Eugenie, if mode- rately warm, or if c3ol, P. Comte Nesselrode, Tacsonia Van Volxemi, Habro- thamnus fascicularis, and Bignonia Tweediana ; and if you have a north ruof Lapageria rosea and L. alba. The Lapageria does best in fibrous rough peat, and requires extra drainage, as the watering is required to be very liberal. All the others succeed in a compost of tliree parts fibrous loam, and a part leaf soil, with half part sandy peat, and the same of old cow dang and sand. They do very much better planted-out In borders than grown in either pots or tubs. Climbers fob Unheated Greenhouse (B. B,).— The following, though not climbers, would, trained to wires, answer: — Ceanothug flonbundus, Chi- monanthus fra'^rans, Eugenia Ugni, and Pittosporum Tob'ra; or climbers Caprifolium Inteom, Clematis Henryi, Jasminum revolntum, and Lardiza- bala biternata. Solanum jasminoides and Passiflora ccemlea would also succeed. Pears Grafted in Bpbino {W. Tr.).—Kemove the bandage at once, and prune when the leaves hav-a fallen, heading-back to about a foot. They will not require any protection in winter, for they are hardy. Outdoor Vines {F. /.).— Count the first eye at the base of the shoot, and cut at the one nest above it. Do not take out the eyes now or at pruning, but leave all and rub off the shoots you do not want. Dissolved bones will answer, but are not so lasting as crushed onesj and theway you propose apply- ing them and the stable litter is right. Grafting Peab Tbee (F. J.).— The pyramid and espalier trees you wish to graft with more desirable kinds should have the heads cut off at the time or a short time only h^fore grafting. Whip-grafting we consider the most desirable mode, and you may cut off all the branches to within 6 inches of the main stem, and graft all those as well as the leader. Make the eurface SBQOoth by paring with a knife after sawing-off the branches. Place the ecions on the upper preferably to the under side of the branches. The scions should be removed from the trees before their buds begin to swell, and have their lower ends inserted in moist soil. The scions will have three or four buds in about 4 inch of shoot, and you will hardly be able to have tliree buds in a b-inch length, with one bud near the lower end, and the scions will need to have one, better two buds, clear of the grafting-wax or clay. The scions are not to be dipped into the graftiog-wai, but securely bandaged with a ligature of matting, and then apply the was so as to effectually exclude air. Graft when the Pear trees generally are commencing to grow, or from the middle to the close of Murch. We do not know the grafting-wax to wliich you allude, but the following given in the " Yeir Book" has the advantage of not being required applied warm : — "Yellow wax 1 lb., turpentine 1 lb, Bur- gundy pitch H ozs., mutton suet 4 ozs. Melt all together and mix thoroughly, and leave them to cool. Form the mass into email balls, as it will not stick to thci fingers, and use them when opportunity offers." For your purpose we consider the usual clay covering would answer and be cheaper. Heating Gbeenhouse, &c. {B. 0. J.).— We do rot approve of your pro- posed mode of heating, for though water will circulate on a level below that of the boiler, it is idways slugpiMh, and would in your case we think boil over or be blown-out in the cihtom or tank fi-om which the supply of hot water is to be drawn for domestic purpfses. The return pipes shoiild be on a level uith the boiler above rather than below the roturn-pipe of the boiler. In your «aso the mojority of the piping is below the boiler and almost all return, and nnless you can lower the boiler to the level of the pipes In the greenhouse and hothouse we should not advise its adoption. Could you not have the boiler in the greenhouse or in some place adjoining? The plan, othorthan the levels, would answer well, the boiler from tho dimensions given is capable of heating the piping required. It appears to us you would have too little piping and a giea*, deal of it uselesn, being taken-np in connection between the houses ; but as you give no dimensions we may be in enor on that point. Wintering Geraniums (M. TF.).— Not having a greenhouse you may safely winter the plants in a room from which frost is excluded, and we can ooly account lor your former failure by boing in a room too cold. Now if you will take-up the plants and strip from them every leaf except any at the points of the shoots not larger than a shilling, and trim-in the roots so tha' they may be potttd in 4-inch pots in moderately moist, rather light, and moderately rich loam, giving ao water, or only a little to keep the shoots from shrivelling, until March, and admitting air freely whenever the tempera- ture of the room is over 50", and not so as to lower below 45'', avoiding a draught, and not allowing the temperature to fall below 38^, better 40" for safety, we guarantee greater part of the plants will survive the winter; and if you cut-in any irregularities of growth in March, and water as required afterwards so as to keep the soil moiKt, we consider you will have nice plants for plauting-out in May. Another plan is to have some wood boxes made of hilf-inch deal, planed on tha outside and edges for neatness, the length and width of the window-sills, and 4 inches deep, the bottom being bored with about half a dozen holes half an inch in diameter, and a red hot iron run thniugh each, the holes being to let out superfluous water, and overeich inside may be placed an oyster shell or a piece of pot, and then an inch of the sittings of the soil used for filling the boxes, which is best of sandy loam without admixture. Place a little suil over the rubble, introduce the plants all the leaves stripped off, and the routs cut-in to about 2 inches of the stem, placing them closely together, and fill-in between and over the roots, leaving about half an inch from the top of the box to admit of watering. These boxes placed in any window of a room fmm which frost is excluded will winter safely, treated as above described. Th't box will rot or damage the window-sill if you do not place under each a piece of zinc, and il this be tumed-up at the edges no water can possibly come upon the window except of neglect. The plants may be potted-off from the boxes in March, the plants grown-on in frames or elsewhere, as we have seen planted-out from the hoses in May, and do remarkably well. Where the boxes are no gas must be consumed, or the plants will suffer. A third plan is to strip the plants of their leaves, not to trim-in the roots or only any very straggling ones, and to place the plants buried in dry sand in a cellar, from which they should be taken in March, potted, and grown-on in frames. The plants should be cut-back in March or early in April if they are straggling ingrowth, so as to form bushy plants. Wintering Fcchsias and Heliotropes (Zifm).- Without a greenhouse lay the plants on their sides in front of a south wall, and before severe weather, taking care the plants are not frosted, place in a cellar from which frost is excluded and keep dry, but the wood is not to be allowed to shrivel from overdrynesa. In March or April remove the plaats to a window and prune, repotting when the young shoots are about an inch long. Cuttings of Heliotropes should be of the young wood, the points about 3 inches long in- serted in sandy soil, and placed in a cold frame if in summer, or in spring and autumn, affording bottom heat, shading from sua. Black Hamburgh Grapes Deficient in Colour (JT. T.). — The caneee of the Grapes being red instead of black are probably defective root-action, not having the bunches well shaded by the leaves, and insufficient ventilation. A good supply of weak tepid liquid manure during the time of colouring, ^es3 thinning of the leaves, and more air, are the obvious remedies. Select Fruit Trees {W. Seymour Fraser). — We have selected and set down the varieties in the order of ripening. Apples: Irish Peach, Kerry Pippin, Qravenstein, Golden Winter Pearmain, Cux's Orange Pippin, Golden Reiuette. Plums : Do Montfort, Transparent Gage, Coa's Golden Drop. Ckfrries : Black Tartarian, Duchease de Pallnau, Mary. Seedling Cyclamen Culture (H. ^.).— The seedlings sown about two months ago pot-off singly in small pots, and as you have only a cr:ld green- house, place them on shelves near the glass and keep them moist during the winter. In May move them to a cold frame, and there keep them duly watered, but rather sparingly in June aad July. In August they may be shifted into larger pots, and being kept rather moist, close, and shaded from bright sun they will start into free growth, and should be moved to the greenhouse in October, placed on shelves near the glas''. Keep them moist, but not overwatered. They will flower during the winter and spring. Frost must be excluded. The soil most suitable is three parts light fibrous loam, one part each leaf soil, sandy peat, and silver sand, well mixed, with good drainage. Site fob Feuit-boom (J. £.}.— Of the two sites submitted to ns we should prefer that of No. 1 from its northerly aspect. The slight warmth it would derive from the dining-room fire on the opposite side of the wall will probably exclude frost. No 2 would answer, and appears to give the greatest accommodation for fruit shelves, but it doei not appear how you will be able to keep out frost in severe weather. There is also the same objection to No. 1, the heat from the wall not being sufficient in severe weather to main- tain the temperature in the fruit-room above freezing-point, and the heat at other times may cause too dry an atmosphere, and so cause the fruit to shrivel or unduly ripen. We have, however, a room similarly situated as No. 1, and it answers very well, but we have a window, or rather skylight, and by raising this we con admit air, having a shutter to insure darkness and keep out frost. Late-keeping Dessert Apple (TT. B.I.— Ton cannot have a better than the Sturmer Pippin. Add to your Pears Beurre Hardy. Names of Fruits (Z. A. B.).—l, Beurre Diel : 2, Brown Beorrt^; S, not known; 4, E*ster Beurr^. (Harry). — 1, Forelle; 2, Calebasse Gro-ise ; 3, Beurrtj Diel; 4, Fondante de Noel; 5, Beurre Bo^c; 6, Beurre Clairgeau. [li. Calvert, Clapham). — 1, Bedfordshire Foundling; 2, Kepwick Codlin; 3, Hawthomden ; 4, Dutch Codhn; 5, not known; 6, very like Jargonelle; 7, Marie Louise ; 8, Winter Nelis ; 9, not known ; 10, Betm-e Bnsc ; 11, Louise Bonne of Jersey. (O. P.).~2, Dutch Codlin; 3, Beauty of K^nt; 5, Aston Town; C. S^iffolk Thorn; 7, Thompson's. [R. B. L.).—l, Green Tiffing; 2, Braddick's Nonpareil; 8, Baxter's Ptarmain; 4, not known; 5, Hoary Morning; Pear not known. {T. A. Biekley.). — We cannot came Peaches unless we know the characters of the leaves and flowers. {0. F. Barrell). — 1, ilmile d'Heyst; 2, Beurre Sterckmans, a fine specimen; 8, not known; 4. Striped Beefing; 6, Beurre Diel; 6, Uvedale's St. Germain, small speci- men; 7, Miliot de Nancy. (John Bmmeraon).— Delaware. The smaller is Nonesnoh. October 21, 1875. ] JOUfJNAIi OF UOKTIGUJjTUHE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 369 POULTRY, BEE, AND PiaEON OHEONIOLE. "POT AU FEU" FOR CHICKENS. At this season of the year eppeoially all those who have gardens can do much for their fowls, as the refuse from the vegetables now is always considerable. We had the pleasure of goiog over an establishment the other day where an immense number of chickens and Ducks are reared annually for market purposes, and we found there that vegetables were introduced to a great extent among the cooked foods for the fowls. We know that many of our readers are very ardent poultry lovers, but they have not the means, opportunities, or wishes, many of them, to incur the trouble and heartaches of exhibiting; still they are great producers of poultry meat as an article of food, and BO to them a few hints on economising their foods may be valuable. We are great advocates for cooked food, as we are convinced it goes much further and does more real good to the birds. We were originally indebted to Mr. Wright for pointing out to us the value of the food being cooked, or at least partially so ; and since we put the plan into regular operation we have had every reason for knowing its beneiit. The establishment to which we referred above possesses a large copper, and in this daily the pot au feu for the birds is prepared. All kinds of refuse vege- tables are used — cabbage, celery, and lettuce leaves, the peelings of carrots, turnips, and potatoes, slices of beet and mangel wurtzel, windfalls from the apple trees, and such miscellaneous vegetable produce are cooked in this copper. When the mass is quite soft it is turned out and peppered with coarsely-ground black pepper, and seasoned quite lightly with salt. Then comes the mixing with the meal, which is changed every now and then. Fine sharps are always used, but this is mixed perhaps one week with ground oats, another with barleymeal, another with ground Indian maize, and so on. Great pains are taken with the mixing, as much depends upon this, for if the food is sticky from being badly compounded or sloppy, not only would the birds not relish it nearly so much, but it would not do them one-half the good. It must be crumbly, and to render it so the meal should be gradually mixed with the vegetable compound with a strong spoon, and then when thoroughly mixed it can be kneaded with the hands into balls, and so distributed to the birds. This may seem a long business, but if any keep several head of chickens, and go in regularly for producing table fowls, we are convinced they will be amply repaid by making this warm breakfast for their birds. We make a great point of its being warm, as in the cold winter months the number of eggs is thus greatly increased, and the birds always look fresh and healthy. Fowls fed regularly on this soft food in the morning, if they have a free run, will not need more than a good feed of whole corn in the lata afternoon or evening. Birds which have to undergo the wear and tear of being ex- hibited would hardly find this compound satisfying enough ; but we do not prescribe for them, because their mode of living must depend upon the tact and experience of the manager; but we recommend this **j)ot an feii " to those who have a paddock or orchard for their birds to run in, and want to economise their food, making use at the same time of vegetable matter which would otherwise, perhaps, go to the garden rubbish heap. The quantity to be made of this warm food will depend upon the size of the establishment, as either a small saucepanful can be made on the sitting-room fire for a pet pair of Bantams, or a copperful boUed-up for a farmyard full of fowls. We do not only recommend this compound to economise food, or for using-up the green stuff, but because a mixture of vege- table food with the meal is of itself the greatest help to keeping birds in healthy and good condition. To those birds which live in a back yard or bare run all the year round a boiled compound of meal with some vegetables given warm we would especially recommend, for it will do them twice as much good given so than if they were always fed on mixed soft food or whole grain. We would not, of course, use this as a permanent diet through- out the year, but every now and then leave it off for a few days, and so by giving the birds a change of food they will return to their vegetable compound with greater avidity. Some poultry-keepers have no garden, and only keep their birds in some few feet of back premises. To these birds cur vegetable compound will be the greatest boon, for they can have boiled up for them the refuse leaves from the vegetables in household use, and the apple and potato parings, which in larger establishments, perhaps, would be considered to belong to the pigs rather than to the fowls. Only those who have tried it can realise the advantage of mixing green stuff with their chickens' food. We recommend all amateurs to take the matter Betionely into consideration, and not to sanction the waste of a cabbage leaf or a potato peeling, but to have them all thrown into the "pot au feu, " of the chickens. — W. SPECIAL CLASSES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE GREAT NATIONAL POULTRY SHOW. Many very erroneous opinions have been formed upon the nature and relative value of the two cups offered by the Baroness Burdett Coutts at the above Show, and as my name has been forcibly hinted at in connection with the subject through one of your contemporaries I will make a few observations upon the new classes. The Baroness was anxious to support the Show, but preferred that her prizes should promote some humane object. The ques- tion being referred to me, I suggested the framing of the special prizes as they now appear in the schedule. The first one, for Undubbed Game, has called forth strange observations, because it was announced '* that the Baroness wished to notify that this prize was directed against the growing tendency to cock-flghl- ing." Your contemporary with one statement would try to make his readers believe there is little or no cock-fighting going on in this country, whilst with another statement he acknow- ledges the fact. Moreover, the Baroness's advisers are in pos- session of facts of a startling nature, which may sooner or later be brought to light; therefore the less said upon that subject just now the better. Then, as to whether there is any cruelty or pain in the ope- ration of dubbing, there can be no two questions. As there is considerable loss of blood, and during the healing process the birds lose considerably in condition ; and not only condition, for the slicing off the comb, the shearing off the wattles, and the carving or slicing away at the skin of the face and throat, fre- quently alters the bird so much that he cannot be recognised — not even by his crow, for that also is mostly affected by the barbarous misuse of the scissors. Such being the case, I think the Baroness's wieh is so far carried out as regards the question of cruelty. Relative to the second cup, I am thoroughly surprised that so much misconception should have arisen. I considered the value of such a class would have been immediately apparent to any practical breeder. The idea of this class was sugeested to me by the most successful and respected breeder of Brahmas, Mr. Horace Lingwood. His remarks to me are, ** I believe you would find classes fill well for birds that are vulture-hocked, and as a trial it might be for all Asiatic breeds ;" and he further dilates upon the intrinsic value of such birds for stock purposeF, Any person who has stock of his own, and can breed winners of these varieties, must acknowledge the fact that he is obligee} to keep birds on his hands which are wholly unfit for showing, but which are invaluable for his breeding purposes ; but by the class now open he can exhibit them, and as Mr. Lingwood says, " the public will be much amused," and many breeders of intelligence may receive instruction by viewing the breeding stud of successful exhibitors. Why your contemporary should have taken such extreme views of the matter is best known to himself, for I have not found any person who does not feel that his observations are insulting to an extent wholly unwarranted. * » » • In conclusion, I trust yon know sufficient of me after so many years' intercourse to believe that I could not have had the in- tention either to "insult" or "disgust" any person by the simple way in which this famous poultry class is worded. I feel convinced that the generality of the visitors will be wise enough to judge of the birds and their owners in amore common- sense and practical light than has been suggested, and I have no doubt there will be many magnificent birds shown fully vulture-hocked, and that they wUl in many instances change owners readily. The class will be specially for vulture-hocked and other un- trimmed birds as originally proposed ; and as there are some exhibitors who do not scruple to pluck their birds, this class will at least give them the opportunity to show their birds honestly, and to meet other good vulture-hocked birds from exhibitors who would scorn to pluck their birds. I need scarcely add as a reminder that birds will not win which are not vulture- hocked.— F. Crook, Vino Cottage, Ferry Vale, Forest Hill, S.E. ENTRIES AT OXFORD. We have been favoured with the result of the entries at this Show, and are pleased to find they are so many. There are nearly fourteen hundred entries in all, which is extremely good considering the scarcity of chickens and the Alexandra Palace meeting so nearly clashing with it. Nearly every exhibitor of note is represented. The entries in the sale classes are very numerous, and the specimens will, to a great extent, be from the yards of well-known exhibitors. We will give a few of the entries in the various classes, as they may be of interest to exhibitors. Dorkings muster very well, every class having more entries 370 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTl'AGE GARDENER. [ October 21, 1875. than last year, the Coloured variety alone numbering twenty- tight pens. Sjjauish are more in quantity than last year, for this seaFon there are twenty pens of chickens entered. In Cochins there is a falling-off, especially in Blacks and Partridges, fur they only number fifteen pens in those two classes against thirty-nine in 1874 ; BufEa and Whites, however, make-up for them with two capital lots as regards entries. Brahmas, Dark and Light, num ber twenty-nine and thirty-four pens rf spectively. Game are well represented, for there are over 120 pens. We always find a crack lot of Game chickens here, and this season's bids well to be no exception. Of Hamburghs there are about ninety pens, the largest class being Golden-pencils with twenty- six entries, and Silver-spangled with twenty entries. In Polands we find a vast improvement, for against ten pens of last season we find twenty-five this, the Blacks having nine out of them. Houdans make the largest class in the Show without the sale classes, for of this one breed there are close on fifty pens entered. While CrtiveB have twenty-one entries against fourteen in 1874. Malays, only seven pens are entered in 187.5 against seventeen in 1874. The Fancy classes muster fairly. We find Americans have twenty-four entries. Silkies eleven, and the Variety class nine. Bantams promise to be good and the competition severe. There are forty pens of Game Bantams — seventeen of Blacks, eight of Sebrights, and fifteen in the Variety class. Waterfowl have good entries, and we hear the Indians (thank you, Mr. Siinsbnry) have the largest class of all the varieties. The Sale classes number close on two hundred pens, and doubtless there will be many a plum to be picked out of that pudding. Pigeon-fanciers have responded well to the extra money and cups given, for the entries are splendid in most classes, and many amateurs have sent here who do not send to other shows, which is a compliment to Mr. Salter's management. The pro- portion of entries in all classes is good, the Carriers, Antwerps, and Dragoons being, perhaps, the best. We expect it will be a fine Show, and can confidently recommend visitors who have never been to Oxford to make this the occasion for doing so. ALEXA.NDEA. PALACE POULTRY SHOW. This Exhibition opened at noon on Tuesday, and closes this evening. The quality of the birds is wonderfully good, and the arrangements extremely satisfactory. We shall content our- Bjlves this week with giving a few general remarks, and nest week shall furnish a full critical report of all the classes. The prize list itself, which we furnish, shows us that many of the good names have at last come to the front, and that the quality consequently is above all previous chicken shows of 1875. Dorkings are very good, but with the exception of the Coloured make wretchedly small classes. In Coloured cickerels Mr. Hamilton's bird looks vt-ry well indeed. All the other winners are good, the fifth being a rose-comb, square in body, but crooked in toes. In pullets a large square bird is easily first, but her comb is not promising, though as yet quite unsprung. On the whole here is a good lot of pullets, and winning was not easy. In Silver-Greys the pullets are much the best class, and White pullets again are superior to the cockerels. Cuckoos are good, as nice a lot as we have seen for many a day, and winners seem well placed. Cochins are not large classes, the Bufis, however, being much the best in numbers. We are afraid in these classes, as in many others, several hens are doing duty for pullets. It is a most disgraceful proceeding to win in this way, and we do beg Judges will particularly observe signs of this grievance and check it immediately. We will not here individualise suspicions cases, but if we see the birds so winning again we shall know how to proceed. We did not quite like some of the awards in the Cochins, but, perhaps, taking the lot there was not much wrong. The winning Buff pullet is very mottled in colour and high in comb, but else a fine-shaped bird and well fluffed. Cockerels are good, but we liked one or two birds quite as well as the winner. Partridges also good, the first cockerel especially fine. In Whites only the noticed birds in cockerels are superior, but the pullets are a fine lot. Black cockerels capital, the winner one of the best we ever saw. In pullets we liked Mr. Frank's highly-commended bird much the best. The winner is red in neck, and had not a bit of bloom about her, besides being fear- fully hocked ; but we noticed a great deal of hock throughout all the Cochin classes. Brahmas make very grand classes. The sale classes here, too, are especially noticeable for a good bird or two. Mr. Lingwood does walk his cockerels in; they are three grand birds, but our choice was for his third. Pullets are a good class, and it was a difficult one to judge. In Light cockerels we preferred the second for symmetry, or the fourth (Dean) for general shape ; but the winner is a good bird. In puUets the winner is well cushioned and perfect in points. Spanish are good in numbers. We are glad there are so many chickens about, for we hear there is a large class of them at Oxford. A smart pullet won the cup. Mr. Chilcott's cockerel is a good one, and of greater promise even yet for future shows. French brought good birds. The cup cockerel one of the most stylish we ever saw. Pullets were also very good. Cruves muf-tered well, and we thought the winners well placed. Samhurghs are magnificent ; Messrs. Fielding, Beldon, and Duckworth send most splendid teams. Winning was not easy, but we should have liked to have altered, perhaps, one or two of the cards; but more of this next week. Game come to the front well, and many good chickens make their dchui here. The winning Black Red cockerel is a beauty, and the same exhibitor's Diickwing cockerel a striking bird. We are sorry to learn he is ill, and was unable to be present at the opening day of the autumn season. Malai/s make two good classes, and we cannot understand their shortcomings at Oxford, from the numbers and quality here present. Polish are three wonderful classes. The cup goes to White- crested Blacks against the other colours. The pullet is the best we ever saw ; she is nothing but a picture, but the cockerel wants more time. In Golden the third pullet struck us as being the best in markings, and in Silvers we admired greatly the lacings on the second cockerel's wings, but it is a splendid class. Leghorns form pretty classes, the cup going to a very smart brown pullet in perfect bloom. The winning birds appear to be all cood. Silkies are the best lot we ever saw together. We were pleased to see perfection at last in all points — colour, feather- ings, crest, and claws. The Variety class is charming ; fine Cuckoo Cochins first, unique and very elegant White Polands second, and Sultans third and fourth. The Selling classes are very large, and the bargains seem to be numerous. We cannot go through them, however, this week. Bantams mostly make good classes. We are delighted to find the Game so good, for we had feared they were rather going-off. Blacks also make a nice class, and in Sebrights the winning pens are perfect gems. In the Variety class White Eoapcombs are first and second, and White-booted third. Waterfowl come well to the front, Aylesburys and Rouens being extremely good. The Blacks are good in numbers, but we must defer further comments till next week, as when we reached them the light was gone, but the first-prize winners looked large; if they are good in colour we shall rejoice to think size and colour may at last go together. Variety Ducks are very beautiful, and were very difficult to judge, we should say. Geese and Turkeys are splendid. We never wish to see a better pair of White Geese than the winners were. Turkeys were divided as to sexes, which seems a most proper plan, and to answer here as far as the entries are concerned. One word before closing this week to congratulate very much the Treasurer and Secretaries on their Show, which is, we sup- pose, the largest maiden poultry show ever held, and seems a success in every possible way. Dorkings (rolonrefi) —Cockerel.— \ and Cap. Rev. H. F. Hamilton. Chard. 2, MiBs J. Milward. Newt'm St Loe, Bri&tnl. S. Viscount Tnrnoor, Shillinglee Park. Petworth. 4, R. W. Beachey, Fluder, Kintiskerswetl. 5, W. Badger, Litllo Ne-8, Baschurch. he, J. Clark, Rev, H. F. Hamilton, F. Parlet, J. White, W. H, Crewe. Henv Lingwood. c, Mrs B. B. Sapwell. D0RKIVG3 (Coloureil).— Pu/i^t.— 1, F. Parlett. 2, Viacount Taraonr. 8, T. C. Burnell, Micheldever. 4, .1. Walker. 5. T C. Burnell vhc, Henry Lingwood. he, 3, C&rr, Mrs. Wolloeombe. Rev. E. Gartrum, P. OgUvie, R. W. Beachey, J. Gee c. W W Rutledge, H. Brown, G. Pounder. \i ^EKiNOa (Silver-Grey).— Cockfrei —I, Hon. Mrs. M. Howard. 2 and 8, T. C. Burnell. e, W. Roe, Jan., W. W. Rutledg?. DoRKiNQi (Silver-Urey).— Puiiei.— 1, Cup, and 2. T. C. Burnell. 8, Hon. Mrs. M. Howard. „ _ Dorkings (Blue or Cuckoo).— L J. H. Putnej. 2, J. Isord. 3. Rev. F. Tearle. he. T. C. Burnell. Countess of Dartmouth. DoRKiNOs (While).— Cocfccrfl.—l and Cup, W. Badger. 2, T. C. BumeU. 3 Mrs M. A Hflvne DoEKiNOs (While).— Pu(!c( —1 and 2, Mrs. M. A. Hayne. 8, 0. E. Cresawell. he. T. C Burnell. DORKINGS (Any varioty).—Cocfc<'rer— 1. J. Walker. S.H.Brown. 8. J. Gee. 4, T. C. Burnell. he. Viscount Tumour, H. Mill, .T. Moser. c. Miss J. Milward. Dorkings (Any variety).— Pu/ie(«.—l and 4, T. C. Bomell. 2, F. Parlett. 9. H. Brown, he, Viacount Tumour, c. Miss Pasley (2), Miss de Coorcey Cochins (Buff).- CofJvprfl.- 1 and 2, H. Lingwood. 3 and 4, Mrs. Acton Tindal he, W. J. Frank, W. E. Smith, T. J. AJUaon, P. OgUvie. e, H. Tomlin- son, G. Dowker. „ . , , CocHi- (Buff).— Pul!e(— Cup and I, G H. Proctor. 2 and S.Mrs A. Tindal 4 W A. Burnell. he, H. J. Gunnelt. W. P. Ryland, W. A. Burnell, J. Gee, A, Darl)y. Mrs. Allsopp, H. Lingwood. Rev. G. F. Hodaon. c, A. J. E. SwindaU. W. J. Frank. E. Skellon, Col. Hassard. C B. Cociiivs (Partridge).— Coctcrc/.— Cup and I.Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, Miss Morti- mer 3. Mrs. 3. Hcndrie. Cochins (Partridge).- Puilcf.— 1. Mri. J. Hendrie. 2, R. P. Percival. 8, Mrs. A. TindaL vhe,¥ Bennett he, A. Tindal. R. P. Percival, T. M Derry, T. 1. Saltmarsh, J K Fowler, c. Mra. Radcljffe. Cochins (White) —Cock.rt-(—r^up and 1. G. NichoUs. 2, S. R. Harris. 3, A. F Faulkner, he. J Turner. tL Tomlinson. c, R S. S. Woodgate. Cochins (White).— P'i(/c/ —1 and 8, Mrs. A. Tmdal. 8. J. Bloodwortb. vhc, R H. S Woodgate, J. K. Fowler, he, E. T.Pickmere, J.Turner, R. A. Boissier c, 3. Turner. ^^ CncniNB (Blaok).—Cort-crel.— Onp and LA. Darby. 2, W.J. Frank. 8, W. Bfldger c, T. Aapden. C THINS (Blackl.—Pul(e(.—l,T.Aspden 2, R. B. Wood. 3, J. Turner, lie, W J. Frank, T. Aspdi^n. e, Mias B- Manael Cochins (.\ny variety).- Cocfcercl.— I and 3, C Sidgwick. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal, 4. P Ogilvie. c, H. Tomlineon. T. M Derry. J K Fowler. Cochins (Any variety).— Puiie(3.—1, R. P. P»rcival, 2, C. Sidgwick. 8, W. A. Burnell. 4, Mra. Allaonp. he, Mrs. A. Tindal, J. Turner, W. P. Ryland. c, n .1. Gunnell. J. Turner, W. P. Ryland. BRiHUAa (Dark).— Cockerel.- Cup, 1, 2. and 3, H. Lingwood. 4. F. Bennett. 6, W. K. Gamer. 6, Kev. G. Watson. 7, Dr. J. Holmes. 8, Bridgwater and Ootoier 21, 1873. ] JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 871 Yoxliall, v7ic, R. P. Percival. he, Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamilton, L. C. C. R. Norriss, Hon. Miss 0. Pennant, R, Hargreaves, J. Evans, T. F. Ausdoll. Briiimas (naikl —Pullet —Cup. ], 2, an'l 3. R. P. Peroival. 4. E HargPeaves. 5. Hon Miss D Pennant. 6. Dr. . I. Holmes. 7, .T. Kvims. H, F. Bennett, vhc, W. R. Gamer. L. ('. C. R. Norris, Rev. H. F. Hamilton, E. Kendricit, jun. he, E. DuninJ, Hon. Mrs. A. E Hamilton, Newnbain & Manljy, R. P. Percival, E. Pritchard, E. Ryiier, R. Eilghill. ,1. R. Miirison, M D., Hon. Miss D Pennant, Bev. r. c. Pealie. .1. Evans, r. Hill, E. Boulnois. c. Newnham & Manby. W. J. Frank, Hon Miss D. Pennant, M. Leno, Kev. J. D. Peake, J. F. Ansdell, H. Lintrwood (2) BailiMis (Dark).— CocfciTci— l.W. A. Peel. 2, J. Rimmor. S, W. A. WriRlit. 4. H. Linswo ul. 5. I. C. C R Norrias. he, Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamilton, H. J. Storer. J. Hill. E. Hnrureaves, J. K. Fowler, .7. Clarkson. Bbaiimas (Darll.-Pii»,'(s.— 1 and ■'. E. Kendrick inn S. Dr. Ho'mea. 4, W. Jacob. 5, W. A. Wright, he, Hon. Mrs. A. Baillie, E. Pritcbanl, J. \V. Morison, M.D., Rridgwaler & Yoxhall. Br«hiI4S (I.iebtl— Cocterel.— Cup and 1, W Tedd. 2 and 4, T. A. Dean. 3, E E. Horsfall 5, Capt. W. Savile. G J Turner. 7, 0. W. Petter. 8.J. Brad- shaw he, Mrs A. Tindal, G. A. Wakefield J. Turner. P. Haines. Bbaiimas (LiRbl) — Piiid/ —1 and Cup. Mrs. G. Bain. 2, U. E. Horsfall. S and 5, Dr G. A. Ansier 4, R. J. Foster. 6. G. Dowkcr. 7. T. A. Dean. 8 and c, G. W. Petter. he. Kev. M. Rice (31. Oapt. \V. Savile (2), G. W. Petler, H. ChawTier, jun.. Rev. G Watson, G. Nielio'ls, P. Haines. Bbahmas (Light),— Cocl-frei— I. H. Beldon. 2. G. W. Petter. 3, F. Bennett, 4, T. A. Dean. 5. J. P Hincks. he, Miss C. Brown, T. A. Dean, R. E. Hors- fall, P. Haines, f'apt. W Savile. Bbahmas [Ui;bl\. -Pullets. —I, T. A. Dean. 2. W. Chawner. 3. Rev. M. Rice. 4. Mrs. Peet. 5, Rev. G Watson. )ic, ^. Lucas. T. A. Dean, W. Tedd, Capt W. Savile. G. B. Breeze. Mrs. W. C. Druiumond, Rev. J. M. Kice, Rev. F. T. Scott. c, J. Turner, J C. Harrison. Rev. T. G. Wi'son. Spanish.— Coc»:<'rpl—l, E. Jackson 2. W. Nottaga. S, F.Waller. /«, D. M. Mills. J. Walker. Mrs. Gracio (2), G. K. Chilcott (21. Spanish.— PnUff.—l and Cup, H.Goddard. 2, E.Jackson. S,J.Newick. he, J. Palmer, C W. Nottsee. e, G. K Cliilcott (2|. HoODANS.- Cocfr^rt!.— 1 and Cup, W. Dring. 2, W. O. Quibell. 3, R. .L Foster. 4. S. W. Thomas, he, W. A. Peel, R. B. Wood, e, G. W. Hibbert, R. K. Penson, J. K- Fowler. HonDANs.— Pa!(e(.— 1, R. B Wood. 2, W. Dring. 3, W. H. Cooplestone. 4, ■W. O. QuibelL he, G. D. Harrison, R. K. Penson. W. Dring (2); C. F. Le Feuvre, G. W. Hibbert. Mrs. Vallance, R. B. Wood, W. O. Quibell, J, K. Fowler, H. Grant, e, S. W. Thomas (2). W. A. Peel. Cbeve-Carfc Jonque or Buff. — I, J. Athersuch. 2 and vhe, Moore and Wynne, Northampton. 8, G. & J. Maoklcy. he, J. Stevens, c, Brown & Gayton ; G. Cox. British Bird3.~1,T. Wright. Northampton (Thrush). 2. W. Mead, North- ampton (Hawk). 3. S. Abbott. Northampton (Jay), vhc, T. Newbold (Thrush) ; W- Renshaw (Starling), he, J. Lacoy (Thrush), c. J. Horn. PARK0T9, OR Any other Variftv of Fdrkion liiRTiS.— Single or in Pairs. — 1, S. Bunting (King Parrot). 2. W. L. •'".hapman, Northampton (Cockatoo). 8, W. Jeffrey, Northampton (Parrot). Extra 3, Martin & Griffin, Northampton (Cockatoo), vhe, G. Sturges (Parakeet), he, J. T. Gotch (Lovebirds), c, J. Trasler (Parrot). Selling Class.— 1, L. Belk. 2, J. Athersuch. 8, W. Stringer, Atherstone. Extra 8, T. Tenniswood. Middlesbrough; E.Gilbert, he, J. Athersuch; Willis and Provart : J. Middleton ; Moore &, Wynne, e, J. Stageman ; J. Athersuch ; S. England ; G. E. Ruasell ; T. Newbold. SPECIAL PRIZES. Prize for greatest number of points in Canary section, J. Adams, with twenty- one points. Prize for best bird in the Canary section, S Bunting. Prize tor greatest number of points in the Pigeon section, J. Baker, with twenty-five points. Prize for the best pen in the Pigeon section, L & W. Watkin. Prize for the greatest number of points in the Rabbit section, Mrs. PickvTorth and T. Schofleld, jun., five points each. Prize for best pen in the Rabbit section, J. Firth. Judges. — Pigeons and Babbits : Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey. Cage Birds : Mr. "Walter, "WincheBter. THE JACOBIN. I sc.iHCELY like to disagree with so genial and gentle a writer as " "Wiltshire Kectob," bat in the true interest of the fancy I feel bound to do so. In the first place I must differ as regards improvements of breed ; this, I think, cannot be allowed. There are the pointa of a bird, the Jacobin for instance, truly laid down, and any de- viation from them is a defect, and a judgj would necessarily not place such an one first, nor ought he in my opinion to notice such birds, as it is by this means the true strains get gradually deteriorated, and quite a different kind of bird is substituted for the original. Now, as regards the Jacobin, the modern bird has scarcely one point in common with the original type. The head is different, the form, the frill, the carriage, and the marking; and some of them, instead of being improvements, are to me quite the other way. If one fancier fancies clear thighs, and another the mane, and so on, and shows them, by what rule are they to be judged ? In my opinion only by the old standard of the true Jacobin, and by nothing else. A short time ago some fanciers tried to introduce pepper-throated Beards, and they gained some headway, until they found at the best shows not a bird was noticed; also white thighs were tried, but I am glad to find that is now abandoned for the whole colour. Make a new breed if you like, and lay down points to breed to; but when there is a bird of old standing, with all its qualities well defined, I cannot think it right to call deviation fr >m it improve- ment, and the judges at shows ought to mark their disapproba- tion of such by not awarding honours to tbem. By their not doing so the truly beautiful Jacobin has disappeared, and quite another thing substituted and shown in the Jacobin class. I am rather surprised at "Wiltshire Rector," after enume- rating the names of several well-known fanciers, saying that he has birds of their strains of various sizes, &c., which shows how good birds vary of the same variety. There is but one set of points of excellence in the Jacobin ; no more. Then any other variety of Pigeon, and any birds that do not come up to them, are not good birds, be they bred by whomsoever they may. Again, as an artist, I differ with him when he says the high-cat birds are not so beautiful as the low-cut. With regard to the clear thighs, I believe my friend, the late and much-lamented Mr. Matthew Wicking, was one of the first to introduce them. Talking to me on the subject he said he did not consider it right, but as a fancy of his he would try and breed them so, and he did. Afterwards he told me he thought it a mistake, as they did not look eo well. Again, as an artist my opinion is that the 374 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t October 21, 187B. white thighs are wron^, and do not give the balance to the long heavy frill that the Eoiid colour does. Whoever laid the points for the Jacobin originally, in my opioiou, well considered his subject, and I have often looked on the trne birds and thought to myself that there was not a point I could alter for the better. It is quite different with the modern Jacobin, call it what you will, but not the true bird. " Wiltshire Rector " says that the thighs are seldom so wholly dark, but that is no proof that they ought not to be. As regards the rose, it could not exist in the true Jacobin ; nor the mane, becaurie the division of the frill would not be of the length and form that it ought to be. I am sure that " Wiltshire Rector " will pardon any difference of opinion from him on my part, but I seriously think that he has, by his suggestion of im- proved breed, opened the gate to let in a flood of innovations, of which I am very sorry to say there are far too many already, and unless the rules and points laid down by old and valued authorities be strictly adhered to there is an end to all true breeds and good and proper judging. — Harbison Weir. BEES TWENTY DAYS HATCHING FROM THE EGG. Some time ago there was a controversy in this Journal between Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Lowe on the question as to how long it takes for the development of the perfect insect (worker bee) from the laying of the egg ; Mr. Lowe stating and proving from his own experience that such development takes place in twenty days — in other words, that the insect will issue from the cell as a rale on the twentieth day after the laying of the egg. Mr. Pettigrew, on the other hand, maintained that the rule required twenty-one days to elapse before the said development takes place, winding up with the statement that he "preferred bis own and others' statement of days to Mr. Lowe's twenty days." Allow me to state my own recent experience in this matter. I do so simply in the interest of exact truth in a matter of some importance, not only because it is useful to the practical apiarian to know the fact, but in defence of all the great masters in bee knowledge from Huber downwards. On the 11th of May one of my servants reported to me that my bees were swarming. On going into the garden I became aware that a deserted hive, out of which the bees had died gradually a month or six weeks before, was being taken pos- session of by the said swarm. I soon found that it had come from a distance, as none of my own hives had swarmed ; and, moreover, the bees were of the common English sort, which I have long disused in my apiary. Circumstances led me to examine the progress of this swarm, for they had great difficulty with the combs, many of which they carried away piecemeal, building fresh combs in their stead. My curiosity also was aroused on this very question, as I fortunately recollected the somewhat warm debate in your columns on this point. As the day approached I was therefore on the look-out, and sure enough on the morning of the twentieth day there were several young bees walking on the edges of the combs, pale-coloured and preening their wings as they usually do under the circumstances. I find the following note in my diary on the 3rd of June — ■" Saw several young bees to-day in Tasm. hive; consequently they must have been developed from the laying of the egg in less than twenty days complete." — B. tt W. as a Black Bantam then it should have a rose comb, bat if as a Game Bantam, and aodubbed, it must have a single one- An ordinary Black Bantam cock Bhould have a double comb to be a favourable or a high-claEB epecimen of the breed. Giddiness in Fowls (F. H.). — Bleed by opening a large vein nnder the wing ; pour cold water on the head ; feed less and on moist food, and give abundaace of lettuce leaves. Drake Moulting (Subscriber). — There ie nnnatural heat about the drake. You muft rub the bare spots with citrine ointment, and discontinue all stimulating food. Confine youraelf to that which a bird finds in a natural stdte. Oatmeal, brau, acid whole oata are all good food. If the bird is in confinement give him daily a large sod of growing grass, cut with the earth, and put in the vessel contaioing his food, just covering it with water. If you will do this and confine him to the food we have mentioned, we believe the bird will recover and do well. TnRKEv's Legs Weak (L. P.). — It is not nncommon for Turkeys to fall off when the weather changes and the mornings and evenings are colder, bat we have no hope of Turkeys doing well where the flooring of their house is of stone. It would make matters worse if yoa put boards over the stone. Take the stones up, and ram in earth mixed with chalk. Put on this an inch or two of road grit. Being under cover this is always dry, and affords healthy and useful picking. When the white frosts appear it is good to keep them confined till ihe sun is up, unless they are very forward birds. We do not approve of "hen spice." The natural food is good enough for any de- scription of poultry, and they always did well upon it. In most other respects your feeding is good. We cannot help thinking that your mode of giving it is wrong. You say they always have food by them. This wotild imply it is constantly renewed. It must then become sour, and the birds take a dislike to it. To make very large and fat birds they should be fed three tiaaes per day, but the trough should be empty after every meal, and carefully cleaned. The feeder will soon ascertain how much they eat for a meal. Discontinue the bran. If you can substitute ground oats for barley- meal do BO. Crooked breasts are often hereditary, when ibey are not they are the result of weakness. Their legs are too weak to hold them on the perch. Do you want change of blood? We never meet with a crooked-breasted Phea-aut. Elementary Books (An Aspirant). — Yoa cannot well go wrong in com- mencing to study physics. Since the days of our youth Chambers, Pinnock, Cassell, and many other firms have published educational courses containing all you need at fi.rat. From any catalogue of scientific works you may select what will suit jou. Professor Reonie's Alphabets, published forfy years ago or more, were of service to us. Read well every book, and master the elements of every branch as you proceed. Feeding Bees (A. de C. B.). — September is the time for autumn feeding, bnt by giving warm syrup to bees now they will store it up. The sooner and faster it is given to them the better. When bees are much abroad feeding should be done after sunset, but as they are beginning to sit quietly amongst their combs you may feed during tbe day as well as at night. A3 you have no feeding instruments of any kind, your better way will be to use dripping tins or soup platen. These should be tilled with syrup, covered with chips of wood or straw, and placed on the boards inside your hives. If the combs touch the syrup no harm will be done. If the combs rest on the edges of the tins or plates raise the hives a little by ekes. You may turn up your hives and examine them internally at any time without injury to the bees. The hive that fell off the stool should be examined to see if any of its combs have been shakea out of place. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camden Sqoare, London. Lat. 61" 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W.; Altitude, HI feet. Humble Bees for New Zealand. — An interesting expert ment, says the Daily News, is being made in the shipment o' two nests of humble bees, which have jast left Plymouth for Canterbury, New Zealand. The principal object aimed at in the introduction of these insects into the Antipodes is the fer- tilisation of the common clover, the pollen of which the com- mon bee is generally unable to collect, while the humble bee, having a larger proboscis and being much stronger, is able to reach sufficiently deep into the flower to collect the fertilising dust. It is hoped that by this means the plant will be more generally fertilised, and its cultivation largely extended in the colony. The bees which have just left England for the Anti- podes were in two separate nests, which had been procured by Mr. Frank Buckland, and packed in a suitable box where they were supplied with everything necessary for the voyage, includ- ing honey, farina, water, Sec. They are very fine specimens of the humble bee. The exact number is not known, as many of the es^.B are not yet hatched. They are placed under the care of Mr. John Hall, a member of the Council of New Zealand, who takes a stock of ice for the purpose of keeping down the tempe- rature of the nests while passing through the tropics. Datb. 9 A.M. In the Day. 1875. Oct. Barome- ter at 82'' ssd Sea Level. Hygrome- ter. S?3 Shade Tem- perature. Radiation Temperature. 3 el Dry. Wet. Mai. Min. In sun. On graBB We. 13 Th. U Fri. 15 Sat 16 Sun.17 Mo. 18 Tu. 19 Inches. 29.199 V9.213 29 506 29 «8J 29 797 29.835 29 733 dcg i'iS 46.2 50.0 46.6 49.8 5'J.6 49,0 aeg. 418 44 3 48.0 45 1 48.4 48.0 48 0 N.E. N. NE. N.W. E. S.E. S.E. deg. 49.8 48 9 49.2 49.8 48 i 49 3 60.0 deg 52 6 m.-i 67.1 56.8 59.7 66.S 52.5 "■eg. 32 8 40.3 43 3 41.1 35 4 412 43.0 deg. 75.3 72.0 '•9.0 93 8 85.0 78.9 64.0 deg. 32.1 370 40.1 39 7 34 4 39 3 47 5 In. 0 036 0126 C.030 0.785 0.388 UeanB 29.571 47.8 46.2 49 3 55.0 40.9 79 7 38.6 1.265 OUK LETTER BOX. Buckwheat for Pigeons {E. B. T.). — Buckwheat is not good as sole food for Pigeons. They soon tire of it. It is too fattening, and is bad for plumage, making the feathers very soft, Bi^cE Bantam Cock's Comb (J. T,).—li the Bantam cock be exhibited REMARKS. 13th. — Hazy and cold morning; showera in the forenoon ; sunny at 1 P.M. and doring the rest of the day. Lunar halo at night. 14th.— Fine morning and tolerably fair till noon, then rain; showery the remainder of the day, and heavy at night. 15th.— "Very fioe morning and till alter 4 p.m , then raining for an hour or two, but fine after. 16th.— Fine all day, but rather foggy in evening and during the night. 17th — Fair but hazy early, clearing off about noon, and fine day after. 18th.— Fine morning; rather cloudy after 3 p.m.; rain at 9 P.ir., and heavy in the night. 19th. — Very dull early ; showery and dull all day ; rain at night. Temperature generally about 4- bel.iw last week, doll Novemberish weather, with much rain on Monday and Tuesday.- G. J. Symons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 20. A GOOD Bupply of best fruits hag kept prices much the same, but common sorts of Apples cannot be cleared except at a very low figure, owing to the large quantities of windfalls that have reached the market daring the week. Imported fruits consist of Hamburgh, Almeira, and Sweetwater Grapes; Ducheese d'Angouleme, Cr.i at night." We cannot say the same here (in Aberdeenshire), for on the nights of the 11th and l'2th we had 6' and 7" of frost. Dahlias, Marigolds, &c, are completely destroyed. Mr. Douglas also states that soot pre- vents worms going into pots, being obnoxious to them. That is worth knowing ; but I think worms are often introduced unawares with the compost in the operation of potting. Then when their effects become visible, the question is, What is the best -way to got rid of them ? I shall be obliged by an answer to this query in your correspondents' column. — J. H., Logie Mar, Tarland, Aberdeenshire. INDELIBLE "WRITING ON TALLIES. TuEHE are few things more annoying to anyone who cares for the names of his plants and fruits than to find these obliterated by the weather, when, unless he be familiar with their faces, he is left to the only alternative of having to endeavour to rediscover their identities, which is often a matter of no slight difficulty, as well as uncertainty in the end. Many years ago, for the double purpose of recreation and health by having a half-hour's fresh air once or twice in the day, and for obtaining cut flowers for the house, I purchased a small garden just outside the city walls, and about six minutes' walk from where I reside ; but on looking over its contents I was very much disappointed in finding that in most instances the names were absent. In many eases the nurseryman's wooden label remained, although all trace of the names had ceased to exist, and it immediately suggested itself that had these been varnished while they were recent, in all probability the writing would be as permanent as the wooden tally itself. la the re-arrangement of planting it was decided to put in several dozens more of fruit trees and bushes, and to have recourse to a plan of putting the above idea into practice ; and I herewith enclose one of the varnished labels which has been out in all weathers for over a dozen years, and so far as its legi- bility is concerned there is little doubt but that it would have lasted as many more years, or even longer. I enclose also another which appears to have escaped the varnishing process, and in which the name is only just decipherable by close in- spection. These, being cut out of sheet zinc, presented some difficulty as to the safest means of suspension, for neither iron nor copper wire were admissible on account of the galvanic corrosion, which would soon have caused them to fall ; hence lead being contained in zinc as an alloy to render it capable of being rolled out, this was fiist adopted; but on the first high wind they were broken, or rather cut from their moorings and seittered far and wide from their places. Then, as the least of the evils, galvanised wire was employed, and its galvanic effects may be seen on the labels now sent. Unglazed earthenware labels were next tried, but it seemed to be impossible to find any means of preventing the writing being washed off by the rain, and these, therefore, were soon discarded, going back to the old wooden strips fastened with thin copper wire as the most reliable after all. In preparing these labels, however, there are ways and ways, and it is not paint that should be used, but white lead of which paint is made. The easiest way of proceeding will be found to be as follows. Have a pennyworth of the best ground white lead tied up tightly into a ball in a piece of damp bladder or gut- skin ; then insert a tintack or very small flat-headed nail, which is to be replaced again as a stopper, into the shoulder by the side of the neck, and this, when drawn out, suffers a little of the lead to ooze out after it, which may be rubbed on to the prepared side of the tally with the end of the finger or a piece of dry sponge or lint, finishing it by writing the name with a soft black or BB twopenny drawing pencil into the wet surface. It is best to wire the labels first, and they may then be attached at once so as to dry on the plant. The most con- venient arrangement, however, where a little more cost is not an object, is to procure a fourpenny tube of " flake white" as said by stationers and artists' colourmen, as thi s is both clearer and a much better colour, and which is less liable to discolour by age, and is really but a mere trifle more expensive than the former plan. With respect to tho varnishing this need not be attended to at once, but may be done any time within the next few months, choosing a dry season and a still day for the operation. Having provided two 1-oz., long, wide-mouthed phials with good corks, let one be half filled with copal, carriage, or quick-drying oak varnish, or such as may be obtained of almost any house painter, and the other with spirits of tur- pentine. Next procure a small hog's-hair brush that will go freely into the mouth of these bottles, or an artist's flat hog's- hair if it can be obtained. By having the phials only half full they may be suspended to the coat button with little fear of spilling, and will be easy to get at. If the brush become clogged it may be rinsed in the turpentine, otherwise the latter will only be wanted to wash the brush in after neing, so as to 378 JOURNAL 03? HOETICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 28, 1875. preserve it for another time, and may therefore be left indoora for safety. For permanent pot-markers sheet zinc ia nuquestionably un- equalled, and by being varnished it may be kept in very pre- sentable condition for any length of time. The proper ink for writing on zinc is nitro-muriate of platinum, which produces a jet-black indelible stain. This preparation is easily made, and at very little cost. Procure an ounce stoppered phial, into which have two pennyworth, or half an ounce, of nitro-muri- atic acid (composed of two parts muriatic to one of nitric), which may be obtained of any chemist. Next obtain from the gunsmith an old platinum touch-hole, which may be had for a few pence ; then putting the latter in the acid and leaving out the stopper, set the phial in the sun or else upon hot sand until the acid has assumed a deep, rich, brown tint, or that the metal has ceased to give off bubbles of gas from the acid becoming a saturated solution. A few drops of this should now be added to a little water and tried with a quill pen, add- ing drop by drop until a sufficient blackness is produced. When using, great care must be taken to wash the writing thoroughly in plenty of water immediately it has blackened, and then it should bo wiped quite dry and varnished as soon afterwards as possible. — W. Kencely JSeidgman, Xoncicli. WASPS AND TOMATOES— ONIONS AND CAEEOT GEUB— FLIES AND PLANTS IN ROOMS. "D., Deal" asks, page 313, whether anyone has experience of the influence of Tomato plants in houses keeping away wasps. I have a row of Tomato plants in pots the whole length of two Peach houses, and any day for weeks, until with- in the last few days (the wasps having disappeared from the cold and wet, except a few queens which are seeking winter quarters) several cf these useful as well as destructive creatures might bo seen hunting for prey upon the Poach tree leaves, the trees happening to have an attack of scale, and upon the secretion of those pests the wasps and bluebottle flies feed greedily. Into the vineries the wasps do not come, at least for the last six years I have not had to take any measures to keep them from the Grapes, as they have not interfered with more than a cracked berry, and that rarely, and though To- matoes were grown in the vineries, so that my experience points to the inutility of Tomatoes as a preventive of a wasp invasion. For years I have not had a Carrot free from the grub ; and as it was stated in " onr Journal" some time ago that sowing Onions along with the Carrots was a safeguard, I gave it a trial, and have to acknowledge a more complete failure of the Carrots from grub with the Oaions than when the Carrots were sown and grown without the Oaions. I know certain plants never are attacked by insfcts of any kind, some plants by certain kinds of insects only ; and I have found also that if you will train a Stephanotis up the same rafter with a Cleroden- dron Balfouri, that though both tho plants have their shoots intertwined, tho mealy bug and scale will thrive amazingly upon the Sterhanotis. It was tho samo with the Carrots. Even where the Onions touched the Carrots the latter suc- cumbed to the grubs. Then I read in the newspapers how somebody found flies frequent a room when a box of plants — Geraniums, Calceo- larias, and the like — were withdrawn, and when replaced in the window tho flies disappeared. I remember hauging-np paper cages to attract the flies from the walls, tho windows being full of plants — Geranium?, Fuchsias, and other plants. Experience tells me that iusect attacks are not prevented by the presence of " strong-smelling " plants, or tho.=e upon which insects do not feed in proximity or in contact with those afford- ing them subsistence. — G. Aebey. PIEEIS BEASSIC^, AND MICROGASTEE GLOMEEATDS. In some of the suburban districts the larva; of P. Brassicai (Largo White Garden Butterfly) have b^en exceedingly nume- rous this season, but an effectual check to their development has been given by their familiar parasite. Some walls and palings to which the larva; have retreated for pupation scarcely furnish one healthy pupa in a dozen, the rest having been punctured. A correspondent of the " Entomologist " appeals to naturalists to furnith him with pupa of Micrcgaster (an Ichneumon flv), bo that the parasite may be freely introduced into Americ), where the genus Pieris has been exceedingly destructive. I don't know how far we are justified in helping on this exportation. There is such a thing aa " robbing Peter to pay Paul," and I fancy we want all the Microgasters our- selves at present. Has it ever been observed by the readers of this Journal that usually there is not an abundance in the same year of P. Brassicae and Kapie ? — J, E. S. C. [The white garden butterflies are by some entomologists retained in tho genua Pontia.l CAEEION FOE VINE BOEDERS. I TikYE read "Inouibee's" remarks concerning the above practice, and feel rather pleased than otherwise that the question ia once more mooted, because there are some em- ployers, and even their gardeners, who have yet an idea that this burying of carrion in Vino bordera ia the one essential point to successful Grape culture. To my thinking, combined with some experience in the matter, nothing can be more adverse to the requiremeats of a Vine than to place such an unnatural substance in connection with the soil, and expect that the roots of a Vine will thrive iu it. It is no doubt true that carrion may ba buried at the bottom of a deep border when young Vines are planted, so that by the time the roots reach it decomposition will have done ita work so tfliciently as to make the carrion like soil itself. Even then it will have had its effect upon the soil for some distance around it, and through its action it will be a sour soddened mass from putre- fied matter, that no roots, even as vigorous as aro those of the Vine, can ramify iu it to the benefit of the plant that receives its sustenance from them ; and it may ba that if the Vine is strong there will be no percejitible effect upon the condition of the growth, from the fact that if the Vine has been planted some years it will have roots elsewhere, so that its vigour may be maintained, and no check become apparent. I will relate my experience in the matter. At the firct place I took as head gardener there were some vineries newly built, and some A'inea p'anted iu newly and expensively made borders. I took the place on the 21st of March, and the Vines were planted the year previous. They were just breaking into growth, and apparently very promising, but to my surprise the Vines in the middle vinery of the three turned yellow in the leaf in the month of June. They flagged under the power of the sun, and made no progress as did the others in the other houses. I was puzzled to give my employer a reasou for it, until I askod him how the bordera were made, and during the conversation it came out that five pigs had been buried whole in thia very border. Tbia aunouucs- meut was quite sufficient to induce me to examine the roots of these Vines, and I found the roots made the year before were entirely rotten, and that, too, as far back as where the soil had become soddened from the decay of the carrion, so that the Vines were almost deprived of roots. The soil was taken out, and tho carrion taken away ; fresh soil was added, and fresh Vines planted. These grew well, and nothing^ occurred afterwards to check the progress of tho Vines. Thia fact is quite sufficient to convince me that carrion ia a very objectionable substance to put into Vino borders. Vines are gross feeders no doubt, but to make up for any deficiency in growth or produce, auy stimulant given in a liquid form, even if it savours of carrion, is far more suitable than burying flesh ; and if a border has proper soil and is well drained no harm, but, on the contrary, a great benefit will no doubt be derived from its use iu that way at the proper time. The gardener who told " I.s-qdirer's " employer that Vine roots would go half a mile to get a taste of the carrion is perhaps able to refute what I have stated above ; but I think he must have meant that they would go half a mile to escape it, if they go that distance at all. I think "Inquiker" could not have given better advice. — Thomas Eecoed. PEARS GRACKINa. I HAVE planted a small outlying garden, which formerly was a garden to a c^ttnge, with choice pyramid Apple and Pear trees. After three or four seasons' trial I find the Pears (uot all the kinds) have a great tendency to crack, like the speci- men I enclose, to the extent of about one-third of the crop. This hoppens very much with Bergamot Esperen and BeuriiS Diel. Cm you suggest what might be the cause? The soil is a strong loam with, in some places, clay underneath, but th& October 28, 1875. ] JOURNlIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 379 district generally ia celebrated for Apples, and my Apple treeB in the same garden do very well. — A. G., Bcaminster, Dorset. [Au exporienced gardener tells ua that ho haa observed that the frnifc on the side of a tree most exposed to the cold wiuda ia moat liablo to bo cracked, the injury being done when the frnit is in a youujj state. We havo a'so observed that crack- ing prevails in the more tender varieties, and where the soil and subsoil aro cold. The last contingency seems to affect your treea ; if so, cutting away the deep-striking roots, burn- ing some of the clay and mixing it with the surface, keeping the surface also elightly manured and mulched, would be remedial.] (Batatas) ; the seeds are also eagerly sought alter by children and the Indians of North America." — W. J. THE NELUMBIUM. The Nelumbiums or Water Beans are not only remarkable for the beauty of their flowers, but they are credited with a list of virtues such a5 ia possessed by few families of plants. These plants are of easy culture, and are readily increased by seeds. Propagation may also be effected by a division of the roots. In order to induce the planta to flower freely strong stove heat ia needed. The plants require rich lo.amy soil, and during the growing season the tank in which they are grown must be kept filled with water. In the winter the plants may be kept compaiatively dry to ffford them a period of rest. In reference to the various purposes to which these plants are applied, I cannot do better than quote from Dr. Hogg, who, in his "Vegetable Kingdom," states that " The most remarkable species is Nelumbinm spfciosum, the Egyptian B?an of Pythagoras, the Lotus and Tamara of the Hindoos, and the Lien- Hoa of the Chinese. By the ancients it was re- garded aa the emblem of fertility, and with it the Egyptians deco- rated the heads of their idols Isis and Osiri?. It is held sacred by the Hindoos, and serves for the floating shell of Vishnu and the seat of Brahma. Sir W. Jones s.ive, 'The Thibetans are said to em- bellish their temples and altars with it ; and a native of Nepal made prostration before it on entering inv study, where the fine plant and beautiful flowers lay for examination.' Dr. Wight states that the leaves and flower-stalka abound in spiral vessels, which they extract and form into those wicks which, on great and solemn occasion?, nre burnt ia the lumps of the Hindoos, placed before the shrines of their goJs. The Chinese extol it for its virtues, and rank it among those planta which are employed in the composition of the ' Liquor of Immortality.' They eat the seeds as we do Filberts, but they are more diffi- cult of digestion ; and are preserved iu different ways with sugar. The root of the plant they also admit to their tables ; great quantities being pickled with salt and vinegar, and re- served to eat with rice ; and when reduced to powder it makes excellent soup with water and milk. It is from thia root that Chinese Arrow-root is said to be obtained. Tbe leaves are much used for wrapping-up fruits, fish, salt provisions, &(i. ; and when dry the Chinese mix them with their smoking tobacco to render it softer and milder. The .Japanese, Thun- berg states, regard the plant aa pleasing to the gods, the images of their idols being often represented sitting on its large leaves. Some of the heathens have pictures thus drawn, which they make use of to animate the minds of the pious upon their death-beds, and to raise their affectiona heavenward ! The petals smell like the flowers of Anise, aad are slightly as- tringent, being used'as the flowers of the Koses. " The roots of N. lutenm are farinaceous, and agreeable when boiled, reaembling in flavour those of the Sweet Potato SOLDIERS' GARDENS. Feoh au ofiicial paper lately published under tho authority of Lord Napier of Magdala it seema that the movement for providing soldiers quartered in India with garden plots eon- tinuea to afford very satisfactory results. Sj well ia the interest sustained that more than eleven hundred men sacri- ficed their leisure last year to thia profitable amusement. Nor were they tho only people to benefit by their employment. At certain seasons the commissariat authorities purchased from regimental gardens ample supplies of freah vegetables for the troopa when none were to be obtained in the native bazgars. Then married soUliera were able to eke out their rather skinny rations with plenty of "green meat," without having to pay exorbitant sums to native gardeners. Viewing these results, there appears little queation that the establishment of a similar system amoug the troops in England would be bene- ficial. If military gardeners do so well in India, in spite of a scorching climate and poor soil, even greater things might be expected of them at home. Tho chief ob- stacle lying in the way of this innovation seems to be the difficulty in finding sufficient cul- tivable ground for tho purpose in the neigh- bourhood of military quarters. Unless the gardens are close to barracks, so much time is wasted in going to and fro that the soldiers grow disheartened and give up the work in dis- gust. To a certain ex- tent this has been found the ease in India, Lord Napier reporting in favour of " company " gardens compared with "regimental," owing to the former being as a rule close to barracks while tho latter are generally some distance away. Nor must it bo omitted from consider- ation that soldier-gar- deners would be subject to much severer competition at home than in India where they very often have the field to themselves. Here their produce would have to st^nd comparison with vegeta'oles cul- tivated by tkillcd professionals under tho most favourable eiroumstauoes. Nevertheless in spite of these and other difficulties, we are disposed to believe th';t after a time the experiment would prove successful. Although soldiers might not bo able to raise such cropa as regularly trained gar- deners, they would have a great advantage over the la,tter iu cheapness of labour, their. own leisure time being sufficient for all purposes. Tbat such a system, if established on a sound footing, would gre?.tly add to the contentment of many soldiers with their profession, can scarcely be questioned in face of the results already achieved in India. — [Globe.) 79. — Nelusibium luteum. THINNING FRUITS. Tni3 year the crop of both Apples and Pears has b?ou enormous, but the fruit in consequence haa been smaller than usual, and in the south of Scotland it is not keeping wel). 1 think that not nearly enon;A'j. is said on the necessity of thin- ning fruit. When I speak of it I am told, " Oh ! it ia easy in your small garden;" but if it pays in a small it must pay better in a large garden, and there ia no doubt tho fruit is much better flavoured as well as larger, and also there is less chance of a scarcity next year. I have thinned some trees with ex- cellent consequencea thia year. Cooking Apples are much more useful when large, and even Plums, I am certain, would sell better if half the crop were removed early. Peaches and 380 JOUKSAL OF HOHTIGULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. t October 28, 1876. Apricots are always thinned, and I do wish you would urge the necessily of thinning the common fiaits, for it certainly payf . — A PooK Lady. FITTONIA ARGTEONEUEA FOE COVERING SCEFACES IN PLANT STOVES. Gesekally speaking there are of necessity unsightly surfaces in all houses devoted to the culture of plants in pots, and the pots themselves are au eyesore, and any arrangement which can cover up these unsightly objects and transform them into surfaces pleasing to the eye is desirable. There are few things more harsh and unsightly than a lot of pots standing on a stone bench, even when a layer of spar or gravel is placed over it ; and so long as such a number of plants are required in a moveable form for so many different purposes, as is the case at the present time, plants in pots are a necessity. We have tried many ways of hiding such surfaces, and the most pleas- ing and effective that we have adopted is to put a margiu of Portland cement about au iuch deep round the outer edge of the stone shelves, and fill up to the level of this margin with clean-washed gravel about the size that will pass through a quarter-inch sieve. In this cuttings of the above-named beautiful Fittonia are inserted, about 5s.), eighteen entries. Fiist a pretty bird souud in colour and well feathered ; second and third fair; fourth a short chicken. The fifth might compete well for the Baroneaa Burdett Coutta' prize at the Crystal Palace. Pair of puUeta (uot to exceed .£5). 40G first, well matched, nicely pencilled, but deficient iu leg-feather- ing; second not so good a pair with similar deficiency; third better feathered but not equal in markings. Li(;ht Bk.\u5i.i. — Cockerels thirty-one entries. The cup bird (Tedd) is fiue, not in .shape, but good in colour and cemb, and well feathered. The second (Dean) neat and pretty in comb, but not so large aa the first ; third (Ilorsfall) a large bird ; fourth (Dean) well shaped; six and seventh we preferred to fifth, they were better shaped and superior in style. 433 (Holmes) we thought deserved notice. Pullets, sixty-nine entries. Here we fancy we see a general improvement. 4.50 (Mrs. Bain), first neat in shape, large, and well feathered, but a trifle creamy. Second (Horsfall) not so large, but well shaped and very sound in colour. Third, fourth, and fifth nice birds, and deserved their position ; sixth nice shaped but wanting iu leg-feathering ; seventh a nice bird ; eighth (Potter) very good in colour. We should have liked to see her more forward in the prize list. Mr. Kice showed three good pens (highly commended), well grown and in splendid condition. Mr. Saville'a two highly commenleds were pretty but small ; Mr. Turner's and Mr. Holmes's birds well de.ierved notice. In the i'3 5». classes with the exception of the first- prize cockerel (Beldon), a atylish bird, we failed to find any pen worthy of special notice. Spanish disappointed us very much. The numbers, considering the season, were satisfactory, but the quality very inferior. The winners were forward birds, and the first had plenty of face, but the quality generally was coarae, and the combs ugly ; second not so large in face ; third, a neater bird, but we shall not expect to see either of them in the prize list of a large ahow again. Pena 581 and 582 (Chilcott) we should have placed before them; they have neat combs, not so much lob, but the quality was much superior. 565 deserved notice. Pullets sixteen entries, with three or four exceptions poor. The first (Goddard) waa a nice bird, with a good open lob, but a twist in the neck, which is very prevalent with heavy-faced cocks, but not so often found in pullets, and which we consider very objecliooablo for breeding purposes. It was entered at ,i'5, but bought in, we understand, at the auction at double that amount. The second and third were birds of good quality, but not so large in lob as the flrat. COO (Chilcott) had the largest face, but she was not yet in trim for exhibition, and we think she will get verv coarse. FuENCH.— All the French classes were well filled, and appear to be rapidly making their way in public favour. Houdan cockerels numbered twenty-six entries. Mr. Dring waa again in the front with a fine bird, nice in colour, but a little deficient in crest; second and third neat birds. Oil, 620, 627, and 609, unnoticed, we marked aa eapecially worthy attention. Pullets numbered thirty-three entries, and a lot of good birds were to be found here. First (Wood), was a fine bird in all points and deserved her position ; second not so large ; third (Copplestone), a grand bird. We think we should have placed her second. Mr. Dring and Mr. Hibbert showed some birds, highly com- mended. Nineteen birds in this class were distinguished by the .Judge. The Cn-ves were good clasaea, but not so numerous aa the Houdana. First (Knight) was a well-proportioned neat bird, with good crest and comb, and must have run the pullets very close for the cup; second (same owner), a fine bird, but not so neat as first; third (Maiden), a good bird. The pullets num- bered twenty-three entries, and some magnificent specimens were to be found. We walked down this class before the prize cards were placed on their pen, and on reaching pen 601 we thought we had found the winner, but in a second we caught sight of her next door neighbour, pen 692. This quite dispelled the illusion. We thought her one of the best Cruve pullets we had ever seen ; perfect in shape, of good size, crest, and comb. The cockerel was a good one, but we think she quite deserved the cup. The second was a large bird; the third very neat, and closely, we think, pressed by one or two highly commended pens. Hamburghs. — This variety came well to the front, and all the good yards sent finespecimens. The winner in Golden-spangled cocks deserved his cup. He is a fiue bird, and a model in points. After him we had a great liking for pen 705, and 700 (Blakeman) was a beautiful chicken. One or two of the best-marked birds wanted more style. Pullets were beautiful; the winners well chosen. Perhaps the first-prize bird ha^l a little faded appear- ance, but her spangles made up for it. Silver-spangled cockerels were a pretty lot. Mr. Long's pen, 720, was good in wings and breast, but his legs were too white. 732 (Hallam) a good chicken with nice carriage. In pullets we thought Mr. Patrick's or the Duke of Sutherland's birds richer iu colour, but not so perfect in markings as the winners. Golden-pencilled cockerela were a large and good class. The winner was a smart bird and well •S90 JOUENAL OF HOIvTIGULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ootoier 28, 1875. shown ; Beoond also very good ; for third place we preferred 751 (Beldoii) or 759 (Tickuer). Pullets were a nice clase, and must have been dillicult to judge, bo many were nearly equal in points. We liked the markingrf of Mr. Judson'e bird (772) as well as any, but she was too pale in body colour. We liked the winner much, but thought the second and third might have changed places. Silver-pencils, as UEual, made the smallest classes, but the quality made up for the deficient quantity. The Trentham cockerels were very smart birds, having remark- ably good sickles. The pullets also were a nice lot, the pen- cillings of all the winners being extremely even and good. Blacks were truly beautiful. The winning Black cockerel was one of the best, if not the best Hamburgh cockerel in the Show ; his colour, shape, and head were beautiful. The other cockerels noticed were all good. Of those out of the prize list perhaps 799 (Preston) was cur favourite. The pullets were a good lot, the winner very good all round ; second also a nice pullet with true Hamburgh shape. 811 (Hoyle), a nice bird with a good lobe. We think we saw some old hens here, and advise that they be kept at home in future, and not substituted for their daughters. The Gamk made extremely good classes. There were a large number undubbed, and of those many very good chickens. The winning Black Red cockerel was a beauty, good in all points, and carrying himself well; his tail is admirable, and head very fine. The other winners were good aud deserved their places. We liked Mr. Bamford's pen, 823, very much, s.ni thought it deserved a higher card. Black Red pullets were very grand. The winner who carried off the cup was a model iu points aud of very beautiful colour ; second went to a peculiarly compact bird, and third was again after the style of the winner. Mr. Matthew's pen, 816, was a good pullet, capital in head and car- riage. Brown Reds also made a splendid collection of birds. The winners iu cockerels wanted more time, but of great promise. The fourth-prize bird was not dubbed. The Judge only awarded the prizes in this class, giving no other cards ; hut we fancied Mr. Palmer's or Mr. Cock's cockerels deserved a notice. The Brown Red pullets were a smart lot, and the winners well telected. We think we liked the third-prize pullet quite as well as the second, as there was Bomeihing about the colour of the latter wo did not quite fancy. Mr. Martin's pullet, 880, was a good bird, and with a nice head. In cockerels of any other variety fiiat and second went to Duckwiugs, and the third to Piles. We much admired the second bird, and thought he was superior to the winner, being better in head, shape, and tail. The third Pile was a good bird, and c.ime iu a good third. 898 (Dutton) a very good Duckwing, as was 900 (Martin). In the Variety Game pullets we thought the winner beautiful ; we could not detect a fault. There were one or two more good Duckwings in the class, aud a nice Pile which won second, but everything was left behind by the first-prizo bird. Malays did not make large classes; and good chickens seem to be scarce, for the entries were poor, as they were at O.'sford. The winning cockerel was a large bird with a regular Malay head and of fine shape, but he wants more time. He won the Malay cup. Second was a fine bird, but also wants more time ; he promises to be a large bird, and is of good colour. The third bird was not enough of a Malay in shape, and we liked better Mr. Ridley's, or Mr. Hinton's quite as V7ell. The winning pullets were all good, the second and first especially beiug very equal. We liked their colour, and their feathering looked hard and glossy. We noticed two or three cream-coloured birds iu these classes. We say cream colour, because they were neither White nor Piles. We have seen about a good pen or two of Whites, and thought a class for them may draw some pairs out. They seem to be plentiful in Jersey. PoLANDS. — .\11 three varieties were well represented. It was as nice a show of Poland chickens as we have seen for a long time. The winners iu Golds were good; the third pullet a beauty, and if she was not too round-backed to be iu the prize list at all we think she should have been first. The pair which received that honour were splendid chickens. Iu Silvers tho second cockerel was a beauty ; his wiugs quite perfect, and it must have been close between him and the first-prize pair for the latter honour. All Mr. Adkins's pullets had such good crests, being large and good in colour. Blacks were very fine, and hero came the Poland cup. We can imagine great rejoicings at Little Ness on hearing that the cup had bLfu wrested from the Golden and Silver for our old friends the Blacks. We doubt if the pullet would be much better, but we thought the second-prize cockerel was better than the cup bird, but ihe latter will in time he equal to him perhaps, as he is now fall of pen feathers. Mr. Norwood's cockerels were very grand in crest aud sbipe, and we thought 978 should have crept iuto the prize list ; but the pullet with him, though enormous iu crest, was not nicely shaped iu her headgear, as she wanted her chiguon putting on straight. Mr. Unsworth also showed a nice pair of chickens in this class ; iu fact, the whole collection was superior. Silkies were much tdcnired. Tho winners were very white arid perfect in pointF, The first-prize pair was sold at the auction for i'lO 10.s. It is surprising to find what large ptioeff this variety fetches. Mr. Darby's pen was good, but there was a tendency to hocks, while Mr. Cresswell'e, though splendid iu fluft' and shape, also seemed too heavily feathered iu hooks and legs. LEononNS made two very pretty classes, and the Brown variety had justice done to them, for the winning pullet was charming in head and shape. The Whites have much improved in ears, and here showed-up well, Mr. Fowler's cockerel being very smart and neat in carriage. Mr. Ward's, the third, wero fine chickens and well shown. V-UiiETY Class. — This was as pretty a medley as we have seen. The first-prize pair were Cuckoo Cochins ; nice birds, but quite chickens as yet. Second went to White Poles. It is long since we saw them, and wo hope they may be the fore- runners of other obsolete Polish breeds again coming. Third went to Black Miuorcas, a nice pair ; and not to Sultans, as we stated last week. And fourth to a pretty pair of Sultans, good in head and legs. 1012 (Croote) a fair pair of young White Miuorcas. Bantams. — Black Red Game cockerels, twenty- three pens. Firet (Ardagb), a nice racy-looking bird of good Game stylo ; second a neat bird, in some points superior to first ; third and fourth good birds. Mr. Maple, Mr. Shumach, Mr. Hall, aud Dr. Adams, and one or two others showed birds that we think deserved some notice from the Judge. Pullets were a large class — forty-one entries, and a difficult task the Judge must have had. First was a graceful nice-looking pullet ; second emaller, very neat and of good style ; third, fourth, and fifth were good. Brown Bed cockerels, eight entries, and pullets ten. Both classes were good, especially the latter. We strongly object to judges throw- lug commendations broadcast, as they soon lose their value, but we think Mr. Smith might be a little more bountiful. Any other variety cockerel. — Brownlie first and second with two l^retty birds much similar iu style to the bird Mr. Brownlie was GO frequently succeBsfal with list year; third, a beautiful-co- loured Duckwing undubbed. The pullet class numbered twenty- two entries. First and third, good Piles ; second, a Duckwing, good iu colour, but very large aud rather thick. Black Bantams, fourteen entries. First (Shackletou), a nice pair, very neat in comb. Sebrights. — First, Silvers, the best coloured pen we have seen Mr. Leuo show for a long period. Second (same owner). Golden ; and third. Silver (Robertson). Any other variety was deficient iu novelty and quality, tho prizes going to White Rose-combs and White- booted". The first were fair birds. Ducks. — These were good classes. The first-prize pair, Ajlesburys, exceedingly good iu bill and shape; the second were, too, a fine pair, closely pressed, however, we thought bv Mr. Fowler's fourth-prize pen. Yv'e liked 1362 (Walker), or 135'J (Sotham), as well ss the third-prize pen. Rouens made a grand class, and Mr. Evans won another cup deservedly; second also very good and well shown; the third a beautiful pair of Ducks, the drake especially in fine feather. The class was capital throughout. Blacks were another superior class ; pen after pen was beautiful. We think all agree the drake in the cup pen was a beauty, but the Duck was not good enough for him. Mr. Kelleway's pens were rather smaller than Mr. Sainsbury's, but we thought the latter gentleman's birds showed more con- dition and bloom. The ornamental class was lovely. The whole class could have been hig'aly commended. It must have been a toss-up almost whether Carolinas, Mandarins, or Whistlers won the prizes. Geese had only one class. We think two classes would pay at these shows, for there are so many ornamental breeds about which their owners would be glad to exhibit at these great meetings. The first prize were a grand pair of Embdens, as fine a pair as we ever remember to have seen shown by Mr. Fowlsr, and that is saying a good deal; second were very fine aud heavy Toulouse. Mr. NichoUs sent a fine pen, and so did Mr. Filz-Herbert. TunKEYS had two classes, and the quality was really wonder- ful throughout. Mr. Walker came well to the front, winning with very fine birds. Mr. Gunuell, however, came very near him, and also exhibited some really fine specimens. We were much pleased with these classes, aud think single birds iu Turkeys will make a good speculation for other shows. Selli.n'g Classes were all very large. Wo may say we were mostly struck by Mr. Clark's second-prize Dorking cockerel^ tho first-prizo pair of Light Br.abmas of Mr. Potter's, and a fair pair of White Cochins of Jlr. Cart's. The Duck Selling class was good, aud the winners would do well in many an ordinary show. Mr. Tegetmeier'a extra "Apterygiue" drake was most peculiar, not having a sign of a wing on either side of his body. PIGEONS. TuMi3LEKs.^The Almonds were very good. The winner in cocks was a very tiny bird of pretty colour, but we almost pre- ferred the second, he being better in head points. In hens the winner also deservedly took the cop, she was a beauty all round. 1875 birds were good, but we liked Mr. Reginald Bryce's birds better than the s^coid p ize bird. Balds or Beards were very October 28, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. S'Jl good, a very lovdy Blue Bald wiuniug ths cup. A Blue Beard WHS second, aud another uice Ked Eald third. It was u splendid class, aud difficult to judge we should thiuk. lu the rest of the Tumblers a splendid Black Mottkd of Mr. Fulton's and a Yellow Agate of Mr. Yardley's call for especial remark. Bakbs made a fine collection in quality, though the classes were not large. Mr. Fulton was well to the front with fine specimens ; his Red cock was a beauty aud was well first. The 1875 classes were fine. Mr. Firth showed a good Yellow, and Mr. P. H. Jones sent a Red which was but little inferior to it. Jacouins in quality were wonderful, aud we are sure it would be a class where the Judge would not pretend to please, for a more even lot it is impossible almost to see. Mr. Fulton's Black was A perfect gem, aud the third White was a good bird. A good Red in nice bloom won (he cup, closely pressed, however, by Mr. Fulton's second-prize bird. Fant.^ils had one class, in which all the birds were really pood, and nearly every bird White. The winners were well chosen and very good in tails. We admired Mr. Seijeantson's v.H.c, bird extremely; and pen 2117 (Loversidge) was a capital White. Nuns, Owls, and Tubbits — In the foimer a good Black won first and another good one third, second going to a fair Y'ellow. Owls were very beautiful, and many of the specimens most minute in size aud very elegant in head aud shape. All the colours were represented ; perhaps of them the Silvers were the best. Turbils were very chfirmiug. Wo saw pen after pen of really good birds. The cup Blue was a lovely bird and in fiue condition. The first Yellow in the other olaes was good, and iu fact all the noticed birds had much quality ; aud some of the imnoticed birds too, for why Mr. O. E. Cresswell's Black was left out in the cold we cannot imagiue. He was to our mind as good a Black as there was in the Show. OiuER Classes. — Trumpeters were small and select, the winners all being fine Blacks. Magpies were very good, the Blacks especially good, though the winning Y''ellow and Red in the other class were fine birrs. Archangels wero better thsn usual, and there was more colour than we generally find. Runts were a fair lot, with nothing much worthy of note. Antwerps made a very large party, and very good many of them were. The first Silver Dun Short- faced cock was a nice bird and well in first. The classes were good and the winners well chosen. In the Homing class a strong and useful pair of Blues were first, Blue Chequers taking second and third places. The Variety class was a pretty collection of fourteen pens ; Frillbaclis won first. Whole-coloured Ice second, and Red Turbiteens third. Tiie Pigeon Sale classes were large, and there were some good birds cheap. In the special flying class for Homing birds Mr. Tegetmeier brought a splendid collection, and deservedly did well with them. The whole class was good, and more prizes could well have been given. We hear Mr. BiUetc had the birds speedily packed at the close of the Show. Everyone we have spoken to on the subject tells us they had their birds hack in good condition. We understand in the judging Mr. Hewitt took Dorkings, Cochins, French, and Waterfowl ; Mr. Teebay, the Btahmas and Spanish ; Mr. Smith, Game and Game Bantams ; and Mr. Dixon the remainder, some of the Selling classes going to each of the Judges. In Pigeons Mr. Ridpeth took the Fans and Jacobins ; Mr. Charlton the Dra;;oons, Owls, Shoit-faced Tumblers, and ditto Antwerps; and the Pouters with Mr. Esquilant, who also judged the other classes. The birds while at the Show wero fed by Metsrs. Spratt & Co. WHICH BEEED OP POULTRY EATS MOST? COTt. Value of Eggs. Vnliis of Meat. Total v.iluc. Pioflt. trance fee of 5.s. per pen, without becoming subscribers of X'l per annum. This will be a great boon to small fanciers, and should lead to a large increase in the number of entries. We are requested to state that all letters aud communicationo connected with the Show should be addressed to Mr. J. B. LythaU, Bingley Hall. — {Midland Counties Herald.) Brahmas . . 89 22 $12,10° ■11,14.00 §20 10 $16 88 Cochins . . 10.15 1182 14. CO 26 42 1027 Dorkiug . . 7.72 10.48 1185 22 33 ]4.01 Houdans . . .5 35 15.26 9.15 2.1.41 19 OS Leghorn . . 7.03 16.10 7.30 23.40 10 37 Showing Houdans first, Brah Cochins and Leghorns are nea Brahmas. The birds all coming an opinion I havo heard express equal enough in profit to allow choice of varieties, even with Stock Bulletin.) mas second, Dorkiug la^t, while rly equal and vary little from ; so near would tend to confirm ed, that all the pure breeds are one to consult fancy only in a limited toom.— [American Pet BIRMINGHAM POULTfiY SHOW. The poultry and Pigeon department promises to be unusually attractive, no fewer than sixty-five silver cups, varying in value from 1'20 down to L'S, being ciiered ; and the successful com- petitors will have the option of taking cash in every instance. The principal changes made in the schedule relate to the Pigeon classes, the entries of which in all cases will be for single birds instead of for pairs as formerly ; v.'bilst, as an experiment, persona are allowed to exhibit Pigeons on payment of an en- EDENBEIDGE SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. A MORE miserable day than last Wednesday week it ia im- possible to imagine. From the time we left the Alexandra Palace in the morning till wo left Edenbridge at night the rain never ceased ; it came down in one incessant downpour, and drowned everything. Mud was ankle deep everywhere. Baby rivulets ran along the roadsides, and made courses for them- selves over the pathways. To get from the entrance gate to the poultry tent stepping stones had to be used to avoid the perfect sea of mud ; and when once inside the emptiness of the build- ing was positively painful. There were not half a dozen people- in the place, and they looked at one another as if they were ashamed of being seen out in such weather. We can only hope the next day was a better one, or we fear the balance of the Society must be but small. We were really very sorry, for the schedule was a good one, the arrangements admirable, and the qiiality of iho birds certainly above the average. Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay awarded the poultry prizes, aud we thought in nearly every case the best birds won. Mr. i3illet adjudicated on the Pigeons and Rabbits with satisfaction. It was a pity the Alex- andra Palace Show clashed with it, as doubtless the entries were thus considerably lessened. Coloured Dorkings came first on the list. The old birds were fair. Mr. Darby's pen was empty. Chickens were very good, the cap cockerel a great beauty aud in fine condition. AH the other noticed birds were good ; in fact, it was a good clasa of Coloured chickens. Silver-Greys were not nearly so good, and we were disappuinted with them. Heie Mrs. Lee's pen was empty. Whites were much better, the winning chickens being really good, especially the pullet, the cockerel requiring more time to developo, but of great promise. Brahmas were a grand lot. The first-prize pair of old birds also took the i'lO lOs. champion cup for beet pen iu t'ue Show. The second and third were grand pens ; the second hen as good as the cup bird, bub her mate wanted more time. Chickens were splendid, the winning pair beautiful, and second also a good pair ; in fact, all the noticed pens were good. Old Lights were fair, the prize birds only deserving mention. The first chickens were capital, the cockerel very good all round, hut his pullet a shade too pale in hackles. The second were also a nice pair of chickenp. Cochins made small but cnod classes. The old Buff birds were, rather out of feather. We liked the second-prize hen best of the old hens, but her companion was rapidly losing bis hackles. The first were a good pen aud in better feather. 13ufl chickens were capital, the winners especially good, as the pullet was good in colour and well feathered. In Blacks there was not anything worthy of notice except the two first-prize paiis and the cock in the third-prize pen. The winning cockerel was a, smart bird and stood up well. Whites were very good, the old birds especially so. The first-prize cock ia a good one, and the hen worthy of him ; second and third also good, the cocks being very good in colour but wanting more time. Chickens were all very heavily feathered, and mostly raw-looking, but promis- ing to make up well. Hamhurghs were a good lot, and we thought the birds very carefully judged. A very smart pair of Pencilled chickens won the cup, closely pressed, however, we should say, by one or two of the Spangled ptns. The Spangled hens were particularly nice, and the Pencilled chickens made a class far above the southern average. Game were a smart lot. A fiue pen of Piles took the cup, closely pressed we should say by Mr. Cock's Brown Reds. The first Black Red cockerel was a smart bird ; the third-prize pen of Brown Red chickens were not half a bad pair, but the cockerel carried bis tail too high, Btill they were cheap at SOs., the catalogue price. Spanish n ere only a moderate lot, but the chickens inade the best muster, the winning pairs being fair specimens. Polish were a great improvement on last year. Good Silvers and White-crested Blacks won in^ old birds. In chickens the second-prize pair were a smart pair of the latter colour, well shown. French were very good. We are told that these classes never have half justice done to them at the hands of reporters; we deny the charge in toto, and say they have their dues as much as any other breeds. The old Houdans were five pens in number, the first-prize pair very large birds and good in points ; but for second plac? we should have chosen the third- prize pen. Houdau chickens were good, but here the first-prize pair were deficient iu claws, and we shoul 1 have chosen out two or three better pens, though in carriage and symmetry the winning pen was good. We noticed here a great many bad combs upon otherwise perfect specimens. Iu old Cieves the wiuuers were good. The hen iu the first-prize pen very large and good ; second and third also good, the latter hen superior to the second. 392 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 28, 1875. we thon^lit. In chickens the first-prize pair were very good and capitally Bhown ; second and third also good pairs ; pullets again briug better than the cockerels. The Variety class was an afterthought, for it is numbered 34a, and did not appear in the first £chedules issued. Very smart Black Hamburghs won first and Eccond, and good Brown Leghorns third. Game Bayitams were good, and the winners well selected, the first- prize Pile chickens being really first-rate. In the other Bantam classes the Blacks were the best, though there was a nice pen of Laced among them, and Mr. Boissier's White-booted were good. Ducks were splendid, Aylesbnrys and Rouens both being well represented. The Variety Duck class was an extremely pretty one. "We noticed a very fine pen of Muscovies of Capt. Talbot, as good as we have seen for a long time, bat what can they do against the ornamental breeds ? Geese and Turkeys were good, the first-prize Black Norfolks of Lady Camden being very Urge, and the same pair we believe which won first at Tunbridge Wells a week or two back. The Pigeons were beautiful, and must have given the Judge much trouble. The cup for the best pen went to a good Red Pouter of Me. Yardley'a. The first-prize Black Carrier was grand in head and wattle, and well first. Antwerpa were a fine lot, making twenty-six pens. The winner was a Blue, very good in colour and stroDg in wing. Tumblers were beautiful, Mr. Baker's being a little gem. A pretty White won in Fans, second going to a charming Blue. The Variety class was a fine collection, a good White Jacobin first, second a lovely White Owl, third a fine Trumpeter. 459 {Vander Meerach) a capital Yellow Turbit; but the whole class was lovely, and every pen might well have been highly commended, and saved the Judge trouble when once he had picked out the winners. Babbits were a good collection. The cup went to Lops. The winner was a good Yellow, measuring 22A by -1} inches. An- goras and Himalayas made very good classes. In the Variety class a fine Belgian Hare won the first prize. The quality of the whole Show was good. Dorking?.— Co7owrf(i —1, R. Cheeeman. Westwell, Aehford. 2, J. Ivery and Sons, Dorkins- ^, F. Mav, Reigate Hill. Chickens.— 1 and Cup, E. Bice, Sandwich. ?, J. Taylor. Dorking. 3, P. Roffey, Betchworth, ftc, J. Taylor; H. A. Rigff, Sevenoaka (2). DoBKiNGS.— .S'lh-tT-Gr^l/.— 1 and 3, Withheld. 2, L. Wren, Lowestoft. Chickens. —1, F. Cheeeman. 2, E. W. Southwood, Fakenham. 3, A. Glover, East Grin- stead. DoBKiNGs.— TT'ftife.— 1, J. Ivery & Son. 2, Miss E. Williams, Henllya Berr^ew. 8, Withheld. Chickens.—l, A. Darby, Little Neas, Shrewsbnry. 2, A. Glover. 3, Miss K. Williams. Bhauma Pootbas —Dark.— I, H. Lingwood, Creeling. Needham Market. 2 and 8, T, F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount. St. Helen's, he, L. C. R- Norria. Trumpintrton, Cambridge. Chickens.— 1, H. Lingwood. 2. R. P. Periiival, Korthenden. 3, E. Haywood, Uckfield. he. Rev. J. P. Wright, Reigate (2) ; L. C. E. Norris ; Hr. H-'lmfS. c, N. Edghill, Frant. Bbahma \'ootsab.— Lioht.-I. R P. Percival. 2, J. Long. Bavenscroft. Bamet. 3, F. Haines, Edenbridse Chickens.— I, H. Stephens, Tunbridge Wells. 2, R. A. Boiat-ier, Penshur&t 3, Capt. W. Saville, Wye. he, G- Dowker, Stourmouth ; Capt. W. Savile; P. Haines, Palgrave; Rev. W. Pearce, West Horsley. Cochin-Chinas (Buft" or Cinnamon)—!, Mrs. A. De H. Christv. Edenbridge. 2, A. Darby. 3, R. P. Percival. Chickens.— i, A. Darby. 2. W. G. Waters. 3. G. Dowker. he, E. Rice ; A. H. Hunt, Rickmansworth ; H. Feast, Swansea ; Mrs. A. De H. Christy, c, H. J. Gunnell, Milton; E. Winwoad, The Grove, Worcester. Cochin-Chinas.— B/rtcfc.— 1, A. Darby. 2,G. W. Hibbert. Godley, Manchester. 3, A. A. Vander Meersch, Tooting. Chickens.—}, A. Darby. 2, Miaa E. Mansel, Cocmti-CmsAH.— WhUe —1 and Cup, R. P. Percival. 2.8, and he, Capt G. F. Talbot, Edenbridge. Chickens.— 1, R. A. Boissier. 2, A. F. Faulkner, Thrapstone. 3, Capt. G. F. Talbot. Hambdbghs. — Gold or Silver-spangled.—l, Robertshaw & Dean, Halifax. 2, H. Pickles, Earby. Leeds. 3, J. Long. Chickens.~l, J. Carr. Swansea. a, H. Pickles. 3, T. E. Jones, Wolverhampton, /if , Robertshaw & Dean; H. Feast. Hamburghs.— Go7rf or Silver-pencilled.— 1 .'RohertHhAVf & Dean. 2, J. Long. 8. H. Pickles. Chickens. ~l. G. Dowker. 2. C. W. Gibbs. Sutton Bridge. 3, C. Thompson, Uckfield. /ic, Robertshaw & Dean ; A.F.Faulkner; W. W. Tickuer, Ipswich; J. Carr. QMaE.—Black-breasicd Ecds.—l, E. Goodwin, Maidstone. 2 and 3, Withheld. Chickens.— }, F. Warde, Maidstone. 2. E. S. GodseU, Stroud. Game.— Brow iibred^tid Reds —1, J. Cock. St. John's. Worcester, 2, V. Sandford. Broagh'on, Upper Norwood. 3, F. Warde. Chickeyis —1, J. Cock. 2, F. Warde. 3. R. Osborn, Guildford, he. H. E. Martin, Fakenham. Game. — Any other viiriety.—\,G. H Fitz-71erbert, Sevenoaks. 2, E. Winwood. 3. Withheld. Chickcm.-\, G. H Fitz-Herbert 2, E. Rice. 8, E. Wiowood. Spanish— 1, J. Francis, Hildcnbom, 3, F. May. 2, Withheld. Chickens — 1 and2, J. Francif. 3. A. Darby c, H. Feast. Polish.— 1, H. Pickles. 2, J. Long. S A. Darby, he, A. & W. H. Silvester, Sheffield, c. G. J. Lenny, Lewes. Chickens.— I, G. J. Lenny. 2, T. Norwood, Salisbury. 3, H. Feast. HoDDANS- 1, W. O. Quibell, Newark. 2, J. W. Moyle, Bockenhani. 3,W. DriDg, Faver^bam. Chickens. — 1, Rev. W. Pearce. 2, Miss Woodham, Romsev. 3. M. Sandford, Martin, Dover, ft c, Miss E. Mansel ; Miss Woodham ; W. O. Qaibell; S. W. Thomas, Sketty, Swansea; W. Dring; R. J. Foster, Kingswood. Cheve-Ccedbs.— 1. W. R. Cutlack. jun., Littleport. 2. Mias A. Sharpe, Tun- bridge We'la. 3, W. Dring. he, H. Feast. Chickens.-\, Rev. J.G. B. Knight, Birstwith Vicarage. Ripley. 2. Miss A. Sharpe. 3, H. Stephens. Ant other Variety.— 1, H. Pickles. 2, J. Long. 3, A. Kitchin, Westerham. vhc, L G. Morrell. Riverhead. he, H. J. Gunnell. Bantams.— GdHit'.—L G. Evans, Worcesttr 2, E. W. Soutbwood. S, W. P. Marsh, Deal. 'if. Master M. V. Sandford, Martin, Dover; R. Ardagh, Worcester; A. J. Radfoid. Worcester; T. Itogers, Crouch Knd, Lcndi>n. Chickens.— \. F Warde. 2 and 3, V. Sandford. he. Master M. V. Sandford; E. W. Southwood. Bantams.— ^ny other variety, not Gani€—1, C. W. Gedney, Bromley. 2, A, and W. H. S'lvester. 3, J. Maza, Gloucester, he, R. A. Boissier; A. A, Vander Meersch. Chickens-i, C. W. Gedney. 2 and 3, Withheld. Selling Class.— Cocfc or Cockerel.— i,'MT3. A. De H. Christy. 2, G. Bentloy, Eiokmnnswnrth. 3, H. Stephens, c, A. Langridge, Cambridge ; H. J. Gunnel ; Iffra. A. De H. Christy ; A Glover, East Grinstead ; T. Marsh, Tunbridge Wells. Eem or Pull is —1, v. RoSev. e,G.Dowker. S.H.Stephens, ftc, Mrs. A.De H. Christy (4); E. Maoeel; Capt. G. F.Talbot; T. Marsh, c, Rev. J. P. Wright; H. J. Gunnell ; R Chcesman ; R. Shepherd, Tunbridge ; Mrs. A. De H. Chrialr (i!): T. Goodwin {2). DvcKs.—Aylesbury. -1 and 3, N. Edgbill. 2, W. Jacob, Shepherd swell. Dover. he. ^. Gulliver, Aylesbury, c, Capt. G F. Talbot. Rouen.— I. F. ''boe&man. 2, F. Warde. 3, J. K. Lawther, Tunbridge Wells, he. M. Sandford Any other vari£t}/.—\ and 2, A. & W. H. Silvester. 3, L. G Morrell. hr, L. G. M«»rrell; Capt. G. F. Talbot; A. Young, Barrow Green, Oxtei. c, W. R. Pratt, Oxford. Gek se,— 1, G. H. Fitz-Herbert. 2 and he. Marchioness Camden. 8, F. Haines. TcBKEVs.- 1, Marchioness Camden. 2 and 3, F. Warde. PIGEONS. Carriers. — Cock or Hen — 1. H M. Maynard, Holmewood. 2, J. Baker. 8, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham, vkc, T K. <;ucksey, Reigate : J. James, Bath, he, J. James; T. K. Cucksey; J, Chandler, c, S. Livermore; J, Chandler. Antwerps. — Homing.— Cock or Hen. — 1, F. Bartlett, Southampton. 2, G, Bentley. 3. J. Francis, vhc, W. S. Marsb ; W. G Flanagan, Re .ding, he, A. Chris'y (4); W R. Pratt, c, M. Sandford; A. Christv; W G. Flanagan. Pouters.— Cocfc or Hen— I. H. Yardley. 2 and 3, J. Baker, vhc, W. G. Flanagan ; G. Hollowav, jun , Stroud. TrsiBLERB.— Coc7c or Hen.—l and 2, J.Baker. 3, G. HoUoway, jun. ftc, W. R. Pratt ; A. & W. H. Svlvester (2t. Fastails.— Cocfc or Hen.— I and 2. J. Baktr. 3, H. M. Maynard. he, H. M. Maynard; L. G. Morrell; W. G. Flanagan; L. G, Morrell; A. A. Vander Meerech. A*JT OTHER VaR'Ett.— 1, A. A. Vander Meersch. 2 and 3. J. Baker, vhc, H. M. Mavnatd; A. & W. H.Sylvester (2); J.James; A A. Vandpr Meersch (2); J T. Herbert, Cleveland Street. London, he, A A. Vander Meerach (3); E. Durrant, Tunbridge Wells ; E. Goodwin ; J. T. Herbert (2) ; H. Yardley. RABBITS. Lop-eared.— Bucfe or Doe.—\ and 2, C. King, St. John's Wood. London. S, J. Barker, Louth he, R Sbeppard ; A. Stedman, Oxted '3| ; C. King. Bimalayan.-Bkc/c or Doe.— I, J. Barker. 2 and 3, G. W. Greenhill, Aahford. lie, R. A. Boiesier: J. E. Pilgrim. Hmokley. ^i\.YEii-GR^Y.—BuckorDoe.—l and 8, J. Quick, Seymour Place, London. 2, C. King, c, R. A. Boissier. Angora.— Cncfc or Doe —I and 2, W. J. Mariin, Wimbledon. 3, T. & E. J. Fell, Blackburn, he. R. A. Boissier. c, C. Chandler, E^ienbridge. An? other Varieti-.- iJiicfc or Doe.-l. G. P. & R Hackett, Belsize Park, London. 2. E. H. Mo33, North Ferriby, Brough. S, J. E. Pilgrim, he, Q. H. Robinson, Edenhurat; R.J.Foster. Judges — of Poult nj : Mr. Edward Hewitt, Sparkbrook, near Birmingham ; Mr. Richard Teebay, Fallwood, near Preston. Of Pigeons and Rahhits: Mr. George Billett, Southampton. MIDDLESBROUGH BIRD SHOW. The fifteenth annual Exhibition of Canarien, Mules, British Birds, ttc. (open to all Euelanrl), was held in the 0ikiug-up nearly one- fourth of the entire Show. Mules and British birds were very good. In Class 33 there were a Nightiupale and White Black- bird shown. The influx of visitors was not large, rain falliugon the Saturday. 371 birds were shown, somewhat more than at Darlington, but still the quality of birds generally was not better. Belgian —Cf^or or Marked Yelloir.—l and 2, J. Horn. 3, J. Moffatt. Norwich.— Cf^ar Joni<^s.—Jonque.—l and vhc, J. Athersuch. 2 and 3, J. Adams, he. M. Burt' n, ButT—1,2. and S, J. Adama. Variegated TcWnc or Buff.— 1,1^. Belk. 2. W. & C. Bumiston 8, Brown & Gayton. vhe, L. Belk, G. & J. Mackley, M. Burton, he, 3. Wilkinson. Yorkshire.— C^car Yellow.— \ and 2, J. Thackrey. B, .T. Wilkinson, vhe, Johnson & Uarston (2). he, G. Johnson, W. Lickley. Clear Buff.— I, 2, and 3, J. Thackrey. vhc, Johnson & Harston. G. Tamer (2), G. & J. Mackley. ftc,M. Corner. YoRKBUiBE.— Evenly-marked Yellow.— 1.2, and 3, J. Thackrey. vhc, h. Belk. he and c, J. Wilkinson. Evenly marked Buff— I and 2, J Thackrey. 3, R. Pearson, r/ic, J. Wilkinson, L. Belk. hc,U Hawman c. J. Wilkinson. YoitKsniRE.— r/ritfti or Unevenly-marked Yellow —1, R. Pearson. 2. Johnson and Har«ton. 3. J. Thackrey. vhc. J. & H. Garbutt. W &. C. Burniston. he, J.&. H. Garbutt, J. Wilkinson, c, J. & H. Garbutt. Ticked or Unerenly-marked 2j»lf._l, J. Thackrey. 2, Lancaster A Mellor. 3. Fawcett & Anderson Canary— Ci^flr Green —1 and 2. Armstronti & Redhead. 3, R. Ptarson. '^IvLKS.— Evenly-marked Goldtineh and Cdfiary.— 1 and 2. J. Stevens. 8, R. Hawman. r'ic andc, J. Horn, /if, S. Buntin;^ (2). Dark Goldfinch and Canary. —\ and H. Brown & Gayton 2, J. Stevens, he, J. Bexson. Linnet Mule, nearest Canaky.- 1, J. Stevens. 2, Lancaster & Mellor. 3, J Baxter. Mule.— Dnrfe Linnet aitd Canary.— }, J. Stevens. 2 and 8, Lancaster and Mellor. vhc, G. Cox ; T- lecniswood. he. J. Baxter. MuLKB— .Iny othei class —1, J. Baxter. 2, W. Carrick (Greenflnch Canary). 3, G. A. Watson (Goldfinch Mule). Goldfinch Moui ted.— 1, S. Bunting. 2, W. Batchelor. 3, Cleminson and Ellerton. vhc, H. Nevison. Brown Linnet.— Broirn.-l and 2, W. Carrick. 3, R. Hey. vhc, R. Pearson (2) ; \V. Carrick. he, J. Bage. Bl'li FINCH — 1. J. Rowland. 2, H. Nevison. 3,W. Carrick. Any oth'^r Variety of British Bird — 1, J. Hatton (NiRbtirpale). Extra 1, R. Humphrey (White Blackbird). 2, W. G Sniithson (Blackbird). 3, J. Green- tield (Starling), vhe, J. E. Barr (Mountain Fmcb), W. & C. Bumiaton. he, M. Burton. Selling CLAS9.—1. J. Stevens. 2, J. &H. Garbutt. 3. W. & C. Bumiaton. Ootolier 28, 1875. ] JOUfiNAL OP HORTIOULTUSE AND COTTAGE QABDENEK. 303 vhc, J. ThacVrey, Brown & Gayton. he, J. Adamg, J. Yeung, S. Stratford, Brnwn it Grtyti'ii, T. Tenniswond. c, J. Armstrong,'. Mr. Thftckeri^y n-on tho President's Can with tliirty-one points, and Messrs. aiaukley won Mr. Cuuucillor CollingwooiVs Cup, yninice twenty-nine points. Judge. — Mr. Blakston. OXFORD POULTRY SHOW. This Show opened on ■Wednesday and closes this evening. The quality is very pood, and most of tha classes contain mag- nificent birds. Tho j udging is in many cases hardly satisfactory, but we are able to state from actual knowledge that the greatest pains were taken by the Adjudicators. We give the poultry prize list, and next week will furnish a full and critical report of the whole Show. Prince Leopold's champion cup was won by Mr. Barnell with a grand pen of Silver Dorkings. DoEKiNGi".— Co!ourfii.~1 and S, Viscount Turn ur. 2, R. W. lifacliey. 4, F .8. Arkwriplit 1 lo al, J. Ue«. 2 local, H. Fiper. ftc, T. C. Burno 1. R. W. Beacbey. J. Wall cr, Eev. H. K. Hamilton, S. Newick, J. W'hito. c, O. E. Cresswpll, Couutpsa of Dartmouth, V. Caws. DoEKiNGS— SiJucr-firfj/.-i^up, '1'. C. Burnell. 5. F. Cliecsman. 8, O. E. Crcsswelt. 4, W. W. Kutlidee. 1 local, E. Woodford, i local, W. Bateman. he, W. W. EulliilKO c, S. Salter. l)oBKiNG9.-lF/ii(e— 1. Mrj. M. A. Hayno. 2, 0. E. Crcaswell. 8, Miss E. Williams. Itc, counters of Daitmonlh. DoRKiNns.— ^Hf' other variety.~\. K. Gamon. ?, Countess of Dartmouth. P, A. Clialwin. 1 local, J. T. K. Cantell. c, HH.Vouni;. Spanish—. E. .lackioo. 2. T. Moore. ?. W. Nottafje. I local, H.Johns. 2 local, E. Woodford, he, H. Wilkinson, J. Walkir, S. L. EdwarJS, W. Blower, c, Mrs. Allsopp, E. Winwoo ' Cochins.— Ciiijiamoii or Bujr,-I, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, Mrs. Allsopp. 3. A. Darbv. 1 loc^l, J. Gee. 2 loca'. W . R. Pratt, u/ic, Simpson & Dodd, Mrs. A. Tindal. he, w. i'. Smith, c, Mrs. Allsoup. CocniNa.-7'ar(ridi;c.— l.E Tudman. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. S.F.Bennett, he, R. P. Percivai, Mrs. A. Tiudal. G. Lamb. CocHis-s.-W(if A: -1. G. Forley. 2 and 3. A. Darby. CocnixB.— Any other varietij.—), Mrs A. Tindal. 2, J. K. Fowler. S, K. A. Boiesier. 2 local. J. W. Craddock. he, R. A. Boi-isier, A. F. Fanlkner. BatnMis.- iiarfc— 1, K. P. Percivai. 2. H. Lingwood. 3, Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamiltm. 4, Ncwnham & Manbv. Local Cap, K Harvey. 2 local, E. Ayrc. he. F. Bonnet, e. K. Pritchard. Hon. Miss D I'eonaut {U, W. Bitch. Braiimas.— Li(7J(f.-l, H. Chawner. ]un. 2, H. stipboiis 8. Hoiaee Lini^wood. 4, K. K. Horsfall. 1 and 2 local, C. Smith, vhc, S. Lucas, he, P. Haines, Capt. W. Savilic. c, Mri. S. Crook, G. W. Petter. a^NE.—Btaek-hreatted Bed -Cockerel— \, P. Weatacott. 2, G. Lucas. 3, S. Matthews. Local Cup and 2, R J. Pratt, he. G Smith. Pi((ii(.-1, T. P. Lyon. 2, Hon. and Rev. F Dutton. 3, G. Newdigate. 1 local, R, J Pratt. 2 local, W. R, Pratt, vhe, Hon. and Rev. F. Datton. he, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton, R. H. Tyte. e, Hon. and Rev F. Dutton. GAUE.—Broivn-breasted and other Ited^ —Coekercl.—l, S. Matthew. 2, T. Dyson. 8, .J. & E. Prince. 1 and 2 local. Miss Osborne, he, R Ashley, W. Pcrrin. G F. Ward, c, H Ashley, W. Grant. Pulht.—l, R Garnet 2, J. Peet. 8, S. Matthew. 1 local. Miss Osborn. 2 local, S. Field, vhe, R. Garnet, W. C. Philips, he. J, Nelson, H Lotan. J. Jeken, G. F. Wari. Gamr.— Jny other vdrUtii— Cockerel.— I, S. Matlhew. 2. 11. & W. Mason. 3, H. E. Martin. 1 and 2 local, W. R. Pratt, he, T. Hassall, H. Ecldon, .1. F. Walton, E. Bell. Pullci —1, 0. W. J. Thomas. 2, S. Matthew. 8, J. Goodwin. 1 local, W. R Pratt, iilic, ,T. Mason, lie, J. Forsyth, J.F.Walton, H. &W. Mason, G. F. Ward. HAMEURSiis.-GoWjJCnciHfii— 1, Duke of Sutherland. 2, 0. Judson. 3, W. Tickner. 1 local, J. T. K CasteU. 2 local. G. Newman, lie, O. E. Cresawell, J. Walker, W. Clavton, J. Dowken. Duke of Sutherland, e, H. Pickles. Hambdeohs — Siiiicr-jJfncilifrf.- 1. H. Pickles. 2. H. Beldon. 3, R. W. Brace- well, he, J. Sbepberd, T. Hanson, Duke of Sutherland. HiMBuRGFif.-(JoW«))nn9(fi(.— 1, Duke of Suiherland. 2. H. Beldon. 3, H. Pickles. 1 local, .1. ' alcntt. 2 local, F. J. Knott, he. J. Lone. HAMBDHGna. Silver-spangled.— \, H. Pickles. ?, H. Beldon. 8, Ast Ion and Booth. 1 local. J. Stodtlart 2 local. Miss Owen, /ic, T. Dean, S. W. Hallam, J. Carr, J. Lonu- c. .1 FieldioR. G. C. Holt. HAMBUROHS.-Bla'-fe-l, J. Pickup, jun. 2. Eev. W. Serjeanteon. 3. C. D. Farrar. 1 local, E. Woodford. 2 local, Miss A. Binney. he, H. Hoyle, Eev. W. Serjeanteon. J. Lonjj. c, H. Beldon Poland.— ii/acfc, u'itd lIVi ifc Crcs(a.—1, P. Unsworth. 2, T. Norwood. 8, A. Darbv. he, T. Edwirds. .J. Fearnley. PoLANDS —Any other variety.— I and 3. G. C. Adkins. ?, A. W. H. Silvester. he, H. Beldon. P. Unsworth. Miss P. Galloway, G. J. Lenny. HocDANS.- Cun, W. H Copplettono. 2, \V. o. Qnilje'l. 3 and 1 loca', R. Harvev. 4, R. B Wood. 2 local, G. Day. flic. W. Drinir. lie, R. Kyrke- Penson, R. J. Foster, Miss H. A. Woodham, W. O. Quibell, W. Dring, P. Hanson, G. Day, R. B. Wood, E. Handlev, C. Morris, c, J. H. Kaby. FRFNcn.— I. E. Burnell. 2. W. Drini;. 3. G. de Faje. vhe,R B.Wood, he. Rev. J. G. B. Knight (2), E. Burrell, W. Cutlack, jun , R. Uarnett, J. S. Maggs, H. Feaet. Malays —1. Miss A. Brooke. 2. W. B. Payne. 3, Rev. N. J. Ridley, lie, J. Hinton. G. Bnrnell, Capt. C. Terry. American Fowls.— iiroicn Lrghorns.-I.'B.. J. Foster. 2, A. Kitchen, 3, S. L. L. Bradburv. he, A Kitchin (41. J. Thorneley, F. S. Green. Ambrican Fo-wlb.- Any other variety —1 and I'ltc, E. Burnell, 2, A, Ward. 8, R. R. Fowler. Silkies.— 1, A Derby. 2, Mrs. J. T Holmes. 3, R. S. S. Woodgate. olic, E. 5. S. Woodgate. H. Stephens, he, O. E. Cresswell, J. N. Nicbolls. Any other Variety.- 1, T. A. Bond (Sultana). 2, H. J. Lonnon (Black Minorcas). 3, Miss C E. Palmer (Scotch Dumpies), he, O. E. Cresswell (White Guinea Fowl), H. Beldon, T. A. Bond (Sultans), J.Croote (Minorcas), H. Pickles, Game llANTAMS.-Bdici ^eifs- 1, R. Brownlie. 2,R.ArdOBh. 3, W. Adamg. he, J. Nelson, G. Maples, jun , G. Hall, e, E. Morgan. Game Bantams.— jBrou'ii and other Beds.—l, S. Beighton. 2, G. Hall. 3, J. Nelson. Game Bantams.— .4Hy other variety.— I, R. Brownlie. 2, F. Steel. 3, E. BrowiilJe. lie. J. Nelson, G. Hall. Bantams -Biaclt. Clean-lrgged.—l, W. H. Shackleton. 2, C. 4 J Illingworlh. 3, W. H Shackleton. iilic. Bower & Horsfall, G. S.Prentice, R. H. Ashton. lie, Pearson & Tavlor. G. W. Gedney, H. Beldon, E. Cambridge, e, C. Reed. Bantams —.S'(l)r)plii,—1, M. Leno. 2. J. W. Lloyd, vhe, E. Pritchard ; Rev. G. F. Uodson. he. Rev. F Tearle, J. W. Lloyd, M. Leno. e, J. Walker. Bantams.- Jjij/ other variety.— i, H. B. Smith. 2, T. Green. 8, E. Cam. bridge, he, R. A. Eoissier, T. Cropper, c, C. Judson, G. Ellis, S. Crooke, T. Cooper. DvcKB.—Aylisbitry.-l and 8. J. K. Fowler. 9, Mrs. A. Tindal. vhe, T. Kingsley: J. W'alker. he. T. Kingsley; J. Hedges, e, J. C. Fraaer, H. T. Sotham. Duehess of Marlborough, J. Rogers. Ducks— iloKin.- , J. Nelnon 2 and 3, J. Brookw^ll. vhe.'W. H. Copple- stone. he, J.Walker, J. Hey, E. Shaw, J. K. FowUr. c. Duchess of Marl, borough. DVQKS.-Bla:k East Indian— \, G. S. Sainsbnry. 2, J Walker. 3, J. W. Kelleway. vhe, G. S. Sainabury, E. T. Polham. he, J. W, Kelleway, Mrs, M. a. Hayne. T. Moore, W. Serjoantson. Ducks.— Caii.—l and 2, H. J. Bailey, lie, H. Beldon, DvcKS.— Any oVier variety.-l, H. B. Sini h. 2, M. Leno. 3, J. Walker. vhe, H. B. Smi'h, W. Boutchcr. he, F. F. Arkwright, H. B. Smith, C. Tcr/y, M. Leno. tDEASANTS— 1, M. Leuo. 2, Mrs. W. C. Drummond. 8, W. R. Pratt, vhc Mrs. Cross, he, W. R. Pratt, Mrs. W. ('. Drummond. Turkeys.— 1, W. Wykea. 2, Rev. N. J. Ridley. 3, IL J. Gunnell. vhc. Miss A Mayhew. he, J. Walker. Geese.— 1, R. R. Fowler. 2, J. Walker. 8, J. H. Nicbolls. I'/ic, R.R. Fowler, lie, Ductesa of Marlborough, J. Halt, c, T. Kingsley. The Judges were Messrs. E. Hewitt, Sparkbrook, Birming- ham ; R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston; P. H. Jones, Fulham; and F. Eequilant. THE HONEY SEASON. TuE honey season of 1875 being now over, I am in a position to state the results in this part of the country (East Lothian). The description given by some of your correspondents of the season in other counties applies equally to this. Though we had plenty of spring flowers the weather was such that the bees could not go out, and it was the beginning of May before they made any progress ; then they made a good start, and increased rapidly, so that swarms were obtained on the 17th of May in some cases. Then we had cold weather, and had to feed to keep up the breed- ing. This requires to be done judiciously, not to give too mnob, but just enough to keep tho queen laying eggs. The season still being unfavourable it became evident that if we wanted honey we must not increase our stocks, but keep them strong. Having fourteen I only increased to seventeen. I only took one super of clover honey, 21 lbs. weight, from a stock which did not swarm. They were sent to the heather on the 29th of July, and brought home on the 8th of September. The hives were in good condition with plenty of bees, and we ex- pected a good supply of honey. The heather was in good con- dition, but the weather was much against them. They had not more than ten good days for work, and as I had them all weighed before they were sent away and when they came back, I found the average weight of honey gathered was a little less than 21 lbs. each, the lightest being 9 lbs,, and the heaviest 39 lbs. This large increase, however, I must own was owing, as I suspect, to a neighbour's hive having swarmed and gone into it a few days after it went to the heather. It was in a Stewarton with two stock boxes and a super, and I had to add another stock box to give room. My other hives were Woodburys, ten, twelve, fourteen, and twenty-two bar frames, in wood and straw, and the common straw hives with flat tops. Though 21 lbs. is a good average, we did not obtain many well- finished supers. It seemed as if the queens had ceased breeding shortly after they went to the heather, when the honey was deposited in the breeding cells, and the supers were in many cases left empty. I had a twenty-two bar hive having two entrances, and in order to make sure of a super I filled two ten- bar Woodbury hives with the combs and bees, placed the one on the top of the other without an adapting-board, and ptit on a super. With the exception of the two outside bars which I kept out, which was fine clear honey, all the other combs were well filled with brood in all stages. I made sure of a well-filled super, but alas ! I was disappointed. Though 22 lbs. of honey were gathered — being 84 lbs. when I sent it away, and 106 lbs. when it returned — not above 4 lbs. were in the super. I removed the upper hive, driving out all the bees into the under one, and found it weighed 5Glbs. ; in fact, every comb was filled with honey, showing that breeding had ceased shortly after they reached the heather. We put little value on run honey here ; in fact, it cannot be sold at hardly any price; Qd. a-pound for the very finest is all that can be had, and it is not worth the trouble of running it for that price. So that our aim here is to have supers from 10 to 1.5 lbs. each at a time when Is. id. to Is. 6d. a-pound can be obtained for them. Large hives are not generally used here ; they have been often tried, but those who keep to the small straw hives are in most seasons successful in obtaining supers. A ten " bar Woodbury " is considered very large, but 1 must confess that we are on most occasions beat by the small skeps, 14 iuches wide find 8 inches deep. Aneighbour this year began with two stock hives ; he has now four hives, and took good G-lb. supers from the four, and plenty of honey to keep the stocks during winter, so that it is ab- surd 1o advise large skeps for every locality. I have no doubt that large hives are required in some places, but certainly not in all, as we have experienced for the last thirty years. We find they do as well in wood as in straw skeps. At one time I thought other- wise, but now, though I have still some straw Woodburys, X would not get any more; and aneighbour here, who keeps about one hundred hives in the season, has nearly all his made of wood, of octagon shape, 13) inches wide and 8 deep, inside measure. Though treated all in the same way, it has happened for two years that those in the wooden boxes have swarmed first and generally done better than those in the straw. By this experience I do not mean to assert that wood ia belter for bees 394 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I October 28, 1876. than Btraw; all I maintain is, that wood is ultimately the cheapest, and that they do as well in the one as in the other. Besides, when the wood becomes black and dirty in the inside we give them a coat of -vvhite-lead paint, and the bees take to it as well as to either clean wood or straw. I paint my straw Wood- bnrys as they get dirty in the inside, so that we really find that the bees are not so fastidious about their domicile as we would have them to be. My neighbour began with forty-eight stocks this spring, and increased to seventy; these he will reduce to about the same number by breaking up old skeps and destroying old queens, adding the bees of course to weak hives. His success this year has been much the same as my own, though he does not weigh them. Through an accident which prevented him following his occupation as a blacksmith he has taken to keep bees, but finds it a very precarious source of income, and no one can manage them better than he does. If the seasons were always favourable he might be more prosperous, but if money is to be made by bee keeping in other localities it certainly is not in this, and he often longs to be where those flourishing balance sheets are made up, where he would make a fortune in a few years, and being an enthusiast in bee-culture, wonders that any- one would continue iu any other occupation when so much can be made by keeping bees. Seeing the great advantage of a moveable bar hive, he would use no other were it not their first expense. I have just received and introduced two Ligarian queens which Mr. Neighbour sent me. I followed out the printed instructions Bent with them. After being enclosed in the cage for two days and two nights I took out the bar and allowed some of the bees to have access to the queen, when I found they would have killed her, although there were no eggs in the hive. The second one being tried in the same way the bees took to her at once, and she was allowed to go free among her new subjects. On the third day I again allowed the bees to have access to the first •queen, when they received her with joy.— Alex. SHEinEii. TVest Glamoboanshire AoRicuLTunAi, Society. — Its Poultry Show is on the 9th of December. The prizes are good. One class is unusual— for White Game. OUR LETTER BOX. HAMBnBGH Cock's Comb Shrh-elled (F. a. H.).— Give the bird a little ale and toast daily, and lub the comb with camphorated spiiit until he has fiuished mouItiDg. _ CocK-cnowiNG ( ).— We belicre the cocks that crov. least are the Dork- ings, Creve-Creurs, and Houdans. Cochins, Brahma's, and Game are the noisiest; the two first from their crows, the last from its persistence in challenginif. namhurgha are also very thrill and persistent. It may, how- ever, be borne in mind, that a cock by himeeK and out of hearing of any otlier does not crow much. Beahmas Dying on the Pencn (J. C.).— There can be but two causes for the death of your birds Either they pick np something that is poisonous, and the red combs would seem to contradict that, or they are too fat. We should incline to the latter opinion, especially as you say they were laying. In straining to get rid of the egi? thej become apoplectic. It is more than likely they are over-fed. In all cases you can find by handling whether they are egg-bound or not. If they are. dip a wiog feather in oil, ani pass it (icntty down the egg passage till it touches the egt'. and lubricate it thoroughly. It will be laid and the bird relieved. Feed a« follows— barlev meal or ground oats slaked night and morning; some whole corn in the middle of the day. and nothing else. Feed only fs long as the fowls will run after the food. Your May putlets should Uy next month. The cock was suffering from stoppage or from a slight injury in the back. ° Cost of Povltry Feeding [Mny, BiiHiji).— The food to be given to fowls depends on the nature of their run. It they have a grass run, and access to a stable dung heap, they want less food than when they are either in conhne- ment or shut out from the opportunities of fiodiDg natural food. If fowls have nothing but that which is given to them, they should have three ircila per day. We believe both for health and economy ground food is better than whole corn. They should then have a meal every morning and evening of bar'.eymeal or ground oats slaked with water. This should be thrown down in small pieces, and given only as long as they run greedily after it. The mid- day meal may be whole corn, or house, tabic and kitchen scraps. Where the greatest economy is looked for there must be no wast-i, and every mouthful of food left on the ground is waste. Tho cost of keeping birds is governed by the condition in which they are when tho experiment is begun. It they are 11 foil flesh and condition their appetites will be moderate. If they have been kept on short commons they will eat voraciously at first. If you wish to keep them economically you m ii ea Hygrome- H ^ . Shade Tem. Radiation a 3sP ter. So HO« perature. Temperature. a Oct. Dry. ] Wet. Max. Min. In sun. On grass Inches, deg deg. deg. deg deg. deg. deg. In. We. 20 29.477 49 5 490 E. to.o 51.8 43.2 52.J 4R.0 0.720 Th. 21 S96G3 515 53 2 S. 60 3 60.3 48,2 85.8 44 0 0 260 Fri. 2i 29 551 54 0 62 3 50 6 57.S 45 1 71.9 40.7 0.062 Sat. 23 29 351) 49.7 49 7 E. 500 60.8 41.2 54 9 S8 6 0,251 Sun.24 29.976 50.2 47.5 N. 48 8 64.1 412 85.8 421 — Mo. 25 30.'.!05 43 0 41.'2 N.E. 49 5 51.5 S5 3 C9.0 33.3 — Tu. '20 SO.lSl 457 4J,2 S.E. 47.8 51.6 37.8 83.3 33,3 0.169 Means 29.752 49.S 47.9 49 6 53 9 43.0 72 0 40.0 1.462 REMARKS. 20th. — A thoroii;?bly wet day from early marniDg to midaisht. 21st. — Beautifully liae till 2 p m., then cloudy; Jightoiog at 3 30 and thunder at 3.45 I'.ii., heavy rain afterwards; but iioe night. S2nd. — Hazy eaily, but Cue by 8 30 A.ii. and till 1 p.m., then showery; but fine night. 23rd. — Fair, but cloudy esirly, and after 9 A.3r. showery all day; rather less si at night. S4th. — Fine and pleasant all day, particularly bright in the middle of the day. 25th. — Fair, though rather cold in the morning; very fine and pleasant al day. 26th.— Another fioe and agreeable day, but not quite so bright as the pre- ceding one; rain in evening. Tho first four days wet and uncomfortable, the last three fine. Average temperaturo nearly the same as the previous week, bat falling during the last day.— G. J. Symoks. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 27. The market is still heavily pupplied with all classes of goods, both English and foreign, and with a slow trtide prices do not improve. Some good speci- meoB of Salway Peaches are now to be procured, and are making remunerative prices, nothuuse Grapes aro feeling the effect of the late wet weather, large quantities haviug been cut duriug the past week, whilst some good samples are still comiug fr^m Jer,-*ey. Pears consist of Mane Louise, Calebaase CJrosso, and Duchesse d'AugouK-me, Gluu Mori;eau, aud Leurrc Diel. The first cargo of St. Michael autumn Orauges has just been sold, as also some Pines, bo that a regular supply of both may now he expected. Kent Cobs and Filberta are experiencing a decline, owing to a better supjily and the reluctance of buyerd to purchase till a lower figure is quoted. Apples h Bieva l Apricots dozen 0 Cherriea lb. 0 (IhPBtnulB bushel 0 Currants i sieve U Black do. 0 Figs dozen 0 Filberta lb. 0 Cobs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 1 Lemons ^100 8 Melons each 1 ol 6 Mulberries lb. 0 0 0 I Necrarines dozen 0 0 u Oranges 1*100 12 0 0 Peaches dozen 6 0 0 Pears, kitchen.,., d^jzen 0 0 0 desnert dozen 1 0 0 Pine Apples lb, 4 0 9 Plnms | sieve 1 0 9 Quinces dozen 1 0 0 Kaspberries lb. 0 5 0 Strawberries lb. 0 12 0 Walnuts baehel 4 6 0 ditto I^-IOO 1 VEGETABLES, Artichokes Asparagus French Beans, Kidney., . Broad Bfct, Red Brucco'i Brussela Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Capsicums Canliilower Celery Coleworts.. dnz. b Cueurnbcrs.. pickling. Endive Fennel Garlio Herbs .y, 313 era dish dozen V H'O bundle t sievo j sieve . dozen buuOle j sieve dozen . bunch *^10J , dozen bundle uuches each . dozen dozen buDch ... lb. bunch bundle ^. 8. d. 0 to 6 U , 0 ' 0 ! 6 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 6 0 S 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce dozen Mushrooms i)0tlle Mustard & Crese punnet Onions Lubht-l pickling quart Parsley.... doz. bunches Parsnips dozfn Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes., doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Sala>iry bundle Scorzonera bundle Seakale b^iekct Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes dozen Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dos. d. B. d. 4 too 0 6 1 November i, 1875. ] JOURNAL" OP HOKTICOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 395 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Average Clock Dav ol of NOVEMBEE 4-10, 1875. Temperature near Sets. Age. atler ol Month Week. London. Sun. Year. Day. NiKht. Mean. m. h. m. h. m. b. m. h. Davs. m. B. 4 Th 52.1 88.6 44 3 Iat7 26 at 4 22 af 1 19 af B 6 16 18 808 5 F 629 S7.2 45 0 8 7 25 4 49 1 81 9 7 16 17 809 6 S Camerarius born, 1534 624 869 44.7 6 7 23 4 9 2 t2 10 J) 16 14 810 7 Sos 21 Sdnday after Tbinitt. 62.1 86.7 444 6 7 21 4 24 2 1 morn. 9 16 11 311 8 M 52.0 843 43.1 8 7 20 4 87 2 12 0 10 16 7 812 9 To Prtncr of Wales born, 1841. 60.5 83 8 42.2 10 7 18 4 48 2 S3 1 11 16 2 818 10 W Koyal Horticuitural Society — Fruit and Chrysantho- [ mum Show. 50.4 84 0 42.2 12 7 IG 4 3 0 D5 2 12 16 D6 814 From observations taken near London during forty-throo years, the avera^'o day temperature of the weelc is 51.8^: and its niizht temperatore 35.6». 1 MANURE AS A SURFACE DRESSING. R. LUCKHURST has, on page 87, opened an interesting question, and in advocating the applying manure to the surface of tlie ground has well sustained his position. Ho has told us not only that the practice is good, hut why it is good, which is the best of all modes of teaching. I do not propose to ooneider the theory of the pi'o- ceeding, but will confine myself mainly to my practice and observation, confirmatory of what Mr. Luckhurst has so well said on the point. In a village ia the north of England a cottager lived until recently who was generally known as an " old cure" — that is a popular name adopted to point out that iin individual has peculiarities too numerous to be other- wise laconically described. One of the peculiarities of this " old cure " was his mode of manuring his g.ardcn aud planting his Potatoes. His plot was half an acre in extent, and for fifty years and more half of it was occu- pied with Wheat and half with Potatoes, on the alternate system. His system of planting Potatoes was to select large tubers and cut them, and to plant each set with the cut side uppermost. His mode of applying manure was to spread the whole of it on the surface after his Wheat was sown and his Potatoes were planted. Year after year he was laughed at, argued with, and advised, but nothing could move him from his plan. Much might be said, and was said, against the soundness of the system — the Potatoes would " go blind," and the manure be " wasted in the air ;" but in the end no one could gainsay the fact that not any of his neighbours had better crops than he had. For half a century he did not change his mode of cropping, and applied every particle of manure on the surface after planting, and he left that land as good as he found it. Of that man and his practice were many dif- ferences of opiuioH, but on two points all were agreed — viz., that his crops were good, and that he was an " old cui-e." The manure I ought to say was rotted, and did not interfere with the work of hoeing and land- cleaning. Another instance : A cottager, a very near relation of mine — I will not call him an " old cure," but I daresay some people might — was noted for his good garden crops. His plan was to spread the manure on the ground in the -winter when in a green, long, unrotted state. By the spring its soluble constituents were washed away, and the surface was covered with littery refuse. On a suitable xlay this was loosened with a rake, and was set fire to on the wind side to give, as he said, the land a " swinge." Better crops of Potatoes I have never seen than were produced on that man's land. I knew it for twenty years, and to this day he ig remembered by his neighbours as having been the " best gardener in the place." He at- tributed great importance to the "swinge" (scorch), and on this point let anyone try it who may — spread any- thing over the surface and burn it, and I care not what No. 762.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeies. crop is afterwards planted, that crop will be benefited by the surface-scorching. Further : In the garden where I was apprenticed the gi-eatest trouble the gardener had to contend with was his failing crop of Raspberries. The plantation was dug aud dunged, aud first one manure was tried and then another, but the crop did not satisfy. It was at length determined to procure fresh canes for a new plantation. " Not another bit o' muck should be dug into the old bed, but it might take its chance for a year or two " until the new canes were profitable. That was the verdict passed on the profitless Raspberry quarter. It did "take its chance," recovered, and for ten years yielded profitable crops of fruit. It was never dug afterwards, but manure was applied to the surface. That lesson I have turned to account. For fifteen years I have been responsible for the fruit supply of gentlemen's gardens, and have never dug amongst the Rasps, and never failed to gather abun- dant crops. Manure has always been applied on the surface. Ten years ago I took the charge of a garden. It was a light soil in a dry district. The Black Currants appeared to bo, as the owner said, " on their last legs." They were at the least twenty years old aud produced trashy fi-uit. They had been regularly dug amongst and manured. The digging was omitted, but not the manuring, and every alternate row was chopped nearly to the ground with the billhook. These stumps pushed fresh shoots, and in two years the rest were cut down. The same trees are now bearing heavily as fine fruit as need be grown. They have never failed, and have never had the spade or fork amongst them, but have been top-dressed with soil and manure. I fii-mly believe that under simDar treatment Black Currants will continue to bear satis- factorily for fifty years ; those trees are thirty years old and are better than ever. The same practice I have always followed — that is, never digging, but applying manure on the surface — with Gooseberries and Straw- berries, and with the same good results. I found by actual trial that it was the best plan for a dry district and a light soil, and therefore, like the " old cure," I have adhered to it with unvarying success. But what about vegetables ? Well, to every crop, with- out exception, I have found the application of the manure to the surface during the growing season the most pro- fitable mode of applying it — in fact, without following out the plan I never could have given the satisfaction which I have given in providing an unbroken supply of garden produce over a series of years. Broccoli ! why, to dig- in manure for this crop I hold to be absolute waste. What does it do ? It fosters a sappy stem and flabby leaves for the frost to penetrate. I have always planted this crop thinly in hard unmanured ground, and have trusted to the rains of autumn to give the plants all the support they need before winter. When frost arrives then have I covered the surface thoroughly, and the benefit of that manure is not spent in growing succulent plants for the frost to kill, but in perfecting sweet fine heads for table use. The time will come when all grower. No. 1114,— Vol. LlV., Old Series. 396 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULT0BE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ November 4, 1876, of Broccoli will work on that principle as being the most rational, cfrtain, and profitable. Mr. Luckhnrst baa alBo mentioned the benefit of Burface- manuriug when applied to the Vine border. I can also speak nneqnivocally in favour of the practice. Other growers can, and some do, grow good crops of Grapes without it, bnt I cannot. I can with it, and I regard it as ujy most effective aid in the production of heavy crops of fruit. Further than that, I have had the privilege of seeing the works of better growers than myself, and I have noticed that the best of them are decidedly in favour of rich surface-dressings. My plain remarks have run to a greater length than I had intended, but possibly the incidents of practice which I have mentioned may stimulate others to adopt the same practice — that is, if they have failed with any crops before, and they fancy their failure is attributable to excessive digging and undue exposure of the suiface of the soil, and especially in dry weather. In penning these lines I wish to say that I am no enthusiast. If, without the practice here narrated the results are satis- factory I advise no change ; it is only when an old plan fails that I suggest the trial of a new one. — Eadical Conseetative. THE EOSE SEASON OF 1675. A RETROSPECT. Taking it altogether I do not remember a more disappointing Beason than that which we have just passed through. The bright prospects of the early part of the year were all dimmed by the dry May and June, and the wet weather at the end of June, and the terrible July ! How (I speak of Kent) lovely our meadows looked in March, with a prospect of a fine hay crop ! But then came weeks and weeks of dry parching wind, and hay is now double the price it was last year. Our Wheat and other cereals were most promising, but the ungenial weather ruined our prospects, and Wheat was rarely ever worse in quality or quantity than about us. Our orchards were a mass of beauty, Cherry trees were especially laden with frnit ; but the wet of July caused them to split and crack so that they were not worth gathering, and rotted in quantities on the trees ; and lastly, the great crop of our county (Hops) was at one time a Tery picture of beauty, but hundreds of acres have never been picked, so completely had they gone off ; and if there be ex- ceptions to the general failure it is in Nuts, Apples, and the " Turmits" and green crops generally. Turning to our gardens, there has been much the same story to tell. It was not until the latter part of August that bedding- out was really effective ; our small fruits suffered terribly with the wet of the latter end of June and July, and the same causes militated against the Koses. A fair promise was nipped in the bud, and Rose-growers had to mourn over hundreds of blooms which never opened, but were gummed together by the rain, and hence what at one time we were inclined to look upon as the finest Rose season we should have had for some years came at last to be, as in other things, a comparative failure. I say comparative — doubtless we all had fine Roses, but we had also a bloom which lasted but a short time, and which was much diminished in quantity by the rain. I had the opportunity as judge of visiting most of the great Rose shows, beginning at Exeter on the 18th of June. I was at the Alexandra Park, Crystal Palace, Wisbeaoh, Spalding, Tonbridge Wells, and Chipping Norton, and the autumn shows of the Metropolitan Floral Society and Stamford. I could not (and, indeed, should not have cared to) go to Birmingham, I was not at Nottingham or Hereford ; but with these exceptions I have, it will be seen, been present at most of the Rose tourna- ments of the season, and should like to record a few things which have struck me as worthy of note. In the first place I would gladly record the great and in- creasing interest taken in the Rose. It is not merely that one finds the giants of the ring entering into the contest with keenness and ardour, but that the number of those who are "putting on the gloves" is yearly increasing. Some are coming to the front at what we may call our great national exhibitions, while at the provincial shows amateurs exhibit in a manner which some years ago would never have been dreamt of, and in a way which would make them formidable opponents in a more extended field ; while the observations made by bystanders clearly fhow that it is with no idle meaningless curiosity they scan the stands and take their notes, but with an intelligent interest and desire to increase their already promising collections, and this is, of itself, sufficient to show the value of our exhibitions. They afford a meeting-place for those interested in the queen of flowers, and hundreds of orders go to growers which but for these exhibitions would never have been sent, and it is for this reason I deplore that the Royal Horticultural Society has abandoned its Rose show for 1870. In the next place I think the past season has been singularly barren in the production of any new Roses of great merit. A few have come to the front, but only a few ; and when one surveys the long list of French Roses with their magnificent promises and their tmall performance, one cannot but be struck with the great contrast. MacUmoisclle Marie Cointet as exhibited at the Crystal Palaoa by Mr. Bennett of Salisbury was indeed a grand Rose ; the brilliancy of colour — a deep carmine pink, its size, and apparent constancy were qualities which, if it be a good grower, promises fairly to make it a favourite Rose. Like others it has been missed in the great rank of foreign Roses ; but now it will doubtless be found in all collections and in most of the stands of next year's shows. Miidajne Lacliarme. — I was rated soundly for praising thia Rose, yet who that saw the stands of it exhibited at the Alex- andra Park and Crystal Palace could refuse to assign to it a. high place? Let it be borne in mind, too, that this was an exceptionally bad season for light Rjses. As its habit of growth is so very dense it is better to cut out some of the shoots, leaving three or four only on each plant, and by this finer and better blooms will be produced. Cajiitaine Cliristy, heralded as a fine Rose, has not been up to the mark, and I have seen but very few good blooms of it ; but, again, the season has had something to say to it, for Mons. Noman and such-like Roses have not been at all good. The habit of the plant is good. There are many other French Roses, such as Antoine Mouton, Comtesse de Serenye, Ingenieur Madi'le, &c., of which much has been said, but they have not been brought to the exhibition-table in such form as to enable one to say much about them. I now come to English-raised Roses, of which several have been exhibited in fine condition. Duchess of Edinburgh (Bennett). — This has shared the same' fate as most flowers of the same colour — pale pink with darker centre, and I have hardly seen one bloom in condition. I had one plant of it in my own garden, but its blooms were unable to open themselves on account of the wet. Duchess of Edinhurgli (Veitch). — Not, I believe, an English- raised Rose, though sent out by an EngUsh firm. It was said to be a Tea, but I fail to see in it anything more than a China % and it is, as far as I can judge, simply an improved Cramoisie Supurieure. Sir Garnet Wolseley (Cranston). — I have seen some very grand blooms of this product of the King's Acre Nurseries. It is large, of good form and colour ; and as the habit is vigorous it will be, I have no doubt, a favourite. The Shah (Paul & Son).— A clear bright red, beautiful in form, not very large, and suitable for the front row in an exhibition stand. Wilson Saunders (Paul & Son). — A very vivid crimson rose. Petals very large, shape good, habit vigorous, and altogether a Rose that will well maintain the reputation of this old-esta- blished Rose firm. liev. J. B. HI. Camm (Turner).— Quite a novelty. Wonderful shell-like form and beautifully imbricated ; remarkable, too, as being one of the most delicately scented Roses that we have — quite the perfume of the old Cabbage. Letty Coles (Keynes). — This is a very beautiful Tea Rose, a pink Mademoiselle Willermoz, retaining the form and sub- stance of that fine flower, but of a beautiful bright pink colour. The third matter that struck me was the great superiority of the seedling Briar as a stock for late exhibition Roses. Whatever may be the opinion entertained as to its merits for Roses in the height of the season, I have no hesitation in saying that nowhere have I seen such Roses as it produces for autumnal blooms. One fact is worth a hundred arguments j and when I was urging on one of our largest exhibitors to exhibit Roses at the Metropolitan Floral Society's show on August 21th, his reply was, " Mine are all over, and Prince is sure to be then in great force." Those who intend to compete at autumnal shows would do well to have a supply of Roses budded on this stock. My paper has run to my usual length, and I must therefore November 4, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. .397 close, and may perhaps have some further remarks to make by-and-by. — D., D,uil. CLAPFS FAVOURITE PEAR. Five years ago I had sent me a tree with this name, and not knowing it, and the "Fruit Manual" in its last and larger form (replete as it is with very accurate descriptions of the best and most useful varieties of fruit trees, and a very valu- able list of synonyms) not including it, I was content to hear with it until this year, when it fruited for the first time. It was sent to me as an " American Paar, early, and of high ■excellence." The tree is of free vigorous growth with mag- nificent large healthy foliage, very similar to that fine early autumn Pear Beurrc/ d'Amanlis. The fruit is large, oblong- pyramidal, very even in its outline, 1 to 5 inches in lengtla, and 21 to :! inches wide; eye open with spreading segments, -3et in a shallow basin ; stalk long, rather stout and curving, inserted in a shallow cavity or with slight depression ; skin deep yellowish green, highly reddish-brown on the side next the sun, and when ripe is very beautiful. The flesh is whitish, tender, melting, and juicy, with a sweet, rich, slightly perfumed flavour. Ripe September 10th, 1875, Jargonelle being ripe ■September 3rd. Mr. Rivers states in his catalogue of fruits that it was ripe August 20th, 1875, or a difference of twenty days ; but then there is the difference in climate to be taken into account. High (over .'iOO feet above sea level), and expo?ed on the north-east coast of the North Riding of York, considerable difference in time of ripening between here and Herts may be expected ; in fact, Pears are generally late in ripening here. For instance. Summer Doyennu (Doyenne d'Etu) ripened this year on August llth, and last year on September 9th; Jargo- nelle this year ripe September i?rd, last year September 25th ; Bearru Giffard this year September IGtb, last year September 23rd; Benrre d'Amanlis this year September 21th, last year October 8th ; Williams' Bon Chritien this year September :25th, last year October 12th ; and Louise Bonne of Jersey and Comte de Lamy ripened on October 11th, which last, though a small Pear or only medium-sized, is very delicious, and does well as a i^ramid on the Quince. So delicious, indeed, is Comto de Lamy that it is a fitting prelude to Seckle, which succeeds it, and is the richest of all, and a prodigious bearer as a pyramid. The tree of Clapp's Favourite is planted at an angle of a wall and upright, part of the branches being trained to a south- west, and the others to a west wall or aspect, and the tree is on the Pear stock. It surpasses Jargonelle in appearance, and it, or any other Pear up to Williams' Bon Chn'-tien, in quality, combined with size ; it will become a favourite generally with Pear-growers, as it no doubt is, or was, with tlie one whose name it takes. Of autumn and early winter Pears we have a goodly number ; additions are wanted in the early summer and late winter kinds, and among the first of those desiderata must be placed Clapp's Favourite. Can yon tell me what Jules d'Airolles is considered to be ? Is it synonymous with Liren d' AiroUes ? [ They are synonymous. J It is very handsome in appearance, not unlike Napoleon, but larger and longer, and very much brighter on the side next the ■snu. — G. Abbey. LILY OF THE VALLEY FORCING. No class of plant can be more enjoyable during the dull winter months than the Lily of the Valley, but it must then lis forced. Single crowns are greatly to be preferred to im- ported clumps ; for when clumps are used you have very few flowers, and these are very inferior to those produced from single crowns. When single crowns are used you have the bloom equally all over the pot, and the spikes of bloom are •very fine, and they will well repay the little extra cost, for I have known them to realise at Christmas from 10.;. to 15s. per pot in Covent Garden Market. Seventeen crowns are the general number used in 48-sized pots. They should be placed at equal distances apart. Cut the roots off to within 2 inches of the crown, and pot them very firmly in any kind of soil, for they will not make any root. Care must be taken to keep the crown above the soil, as it will make quite a week's difference in forcing, for if placed under the soil the plants come irre- gularly. Place them in a cold frame, and cover them over with cocoa-nut fibre to swell the crowns. Care must be taken not to over-water them, for that causes them to rot off. Bring them on gradually into heat, and keep the fibre over them till the crowns burst, and then plunge them in bottom heat in a close frame of about DO". The Lily of the Valley will stand any amount of bottom heat. You can bring the plants into bloom in a fortnight, but you will only have flowers and very little foliage, and they look (|uite as bad without foliage as with- out bloom. But where bloom only is required it is best to force them quickly, as the bloom is then produced much earlier. — A. Y. GRAPES AT THE EDINBURGH SHOW. I CANNOT go the length of supporting a public testimonial to Mr. Dickson, as " A. K." proposes, though I should be glad to hear his ability and success were recognised by the Royal Hor- ticultural Society — or the " CUedonian," for instance (!) ; but if he fails to obtain redress from the Edinburgh Society, or rather to get an investigation instituted, I shall be pleased, as an English gardener who is wholly disinterested in the matter and entirely unacquainted with either party, to sub- scribe my mite to any decided legal action he may be disposed to take in the matter. If, as stated in the letters furnished by Mr. Dickson, the two footstalks of Mr. Curror's cluster were between 2 and 3 inches apart, it can be no hair-splitting problem as to whether it was two bunches or not; they might as well have been cut from different limbs. As to what is a bunch of Grapes, I have my doubts about a fasciated footstalk constituting a legitimate bunch, as I have doubts of fasciated Cucumbers — i e., two adhering together, constit'itingone fruit ; but when the bunches come to be the length of one's finger apart there are no subtleties in the question. — A Gbape-Geoweb. Mr. Dickson by implication brings a charge of either inca- pacity or dishonesty against the Judges, and in his letter of the 23rd of September he complains of the conduct of the managers of the Show because he could not commit them to a like imprudence. They knew that they had selected men as judges who had European reputations for both skill and in- tegrity, and to have asked such men to go over their work again in Mr. Dickson's presence that he might see whether their decisions were reliable or not, would have been offering them an insult which every man of them would have repelled with indignation ; and because a sense of honour on the part of the managers protected them from such a disgraceful step Mr. Dickson writes, " This seems very strange procedure, and I leave the public to judge from the facte." Mr. Dickson and those who sympathise with him seem to be under the impression that during the time the buuchea were being weighed others than those who had a right to be present were there while he was excluded. This was not so. Dr. Hogg, Mr. Moore of Chelsea, and myself were present as the trustees of the Veitch Memorial Fund, awarding the prizes and medals from that source to the object for which they were offered, and happened to be in the neighbourhood of the two large bunches when they were about to be weighed ; Mr. Curror's bunch being close to where I stood, I and my son, who was acting as clerk to the Judges, stepped forward to remove it from the board. I found the bunch attached wholly by one stem to the lateral on which it grew, and not by two, as soma writers, who, from the position in which it lay, must have had an imperfect opportunity of observing, else they never could have made the statement that it was attached by two stems. I examined this single stem carefully to satisfy myself that it was hard and fibry enough to admit of a piece of cord my son had in his hand being put round it to form a loop by which to hang it on the hooks of the balance that was to weigh it. This done I lifted it clear off the board with the T piece of wood in my hand and the single stem between my fingers, and held it till it was suspended at the end of the balance, while 20 lbs. made up of various weights were at the other. It turned the scale with that weight against it, and 1 oz. was added. This was its exact weight. It had only lost 3 ozs. of the weight rendered by Mr. Curror during the twenty-four hours it had been cut, the greater part of which time it had been in a hot dry room. When this was noted there was a slight cheer, led I think by Mr. Rust of Eridge Castle, near Tunbridge, by way of marking his sense of the honesty displayed by its exhibitor, of whose very existence he had till that moment no knowledge. I removed the bunch from the beam, and replaced it on the board. While this was being done Mr. Dell of Stoke Eochford, one of tie Judges, with some one assisting him, removed Mr. 398 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTOKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 4, 1875. Dickson's bnncb, and placed it in like manner, -when it was found that with the ounce weight removed it would not balance the 26 lbs. ; 1 lb. was then removed, and according to my recollection 10 ozs. added, and not 15 oza. as some have ■written. When it was thus discovered that Mr. Dickson was vanquished there was no cheering or manifestation of feeling of any sort, and Mr. Dickson may rest assured that there was no animus against him in any form whatever, but a hope that further effort would lead him to regain the position he once held of being the grower of the heaviest bunch on record. It is true Mr. Dickson's bunch is said by him to have ■weighed 26 lbs. 8 ozs. when weighed at home, and while it was unfortunate for him that it lost so much weifjht on the way, the Judges had nothing to do with that ; their duty was to de- cide according to the evidence placed before them. When these large bunches were placed in the exhibition room Mr. Dickson's was not nearly eo compact and well-formed a bunch as Mr. Curror's, and required a great many more strings to keep it in position than the other ; but until the Judges were done with it there was no evidence that it had suffered in any ■way, and I saw it replaced on the board and put back beside the other on the marble slab in front of the mirror in good condition. In the position they were thus placed in no one could see the stem of Jlr. Curror's bunch without getting upon or over a bench of fruit that stood in front of the marble slab referred to, and I fear many observers came to the conclusion that the bunch was two and not one, on no better evidence than the shape of the bunch. I was most careful in examining both bunches under this head, having been one of the Judges that awarded the prize to Mr. Hunter's great Hamburgh bunch at Belfast, where the same plea was set up after the bunch was removed, but not before. On that occasion, as on the recent one, the bunch was a single one attached to the lateral by one single homo- geneous stem. I had written this far when the Journal was handed to me, where I note that you have closed the corre.spondence about this matter. I, however, hope that as my object is to explain what really was the state of the cise, and this from the very best means of observation, that you will insert what I have written; pressing engagements and absence from home pre- vented my doing it earlier. — W. Thomson, Tweed Vineyard. A STANDARD MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLOEA. This grand plant we usually find trained against walls with a south aspect, ■where its large, bright green, glossy foliage Is pleasing all the year round, and during late-summer months its value as a decorative plant is greatly enhanced by its large white fragrant flowers. It is very rarely that we see it grown either as a bush or pyramid, yet I feel confident there are many sheltered nooks in the south of England where, if so grown and treated kindly, it would do well. In the north no doubt it would be impracticable. We have a standard pyramid growing in the open flower garden here which has attained the height of 26 feet, with branches covering a circle 12 feet in diameter. It has a clean bole 3 feet in length, which at 1 foot from the ground has a girth of 21 inches. It is true the habit of the plant is some- what straggling, nevertheless it is very much admired by all who see it, more especially when in bloom, and this grand plant is very rarely without bloom from the early part of July until frost arrives. The foliage being so much larger than other evergreens it makes a very striking object, even in the dull months of winter. This plant speaks volumes in favour of the mildness of the climate of Clevedon, which, by the way, is rapidly becoming one of the most fashionable watering places of the west. — Thos. Foote, Gardener, Clevedon Court, Somerset. wonder they are not more grown than they are, being of easy culture and can be dried-off and stored away for nearly hall the year, giving next to no trouble. To keep them Biiccessfnlly when at rest the Caladium should not be subject to a lower temperature than 60'. — D. Thomson (in Tlie Gardener). CALADIUM ARGTRITES AND GESNEKA CINNABARINA. About the prettiest and most effective arrangement possible with two plants, is to form a row of these, plant about. The rich velvety crimson foliage of the Gesnera brings out the striking beauty of this the most beautiful and useful of all Caladiums, aud vice versa. They are two of the most useful and effective decorative plants that can be grovra, and it is a OLLA PODRIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUR.— No. (J. In my last I left off at the Like of Lucerne, from there we returned ii" Basle to Paris. There was not much in a tedious journey between Basle. and Paris of fourteen hours' duratioa to interest any of your readers in a horticultural point of view. One thing that struck me was the immense quantity of Cherry trees that were grown in part of the district that we passed through which were laden with fruit. I believe a great many of these Cherries are grown for the sake of making liqueurs of their kernels. Some of the trees were very beautiful — the fruit of that brilliant red just before approaching to ripeness ; and it showed pretty clearly how free the country was from small birds of all kinds that such quantities could be grown in open standards unprotected. The almost total want of animal Ufe of any kind, either of birds in the trees or cattle and horses in the fields, is a great drawback to English taste. We may be, and no doubt are, too much overrun in many places with the British house sparrow, which I am convinced does more harm than good, in spite of all that his numerous admirers may say for him as a destroyer of insects ; but wo miss abroad our British songsters and robins, and that most useful of all birds the starling ; for while mentioning birds I cannot resist a few words of praise of a bird which I believe does more good to the farmer and horticulturist than any other as the active destroyer ol wireworm, cockchafer grub, and all larviB of the sawfiy tribe. I need not say much about Paris, as I have already in the pages of the Journal made remarks on the parks and gardens there. I think anybody who went in for the mixed flower- border style of gardening would have their faith much shaken by inspecting the gardens at the Tuileries and the Luxembourg. Both gardens were planted this year and last in as nearly as pos- sible the same way — about four to six different kinds of plants being used in clumps, as Ageratum, Calceolaria, Antirrhinum White Cosmos, with standard Lilacs trimmed to a iead, inter- spersed with a few standard Roses. These plants were generally in circles of seven plants, or planted round the standards, and the whole bordered with three rows of Geraniums ; but these Geraniums were planted in a mixed style, as each row was the same, but had four different colours — scarlet, salmon, white, and pink — planted plant for plant iu a row, and generally a repetition of the same sorts of Geraniums. The effect o£ whole lines of parallelogram-shaped beds being all planted and bordered the same way was most monotonous. For instance, a large square garden in front of the Tuileries, between the Rue de Rivoli and the river Seine, is divided by two broad paths at right angles to each other in four equal quarters. Each of the four equal quarters has a bed about 6 feet wide going round it, and each of these 6-feet-wide beds was planted, aa. far as I could see, with identically the same plants and identi- cally the same way, and bordered with these interminable rows of mixed Geraniums. The gardens in front of the Cafes Chantants in the Champa Elyssees were certainly planted in better taste, as here, as a. general rule, the beds are large, and contain evergreens and deciduous shrubs, and are bordered by different kinds of bed- ding pliints, each bed generally having only one or two kinds of plants, but used in masses. For instance, a bed of Rhodo- dendron edged with three rows deep of scarlet Geraniums, with two rows of Lobelia in front ; aud scarlet Hibiscus with white-leaved Geraniums ia front. Here, too, aud up the L'Avenue de I'lmpcratrice and in the Pare Monceanx, some of the larger-leaved subtropical plants, as Canna, Riciuus, Zea, Cannabis, Caladium, &a., are used, though my visit was too early this year to see them to any advantage. I can congratu- late them, too, on an improvement on their grass in places, especially about the Champs Elys£c5es, where the mowing machine is much more freely used ; but in the Pare Monceaux and in the Tuileries gardens and Luxembourg they still prefer to let the grass grow for two or three weeks and lay it flat by the hose. The Pare de Buttes Chaumonts is capable of being made a very beautiful place if it were not in some respects very artificial with sham concrete rocks and very shallow lakes, and hardly any flowers are made use of; almost the only bed being one of Valerian. There is a great opportunity here for large masses of herbaceous plants, and one would Uki to see it November 4, 187S. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE QAEDENEB. 399 pnt in the hands of an able man to select the best kind of plants, as there are maEy places especially suited for the dwarf alpine plants, as the Sednms, Saxifrages, Auriculas, Cycla- mens, etc. ; while in others Hollyhocks, Delphiniums, Phloxes, &o., would help to enliven the place. On the whole the Pare Monceaux is better worth seeing than any other public garden in Paris. It is only small, but there is better tasto and more diversity displayed in it than any other. We have here different kinds of Begonias in use; varie- ties, too, of Coleus, Alternanthera, and other bright-foliaged plants. But there is nothing in it in my mind to compare either with Hyde Park, Battersea Park, or the Crystal Palace ; and if London had only the climate and, above all, the clearer atmosphere and absence of coal smoke which Paris enjoys, our London parks would still more eclipse anything that any other city can show. AVe may well take a lesson from Paris in the management of their trees ; but whether in our climate, even if our streets were wider, we could grow avenues of trees in the streets as in the boulevards is doubtful. I was glad to see the Plane trees on the new Thames Embankment looking so healthy, and I have no doubt in our more open spaces, where plenty of water is given through a hose to cleanse the leaves, that many other trees would flourish. The markets in Paris at the Halles Centrales are well supplied with flowers and vegetables, and there are also a great many cut flowers sold in the flower market at the Madeleine ; but one is struck with the paucity of flowers which are grown in window boxes, and there are not many window plants to be seen about, nor, as far aa I can learn, are there many great leading nurserymen with much glass devoted to plant-growing — certainly no establish- ments like those of Messrs. Veitoh, Williams, Henderson, Bull, and others ; the chief energy of nurserymen near Paris being devoted to the commoner cut flowers, or smaller plants, as Dracaenas, Palms, &j., for dinner-table decoration. One word as to the French secateur, which I see there is a drawing of in the la^t number of the Journal of Ilorticidturf. I have had three within the last two years, but I find all the work is done with an old pair of common English garden scissors of a full size, which have certainly been in use for more than six years, and with which I can do double the amount of work in pruning Rose trees or bush fruit trees, &a,, and much more satisfactorily. The secateurs are dependant on springs to open them, which often get out of order, and they will boar no strain in cutting large shoots. I will conclude my notes next time with a few remarks on Battersea Park, which I went to twice on my return to England in order to contrast English with foreign gardening. — C. P. P. EUSSrAN APPLES. The Department of Agriculture did a good thing when it imported from Russia a number of tho popular varieties of Apples grown there. In the distribution of scions from those trees some fifteen varieties fell to our share, and the grafts made for them all grew, and are now fine thrifty trees, says Dr. Hoskins of Newport, Vt., and these have been grafted from until we have more than a hundred young trees from this stock. The succets of the Tetofjky and Duchess of Olden- burg Apples, which were among the earlier importations from Russia, probably stimulated the agricultural department in its efforts to bring over others ; and though it is too soon to do more than begin the record of results, we cmnot but be pleased with the thrifty growth of these new varieties and their adaptednesB to our cold wictors. But two of the varieties received from the department have yet fruited; one, the Yellow Transparent, last season, and another, the Clrand Sul- tan. They are both early autumn varieties, tbe former ripeuiog with the Duchess of Oldenburg, and the latter early in Septem- ber. Both are handsome and excellent Apples; the Grand Sultan particularly so, being of the largest size, a bright green in colour, becoming a rich waxy ywUow in ripening. The flavour is mild, the flesh very mellow and soft, something like the Maiden's Blush in quality. We shall watch with interest the coming into bearing of all these new sorts, hoping that among them may be found not only autumn but winter varie- ties, that will prove good and profitable in the colder sections of the State, says our contemporary of the Vermont " State Journal." — (Boston Cultivator. ) wood ashes. Sow the Carrot seed thereon, and cover with soil. Such was a friend's advice, and I am glad to say that from that time up to the present I have not had a grub in my Carrots. — C. M. McCrow, The Gardens, Nash Coift, near Faversliam. Pbeveniion of the Caehot Gkub. — Make your drills in the usual way, only deeper and wider, and nearly fill t'uem with THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN THE INNER TEMPLE GARDENS. On no previous collection of this finest of autumn flowers, which has for many years been held in the Temple Gardens, has a larger amount of public attention baen bestowed than this year. The Gardens are crowded with visitors each day, and will probably so continue to bo for the next fortnight, during which time the plants will remain in good condition. The public appreciation of the display must be as gratifying to the Society of the Inner Temple as it is encouraging to their able gardener, Mr. Newton. The collection includes 450 plants trained on single stems, each bearing from three to sis blooms. The plants are plunged in the south border, and are protected by glass and canvas. An opaque background is needed to show the blooms to the greatest advantage, but as at present arranged the collection is worthy of a visit from all who can appreciate vigorously- grown plants, noble flowers, and rich healthy foliage. It is one of the finest of the many fine displays which have pre- ceded it, and Mr. Newton ia to be congratulated on tho success of his efforts. It is not possible for all the varieties to be at their greatest perfection on a given day, but most of the standard sorts are now in their prime. The most striking features of the collection are the perfect blooms of White Beverley ; these are particularly massive and possess fine form and high finish. George Glenny, the new sulphur-coloured flower, is in exceedingly good condition, and ia evidently a valuable variety. Bismarck attracts a large share of popular attention ; it is of a golden amber colour, very large, incurved, with loose petals, and not likely to be enduring. Refulgence is a now variety, not large, but exceed- ingly rich — surpassing Progne in its glowing velvety surface — it is reflexed, and of a bright crimson-claret colour. King of Denmark, rosy lilac with golden tips, is very effective ; and Prince Alfred has immense and psrfectly-formed blooms of rosy crimson. There are some grand blooms of Gloria Mundi, and fine examples of bronze and yellow .lardin des Plantes. Guernsey Nugget has blooms nearly G inches in diameter, and of the same size are those of Empress of ludia. Elaine, amongst the Japanese varieties, is conspicuous by its flowing outline and its blush-white purity ; Red Dragon in this sec- tion is also noticeable. Garibaldi, a bright chestnut colour, is very fine; and tuoh varieties as Mrs. G. Eandle, Vesta, Prince of W'ales, Pink Perfection, Golden Beverley, and Prince of Anemones are, as usual, constant and excellent. The new edition (thu fourth) of Mr. Newton's pamphlet on his mode of cultivating the plants ia in great demand ; his work recommending him as a sound gaide and teacher. In the Middle Temple Gardens Mr. Dale has also a small display, but owing to extensive building alterations his plants have had to be crowded together, and so have become drawn, and have had no chance to perfect blooms of their usual excellence. TREES AND SHRUBS FOR THE SEACOAST. On page 38S information is asked aa to sea-spray-endur- Lng trees or shrubs. Judging from my own observation of several years on this part of the Anglesey coast I give the first place to Evergreen Oak and Gorae both single and double- flowered. The Evergreen Oak is the finest of all trees for shelter within reach of spray from tho sea. It is certainly of slow growth, but neither wind nor spray injures it. Amongst deciduous trees and shrubs of quick growth the best are Sea Backthoru, Black and White Thorns, Sycamore, and La- burnums. If I were planting close to the sea for shelter I should put an outer belt of Goree and Sea Enckt'norn intermixed with Blackthorn, followed by an inner belt of Evergreen Oaks. The rapid growth of the Buckthorn would form a useful shelter for the Evergreen Oaks, and enable them to start much stronger than if fully exposed in the first instance. Of Coni- fers the best is Pinus insignis, which is also the handsomest of all the Pinnses. P. Laricio ia also very useful and of quick 400 JOUENAIi OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 4, 1875. growth, and both will stand a certaia amount of spray, bnt they will not succeed where they " get well splashed with sea spray." — J. Eluii, Bodorgan, Anglesey. CAERION FOR VINE BORDERS. I ENTERED on my duties as foreman in the gardens of Pol- maise, near Stirling, in November, 185!), where a range of new vineries and plant houses had been put up about a year previously, the borders being all new at the same time and the Vines one year planted. The borders were made of turf mixed with carrion and broken bones. The first year after planting the Vines seemed to have done fairly well, but I did not think the wood ripened so well as it ought to have done, being soft with a large amount of pith. When top-dressing the borders in December I observed the roots that were near the surface to be large and fleshy, with strong white-looking points. Many of those roots seemed to be decaying or dying back, and I have no doubt this was the result of their fleshy condition, caused by too powerful a stimulant, being full of sap with no foliage at this time of year to take it up, and consequently being in the very worst con- dition for standing the winter. The second year after planting there was a httle difficulty in inducing them to break evenly ; they, however, set and ripened two and three bunches on each rod, averaging about 2 lbs. each. I left this situation in November, 18C0, and had an oppor- tunity of seeing the Vines again in May, 186G, nearly six years after I left, and the Vines nearly eight years planted. At this period, in ordinary circumstances, they ought to have been in full vigour and carrying splendid crops ; but I think it would be difficult to imagine Vines to be in a more completely deplorable condition— the young shoots being like good wheat straws, with bunches and berries quite in keeping with the wood and fohage, and this the result, I have no hesitation in saying, of the presence of the too powerful, unnatural, and loathsome stimulant of carrion in the borders. I think it is well that " Incjuiker's '' employer yielded to his reasoning, notwithstanding that a gardener told him that carrion was a " good thing," and that " Vine roots would go half a mile to it." I certainly would let them have the oppor- tunity of going half a mile to'it by burying it that or any other considerable distance from Vine or other fruit tree borders. — J. Fairweathek. 15 inches in circumference, and weighs 1 lb. 4 ozs. I believs the name is Lord Nelson.— T. E. [It is probably Kirke's Lord Nelson.] SHREWSBURY POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The annual Exhibition in connection with this Society took place on October 17th, and was oue of the most succesafal ever held. The present season has been unusually favourable for the cultivation of fruit, and the Society probably never held a Show where so much was shown and where such uniformity of excel- lence was apparent. There were altogether 840 dishes of Pears and Apples. The following list shows how many dishes of fruit each exhi- bitor showed :— Mr. Wilson of Bicton (nurseryman) 35 dishes of Apples, 25 of Pears ; Mr. Thomas Southam (amateur), 13 of Pears, 3 of Apples ; Mr. Tomkiss, gardener at Cound Hall (a splendid collection), 60 dishes of Pears, 25 of Apples. Mr. John Wilson of Leaton Kuolls showed a fine collection of Pears in «0 dishes, and 50 of Apples. Mr. Whittaker, gardener at Crewe Hall, sent 30 dishes of Pears, all in fine condition and very cor- rectly named. Among the amateurs Mr. E. Cope of Beacham House carried ofi the palm, and with one dish of Pears certainly eclipsed most of the gardeners. The gardener from Attiugham (Mr. Pearson) showed 40 dishes of Pears and 5G of Apples. Mr. Hoskins of Onslow sent a very choice collection, consisting of 28 Pears and 24 dishes of Apples. Mr. Jarvie, the gardener at Condover, sent one of the most choice collections in tl^e Show, embracing 75 dishes of fruit. Mr. Stanton's gardener (Mr. Griffiths) showed 20 dishes of Pears and G of Apples. Mr. Juckes of The Mount also distinguished himself as an amateur, espe- cially in Pears, of which he had fourteen dishes, and of Apples 7. Mr. Austin of Allscott, WeUiugton, showed a small but very choice collection of fruit, consisting of 8 dishes of Pears and 7 of Apples. Mr. Condij Howell of Khiewport, Montgomeryshire, showed a splendid collection of Apples in 22 dishes. The great collection of the Show was that of the Messrs. Oldroyd A- Son. It embraced 120 dishes of Pears and 130 of Apples. Every variety of well-known species were shown in splendid condition. We were particularly struck with the show of cider Apples, of ■which there were 21 dishes. Monster ArrLE. — A fruit grown in a gentleman's garden at Leek, Staffordshire, in the open air on a cordon tree is ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, We have been requested to publish the following summary of the privileges of the Fellows for the year 1876 : — The privileges of a forty-guinea Life Fellow and Fellows pay- ing four guineas a year with two guineas admission fee, which fee will be remitted in favour of the wives or husbands of deceased Fellows being themeelvea elected Fellows ;— 1. To receive oue ticket giving personal admission every day, and to all shows, futes, conversazioni, and promenades, both at Chiswick and South Kensington. 2. To receive two tickets on which shall be inscribed the name of his or her nominees, which shall give personal ad- mission to such nominees every day, and to all shows, fetes, and promenades, except on such occabions as are specially reserved by the Council. 3. To purchase for members of his or her own household, at the price of £1 Is. each, non-transferable tickets, which entitle the persons whose names are inscribed thereon to all the pri- vileges of personal admission that Fellows themselves possess, except that of admission on specially reserved occasions. 4. To purchase for ±'2 2s. a garden ticket which will admit all the children of the Fellow who are under twelve years of age, and who must be accompanied by not more than one at- tendant to every three children. 5. To purchase for £1 Is, each books containing twenty-one orders of admission to the Saturday promenades (for admission to which no money shall, in future, be taken at the gates). G. To admit, by personal introduction, two friends to the gardens at South Kensington on Sundays. 7. The power of admitting friends daily (Sundays excepted), by written order to the garden at Chiswick. 8. The right of purchasing, previous to the day of the shows or promenades, tickets at reduced prices. ft. The right of obtaining upon application such seeds, plants, and cuttings as the Society may have in sufficient numbers to meet the Fellows' applicaiions. 10. The right of purchasing the flowers, fruit, &c., grown at Chiswick which may not be required by the Council for scien- tific purposes. 11. To receive, on application in writing, a copy of the pub- lications of the Society. 12. The right of voting at all meetings of the Society. 13. The right, on giving notice in writing, of being relieved from the yearly payments while resident abroad. 14. Free admission to t'je reading-room and Lindley library. The privileges of a twenty guinea Life Fellow and Fellows paying two guineas a year with two guineas admission fee, which fee will be remitted in favour of the wives or husbands of deceased Fellows being themselves elected Fellows :— 15. Entitled to one yearly ticket, not transferable, admitting the Fellow every day, and to all shows, fetes, conversazioni, and promenades, both at Chiswick and South Kensington. IG. Entitled to the privileges mentioned in Nos. 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. 17. To half the privileges mentioned in No. 9. 18. To admit by personal introduction, one friend on Sundays to the gardens at South Kensington. Tickets at 11 Is. per annum admitting to all shows, scientific meetings, and lectures of the Society (but not to Promenades), and to the Chiswick Gardens on week days, will be issued to hoiif't fide gardeners recommended by two Fellows. All former Fellows of the Society who withdrew therefrom (after having paid all subscriptions due from them to it), will not be required to pay a fresh entrance fee if they shall be re- elected in the year 1876. GARDEN SCISSORS-CARROT AND ONION GRUBS. The secateur, or French pruning shears, is no doubt " a very handy little instrument," but I think the old pruning scissors are much more " handy." The length of the secateur which I have is a little more than 7 inches, but the opening of the cutting part being so nearly wedge-shaped the branches pasa along it to near the point before being severed, consequently there is much less leverage, and more power is required to cut thorn off. The old pruning scissors which I have are a little more than G inches long, but the opening for cutting being more crescent-shaped or hooked, and much nearer the rivet or screw, has a much greater leverage. I find them much easier to work, and they will cut off much thicker shoots than will NoTomber -1, 1875. 3 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 401 the sicatciir. With these iriBtrnments the operator will do more work, but they are not equal to the knife for a clean out. The knife does not crush the bark and wood as pruning scissorB and all such-like pinching instruments must of necessity do. A few words about "grubs," which have been written about in late numbers of the Journal. Several years ago our Carrots were very much eaten by them. lu November of last year they were so eaten that I gave the ground intended for Carrots the following season a good dressing with quicklime, scattering it in the trenches as it was dug. At the time of sowiuK, after drawing the drills and sowing the seed, I sowed a mixture of soot and wood ashes in the drills, and the Carrots are this year perfectly clean, scarcely a grub-eaten one to be found in the bed. I consider soot and wood ashes (or the ashes made of burnt garden rubbish of any kind) one of the best things that can be used. I invariably mix it with the soil in which I sow Broccoli and such-like seeds, also where I prick them out, and do not have one clubbed plant in a hundred. I would recommend those who are troubled with the Onion maggot to trench their Onion ground 18 inches deep as early in January as possible, puttiug-in plenty of fresh manure, if direct from the stables so much the better ; if pig dung can be procured it is to be preferred to all others. Dig over the sur- face of the ground 3 or 1 inches deep a few times in dry weather during the spring ; do not sow too early ; keep a sharp look-out for the maggot, and if it should make its appearance at once sift some rather fine coal ashes all over the beds about half an inch thick ; water with liquid manure twice a-week unless it is a very wet season, then I think there will not be many Onions eaten by the maggot. — D. Walkek, Gardener lo B. H. Collins, Esq., Dimorlan. Tulips. As a grower of the first-named he had no superior. To see his Auricula frames, and, above all, his marvellous Tulip beds, in their flowering season, was a sight worth going a long way to see. Roses, also, he was fond of, and grew them successfully; but the Auricula, Carnation, and TuUp were his pets. Dr. Plant was, we believe, at his death the oldest mem- ber of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, and was for more than forty-five years a member of its Council. He had arrived at the age of eighty-five years. Bath and West of England Society. — The usual Council Meeting cf this Society was held at the Grand Hotel, Bristol, on the 2(jth of October, under the presidency of the Right Hon. the Earl of Ducie. The Council resolved that the meeting (Hereford, 1871;) shall commence on Whit-Monday, June 5th, and extend over that and four following days ; they also settled the stock and poultry prize sheets and implement regulations, but they were ordered not to be published until after the November meeting of the Council, in order that any special prizes offered by the Local Committee may be published simultaneously with those offered by the Society. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. The great Snow of Fbuit and Cukysanthemums to be opened at South Kensington on the 10th inst. is expected to be a great success. The decision of the Council to keep the Show open for two days, to light the conservatory and arcades with gas, and to admit the public from (J to 8 r.ji. on the first day, and from ten to four o'clock on the second day, on payment of Is., is a step which can hardly fail to meet with public appreciation. The prizes are all to be paid without any rebate on this occasion, and thus the utmost encouragement is given to exhibitors as weU as to the public to inspect their pro- ductions. The nsnal monthly dinner of the Horticultural Club will be held at the club house, Adelphi Terrace, on Wednesday, November 10th, at 6.15, the day on which the great Fruit and Chrysanthemum Show of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held. The following gentlemen have consented to act as Judges at Messrs. Snttons' forthcoming Rotal Berkshire Root Snow: — Professor Wrightson, Professor of Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester ; W. Scott Hay- ward, Esq., V.-P. of the Kingscote Farmers' Club; W. Brigin- shaw, Esq., Her Majesty's Royal BagehotFarm ; H. Simmonds, Esq., Steward to John Walter, Esq., M.P. ; and for vegetables and Potatoes, Mr. Daniels, The Gardens, Swyncombe; and Mr. Lees, The Gardens, Whiteknights. We are informed that M. Ed. AndrL- is about to depart on a VOYAGE OF botanical discoveey in South America, and will visit Colombo, Ecuador, Pern, and Brazil. From the labours of such an excellent and energetic botanist the gardens of Europe may hope to secure many valuable additions. The Queen has accepted from Mr. Francis George Heath a copy of his new work, " The Fekn Paradise : a Plea for the Culture of Ferns." " Martin Doyle," one of the earliest writers who aided us a quarter of a century since, is dead. The Rev. William HicKET, Rector of Mulrancan, near Wexford, in Ireland, died on the 24:th of October, aged eighty-eight. Besides contri- buting to our columns and those of other periodicals, he was the author of many useful cheap volumes on subjects con- nected with the cultivation of the soil and domestic economy. No one has written more home to the needs of the small farmers and peasantry of Ireland. The Irish Farmers' Gazette announces the death of William Plant, Esq., M.D., at his residence, Plantation, Monkstown, on the 23rd ult. Few names were more familiar to florists than that of Dr. Plant, associated as it has been for more than half a century with the most successful cultivation of his three specialities — namely. Auriculas, Carnations, and WHAT IS A BUNCH OP GRAPES V I CONSIDER a bunch, or cluster, of Grapes must proceed from one eye, no matter what form it takes after its exit from the eye — fasciated, elongated, or any form, provided it proceeds from one eye. One may just as well expect two seedling trees from one seed as expect two bunches of Grapes from one Vine eye. Believing this to be the true and simple definition of a bunch of Grapes, I say, unbiassed in any way, that the Eskbank bunch of Grapes was decidedly one bunch. You may call it a big bunch, a monstrous bunch, a beautiful bunch, or an ugly bunch, yet it is simply one bunch or cluster of Grapes. — Henry Knight, Floors. I THINK there is only one way of deciding the difference between a single and a double bunch of Grapes. I maintain that a single bunch is one that has one clear stem from the wood, and if that stem be only half an inch long and is round and perfect it is really a single bunch, let it have as many shoulders as it may below that. But, on the other hand, if there are two stems issuing distinctly from the wood without being united into one stem they are two bunches ; and if Mr. Curror's bunch of Grapes at Edinburgh had, as Mr. Louden and Mr. Ingram state, quite lA or 2 inches clear space between the stems, it seems quite clear that it was two bunches, and as such I should have felt justified in judging them. — Thomas Record. The substantial testimony furnished by Mr. Dickson in support of his case has now renjoved the subject of dispute out of the region of mere assertion. If the Edinburgh Society, or those who may be responsible in the matter, now condone ! by their silence and inaction what the public must at present ! regard as a gross miscarriage of justice, they will court a not ' very enviable reputation among horticulturists. It is not now a controversy between two rival growers, but is a question of public importance, which has increased in magnitude by offioial silence. Are those who are responsible waiting and wishing the fire to burn itself out, after being a nine-days wonder? As the case stands at present such surmises are at least ex- cusable. I hope, however, the subject will not be allowed to drop. — A Grape-Grower. A bunch of Grapes should grow from a single eye on the rod of last year's growth, and hang by a single stem when exhibited ; but if from a double eye there will be two distinct stems, which to all intents and purposes constitute two bunches — alias twins or monstrosities. — W. McPherson, Sneeston Hall Gardens, Ashbourne. [AU good authorities agreeing in the definition, no more need be inserted upon the subject. — Eds.] We do not recollect any subject which has absorbed so com- pletely the attention of the gardening world as has the dis- cussion which has grown out of the Great Exhibition of fruit at Edinburgh. The letters which we have published from some of the first Grape-growers and most able gardeners of the day, together with others which we have received on the same subject, are a snflicient testimony of the state of the horticultural mind on this question. It is not for us to express an opinion as to the correctness or otherwise of the awards in the class for the heaviest bunch 102 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 4, 1875. of Grapes, for it seems to ns that the Jadges must, as regards that Show, be the Eole authorities. It must be remembered that they were investecl with full discriminatory and jndioial powers. They constituted the highest tribunal of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in determiniag the legitimacy, 80 to speak, of tho products of every competitor, and were gentlemen of ability and integrity. They, according to rule C of the schedule, had power to "withhold" or "modify" the prizes, and from their decision there is no appeal. We must in the matter at issue assume that they have seen no sufficient ground to warrant them in " modifying " their decision in tho award of class 2G of the schedule. The official stipulation was for " one heaviest bunch of white Grapes," and the official award was made to the bunch which was beyond all doubt the heaviest when weighed by them. The competing bunches were weighed by the same official?, with the same scales, and at the same lime, and one was found to weigh over 26 lb?, and the other under 2G lbs. The Judges had no other object than to do justice, and they awarded the prize to the heaviest bunch. Their decision was called in question, and the justice of it was disputed. But considering the case calmly and without bias — holding the balance perfectly evenly — we are bound to ask that if they had awarded tho prize to the bunch which weighed under 26 lbs. instead of tho one which weighed over 2G lbs., would their decision have received general approval ? We think not. They would have been taunted on the standing Fig. 8J. authority of weights and Eciles, and the wording of the sche- dule, in awarding the prize to the lightest bunch. But then comes the objection that the bunch was not a bunch, or that it was more than a bunch. But to what authority could the Judges or anyone else turn ? to what stan- dard could they appeal ? on what written law or definition could they base their authority in proof or disproof of the exhibit being legitimate? There was no law on the subject, and they made one on the spot. They could not turn to any recorded definition, so they relied on their own judgment and the decision of scales and weights. There was not a written decision to guide them, simply because there had not been a necessity for such a record ; yet, as the sequel has proved, there was an accepted reasonable standard which has now found utterance, and that utterance we shall attempt to define. It is the unanimous opinion of men who are capable of comprehending a given subject that enables a standard to be arrived at which ought to bo accepted and respected. We are in possession of authorities sufficient to define what, according to the professional and practical mind, is tho standard for judging a bunch of Grapes. We submit that standard for future guidance — we submit it until something else expresses a better reflex of the horticultural mind as the condensed convictions of British Grape-growers. In the controversy which may now fittingly close nothing has been expressed which should in any way mar the good feeling which should exist between competitors; but, on the contrary, if an accepted standard can be arrived at for judging " a bunch of Grapes," greater confidence than has previously existed will be esteblished, and none can regret that the matter has been fully ventilated. So long as the judging of a bunch of Grapes was left to individual interpretation, so long must suspicion lurk in many minds, but it oueo an accepted standard can be arrived at a great cause of doubt and dispute will be removed. We submit the accompanying figures as illustrating what a bunch of Grapes should and should not be. Fig. 84 is a cluster of fruit springing from two distinct axes, and constitutes undoubtedly two distinct bunches, and should bo unhesitatingly disqualified when offered in competition as " a bunch of Grapes." Fig. 85 is a cluster of fruit springing from the same eye, Fig. 85. which in reality contains two axes of growth or bunch bases, and the cluster ia a twin bunch, and it cannot be legitimately regarded as " a single bunch of Grapss ;" it must also be dis- qualified. Fig. 86 ia a true single bunch of Grapes as the distinct growth from a definable point of the axis, having a distinct Fig. 86. simple paduncle between the lateral and the shoulders, and afterwards dividing into shoulders and other branches. No matter how many branches it may afterwards assume, provided it breaks from the lateral with one simple peduncle, it is a legitimate single bunch of Grapes. OSMASTON MANOB, THE SEAT OF J. WEIGHT, ESQ.— No. 1. " G." HAS been revelling in his researches amongst the ante- diluvians— those who were before the Flood, the flood of November 4, 1876. ) JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAnoENElJ. 403 antiquity. I was in the flood — the modern delnge, which Bub- merged the country for miles, converting the roads into rivers and the fields into lakes, uprooting garden crops and washing away the fruit from the orchards. That is a portion of what I saw in my route through the midlands. > Ashbourne, at the foot of the Derbyshire hills, is the rail- way station for Osmaston. The rain on the day of my visit poured in torrents, and the streets were 3 feet deep in water, the people battling the flood with boards and clay to keep it out of their dwellings. After a watery journey of three miles and a half I reached my destination, and my readers may think of me as faintly illustrating the unenviable position of that familiar comparison a " drowned rat." I cannot bear personal testimony of the eflicacy of Mr. Marshall Hall's system of restoring persons apparently drowned, but I can that of Mr. and Mrs. Booth, and I shall always think of the gar- dener's cottage at Osmaston as the hospitable Ararat of my watery midland tour. Osmaston — its mansion, grounds, and scenery — is one of the finest of the Derbyshire demesnes, and is, perhaps, second only to the ducal seat of Chatsworth in extent, picturesque position, diversity of attractions, and good keeping. The mansion is of recent erection ; it was commenced in 1846, and completed in about ten years by the late F. Wright, Esq., a gentleman who had a just claim to a trio of greatness— great wealth, great taste, and great benevolence. }Ie was a patron of all that was good, a friend to all who needed the hand of friendship. In bnilding his mansion he did not consider his own luxuries only, but he erected at the same time a church and, I think, a parsonage (one amongst many), also a village. The church at Osmaston is a massive and imposing structure, and the village is a model village. It is tenanted entirely by dependants on the estate, and the labourers are housed in semi-detached villas having good gardens and good — that is, low rents. Mr. Wright left behind him an honoured name and qualities which are inherited by his sons. The present owner of Os- maston is the same kind master as his predecessor, and the same good landlord ; he has the same disposition to im- prove his residence and grounds, and his admiration for and knowledge of trees and shrubs enables him to plant and pro- ject to good effect. Another son, whom I am honoured by knowing, has, in obedienfee to his benevolent nature, relin- quished the quietude of a country parsonage and taken upon himself the more laborious duty of Honorary Secretary of the London Church Missionary Society, and thus devotes his means and ability to the public good. I name this as an instance of the power of example, the fruits of practical teaching. For some years Mr. Booth had relinquished gardening ; he had, however, a continual yearning for his old love, and this and another journal throughout these years were his cherished companions, keeping him abreast of gardening progress, and he started afresh, feeling no loss ; and the state of the gardens at Osmaston at the present time afford sufficient testimony of his skill and the usefulness of the gardening press. I will now glance at the place itself. 'The features which demand notice are the mansion, conservatory, aviary, gardens, rockery, and pleasure grounds. First as to the mansion. The engraving gives a very good view of this, but does not adequately show its size. It is a stone bnilding of great solidity, and in appearance is plain, massive, and dignified. It has recently undergone consider- able alterations. When the view was taken there were no chimneys, but all the smoke was taken away by the lofty shaft which is in the kitchen garden, and is seen on the left of the engraving. This shaft was a great work and ornamentally built, but the present owner, not liking its appearance, lowered it considerably. There was then not a sufficient " Uft " for the smoke, and chimneys were erected on the mansion. The shaft is about 18 feet in diameter at the base. It is built on arches on a foundation of concrete 18 feet in depth. Beneath the arches are the boUers which heat the garden structures, and the shaft takes the smoke from the fires. It is ascended by a spiral staircase of cast iron, and the view from the top, in its now lowered state, is magnificent. Beneath the mansion are cellars of no mean order. They are noteworthy as containing a railway for the conveyance of coals and other requirements. From these cellars to the different parts of the mansion are hydraulic lifts, so that everything can be conveyed into and from the different rooms with the greatest ease. Every room has, I believe, a connec- tion with the cellars, and the lift will lift men as well as com- modities. This statement will give an idea of the size and elaborate finish of this fine mansion. I come now to the CoNSEEVATOEY. — This is couDfcted with the mansion by a museum and picture gallery, which is shown with thesupportiug arcades in our engraving. These arcades are now covered with Eoses, Clematis, and other ornamental climbing plants. The picture gallery is on a level with the gallery which encircles the conservatory, and affords a lengthy and beautiful prome- nade. From the basement of the structure is also a spiral staircase leading to the gallery abovr. The conservatory is a noble structure, lofty, and with a semicircular roof. It has a central promenade and two side walks. In the centre is a fountain surrounded by fine standard Orange trees in perfect health and sprinkled with fruit. The two beds on either side the central walk are planted with Camellias, Palms, Tree Ferns, &o.,and are further ornamented with Agaves and other appropriate fine-foliaged plants. Flow- ering plants are also interspersed in considerable numbers. Azaleas are well and extensively cultivated, and all the utual decorative plants are grown and forced on a large scale. So- lanums are much relied on for their bright-coloured fruits, Wetherill's hybrids being found the most eiJective of the scar- let-fruited section ; and the Golden Gem of Messrs. Veitch and Sons being found by Mr. Booth to be the best of the yellow- fruiting varieties. A thousand Hyacinths are forced annually, and other bulbs in proportion, and these, with the plants named and thousands which we cannot enumerate, create splendid displays during the winter and spring months. Ca- mellias are also cultivated in pots, and with frequent top- dressings, copious waterings, and cleanliness are in fine health and condition. I must not leave the conservatory withdut noticing the sum- mary treatment to which a fine Alsophila has been subjected. It is well known that Tree Ferns will occasionally grow too tall for the structure in which they are planted. The specimen here was pressing against the roof, and its beauty was lost. Mr. Booth cut it down, took off about 6 feet from its stem, dug up the root, and planted the top as a cutting. Previous to putting in this gigantic cutting he denuded it of its fronds ; he planted it firmly in good soU and kept it moist. Eventually the cutting pushed some abnormal growths, which were, how- ever, followed by true fronds, and it is now a fine and well- rooted plant. The cutting was put-in in February of the present year, and was about 10 feet in length. It was a some- what novel yet thoroughly successful experiment, and is worthy of record. In the conservatory was flowering a fine plant of Hedychium Gardneriauum which, Mr. Booth says, is admirably adapted for the subtropical garden : its light yellow flower spikes were very effective. Adjoining the conservatory is a cool exotic fernery, the Ferns growing in niches in the walls, in baskets, and on rockwork. On the rockwork is planted that fine old variegated plant Aspi- distra lurida variegata, which is in exceedingly good health and colour. I cannot dwell longer on this noble conservatory and its adjuncts, which was once heated by a mile of hot- water piping, but now the heating is improved by larger pipes and a better system of distributing their heat. Near to the con- servatory is the AviABT. — I am not an ornithologist, but that is not necessary for the enjoyment of this beautiful enclosure. It is enclosed by massively built walls about 15 feet high, and has an arched wire roof. The centre of the ground has been excavated and formed into a rugged and precipitous dell. Bold rocks jut out at every conceivable angle and with delightful irregularity. Trickling streams form tiny rivulets and gather into a glassy pool at the bottom, where the Water Lily and kindred plants luxuriate. On the jutting rocks are alpine plants relieved by the rigid forms of Aloes and Yuccas. The banks of the dell are turfed and planted with shrubs, and near the water's edge the Primula japonica is exactly at home and throws up splendid whorls of flowers which cannot be approached by pot culture. This work has been recently done by Mr. Wright and his gardener, who are evidently adepts at this mode of ornamentation. But besides the water, rocks, shrubs, and plants are " birds, birds everywhere." On the girders of the roof are long rows of briUiant plumage as bright as are the flowers below. In the nest niches of the walls they nestle, and the bushes are alive with their flustering gambols. There are birds of every colour ; some rare and of great value, others more familiar, but all revelling in liberty, and their songs and their sportinga bespeak them happy. This enclosure may be about 50 or 404 JOUENAL OP HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ November 4, 1875. CO feet square. At the end is their feeding honse, into which they ponr at stated intervals through openings in the door. In the centre is their dining table, and the well-finished oases of drawers on one side are their larder ; and on the other are, I suppose, their bedrooms — rows of separate cages, into which they retire at the proper time. Adjoining is the pigeonry and henery. The aviary and its connections at Osmaston demand more than this passing notice. For extent, cleanliness, and diversified attractions it is capable of affording enjoyment to all fancies and gratification to all tastes. I will now pass to a different and less ornate feature of Osmaston, and note briefly its Gardens. — I mean by these the kitchen, fruit, and forcing gardens. There are two walled gardens — one being devoted almost entirely to fruit culture, the other to vegetable-growing. There are also strips of ground outside the walls, making the amount devoted to culinary purposes about six acres. The walls are very strongly built and finished with cast-iron copings which project about 6 inches. Bat I will first glance at the glass structures. These comprise eighteen houses. Six are devoted to the cultivation of Peaches and other fruits, four to Grapes, an e(iual number to plants, with erections for Caoom- bers. Melons, and general forcing purposes. My previous remarks have been of rather a glowing nature, but I must now draw a veil. If justice in some departments has demanded of me to write freely and approvingly, truth in another branch compels me to write soberly. Well, there are no Grapes at Osmaston. A fine garden hke this without Grapes sounds like a misnomer, but the late owner of Osmaston appears to have thought more of plants than Grapes. He had a rich and valuable collection of plants, and the Vines appear to have been grown only, or principally, for affording shade to the specimen Orchids. These valuable plants have been sold, and in their stead the present owner is hoping to have Grapes. Fig. b7. — Osmaston minor— the terrace front. New vineries have been erected, one 18 feet wide and 40 feet long for Black Hamburghs, another of the same dimensions for Muscat of Alexandria, and others of similar size for new varieties. The front walls are built on arches, and the borders are 10 feet in width. They are concreted, and have a sharp fall from the ridge in the centre where the Vines are planted. Drain pipes are laid at 4-feet distances, and are connected with an outfall or catch-water drain running parallel with but below the borders. The beds have 18 inches of drainage, and about 3 feet of soil, composed of good sound turf and a liberal ad- mixture of bones. Provision is, therefore, abundant for taking water out of the borders, and it becomes consequently a pri- mary question of pouring it in. Borders so constructed cannot easily have too muoh water given them ; a fact to which Mr. Booth is fully alive, and he is provided accordingly, for he has only to turn a valve and he can flood them to repletion. It is just possible that more mistakes have been made in making Vine borders too dry than too wet, and it cannot be too well remembered that where a complete system of drainage is effected a proportionately full supply of water must be pro- vided. This is the case here, and good Grapes are as certain to follow as night follows day. Fruit is already foreshadowed, for the Vines which were planted in April of the present year have made canes 22 feet in length after having been three times stopped. The canes are stout, short-jointed, and well ripened, and will carry good Grapes next year. The Vines are planted closely, every alternate one being intended to be borne heavily, and subsequently taken out, resting the permanent canes which are about 4 feet apart. Mr. Booth is, however, not quite comfortable as to leaving the dead roots of the nursing Vines in the border lest they should engender fungus, and he is almost inclined to preserve the whole of the Vines, cutting every alternate one down annu- ally, and cropping them on the long-rod system. If he carries out that idea it is probable that he will obtain more and finer fruits than he would secure by any other means. Experience as to the effects of dead roots in Vine borders is needed. Very many growers have planted Vines thickly with the object of removing the surplus canes, and they now hesitate to carry out their object for fear of inducing fungus on the dead roots, and which may spread to those of the permanent Vines. Mr. Peach opines there is no fear of danger on this score, and his extensive travels and careful observation enable him to speak with authority; still, some records of actual practice would be opportune and acceptable. Mr. Booth does not intend to plant any more surplus Vines in his permanent borders, but would prefer to fruit them in pots or tubs, a practice which is recommendable for its safety. His Vine borders now axe sur- Notember 4, 187B. ) JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 405 faced with mannre, and in a short time Osmaston will be able to produce Grapes worthy of itself. Other features of this garden, including the rockery, I will notice in a future number.— J. W. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBUEBAN GARDENING. The summer bedding season may now be considered over, for from the late frosts we have had, together with much wet, the plants have become so shabby that no dressing and cleaning, if ever so particularly done, will revive the general class of bed- ding plants sufficiently to compensate for the labour bestowed upon them. They should therefore be cleared away as soon as possible, and more especially if it is required to fill the beds' with other plants for winter and spring decoration. Spring gardening is particularly suitable for small villa residences, where, generally speaking, all surroundings are of an ornamental character. Besides bulbs there is no lack of inexpensive plants suitable for the purpose. They may not flower at the first outset so satisfactorily, but then as spring weather improves the plants improve also, so that at the least one may calculate upon three months' good bloom in addition to that afforded by the usual summer bedding plants. Surely this is worth trying for ; and again, for the beds to be clothed in winter with foliage even without flowers, are better to look upon than the bare earth. Let me name a few plants that should be tried. In the first place, however, the beds should be dug deeply and made level. No manure need be added now, but leave this to be put on at the summer digging. Sempervivum californicum, a perfectly hardy plant, makes capital edgings for all beds, and the Pyrethrum Golden Feather is also a good edging plant. For this to stand the winter well the seed should be sown about the middle of July ; the plants then produce good foliage by November, and stand the wet without becoming unsightly, as do those from seed sown in March. We have the Violas in three colours — blue, white, and yellow, which make either edgings or good showy beds of them- selves. Another useful plant is the Stachys lanata, which is a dwarf grower with large silvery foliage ; it is a good edging plant to either beds or borders. Wallflowers, too, ought to be planted freely. There are some excellent colours from seed- lings sown in June which bloom in early spring, and what can be more enjoyable than the perfume of Wallflowers 1 If neces- sary the plants are to be had in distinct colours, as dark red and bright yellow. We have Polyanthuses, too, in almost endless variety of colours, and they are all sure and profuse bloomers, as are the double and single Primroses, which are great favourites, and for spring gardening hold a prominent position. Golden Thyme, too, must not be forgotten ; it comes a beautiful bright colour in spring, but for summer bedding it loses its colour and becomes green. There are also the red and white Daisies, which can be had in any quantity, and will do well par- ticularly in heavy soil. Forget-me-nots, both white and blue, must be included, as well as Cheiranthus Marshalli, a dwarf, yellow, dense-flowering plant, and one of the most useful plants for spring decoration. Alyssum saxatile, Arabia albida, and Aubrietia grandiflora are also deservedly admitted into this list. Euonymns radicans variegatus, a dwarf plant with white and green foliage, and perfectly hardy and easy to propagate, is effective in the winter and spring garden ; and the Silver-leaved Grass, Dactylis glomerala elegantissima, which is quite hardy, makes a good edging for both winter and summer decoration. Next should bo mentioned Phlox subulata and subulata alba, which produce a mass of rose and pure white flowers, having also a dense mass of green foliage. All the plants mentioned in the above list will bear moving and transplanting well. To the above list may be added several annuals raised from seed, either by sowing in September or later on in cold frames, and planted-out in spring. These consist of Silenes pendnla and alba, Lasthenia californica, and purple and white Candy- tuft. Nemophilas are, perhaps, not so safely to be trusted out- doors, as frequently too much wet destroys them, but on dry sandy soils they will withstand both frost and wet tolerably well. To make safe they should either be sown where they can be protected outdoors, or sown in boxes and placed in a frame to be readily put out in the spring. Then there is the Sapo- naria calabrica, one of the most lovely spring- flowering plants known; Virginian Stock, Limnanthes Douglasii, Godetias, Vis- carias, CoUinsias, Calandrinias, and many others of great beauty. They should be planted thickly, keeping a few in reserve of each sort to fill-up vacancies. — Thomas Recobd. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOEK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHEN OARDEN. It is now time to take up the usual root crops. Some sorts, such as Parsnips, are perhaps as well in the ground during winter ; but when all the roots, such as Carrots, Parsnips, Beet, Salsafy, Soorzonera, Turnips, &c., are stored together in a cellar or cool shed it is much more convenient, especially as they are frequently wanted in wet or frosty weather. A good plan is to pack them closely in sand, and all the above-named roots will keep well all through the winter. It is necessary to be very careful at the time of lifting the roots so as to prevent them being bruised ; the Beet is quite spoiled if the tap roots are injured in lifting. The roots ought to be placed carefully in a barrow or baskets by hand, and lifted out and stored with the same care. We take the opportunity of every fine day to earth-up the Celery. It is quite necessary that the leaves and soil be dry when this is done. It is also a good plan to earth-up from both sides of the rows or beds at the same time, for when one man is earthing-up from one side only at a time he sometimes pushes the plants to the opposite side, and this is very injurious. The soil should be placed to the plants carefully, and not be allowed to fall into the centres. A good plan is to tie the leaves lightly together with a strip of matting before earthing-up. Artichokes must now be covered up. The best protecting material are leaves and stable litter : this should be placed round the plants to the depth of a foot or 9 inches, bringing it up close to (he leaves, but not so close as to cover the centre of the plants, which should be open. The object of covering is to protect from frost, and this thickness will effectually do so. Spent tan has been recommended as a protective agent for Artichokes, but we have not seen it used. We have just been able to place the Cauliflower plants in the hand-glasses ; it is about two weeks later than they are usually planted out. The remainder of the plants that are not required for the handlights have been pricked-out in boxes ; the plants are not over-large, and if sharp frosts do not set in there is nothing lost by late planting. When the plants are strong and are put out early many of the strongest are apt to button : this is not the case with the late plants. Those who planted out their plants two or three weeks ago must pay attention to them during this dull wet weather. All the air possible must be admitted, the soil between the plants be lightly forked over with a pointed stick, and all decaying leaves to be removed. Lettuce plants in frames should also be aired as freely as possible, the soil to be pricked over, and the plants be treated as advised for Cauliflowers. PINE HOUSES. At this period of the year the old growers used to turn over their tan beds, adding either fresh tan or leaves to maintain a bottom heat for the winter ; but they generally overdid it. The beds were deep, containing a great body of tan or oak leaves, and either of these when in quantity retained the heat for months. The result used to be that all the active rootlets perished during the winter months from the high temperature at which the roots were kept. At present the fruiting Pines — those intended to be started about the Ist of January — are kept in a temperature of 60° at night. During cold weather the mini- mum may be 55°. There is very little root action at this period, and about IS" or 80° is as high as the temperature of the bed ought to be ; and as the plants are comparatively dry at the roots they will not throw up frnit until the house is started. There is nothing to be gained by unduly exciting suckers and succession Pines at this season. The suckers planted out or potted in August are now well rooted ; but they are allowed to rest at present, and will not be hurried until February, when a good watering will be given them. The beds are turned over, and when the plants are fairly started they are potted into their fruiting pots. In the fruiting house there are a number of fruits swelling, and some of them are yet in the early stages only. With these it is necessary to keep the temperature up to C5°, or in mild weather to 70° as a minimum, taking advantage of sun heat to run it up to 85- or more. Fruit that is now ripe or ripening will keep best if it is cut just before it ripens and is removed to a cool room, and it seems to keep in good preserva- tion longest if the room is rather close and dark. CUCUMBER HOUSE. The most difficult period for obtaining Cucumbers is now drawing very near ; but if the plants that were put out about the first week in September have not been cropped at all, or at least but very lightly, they will now come into bearing ; but a succession of Cucumbers will not be obtained if the plants are not well treated. In the first place, the house must be light and in a position to receive the full benefit of the sun. It must also be well ventilated, for if fresh air is not judiciously admitted daily the plants will soon show the effects of impure air — the leaves will be wanting in substance, and the growths be too weak to produce fruit. In fine weather both front and top ventilators should be open at the same time for a few hours in the middle of the day. The night temperature should be G5°, with a proportionate rise in the daytime. Good substantial, loam, to which has been added a fourth part of rotted stable manure, is a capital compost in which to grow the plants. A foot in depth of this is quite sufficient if it is placed over the drainage, and a temperature of 80° or 6.5° kept up in the bed 406 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t November 4, 1875. from hot- water pipes underneath. Many gardeners fancy a light compost is preferable for Cucumbers, and use large quantities of leaf mould or peat in the soil. But no one could grow better Cucumbers than Mr. Monro of Potter's Bar, his new variety Duke of Edinburgh having been repeatedly admired at the meetings at South Kensington during the winter months. The compost he uses to produce such excellent results is stiij clayey loam from the bottom of a pond. His success seems to arise from keeping up a high temperature— 70' at night; and this, which would be thought much too high by some, does not injure the constitution of the plants. PLANT ST0\-E AND OECHrD HOUSES. It is now a good time when work is not pressing to look over any plants that may be infested with bug or scale. There is no better way to destroy either of these pests than to use rather warm moderately strong soapy water, and washing carefully by hand, UEing a soft sponge. Such work must be done very carefully. It is better to clean only one plant thoroughly than to run over half a dozen and leave the axils of leaves and branches full of larvsB. The same plauts ought to be looked over a week hence, and any bug or scale that may have been missed at the first washing can be removed. As the growth of most plants, Orchids included, have by this time become matured, it is not so dangerous to fumigate. This may be done cautiously as a deterrent to thrips and aphis of sorts. Thrips are the most difficult to destroy; but they cannot do much mischief if fumi- gation is persisted in. At this season flowering plants are not very plentiful, and the facility with which Palms, Dracenas, Crotons, and other high-coloured foliage plants can be grown, and which last so very much longer in beauty than flowering plants, causes gardeners to be rather careless in the culture of those plauts which last in perfection for a very short time only. Still no plant stove should be without flowering plants at any season; and they are now especially valuable when the " cheerless night of desola- tion reigns supreme " out of doors. Aphelandra aurantiaca and the variety Roezlii are exceedingly useful at this season. Eucharis amazonica, though it is now very common, cannot be dispensed with. It is now in full flower with us ; the flowers are in great abundance, even more so than usual. The reason of this may be that the plants have taken a very long rest since they last flowered. The plants had been kept in a cooler house, and we were enabled to keep them much drier at the roots. Then what a beautiful contrast to the brUliant-coloured and pure white flowers are the handsome clusters of the mauve- caloured bracts of the Bougainvillea glabra. This is now in fall beauty, and when the flowering period is over it will be removed to the greenhouse to rest, preparatory to a fresh start in March next year. AUamauda Schottii is also very nicely in flower. The plant has been encouraged to make a quantity of young wood since August, and the young growths are flowering freely. Ixoras can also be had very finely in flower at this season, or indeed at any time. The trusses of flowers are formed shortly after the growth is made, and if the minimum tem- perature is kept up at Co', with a little bottom heat for the plants, the flowers are perfected even at midwinter. Other flowering plants may be named which may be induced to flower at this time, even if this is not the usual time for their flowering. Amongst Orchids the Calanthes are now in flower, and these beautiful plants are so easily grown that no collection of stove plants should be without them. The most useful plants for us are those that are grown in small pots. Three bulbs are planted in .5 inch pots, the staple material being rich turfy loam, a little rotted manure and sand is added. We have pots this year in which the bulbs produced almost, if not quite, weigh as much as the compost in which they are grown. During the growing seasuQ they require plenty of water, but after flowering no more water is required until the bulbs start into growth late in February or early in March, when they are shaken out of the pots and repotted. Some persons pot a score or more bulbs in large pans, which is a matter of taste, or as better meeting the requirements of the owner. Dendrobium nobile has been placed in heat, so that the plants may be in flower about Christmas. This useful and easily grown Orchid will succeed either in a high or low temperature; but being a native of China it does not require the heat of an East India house, and during the winter a temperature of 55' is sufli- ciently high. Those plants that are being kept back for late flowering are placed in the greenhouse, and they do not receive any water unless the growths show signs of shrivelling, when water is applied to prevent this. Dendrobiums such as D. Far- mer!, D. densiflorum, D. thyrsitlorum, and others of this section having made their growth in the East India house, are now removed to a house where the minimum temperature ranges froni 50' to 55°. These are also kept as dry at the roots as possible without allowing the growths to shrink in the least. In all houses where a hi"h night temperature is kept up it is quite necessary to sprinkle water on the atages and paths to obtain atmospheric moisture ; but it ia not desirable to syringe the plants after this unless an isolated specimen should become infested with red spider, when the plant should belaid on its side and thoroughly syringed. Let air be admitted daily and freely on all favourable occasions. Many of the best Orchid growers admit air night and day both in the summer and winter months. — J. DODGLAS. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige us by informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Jersey (ChrjEanthemams). — November 10th. Major Howell, Spring Grove, St. Lawreucc, Hod. Sec. LouoBcoRQUGH.— November 15th and 16th. Mr. W. PaUett, 55, Baxtergate, Sec. NoiiTHAJiPTON (Chrysanthemums).— November 16th and 17lb. Mr. N. Gutteridge, 51, Denmark Eoail Sec. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED, Ewing it Co., Eaton and Cringleford, 'Sotwich.—Catahguc of Bases and General Nursery Catalogue. Ch. Huber & Cie. a Hyeres (var) France. — General Autumn and Sj}riiij Catalogue of Seeds and Plants. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to " The Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix upon the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, 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. Potting Soil (T. C.).— The mixtare of cow dung and cement, which i3 now crumbly, would do for mixing with other materials to form a potting compost for plants not objecting to calcareous matter. FRriT Trees is Pots (T. B. C.).— Pearson's " Hints on Orchard Houses" will aid you. You can have it free by post If you enclose nineteen postage stamps. Kitchen Gareen Paths {E. B.).—lt made of the following composition they arc always diy and free from weeds : — Take two parts of very dry lime nibbi.'^li, and one part coal ashes, also very dry, and both sifted fine. In a dry place, on a dry day, mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap as bricklnyers do when making mortar. Into this pour boiling hot coal tar, mix, and when as stiff as mortar put it 3 inches thick where the walk is to be. Tho ground should be dry and beaten smooth. Sprinkle over it coarse sand. When cold pass a light roller over it, and in a few days the walk will be sohd and waterproof. Scarlet Primulas iA. L. M.).— The flowers ore bright and good, but they should have been packed in damp moss to preserve them unwithcred. Frl-its for Hot South Wall (C. W. F.).— You cannot have more worthy fruits than Peaches, Nectai'ines, and Apricots. Pears {T. M., SurbitoiiK — They must have been very dissimilar for us to conclude they wore sis varieties. Are not more than one variety grafted on the stock ? Send us other specimens, and put a note with them to recall our attention. Back Numbers (H. Webb). — If you enclose twenty-one postage stamps, restate tho numbers you need, and send your address, they will be posted to you. .Jersey Horticultural Society's Rule.— "-4u(ft Alteram Paytevi" in- forms us that the rule 8 only applies to plants grown in pots, and he encloses a printed form which Mr. D. De Faye signed ; that form has this clause:— " I hereby certify that all tho objects above described (fruits) and continued on the other side are of ray growth." This disqualifiee Mr. Dc Faye's specimens. Mealy Bug on Camelllas (B.).— The spray seit is slightly infested with both mealy bug and white scale. Dissolve 3 ozs. of soft soap in a gallon cf water, and brush the solution carefnUy round the buds with a hard toott* brush, using also a pointed stick to loosen the scale. The solution should to used at a temperature of 100 \ Oval Bed {Ignoiamus). — Mark out two circles to form the ends of the oval of the size jou need ; then fix on one side a peg exactly opposite the middle of the space between the two circles, and at such a distance as that with a piece of string fixed to the peg and a nail at the other end of the string you can mark the side cf the oval. Then move the peg to the same position on the opposite side, and with the same length of string mark the other side of the oval. Gooseberries.— ''If Mr. W. Taylor, Longleat, will grow White Warrington Gooseberries, he will find them exactly the same in everything but colour aa the old Red Warrington.— Yours truly, J. Maceen/.ie, M.D." Pear Leaves Bronze-coloured {8. P.). — ffhe roots have descended into the cold clay subsoil, and do not supply suflicient sap either to the leaves or fruit, conecqueully the loaves ai*e discoloured and the frnit cracks. The descending roots must be cut away, some of the clay subsoil burned and mixed with the soil of the surface, a little well-decayed manure added, and the surface kept mulched to induce the roots to remain there. HosE-iN-HosE Polyanthus [Olri-fa.^hiotied Folks'*. — Yon are not old- fashioned gardeners, or you would know that the " Hose-in-Hose " is OQO November 4, 1875. ] JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTOUE AND COTTAGE GAUDENER. 407 pip growing from tho coutre of auotbor, aud is one of tlie very oldoat of the Polyanthus varieties. Bedding Delphinictm.— " M. H." says "I have used tho oommon bine Larkspur Delphiuiura consolida as a bedding plant. With care and pegging- down it proves a very effectual plant to those of limited moans." Burying Carrion (C. Pri/isc^)!.— Yon are quite riujht in rocorameuding tho oarcasea of animals to ba sold, aud less offensive manuroa to be purchased. Keducing them by decomposition, sulphuric acid, &c., is a process very few amateura or gardeners would endure. Vine Leaves Becoming Yellow PftEiiA,TURELY (J. A.). — The Vine Bcems to have received a check in some way. Y'ou fancy the routs cannot pit into an outside border; if so, paihaps the fault is to bo found in insuflicieut root action. You should osamine tho roots ; the leaves sent are not diseased. Fruit Trees for Poultry Hun (Suliscribfr).— Tho wall wiU not pracM- cally be of use, as from the standard trees you propose plantin;; it wj ild bo shaded by thom to an extent that no eatisfactory results could bo oxiieoiel; and the fowla, were you to plant the trees so as not to shade th-i walls, would peck at the fruit they would prodn'o fully half the height of a (i-foot wall, and the wall facing north is not suitable for tho hotter kiudg, but is only available for Mort'Uo Cherric:'. Weshriuld have two rowaof trees len;:;Lhwise of the plot, is feet from each side and 30 feet batweau tha rows, aud plant in the rows £0 feet apart, which will give a doz^va trees, aud theR.3 may bo— Pears : Jar- gonelle, Marie Louise, and Bonne Did. Pluim : Onllins Golden Gai^e, Prince Euglobert, and Victoria, with Cluster or Crittenden Damson. ApplfA : Blen- heim Orange, Dutch Mignonno, Lady Houuikor, Cox's Pomona, and Tower of (llamis. If you level tho ground at all trench it and throw it level as the work proceeds, and manure on the surface, sowing with yraaa seed in April. Kitchen Garden Arrangements (Idem). — It will answer as you pro- pose, but the fruit treas mast not bo on the side of tho walk uoxt tho wall, but on the opposite one, and about 8 fest from it. Pyramid or espalier Pears aud Apples would succeed admirably on tho dwarflug stock, and the wall could be utilised for fruit trees. The Asparagus is iiuite old enough fur transplanting. It may ba moved now or in March. Storing Pears, Apples, and Potatoes (Idem). — The cellar will bo Buitable, only the pipes would probably give out too much heat, tho fruit ripening too quickly, and the Potatoes being started into growlh prematurely ; but this you may obviite by euclojiug Lho pipes in brickwork, with iron slid- ing ventilitors to let out or conlino the heat as may bo required. The coaler the room, provided that frost be excluded, the better. Shelvea of planed deal laths with spacis of about an inch between each will answer perfectly. Heating Small Greenhouse (J. B.).— You will see in our- adverti,^iug columns an apparatus or stove which consumes oil, and it may be suitable for your purpose, but with hot water in a sufQcient quantity of piping we do not Bee the necessity of an auxiliary. Potting Lilium AUHATuai to Floweb in August (Idem). — Pot tLO bulbs now, and keep the soil in a raiher dry state through the winter and from frost. In spring place outdoors with tho pots plunged to the rim in a Bheltered posiiion, and they will fljwor at tho time you roquira, removing under glass if they are too backward, which wo hardly think they will. Potting Geranium and Pelargonium Cuttings (E. II. T.). — We can only account for tha cuttings goiug-off from being kept too moist. The plants require to be lifted carefully, preserving the roots with some soil adhering, and pot singly in 3-inch pots in moderately moist soil, watering sparingly until fresh growth is mado, by which jou may know the plants are rooting freely. Vines Infested with Mealy Bug (Meahj Bu^).— Yon must thoroughly cleanse tho house as well as the Vines. The woodwork ought to bo thoroughly cleaned with a brush aad soft soap and water, tho walU whitewashed, and the glass washed with clear water; but preparatory to this we should syringe every part of the hou^e with tho ammouiacal liquor of tho gasworks diluted with six times its volume of water, and after having stripped the Vines of alt the loose baik drops them with a composition formed of very linely-powdered thoroughly-dried clay with an equal quantity by measure of gas or coal tar, and bring it into a proper consistence for ubing with a brush by adding eight times the quantity of the tar aud clay combined of water at a temperature of 140'=', BO that to make nine quarts of composition you will require a x>int each of powdered clay and gas tar, with n gallon of soft water. Apply with a brash, reaching every angle, crack, or crevice, taking care not to injure the eyes. It would be well to finish with twice painting the woodwork, and not being sparing of turpentine, which with the houeo closed afterwards will from its volatility fill the house, and which no existing bug can breathe aud live. The border inside we should make quite yellow by sprinkling over it guano, and top-dress with rich compost. Kothing is better for syringing the Vines after starting than clear rain water, and if you continue this until the Grapes change colour the bug will not make such headway during the ripening as to cause any damage to the Grapes. We also recommend pprinkliug the border over with guano and wash-in with water about every fortnight. It is bene- ficial to the Vines and good against mealy bug. The housa must ba clear of plants during the cleaning. Solution for Plants Infested vnin Mealy Bug (Idem). — Make a solution of soft sjap 1 lb. to a gallon of water, and add a winoglassful of spirits of turpentine, and apply at a temperature of 120" with a brutth to the stems, and to tho leaves with a sponge. It must be used upon plants with smooth leaves only, as Crotons, Dracfnnas, Stephanotip, and Gardenias ; and not those with soft hairy leaves, as Conoclinums, Thyrsaoanthus, and Fei'us. Mix the solution thoroughly. Treatjient of MarPchal Niel Rose in Greenhouse (A Constant lii'Oiicr). — The shoots being now the length you desire thom you should stop them, and induce the ripening of the wood by keeping rather dry at the roots. The temperature of 4.^*-, if from fire heat, is too high, a^ it will induce the plant to continue in growth, but that you may check by keeping dry. Do not prune more than to remove any solt unripe wood, and from every eye of tho tirm ripe wood you may calculate upon having a flowering shoot. The temperature is not, however, too high for Chinese Primroses (Primula fiinensisj. The flower stems aa they line should be removed until ChristmaH, as you require the plants to lliner in March. Keep the plants near the glass, and carefully watered, encouraging after Christmas with frtcr watering, and giving weak liquid manure at every alternate watering. Creeper for North Wall (F. J.).— The Virginian and Veitch's Creeper (Ampelopsia Veitchii) would answer, and are handsome, especially in auturau. The finest subjects, however, for a north wall are the Ivies, and for a wall of the height of U to 10 feet we should plant the .smaller-leaved kinds, as Bedera Donerailensis and H. taurica of the green-leaved, and II. elegantissima and H. tricolor of the yariegated sorts, the green and variegated-leaved kinds tog&ther having a pretty effect. Grafting Apples on Peak Stocks (Idem).— It haa been done, but tho grafts only lived a short timo, and tho practice is not therefore desirable. The trees so grafted never, that wo know, lived long enough to produce fruit. Graft the stocks with Pears if you wish to chauge the kinds. Plants not Thp.iving in Conservatory (J. 21. S.). — The shading with perforated zinc is sufficient to account for the plants doing bo iudiiferently; and though it might not make the house too gloomy when tho Camellias were making fresh growth, they, from being placed outdoors afcer the growth waa made and tho buds set iu a vinery, wuuld, unl-^ss hardened-off, receive such a check as to caueethebud^to fall now, the check beiuggivenat an earlier stage. There ia no need to remove Camellias from a conservatory at any time, and since we abandoned placing them in heat to mike growth and form buds, with the resting outdoors, we have not had a noticeable dropping of buds. The chilling consequent upon the changing of plants from va- rious positions cannot act othorvrise than prejudicially, a? shown by tha casting of their flower buds. Tha consumption of gas in the house on party nights will cot do the plants any good, but if only practised occasionally, aud for a short period each time, would not materially injur3 them, but it is aa evil, and often highly prejudicial from an e^oapo of ga9, and would be better replaced by oil lamps. In the green paint wo see no occasion to look for injury to the plants, aa after iti? thoroughly dry there could not bo given out any injurious vapour. The shading aud gas, iu our opinion, are the sources of the evils. A shading of tiffany inside put up early in April and removed at the close of September would give you all tho shade required ; and if there is an objection to the tiffany shading, brush the inside of the glass with a wash of whiting brought to the coo^sLsteney of limewash by adding skim milk. It may bo waehed off at any time, or renewed if necessary. Grapes for Late Vinery {W. O. Q. C.).— Either you must decide upon the late kinds, or those which are classed as lato, and which will hang iu good condition to Christmas. There is, however, generally such a glut of Grapes in autumn from not keeping and other circumstances, that we do not adviso growing kinds that will not keep until March or later. Kinds of this descrip- tion are Alicante, Lady Downe's Seedling, aud Mrij. Pince, with Gros Guil- laume, which, however, is a shy bearer in most places on its own roots, hut on the Muscat of Alexandria stock it ia found to do better, and is one of the finest of late Grapes. Thoao we recommend, but they would not succeed upon the Black Hamburgh stock, and wo should root thom all out and plant with the late kinds^. Madresfield Court is fine in the autumn, but doe^ not hang long, and Black Muecut colours so badly aa always to stand at a disad- vantage with well-CLdoured kinds as Alicante and Lady Downe's. Greenhouse Grapes shown as Outdoor Grapes. — "A person exhibits Graues grown in a greenhouse as outdoor Grapes, and tries to satisfy the Committee that they are giowu out of doors as the lights have been open for some time. How should tho Committee act; in such a case ?" Refuse to allow them to compete aa outdoor Grapes, or if a prize baa been awarded refuse to pay it. Names of Fruits (J. Gr.-c/i).— The large one is Mt-re do Manage, tho other we do not know. (Connauyht Suh&criher). — Pears: 1, Gansel'a Bergamot ; the others are not known. Apple : 2, Golden Russet. (John Jeffries et Sons). — 1, Summer Strawberry ; Vi, Adams' Poarmain. [A. II. M.). — Nectarine Pear. (Onward).— Vie do not know the Apple. (Mrs. J. C. Edivarihi).— Pears: 1, Foudaute du Comiao; 3, Duumjre; S, Mario Louise. Apjilcs : 1, Scarlet Nonpareil; 2, Braddick's Nonpareil; 3, Parry's Poarmain. (W.O.B.). — Pean : 1, Beurre Ranco ; 2, Ne Plu-; Menris. The Apples are not known. (Beceh flili)-— A, quite rotten ; n, Thompson's; r, Kerry Pippin; q, Cellini ; s, not known. (Somerset).—!, Doyenn(' d'Alon(;on; 2, Verulam; 3, Easter Beurre; 4, Winter Nelis ; 5, Beurn- d'Aremberg; G, Eroompark. (Siuart and 3/£!n).— 17, Cellini; 24, Dumelow's Seedling; 4, Norfolk Beofing ; 11, Haw- thorndon; 2, Manx Codlin ; 5, Yorkshire Greening. (A Subscriber, Firlc). — Grapes: 1, Black Alicante; 2, Morocco Prince. {J. Chappell, ifuU).— Both are Emperor Alexander. The larger one marked No. 2 maybe Grand Duke Constantine, which ia very similar to Emperor Alexander, but considerably later in ripening, and keeps longer. (C. T. ifulfi.—l, Verulam; 2 and 3, un- doubtedly Scarlet Nonpareil; 4, not Duke of Devonshire, not known; 5, Golden Russet ; 6, LewiVs lucomparable.: iLyndhurgt).~l, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Frauklin'e Golden Pippin; 3, Cockle Pippin; 4, Court Pendu Plat; 6, Reinette du Canada. Names op Plants (S.). — Specimen too immature to name. It looks like a seedling form of the common Male Fern, Lastrca Filix-mas. (V.B. Douui). — The "plant" is Sedura Sieboldi. The Ferns are without numbers. iO. S.). —1, perhaps Aster multitlorus; 2, a Lyperia, probably L. crassicaulis. (A Stibacribcri.—l, Centaurei montaoa; 2, Clematis Flaramula ; 3, an Anemia, but we cannot determine tho species from the insuQicieut material sent. (E. B. and J. B. £.).— We cannot identify planta by their leaves. POULTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHEONIOLE. LES BASSES-CODES DE L'ANGLBTEKRE. Chapteu v.— BASCHUBCH. The poultry establishment at L ittle Nesa haa only j aat attained fall swing, for Mr. Darby had to leave Britlguorth and pitch hia camp at Baschnrch after rather short notice, consequently when he came the runs were not ready, the hoaaea were not built, and nothing was in working order. This threw him back a good deal laat season; bnt now the warm coruera have been fonud, and the aheltered runs discovered, and the establishment ia in full operation once more. Even now Mr. Darby has much to make way asainst, for the place ia exposed, and cold winds blow over it. The soil, too, does not seem over-advantageoua for rearing chickens, the birds taking a long time to mature and to moult in the autumn, and the country round teems with foxes, which have made several iuroada and carried off valuable birds. Little Nesa is famous for prize-bred live stock of all kinde, for on entering the yard we find a pack of useful fox terriers of the 408 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ XoTember 4, 1875. most approved stiains, liviog in a set of snbstantial kenneU ; and there are, too, " Royal" winners in the stable, and silver- cap foals in the fields, and highly-bred cattle of all kinds in the stalls, while a first-prize Crystal Palace cat is found in the hameesroom. Bat we mnst tnrn to the poultry yards. The farmyard here is what a farmyard should be — long rows of shedding for feeding cattle, bams and granaries of huge dimensions, and such stacks ! Xo little round dumpling affairs, or brick-loai-looking erections, but rows of stacks like miniatnre mountains, covering we dare not venture to say how much space, and all raised up on iron stands ; consequently the dry runs under them are quite grand, and chickens should really do wonders. But it was October when we were there, and we found this fine farmyard given up to a miscellaneous collection of birds, consistitig principally of Buff Cochin, Spanish, and Dorking hens. These birds should moult out well here and come in useful, for they had everything in their favour. Coming from this stackyard we pass through a little gate and enter the poultry field where the long row of runs are. We can safely say we never saw such a grand row of poultry pens. They were built regardless of cost, and we will try to describe them. They comprise twelve or fourteen houses, built in one long row. The whole range is thatched, the roof being very deep and thick, which keeps the temperature perfect. Each house is about 16 feet square, and is fitted with a large dust bath and all necessary poultry furniture. Each house has a huge run laid down in grass and planted with shrubs. The pens are loarded-up to about 4 feet, and then have 6 feet of wire netting, while there is at the bottom of each yard a small door to let the inmates of the pen into the field at any time. Iron guttering runs along the whole roof, and each door has spring hinges, in fact it is the most complete range of houses we ever saw. It is impossible to give any fair conception of them on paper. But to pass to the inmates. In No. 1 we found half a dozen BnS cocks moulting well, one or two especially of great promise. In the next we found a lot of Silkies, many of them perfect and fit to win. In the third was a grand old coloured Dorking hero coming on well in his solitary retirement. In the next was a fine White-crested Poland cock also doing well. In the fiflh were half a dozen Black Ccchin hens, one of which while we were there was sent oS to Edenbridge Show, and brought home the first-prize card. In the next were Cochin hens, and here we paused some time, for many of them were of great merit. Two Bufia and a White we were immensely taken with, and shall expect to hear of their doing great things. In the seventh pen was a beautiful old Spanish cock, good in face and promising well. In the next were White-Crested Poland chickens, one of them the grand pallet that so much has been said about. We found adult Polish in the next, and so on throughout the whole range, while Pigeons flew about every- where, and built their nests in any of the houses at pleasure. From this field we passed on to a very pretty spot. It was to oar mind the nicest of the runs, for it was sheltered on all sides, and had a little pool of water close to it. The grass here was kept short and well rolled, for it was, as well, the lawn tennis ground. Here were the Cochin cockerels, and a very good lot they were. Among them we saw the Aylesbury and Oswestry winning Buffs and the Blacks which won at Aylesbury, Eden- bridge, Alexandra Palace, &c. The Palace cap cockerel was one of the best Blacks we ever saw, and we prophesy a good career for him. All the birds were in beautifol condition and in perfect bloom. We bad now seen all the birds which were up at Little Ness, and walked on to Vale Wood, a charming spot about a mile oS, covered with fine oaks and beeches, under which grass and ferns grew in wild luxuriance. On our way we passed a pad- dock with a big poultry house in a comer, and here were cockerels of all ages — Dorkings, Cochins, and Spanish — all living together in perfect harmony, and many of them very promisicg; in fact, we believe since we saw them one or two have come to the front in the prize lists. It is at Vale Wood that the foxes trouble Mr. Darby so much, but we foond here a most ingenious contrivance of Martin's the manager ; a space 100 yards square had been cleared round the poultry houses, in each corner a strong post had been sunk into the ground, and a stout wire strained from poet to post. In each comer was a dog kennel, and each dog had a chain which was fastened to the wire by a ring. By this means each dog had to guard 100 yards, and he cculd run up and down this space at pleasure, so keeping oft all intruders, whether two-legged or four-legged, from this square which con- tained the houses and roosting sheds. We found here Coloured Dorking hens, rose-combed and single — great-bodied birds, and most of them well through the moult. We were shown many a champion here, and very grand they looked. Here, too, were troops of Game Bantams, a grand rose-combed Dorking cock, some splendid White Dorking hens, a good Coloured Dorking pallet or two, besides a miscellaneous collection of young growing stock which had aothing to do but to grow, basking lazily in the thick bracken, and picking about under those fine forest trees. Opposite the manager's hoase was a little paddock with a nice thatched shed in the comer. Here were the Cochin pallets — Buffs, Blacks, and Whites. The former were very good, two or three of them being in colour equal to any we have seen this season, and we since have learned that one of them was the pullet so much admired at the Aston Park Show. These pullets, especially the Buffs and Blacks, must come to the front sooner or later. As we walked back we passed some cottages where a nice Game cock or two were out at walk, and when we once more reached Little Ness we went to the poultry room, where in small straw-littered pens we found various old cocks in process of changing their summer clothing. We took a great fancy to a Black cock, and a White bird was coming out a good colour, and will make a winner we should think. We only had to see the Spanish now, and then we had finished the whole yard. These we found in a large covered-iu manure-yard, and a capital col- lection they seemed to be, nearly fifty of them, hens, pallets, and cockerels. We thought the place warm and singularly adapted for bringing-out their faces and developing their combs. This, then, was the Baschurch establishment. We have had to go over it rapidly, as it is large and the number of birds great ; but we have given, we hope, some idea of the place, and leave it wishing Mr. Darby every success, for he is a genuine fancier and an honest one, and well deserves every card his birds bring home. — W. ALEXANDRA PALACE POULTRY SHOW. TocB contributor says that Mr. BUlett had the birds speedily packed at the close of the Show. We are at a loss to know whence the information was derived, for Mr. BUlett had nothing whatever to do with repacking the birds, which was done by the Secretaries and a numerous staff of assistants ; and with about a dozen exceptions every bird was in the hands of the railway people before four o'clock on Friday morning. We may add that Mr. BUlett executed his contract for the pens in an emi- nently satisfactory manner. The next misstatement in your report is that the birds while at the Show were fed by the Messrs. Spratt i Co. On the con- trary, the birds were fed and attended to during the Show by Mr. H. Brown and several feeders ; and with the exception of two or three cwt. of Spratt's meal the whole of the food stuS was supplied by Mr. K. Pratt. We cannot help remarking also that in the report on the Pigeon Show your reporter should have altogether ignored such important varieties as Carriers, Pouters, and Dragoons, which all had large and well-filled classes, and we think were deserving of some notice. — W. J. Nichols, P. H. Jones, Sees. [The only reason that no comments on the C£irriers, Pouters, and Dragoons were published is, that the report on them was [ confided to a gentleman who did not send his notes. — Eds.] MALAYS. Is your report of Alexandra Palace Show I see you have favoured the Malay fancy with fuller notes on this class than is generally the case with other papers that devote space for poultry matters. I am led to believe, like more of the fancy, that Malays are a breed which few know how to describe, not knowing their true character. You specially name the Cream colour, as if they ought to be either White or Piles. Now as there is no standard colour for Malay hens, I maintain that colour should not have too much weight, but style and size, and the neck or hackle scant of feathers, with plenty of leg. — K. Ha\^"Kins, Seahani. THE FRENCH CLASSES. It shows the increasing popularity of these breeds, especially of the Houdans, that in a season so confessedly bad for chickens such birds could have been brought together as at the Alex- andra Palace Show; and those who like myself have watched the progress of the breeders must admire the energy and intelli- gence by which they have effected so vast an improvement — an improvement which would, I believe, make our neighbours open their eyes as wide as did the rose-growers when they saw the magnificent pot roses at the Great International Exhibition. Not merely the size, but the quality of the birds was wonderful. But must not some people give great latitude to the interpreta- tion of chickens ? I saw pullets with scaly legs, and in all my breeding experience I have never met with that in birds under twelve months. Of the four classes I think the Houdan cockerels were the weakest in point of quality, and there was hardly a bird in it with which some fault might not be found. The cup bird, which belonged to my friend Mr. Dring, was a very large fine bird, good in colour, but with too scanty a crest ; legs light in colonr. November 4, 1876. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 409 but the comb was. not what is now recognised as the true Hoiidan comb as distiuguisheil trotu the Crove. Second-prize bird was worthy of the position he took ; but he had a flue crest, and leRS were very light. 627 a fine bird, but he had too srnall a comb and wattles to suit my ideas of a thoroughly good bird. 626 a good bird, but too dark. 620 would have been a flue bird but for his having a squirrel tail, which made him look as if the sickle feathers had been pulled out and stuck in again. 610 a good bird. 617 a large bird, very dark, bad shape, and with an exaggerated leaf comb. 613 good, but too small. The pullets were a very fine class, and when one looks at the prize list and sees that out of thirty-four entries nineteen, or more than one-half, were noticed, it is evident the Judges thought so too. The first prize bird (651) did Mr. Wood great credit; she had a very fine crest, was good in colour and shape — quite a model of what a Hondan ought to be. The second (63.5, Mr. Dring) was a very fine bird; in fact, he had four there altogether which were excellent, and I am not sure but I should have preferred the highly commended bird (63i) to that which obtained second. The third was good, and so was 656, fourth prize (Mr. Quibell). Amongst the highly commended birds I like 642 (Mr. Hibbert) quite as well as some of those which ob- tained prizes; but I can quite understand the difiiculties the Judges must have experienced, and I thought to myself how very little I should have cared to have judged such a class. The Cri've-Cccurs were remarkable not less for their excel- lence, but also for the manner in which, in racing parlance, the favourites were nowhere, and outsiders came to the front. Messrs. Dring, Cutlack, Crabtree, Wood, and Ewbank were distanced by such new exhibitors as the Rev. .J. G. B. Knight, Mr. Upsher, and Mr. D. Faye, and unquestionably their birds were very fine. The first and second-prize cockerels were grand birds, brilliant in colour, rich glossy black, rather too upright in comb. 676, third prize (Mr. Maiden), was a fine bird, but lack- ing the brilliancy of colour of the first and second. 663 (Mr. Dring) was a good bird — true Cri've-looking bird, and I could quite imagine his owner thinking he could not be beaten before he brought him up. Pallets were a splendid lot, the first-and-cup bird in all respects first-rate. The second, a Jersey bird, was very nearly equal to it, and the size was something wonderful. I liked 686 (Mr. Dring) very much, a well-shaped fine-coloured bird. Mr. Knight, who showed cockerels so well, was nowhere in pullets, only coming-in for commendation for 685. 686 was curious, a perfect White Grc've, but I should hardly think desirable, certainly not for appearance, aud I question if it would not betray a delicacy of constitution. Altogether the Show was a very wonderful one. What may we not expect at the Crystal Palace, when to young birds are added old birds also ? " May we be there to see." — D., Deal. OXFOED POULTRY SHOW. The whole Show was a very great success, and reflects the highest credit on the Hon. Secretary Mr. King. We had feared the Alexandra meeting, so nearly clashing with it, would damage the entries here, bat the poultry world has realised that the Oxford Poultry Show is firmly established. When wc think that the Alexandra Palace was on the single-bird system, that its Pigeon schedule was one of the most comprehensive ever issued, that the Palace itself had insinuating powers, we quite come to the conclusion that the Oxford people must have tho- roughly won the coufldence of exhibitors to have the grand dis- play they had last week. The Judges were — for poultry, Messrs. Teebay and Hewitt, the former gentleman taking the Game, Hambarghs, French, Game Bantams, Variety classes, and some of the Sale classes, while the latter judged the remainder; Messrs. P. H. Jones and Esquilant taking the Pigeons together. We thought the jndging in most classes very good, and though in many instances the Alexandra awards were much altered, 8tiU we must remember that the birds were here in pairs, and many of the champion single birds of the Palace had here not nearly worthy mates enough to let them occupy the old positions. The feeding was good, and every bird had a sod of grass given it in the morning, and other green food in the afternoon. The pens were Billett's, and were well covered with chaff, and had as well a little grit. Every pen of birds by 12 30 on the Friday was in the railways' hands, except in one instance where a mis- take arose about a duplicate number, but this we believe was speedily set right. The sales were numerous, and the new tender plan was found to answer admirably. Among the most important sales we may mention that the cup Houdans realised £10 10s. ; the first-prize White Pouter hen, £13; the cap Silver-spangled Hamburghs, £7; the first-prize Black Bantams, ±20; the winning Gold Pheasants, i'5 5s. ; the third-prize Creves, £6 6s. ; a highly commended Polish cockerel, £6 15s. ; second-prize Carolinas, £i 4s. ; Mr. Copplestone's very highly commended Rouens, £5 5s,; the first-prize Black Cochins, £5 5s., and very many other pens at good prices. We mast mention, too, the great excellence of the local specimens ; in many cases they were ad- mirable, and this shows us in a most marked way that the Society is bearing fruit, for the great number of new county names and improvement in their exhibits is well worthy of comment. The catalogues, which were ready when the Show opened with the awards in the margin, were nicely prepared. Dorkings were first, and a grand collection they were of sixty-five pens. In the Coloured, as in many ether classes, we found several good birds bat no very perfect pair ; for instance, the cup pallet was a beauty, so was the third, and so was Mr. Walker's; while in cockerels the second, fourth, and highly commended pens of Messrs. Burnell and Hamilton were very good birds. On the whole, however, we thought the judging good, though we con- fess all through the Show we had a fancy for Mr. Barnell'a cockerel in pen 3. Silvers were splendid, and here the champion cup went for Dorkings, and quite deservedly, as it should have done, too, in 1874. This year the cup pen, though very beauti- ful and perfect, was not to our mind quite equal to last year's first-prize pen of Silvers. Second were a nice pen, and about right ; while the third were very young but of great promise. We thought it an admirable class aud well judged. Whites were good, but we liked the second-prize pen best, for here ths cockerel was equal to or better than the wiuner, and the pullet certainly superior. Third were a fair pair ; the cockerel looked smart and fresh. In Cuckoos the winners were good. We note a great improvement in the tails of this breed, but not much extra size. The winners were well placed, the second going to a very nice pen of single-combed birds. Spanish were a large class, but the quality disappointing. On the whole the winners seemed well placed. The cockerel in the second-prize pen was immense in face, but coarse. The pullets in 69 (Wilkinson) and 72 (Walker) were very nice and promising birds. Buff Cochins were very fine ; the prize pens and the second very highly commended pens were very even. We almost think we should have placed Mrs. Tindal first and second, as Mrs. AUsopp's second-prize pen had a very old and poor pallet — in fact, this lady must have penned her pullets, we should say, wrongly, for her best pallet was with her worst cockerel. The third-prize pen contained a lovely pallet — the same bird, we believe, that we noticed in our Alexandra report of last week with a young but soundly-coloured cockerel. Blacks were few and good. The second prize pen must have closely pressed the winners, as it contained the best cockerel we have yet seen in Blacks for colour, comb, and shape. The third were right. 115 contained the Palace Black pullet, and a poor bird she is for a show speci- men. Whites were a large class, and there were here many in- dividual birds good, but with faulty companions. The winning cockerel was red on his wings, and the second-prize pullet looked as old as the hills, while the third-prize laly was almost stockingless. Taking them as they were, our choice was for Mr. Faulkner's pen in spite of their very heavy bocks. Partridges were grand, and the winners well placed. Brahmas were good, and the judging very nearly perfect in the Darks ; for though something could be said, perhaps, against every pen, still they were well selected. Mrs. Baillie-Hamilton's bird has a nasty tumour on his breast, or else as a cockerel he was, perhaps, the best. After the winners we liked Mr. Birche'a pen and the pullet in 144 (Bennett). Lights were capital, but here, too, we saw several grand birds, but no very splendid pairs. Perhaps we liked the fourth-prize pen as well as any, but here the cockerel had a hideous comb. The second were stylish chickens, the same pair as won first at Edenbridge. 175 (Saville) had a nice pullet, so had 188 (Petter), while 173 (Haines) had a very fair cockerel; but the class was a difficult one to judge on account of the non-matchiug of the birds in their pens— in fact, the whole Show was remarkable for this. Game were on the single-bird system, but the quality was dis- appointing though the numbers were good. Black Red cockerels were not a grand lot, and the only bird of any style or promise was the third, which will in time make a good one. Pullets were better ; Mr. Dutton's pens were as good as any, but all the birds seemed backward. In Brown Red cockerels the winner was well to the front. It was a much better class, and the noticed chickens were all birds of good stamp and style. The Brown Red pullets, too, were a pretty lot of birds, and the winners nicely selected; we know the Judge took an immense deal of trouble over them. In the other two classes Dackwinga carried off most of the prizes. We liked the cup bird im- mensely, and thought he merited his place, though we should have placed third over the second-prize pen. In pullets the winner was » good, and the second a fair Duckwing, third going to a pretty Pile. 309 (Forsyth) a nice Duckwing pullet. We thought the local Game entries exceedingly good and the birds well shown — much above the local average. Hamburghs were wonderfully good, and the entries numerous. Golden-pencils made a fine cUss. We almost liked the second pen best, the cup cockerel somehow not being quite our fancy, though a fine chicken. Third were fair birds. Mr. Cresswell'a 410 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ November 4, 1875. pen (319) were well marked, and 322 (Clayton) had a capital pullet. Silver-pencils were fair, and the winners properly placed. 3J9 (Hansor) a smart cockerel. Gold-spangles were a fine lot, and here we understand was a complete bouleversemcnt of the Alexandra winners. The prize birds were good, and the cockerel in Messrs. Duckworth's pen and Mr. Long's pullet cer- tainly were capital specimens. Silver-spangles were a beautiful lot, and winning difficult. We liked the second-prize pen as well as any, though the cockerel here was not worthy of his pullet. The third pair were good, and deserved their place easily. 382 (Hallam) were good, and 392 (Beldon) contained a very smart pullet. IJlaoks were very fine. The winning pair splendid in bloom and points, and properly the cup-winners. The second-prize cockerel was too high in tail, but his pullet capital; third, too, was a nice pen. 397 (Hoyle) had a smart cockerel, and -102 (Long) a finely- coloured pullet. PoUinds were admirable. Blacks came to the front well. The quality was very even, and it must have been almost a toss-up which of the three prize pens was to be first. Mr. Fearnley's cockerel was perhaps the best cockerel in the class, but his pullet very poor in crest. In the other class Mr. Adkin's Silvers were charming, being really good in crests and mark- ings. These won first and third, a fine pen ot Golds taking the intervening place. Mr. Beldon's pen was a grand pair, and Mr. Galloway's pen (424) were of great promise, and soon found a new home for £3 3s. Houdans were a grand lot, and the judging exceedingly diffi- cult, for the type of birds in so many pens was very different. We thought the best pen won, the crests being splendid, and the markings of each bird matching well; second and third were good pens. The fourth we did not like; they had nothing in common, and we infinitely preferred 448 (Dring), 459 (Wood), or 4G3 (Handley) ; in fact we think the first-mentioned might safely have been placed higher still. Crevcs were a capital lot, and the winners perhaps well placed on the whole, though we liked either of Mr. Knight's pens or Mr. Wood's as well as the third-prize pair; first and second being very good. Of Malays there were very few. 'The winners were good, though all the highly commended pens closely pressed on them. The only White pen were large and good in points, but horrible in colour. Americans were two capital classes. We should think ns layers they will be appreciated. We confess our penchant is for the Whites ; we have seen them on a green run, where they certainly look very elegant. But the Brown is the hardy variety, we hear, and we think will soon make themselves known as useful fowls. We did not care for the cup Browns, and thought Mr. Kitchen should have had it, though the third-prize pullet was very pretty. In Whites we liked 626, or even C27 (Fowler) as well as any pen. The third went to Plymouth Rocks. Silkies were a charming class, but we could not agree with the awards : crests, colour, combs, all had to give way to leg feather. This we think positively ridiculous, for the latter is easy enough to obtain, while the former points are very difficult. But we hope to publish in this Journal soon one or two articles on this breed, when we will state our views on the matter, as perhaps we have given as much time and trouble to the variety as anyone. As it was, undoubtedly the best pen in the class was Mr. Stephen's, and perhaps next to it Mr. Cresswell's ; Mr. NichoU'fl pen (539) had a comb like a Hamburgh's, and several pens had visible proofs of vulture hocks, which should at once be condemned. The Variety class was good; a splendid pen of Sultans wore first. Black Minorcas second, and Scotch Dumpies third ; good Sultans, Minoroaa, and Scotch Greys coming in for high com- mendations. Bantams were exceedingly good, the Game especially so, but the Black Bantams were the cream of the lot ; every noticed pen was good, and many others as well. Sebrights were beauti- ful, exquisite Silvers winning first easily. We were glad to see the quality here so good. In the Variety class Pekins were first, and White Hose combs second and third. There were several good pens of White-booted also, and we think a class here would pay well. Mr. Bloodworth's pen of White Rose- combs were the Palace winners, but the cock had had his tail pulled out en mute to the Show, or they would have been most probably near winning. Diiclcs were grand. We wonder if a better Aylesbury drake than the winner was ever shown; his colour, size, and shape are simply wonderful. Rouens were good, and judged by weight we believe. Fancy Ducks made a most attractive class where Mandarins, Carolinas, and Spotted Bills drew the winning cirds. Blacks were lovely, and in a perfect light. The winners were well chosen, and the awards most favourably received. Mr. Sainabury has good colour and small size this season. Calls only mustered thrse pens, all good; but this class will die a natural death wo may as well state here, unless eight entries are guaranteed in 1870, at least so w» hear. Geese and Turkeys were wonderfully fine, and the Aylesbury pair again scored another triumph in the former class. Every pen in the Turkey class was noticed, and the quality was ex- ceedingly good throughout. The Selling classes were very large, and many pens changed hands. We noticed here several pens of BuS Cochins of more than ordinary merit. The second-prize Buff pullets realised £5 5s. by tender. We are assured Cochins are generally looking up and are in great demand. We are glad to hear of it, for we owe a great deal of the mania to the first-introduced Cochins, which set the market going and created such a furore'Jin by- gone years. PIGEONS. The Pigeons are always a great feature at the OxfordlShow, and well they may be when sixteen silver cups are offered for them. They were charmingly shown in the 'Town Hall, out of the general noise of the Poultry Show, and we must say that we rejoice in still seeing here and there the smaller varieties shown in pairs. Even for Oxford the Show this year was a remarkable one, and we heard that the Judge considered the classes of Bine and Silver Turbits and of English Owls the best he had ever seen. Carriers headed the list with six classes. Blue or Silver had two classes. The cup went to Mr. Hammock's bird, a Blue of immense length and fine form and skull ; apparently not an old bird, for his wattles were not yet much developed. Second cock a Blue also, without the length of the first, but a good bird, excellent in tail and wattles. Third, another Blue in good and sleek condition. The hens were a fair class, the first a Silver Dun with somewhat watery eyes ; second a long and fine-headed Blue, not in first-rate condition; third a fair Blue. In the two classes for Any other colour the cup went to Mr. Fulton's noble Black cock, a grand bird in all points ; second in cocks was a Dun, but slightly his inferior in head and wattle, belonging to the same exhibitor; third a Black with long fine form. The first local prize went to a creditable Dun, which we saw was claimed at £7. In the class for hens Mr. Fulton repeated his victory, taking first with a Black and second with a Dun. Young birds had two classes and two cups. That for Blue was carried off by Mr. Stretch with a bird of great promise, his head and wattle will some day be magnificent ; second was also a very stylish bird. In the other class, Mr. Simpson's cup bird was a Black in a bloom of condition which it is delightful to see ; second was another Black, running him hard ; third a Dun of peculiarly rich colour and striking form. Cob Hassard showed a good Dun, deservedly very highly commended, though not equal to the third-prize bird. IPouters had two classes for Whites, which were beautifully filled, and two for Any other colour. Mr. Heath's first-prize White hen was a most remark- able bird, and though entered at twelve guineas was claimed. The first-prize White cock was a bird of extraordinary limb. If we mistake not a cock or two paesed for hens in the class assigned to the weaker sex. In the two claeses for Any other colour the cup went to a Black-pied cock, a fine bird but a little looser in crop than we like ; the second cock was a Red ; the third a Blue, particularly good in colour. In the class for hens first and third were Blacks, the third not equal to the first in points, but excellent in colour ; second was a Yellow. Barbs. — The cup for the best pair of Barbs or Tumblers was awarded to the first pair of adult Barbs, magnificent Duns ; second were Blacks ; third Duns in beautiful bloom and condition, though not equal to their wondrous predecessors in head. In the class for birds of the year, first were Blacks, which we did not think re- markable; second promising Duns; and third nice Y'ellows. Owls were a splendid collection — in fact, we suppose the Owls, Turbits, and Magpies were as good classes of the kinds as have ever been seen in one show. In English Owls the winners were all good, but wo thought Mr. Allen's hardly had justice done to them ; but the cream of the two classes was the cup pen , they were perfect gems and a show of themselves. Runts only came four pens strong, and Nuns only five, but the quality was good, and we wonder the former variety especially does not muster more supporters. Turbits were truly grand. We liked ono or two pens quite as well as the winners. 1215 (Hardy) had a splendid bird. In the other class exquisite Blacks were first, really a pair of gems. In the second-prize pen of Reds the hen is a wonder, perhaps the beet in the fancy. Third good shell-crested Blacks. Mr. Cresswell's birds are all so extremely good in gullet. Fantails were good, and' we should think two classes would pay here another year. Mr. Serjeantson's were wonderfully nice. We noticed a nice pen of Blacks and another of Blues, but the whole class was very fine. Jacobins were a nice lot, beautiful Y'ellows first and second, and third good Reds and Whites ; the latter pen perhaps the best. 1250 (Cress- well), a nice pair of Reds. Trumpeters, six pens, but Mr. Schweitzer's and Mr. Lederor's pens were empty. The winners were all Russians, all good, and all Black. Magpies were, as wo said above, two beautiful classes. The first-prize Blacks were quite exquisite and admirably shown. The other class was also admirable, and Mr. Baker's winners well selected, the second Yellows, however, coming near to them. Novombor i, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULXURK AND COTTAGE GARDENKR. 411 The Variety class wa? excelleut. The first-prize pair went to Frillbackg. The second award we did not nndorstand, and pre- ferred 13U (Beldon), Spangled Ice, or l:iOO (Webb), Archangels; 1316 ftlerrieff) Triooloured Owls, rather a pretty pair; 1317 fSVyllie) good plain-coloared Ice ; 13^0 (Stephens), large White cross-breds, which would make an admirable pie. They were evidently cross-breda, though entered with the charmingly vague title of French Pigeons. The Pigeon sale classes which contained some good birds com- pleted the Show, which was in cxuality as good as any we have Been for a long time. We gave the poultry awards last week, and this week com- plete the remainder of the prize list. Wo may state here that we find printed across the first page of each catalogue the dates of the 1876 meeting, which will, all well, be on October 2r,th and 26th, consequently there can be no excnse for other shows to arrange their dates to clash with this. CiBRXEF.B.— Blur or Silrer. CocA: —1, Cop, and 3, W. G. Hammock. 2, J. C. Ord. he, J. Thicke, E. C. Stretch, J. Baker, c, R. Cant, Col. Hassard. Hens. — l.E.T.Dew. 2, E. C. Stretch. S.J. C.Ord. /ic, W. G. Hammock, c, E. T. Dew, — Massey. Cabribbb.— Jriy other eolour,—Coek.~\, Cap. and 2, R. Fulton. 1 Local, Powell it Crane. S, G. KempsoD. he, H. Yardloy. c, T. A. Wyatt, Uen.—\ and 2, R. Falton. 1 Local, C. Herrieff. S, W. G. Hammock, vhc, E. C. Stretch. C4RRIER3.— B/u«.— YouJi^.— I and Cnp, E. C. Stretch. 2, J. C. Ord. 3 and c, W. G. Hammock, he, W. G. Hammock (21, J. Biker. C'ABRIERS — ^?iy other colour.— YouHp.—l and Cap, H. Simpson. 2, H. All- Bop. 3, J. Jamea. vhc. Col. Hasaard. he, R. Cant, Col. Haauard, R. Fulton, C. H. Clarke, e, R. Cant. PouTEKa.-IF;i««.-Coc-t«.— I, L. & W. Watkin. 2, H. Pratt. 3, Mrs. Ladd. ti/ic, R. Fulton, he, A. Heath, //ens. -1, .\. Heath. 2 and 3, Mrs Ladd. c, L. and W. Watkin. Pouters.— -Ini/ other colour.—Cocks —1. Cup, and 3, II. Pratt. 1 Local, J. Stoddart. 2. J. Baker. Herts.— 1 and 2. H Pratt. 3, R. Fulton, he, W. Not. tage. c, J. Baker. Barbs -I, Cup, and 2, E. Fulton. 1 Local. F. P. Bullcy. 3, H. Yardley. he, W.J.Hyde, roiiiio — 1, W. Maasey. 2, T. Charnley. S.R.Fulton. TnMBLERi.— J/mon^i.—l, K. Fulton. 2, H. Yar.Uey. 3, W. G. Hammock, c, J. Baker. Shoi t faefU.—\ , J. Baker, i, H. Yordley. ?, R. Falton. he, J. Baker; W. B. Mapplebeck, jun. c, R. Piatt. Long-faced.— \, W. B. Mapple- beck, Jan. 2, J. CargUl. 3 and Local, Powell & Crane, he, J. Baker, c, G. Garraway. Draqooss.— Blue or Silver.— I and Cup. W. Sniilh. 2 and Local. Powell ani Crane. 3. F. Graham, he. 0. Perry, H. Yardley, F. Graham, C. Herrieff, W. J. Pass, c, F. Graham, G. Herrieff. Any other colour. — 1, L. Whitehead. 2, H. Yardley. S, R. Fulton, he, C. Herrieff (21- c, Hon. W. Sngden, R. H. Leach. Antwerps.- 1 and Cnp, H. Yardley. 1 Local, W. H. Weavinj?. 2, J. Wright. 8, H. Yardley. he. J. Kendriok, jnn , C. Gamon, J. T. Theobold, C. Herrieff. c, J.Bradley (2). 7fo!»(fii7.—l. C. G. Butler. 2 and Local, U. Turner. 3. Capt. G. Edwardea. he, A. Clark, G. Garraway, W. Tomlms. c, G, Herrieff, W. R. Pratt. J. W- Barker Kusrs.— .s'in!7ie Bird — Cnn, Local, and 3, S. Salter. 2, T. D. Green. Owls.— Enjiish— 1, Ward 4 Khodea. 2 and Local, F. P. BuUey. 3. H. Verdon. vhe, J. Schweitzer, T. G. Sprunt. he, T. G. Sprunl, J. Thresh, c, W. P. Keal ; W. R. Pratt. F>jrevj:i.—l and Cup, R. Fulton. 2 Local, J. Baker. 3, J. Schweitzer, he, R. Futon. J. Schweitzer. Nu-ss.- 1, Miss A. Br.ioke. 2, J. B. Bowdon. S.J.Baker. TuRBiTS.— Blue or Silver. -l. Cup, and, 2, E. T. Dew. 3, S. Salter, v/tc, H. Yardley, G. Hardy, he, G. Hardy, G. H. Grefjory, J. Baker, c, R. Fulton, Any other colour.— I and vhe, S. Salter. 2 and if, O. E. Creaawall. he, S. Dewhirst, S. Salter. Faktails.— Iand2, Rev. W. Serjeantson. ILocal.W. R.Pratt. 3, Q. Bluhm, he, O. E. Cresswel', H. C. Bowman, J. Walker, Q. Bluhm. c, T. Randall, J. F. Loversidge. JAContNS. — 1 and Cnp. R Fulton. 2 an! 3, J. Baker, c, O E. Creaswell. TacMPETEBS.- .S'tfiplc Birds.~l and 2, R. Fulton. 3, J. Baker. Magpjes.— Black —1. Cu?, and 2, C. G. Hitehcck. 8, J. B. Bowdon. he, A. P. Maurice, F. P. BuUey, Powell & Crane, H. Jacuba. Anu other colour.— I. J. Baker. 2, Powell & Crane. 3 and /(C, J. B. Bowdon. c, T. Randal H. Yard ley, H. Beldon. Ant othbe VarietT. _1, G. H. Gregory (Frill'acka). 2. S. A. Wyllie. (Archangel). 3, H. W. '>ebb (Archangel), vhc, R. Fulton (Turbiteena), H. Beldon. he, H. Yardley, H. W. Webb lArchangela), C. Herrieff (Tricolourcd. Owls). LooAL CLifiS. -Uoming Aniuerps.— Single Btn^s.- 1, W. Tomlms. 2, Evana and Brown. 3, W. R. Pratt, /ic, H. W. Way, Evans & Brown, J. Nunney. Selling Class,— P(itr5.—Prtcc not to exceed 403.— 1, H, Yardley. 2, S. Salter. 3, W. W. Pvne (Black Carriers), e, A. P. Bylord (Barba), J. Naeh (Black Carriers), H. W. Weaving (English Owls), S. Salter, J. Baker. Selling Class.— 1, S. Salter. 2, H. Beldon. 3, T. Wood, he, J. Banks (Black Magpies), W. R. Pratt, S. Salter, H. C. Bowman (Fantail). 3, M. H. Start (Creve). he. Miss Mortimer (Cochin); Mrs. N. Baker (Honaan). Hens or rulhts—i. E. Leake (Ulaek Uamburghs). 2, W. Morrie. 3, T. P. Phelps (lilack llamburgha). )i.'. Rev. E. J. uwen (Dorkings), A. Armitage (Oorkinga). \V. Morria. e. M. H. Slurt (tloudann). GEEaE.— 1 and 2, Mra. U. J. Bailey. 8, C. Josoph. TosKEVs.— I.Mrs. U. J. Bailey, a, J. i F. Wigmore. 3, A. Armitage. DtiCKS.- noiirn -I, W. Birch. 2 and he. Mrs U.J. Bailey. 3, J. S. Maggs. e, B. Kiuler. ^i/Iesduru— 1 and 3, Mra. H. J. Bailey. 2, J. S. Maggs. /te. Miss Mortimer, .liii/ odur )./.■. ,(-1, Mrs, II. J. Bailey (Brown Call) 2, H. Yardley (t'ancy). 3, A. Armitai;.. ( Wild) he, Mrs. U J. Bailey (White Call), W. Marfell (Muscovy). F. W. Barling (:Muhcovy). c, Mra. Rolls (fancy). LOCAL PRIZE.S. BRAnMAa.--Z>arfc or Light.— I and 3, W. Treasure. 2 and 4, J. Parsons, e, C. PurBons. CociiiNSORDoRKlNas.-l.Rev. E.J. Owen. 2, H. W. Sorel-Cameron. S.Mias Mortimer. 4, A. Armitage. French.— ). Miss Mortimer. 2 and 4, W. Morris. 3. Mrs. N. Baker. Game.-I, O. New.ligate. 2, J. Pearse 3 and 4. Capt. L. P. Walah. Anv oTnEE Vahiety.— 1,T. F. Phclpa (Sultans). 2, Rev. II. W. Tweed (Qolden- pencilled Hamburghs). „ BANTAMs.-fJodi or .Sillier Sebright.— ^. 2, and 4, T. F. Phelps. 3, Rev. H. W. Tweed. Any other variety.— i, 2, and 3, T. F. Phelps. PIGEON.S. Carriers.— Coel:.-!, W. H. Smith. 2. H. Yardley. 3. R. Leach. 4. H. M. Maynard. he, S. Lingard. H. Yardley. c, Hon. W. Sugden. Ben,— I and 4, li. Yardley. 2, H. M. Maynard. 3, W. H. Smith. PoniERS.— Coct-1 and 2. H. Pratt 3. VV. U. Smith. 4, Hon. W. Sugden. he, W. G. Flanagan, c, G. HoUoway. /i«i —1, H. Yardley. 2 and 3, H. Pratt. 4, G. HoUoway. „ „ „ Barbs -Cock or Ilen.-l. H. Yardley. 2. H. M. Maynard. 3, H. Yardley. 4, A. P. Bvford he, F. W, Wi.kie. e, T. F. Phelps. J. Wright jAconiNs.-C'oe)! or iieii— 1,J. T. Herbert. 2, T. F. Phelps. 3, H. Yardley. 4, T. Homes, c, H. M. Maynard, F. Siedle. luMBLEBS — Coe* or He 11 —1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3, H. P. Powel. i, G. HoUoway. he, R. Leach, e, J. S. Gardner. „ „ ■ ,. u ^ Draooons -Coe* or Urn.—l. 2, and t, R. Woods. 3, W. Smith, he, F. Graham, W. Smith, A. McKenzie. c, H. Yardley. F. Graham (i), A. McKenzie. Antwerp*.- Coc/c or Hell— 1 and 2, C. Gamon. S, H. Cox. 4, H, Yardley. 7iC, W. G. Flanagan, A. J. Barues c, W. G. Flanagan, A. J. Baniea. OwLs.-Cocfe or Hen.—l. H. Yardley. 2, F. P. Huiley. 3. A. J. Barnes. 4, A. McKenzie. he, A. J. Barnes, e, F. P. BuUey, J. T. Herbert, J. Bennett. TuRDira.- Coeli or Hen —1 and 2, C. A. Crater. 3, W. B. Rootes. 4, J. Bennett, he, W. Turle, T. A. London, e, T. Homes. Fantails —Coek or Hen.- , 3, and 4, P, R. Spencer. 2, H. M. Maynard. he, W. J. Warhurst. c, VV. Morris. , , „ , m Any otbek Varietj.— 1 and 4, H. Yardley. 2, B. Hudson (Trumpeter). 8. J. T. Herbert (Magpie), he, P. Hinde (Nun), J. T.Herbert (Magpie). e,G. HoUoway (Pigmy Pouter), M. P. Jones (Nun). ^, , .„,.,„ Sellivo Class.- Price not to exceed 20s. -1 and 2, T. F. Phelps (Barbs). 3, J. H. Watkins. 4. F. S. Barnard (Owls), he, T. F. Phelps (Carriers and Archange:s), e, W. R. Rootea (Barbal, W. H. Sm th (Beards), J. S. Magg3 (Tumblers). E. C. Thotnassun. J. Eennet (Turbits), W. Morris. Selun.j CLisa.-Priee iio( to exceed lOj -1. J. S. Magga ( rumblers). 2, T. F. Phelps (Carriers). 3, H. M. Maynard (Fantails). 4, M, P. Jones, he, J. H, Watki-B (2). c, A. P. Bjfoid; B. Hudson (Carriers). LOCAL PRIZES. Caheiee oe BAEB.-Coct or Hen.— 1, 2, 3, 4. and he, T. F. Phelps (Camera and Earba). c, R. Grif»ihs(Barbj). „ „ . „ ^ ™ i. Fantail or Antwebp. -Cocfc or Ilen.—T., 3, and 4, W. Moms. 2 and c, T. i Phelpa. he, E. C Soobell. ^ DRtr.ooN OR Turbit — 1. W. Morris. 2. 3. and 4, W. R. Rootes. ANY other Variety.- L J. Tainton (Pouter). 2 and 3. T. F. Phelps (Tmm- peter and Jacobiu). 4, E. C. Scobell (Pouter). )ie, T. F. Phelps (.Archangel); e, E. C. ScobeU (Pouter), T. F. Phelpa (Jacobin). Judges.— PotiZfrj/ : Mr. E. Hewitt. Pigeons: Mr. H. AUaopp. EOSS SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The fourth annual Exhibition was held in the Corn Exchange and Town Hall on the 2ad inst. The following are the awards : — Beahhas.- D(irfc.-1,E. Prilchard. 2, W. Morrip. 3, T. F. Phelps. Light.- 1 and 2, T. A. Dean. 8. Mrs. H. J. Bailey, he, A Bigg. Cochins.- Cinnamon or Buff.—l and 2, H. W. Sorel-Cameron. Any other variety.— \ , W. Morria. 2, D. Lewi?. 3, T. A. Dean. DoFEiNGs.- 1, H. Edmonds. Game.— B(uefe or Brown ]ied.~l, G. Newdigate. 2, T. A. Dean. Any other colour.- 1, H. P. Powel. 2, J. Pearse. Hamburghs. -*Go((( or Silver-spangled.— 1, J. Carr. 2, Mrs. Rolls. 3, T. A. Dean, he. T. May. Gold or ,S'i(i'er-jiencii(erf.—l, P.obertshaw i Dean. 2, C. W Gibbs. 3, Mrs Rolls, c, J. Carr. Black.— l, J. E. Jonee-Macben. 2, D. Lewis- S, E. L. WiUiams. French.- 1, 2, and 3, M. H. Sturt (Creves and Houd,an8). he, E. Smith (Houdans), Miss Mortimer (Creves). T. A. Bean (Creves). c, Mrs. N. Baker (Houdana), J. S, Magga (Cr.vf s), M H. Sturt (Creves). Bantams.— Game.— 1, E. & A. Farrington. 2 and 3. J. H. W.atkins. ^ny oilier variity.—l and he, J. W. Lloyd. 2, R. H. Ashton. S, E. Pritchard. Any other Variety.- I, Mrs. RoUs ( Silver Polande). 2, T. F. Phelps (Sultans). 8, R. Preen (SUkies). Brahmas or Cochins —Chiefcens.—l, T. A. Dean (Light Brahmas). 2, W. Birch. 3, W. E. Smiih (Buff Cochins), he, E. Pritchard (Dark Brahma=), E. C. Pcikc (Dark Erahmat) e,T. A. Dean (Light Brahmas), H. Edmonds (Cochins C. Bloodworth ( BuB Cochinsl. ) Any other Vaiiifty.— Chiefcens.— 1. M. H. Sturt (Houdana). 2, E. Eamett (Dorkings). 3, C. Bloodworth (Polands). he, J. H. Kaby (Iloudans). e, S. F. Parker (Game), Rev. E. J. Owen (Dorkings), R. W. W. Romer (Hamburghs). Selling Class.— Cocfc.—l, W. Birch (Brahma). 2, H. Edmunds (Cochin). THE JACOBIN. In reading "Wiltshire Rector's" paper on this bird ia our Journal of the 7th nit. I was somewhat surprised at hie remarks. It is not because the Jacobin now is not the Jacobin of " thirty or thirty-five years ago " that I object, but because it is not the Jacobin at all, but a mongrel bird bearing only the remains of the Jacobiu ; and I take it for this same reason that Mr. Weir and Mr. Ure also condemn the " new type." I have iuvariably found that the best fanciers have not only a fancier's but an artistic eye as well, and it may be for want of the latter that so many trashy birds are now bred and kept. Anyone with an artistic eye having a sight of the true Jacobiu would at once see how much more soft and graceful the lines are as compared with the bird now so common. But I would ask. What is the use of a standard if it is to be altered to suit this or that fancier or this or that time ?_ The standard was laid down years before any of us saw the light of day. It was plainly defined and adhered to till of late years, when, from carelessness or want of knowledge, this bird was allowed by crosses to become quite spoiled. Our desire is not to find fault with the fanciers of our day, but to put them on the way, if possible, to possess and breed the true type cf all birds, which alone is worth their trouble and keeping. I care not for colour or markings, what I want is the true and original outline. Colour can bo had next, but without the former tha latter amounts to nothing. May I ask why the style of the bird has been altered at all ? Was it from any objection to the shape of the original bird ? No ; but I deny that the bird has- been improved. It has been neglected, and is now neither one thing nor another, and this by " Wiltshire Rector's " own show- ing possessing birds as he tells us " of various types and sizes.' The standard therefore suits neither the one nor the other. Since these remarks were written I have seen Mr. Harrison Weir's paper, and agree with him entirely.— James Huie. I FEEL I must say a word in reply to Mr. Harrison Weir, if only to remark upon the excellent tone of his letter, which could not offend the most sensitive. When fanciers write sharply against each other they begin to feel less cordial, and 412 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 4, 1875. the reealt is a coldness -when they meet, or, worse, absolutely avoidiDg each other. I have heard of eveu worse still— viz., that a difference about a feather, or the shape or colour of a bird, has broken a former friendship. This is deplorable. Soon the great gathering of fanciers will take place at the Crystal Palace Show, and I hope when it comes, so near Christmas too, that no fancier's hand will be given or taken other than kindly, and not one will look into the pens in order to avoid looking at a former friend. Having finished my little homily on "brotherly kindness," I will say a word about the Jacobin. I see there is a point — an artistic point I may call it— in the dark thighs which I had not noticed, as they gives a balance to the eye, which takes in profile the whole frill, and this Pigeon should be long and boat-shaped. As to the low cut, I mean only just a little low, the white coming in a narrow line below the beak, which prevents what has to me a kind of choked appearance. By what I hear we shall see some splendid Jacobins in colour and points at the Crystal Palace Show. — Wiltshire Rector. NORWICH BIRD SHOW. The Norwich Alliance and East Anglian Ornithological Association held their third grand annual Exhibition of Cana- ries, Mules, and British and foreign cage and song birds (open for competition to the United Kingdom, in St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, October 29th and 30th, and November Ist, 1875. The Exhibition was tastefully arranged with plants and shrubs kindly lent for the occasion by the Messrs. Ewing of the Royal Norfolk Nurseries, Eaton. The Show was a capital one, more than nine hundred birds having been entered for competition and sale. Messrs. Mackley of Norwich won two silver cups and an electro-plated teapot and mustard-pot. Mr. Fairbrass of Canterbury won a silver cup, as did also Mr. J. Thackrey of Bradford, and Mr. E. Hawkins of Leicester Square, London. Mr. "W. A. Blakston judged. NoHWicn.-Ciear Yelioic—h G. & J. Mackley. 2, Burrell & Wright. 3, J. Caplm. vhc, n Poole, G. & J. Mackley. ftc, C. J. Salt. Bnrrell & Wright, J. CapliD. Clear Buff— I, G. & J. Mackley. 2 and 3. Willis & Provart. vhc, 3. Caplin (2). Brown & Gayton, G. & J, Mackley. he, R. Noller. c, C. J. Salt. NoBT^^cH —Eirnly-ntarked Yellow— i, 2, and vhc. G. & J. Mackley. S, Brown and Gayton. he, J. Yallop. A. Palmer. A. Colman, G. & J. Mackley. c, J. BesBon. Evtnly-nmrkfdBuff—l&nd^.G & J. Macklev. 2, J. Adams, r he, J. Caplin. he, J. YaUop. R. Noller, G. & J. Mackley. e, C. J. Salt, J. YaUop, A. Colman. t^oRVijcn.— Ticked, Unevenly-marked, and Variegatt'd Tellou\—l and 2, G. and J. Maokley. 3. J. Adams, vhc, J. Cntlock. J. Adams, he, R. Noller. c, A. Colman. Ticked, Unevenly-marked, and Variegated Buff —1. 2. and S, G. & J. Mackley. vhc, J. Caplin. he, J. Cutlock (2), J. Adams, c, WilUa & Provart, J. Adams. J^oRwicn— Marked Crested Yellow— \ and vhc, G. & J. Mackley. 2 and e, F. Woodward. S. C. E. Dade, he, E. Lawn. Marked Crested Buff—1. G. & J Mackley. 2, C. J. Salt. 8, F. Woodward, vhc, J. Yallop. G. & J. Mackley. he, F. Woodward, J. YaUop (3), G. & J. Mackley (2). c, W. B. Hovell, J. YaUop (2), ■G. & J. Mackley. Norwich.— yf/^oir.TcifJi Clear, Grey, or Dark Crest.— 1, F. Woodward. 2 and 3. G. & J. Mackley. 4. C. J. Salt. 5, J. Yallop. Buff, unth Clear, Grey, or Dark Crest —1, 8. and 5, G. & J. Mackley. 2, J. Adams. 4, J. Woodward, vhc, J. Yallop, G. & J. Mackley (2), he, J. E. Thirkettle, J. YaUop, G. & J. Mackley. c, H. B. Hovell. Belgians.— r/rrtr, Ticked, and Varietjated rt-i/oic— 1, Mrs. J. Horn. 2. 3. and 4. Cleminson & EiKrton. 5 and he, T. M Reid. vhc, W. Balmer, Mrs. J. Horn, T. M. Reid. r. S. Buntinfr. Cleminson & Ellerton, E. Hawkins (2). Clear, Ticked, and Variegated Buff.~l, 2, vhc, and he, t.M. Reid. 3 and 4, Cleminson and Ellerton. f., W. Bnlmer. c, E. Hawkins. Li?.\hD.—Goldc?isimngled—l and 2, T. W. W. Fairbrass 3. S. Bunting. vhc. T. W. W. Fairbrass S. Buntinp, T, M. Reid (2). R. Ritchie {2). he. T. W. W. Fairbrass. T. M. Reid. Silver-spangled —1 and 3. T. W. W. Fairbrass. 2, R. Ritchie, vhc, T. W. W. FairbrasH, S. BuntinR (2), Cleminson & Ellerton, R. Ritchie (2). he, T. W. W. Fairbrass, T, M. Reid, Cleminson & EUerton. e, T. M. Reid (2). Lizard.— floWcn spangled, u-iih Broken Cap. or Pied WiTigs or Tail.—l and 2, T. W. W. Fairbrasa. 3, S. Bunting, vhc, T. W. W. Fairbrass (2). S. Bunting. T. M. Reid. R. Ritchie, he. T. W. W. Fairbrass, T. M. Reid, Cleminson and EUerton. c, W. Eadcuck. Silver-sjyanglid. u-ith Broken Cap or Pied Wingx or TaiL—\. R. Ritchie. 2 and 3. T. W. W. Fairbrass. vhc. T. W. W. Fairbrass. 5. Bnntinftr, T. M. Reid, Cleminson & Ellerton. R. Ritchie, W. Badcock. he, T. W. W. Fairbrass. S. Buntintr, Cleminson & Ellerton. c, T, M. Reid. YoBKsniHE.- ('(far Yellow.— 1 and 3, J. Thackrey. 2. Rawnsley A Wilkin- Bon. vhc, J.& H. Garbntt. Johnson & Haraton (2). Clear Buff.— 1,2. and 3, J. Thackrey. vhe. Eawnsley & Wilkinson. J. & H. Garbutt, J. Button. hc.K. Pearson. H. Wintor. R. Fleming, J. &. II. Garbutt. <-, Johnson & Harston. YottKBHmE.— Varieoated Yelloir.—\ and 2, J. Thackrey. S.J. & H. Garbutt. vhc. Rawnsley & Wilkinson. J. Thackrey, L. Belk, Johnson & Harston. he, L. Belk, J. & H. Garbutt. Variegated Buff.—l, 2, and 3, J. Thackrey. vhc, Rawnsley & Wilkinson, L. Belk, R. Hawman, J. & H. Garbutt. he, Rawnsley and Wilkinson, L. Belk. CopPY— Yellow Manchester.-l, G. & 3. Mackley. 2 and 3. R. Fleming, c, J. Yallop. Buff Manchester.-], R. Hawman. 2 and 3, J. Yallop. he, Rawnsley and Wilkin&un. c, L. Belk. R. Fleming. Plainhead —Yellow Manchester.~l, J. Yallop. 2. J. Thackrey. 8, G. & J. Macklev. vhc, W. Bowyer, G. & 3. Mackley. c. R. Fleming. Buff Manchester. —1, J. Yallop. 2. W. Bowyer. 8, J. Hutton. vhc, R. Fleming. J. & H. Garbutt. ftc,G.& J. Mackley. Cinnamon.— iv/Mh'.-1. J. Adams. 2 and 3. J. Caplin. vhc, J. S. Pearson ; J. Adams (■>). he and c, R. Poole. BwJT.- 1, 2, and 3. .1. Adams, vhc, A. Palmer. Variegat'd.—i, Rawn&Iey & Wilkinson. 2. T. Ttnniswood, 3, L. Belk. rhc.T. Burton, Brown & Gayton, G. &■ 3. Mackley. he, Rawnsley & Wilkinson, T. Tenniswood. Any other VABiETr,— 1, G. & 3. Mackley. 2, Brown & Gayton. MULES. Goldfinch and CkSK^Y.- Variegated Yellou\~\, 3. Stevens. 2, G. & J. Mackley. 3, Stroud & Goode. vhc, J. Moore, he, Willis & Provart. Varie- ^ated Buff—1, J. Stpvens. 2, G. & J. Mackley. 3. R. Hawman. vhc, H. Winter. S. Bunting (2), Stroud & Goode, G. & 3. Mackley. he, I. Herbert, c, J. A. Sleep. Goldfinch and Canary.— Z)flrfc.—1, J. Bexson. 2, 3, and he. Brown & Gayton. Any other VABiExy.— 1, J. Stevens (Lionet Mule). 2 and 5, G. & J. Mackley (Cinnamon and Siskin and Canary). 3. W. Carrick (Greenfinch). 4, R. Simp- son (Linnet), vhc, S. Cook (Dark Linnet) (2), E. Hawkins (Mule between Muzambiqui? Finch anl Cinar.vi, W. A: C. Burnistun, J. Hulton ( Browa Linnet and GoldhiichJ, G. & J. Mackley (Linnet Mule) (2). GROUPS. Four Norwich Ckyktiivs.— Irrespective of colour —1 and 3. G. & 3. Mackley 2, J. Cntlock. v%c, WiKis & Prevart (2), G.&J. Mackley (2). Six Norwich Canaries.— Three Yellows and Three Buffs.—I, A. Palmer. 2, W. B. Hovell. 3, H. Warren, vhc, T. Merry, W. B. Hovell. c, C. E. Dade. Six Norwich Canaries. — T/ir^fi? Yellows and Three Buffs.— I, G. Andrews. 2, H. Lark. 3, G. Dickerson. vhc, 3, Wileea, C. Conway, c, W. Bunting, W. Hutchtn. Six Norwich Canaries. — Three Yellows and Three Buffs.— I and Special. R. Noller. 2 aud he, R. Smith. 3, W. Kaby. vhc, G. bayer, W. Brown, c, R. Brundell, W. Alden, S. Chaplin. BRITISH BIRDS. Bullfinch.- 1, W. & C. Bnrniaton. 2, W. Carrick. he, Oakey & Bamber, C. E Dade. GoLi finch.— 1. W. H. Batchelor. 2. Cleminson & Ellerton. he, J. Drake (2). Linnet.— 1 and 2, W. Carrick. vhc, R. Pearson, T. Tenniswood. he, 3. Drake, C. E. Dade. Redpole or Siskin.- L J. Yallop. 2 and he, C. E. Dade, vhc, G. & J. Mackley. Skylark.— 1 and he. G. & J. Mackley. 2, Standard & Frost, vhc, A. Burton, Blackoieu).- 1, G. & J. Mackley. 2, Standard & Froat. Song Thrush — ', G. & J. Mackley. 2, F. D. Cubitt. vhc, Standard & Frost, J. Drake, G. & J. Mackley. Starling —1. E.' Hawkins. 2. C. E. Dade. Magpie.— 1, F. Athow. 2, S. Warminger. Jay.— 1, G. and J. Mackley. 2, J. Drake. Jackdaw —1. W. Tuffield. 2. G. & J. Mackley. ANY OTHER Variety.— 1. R Humphrey ( White Blackbird). 2,G. & J. Mackley (Robin). I'hf, J. Drake (Miniature Owl); E. Martin (Night ngale); E.Hawkins (Wheatear); J. YaUop (Chaffinch); C. K. Dade (Robin). FOREIGN BIROS. WiDiH Birds. — vhc, E. Hawkins ; J. Abrahams. C&KDiskL.—Redhead.— Single.— }, Miss E. A. Eelea. he, E. Hawkins. Nightingale.— Fjrflinian. — vhc, E. Hawkins. Waxbills —Any Variety. — 1, E. Hawkina (Cordon Bleu). 2. J. Drake (Aus- tralian), vlie, E. Hawkins (Orange cheeked, St. Helena, and Zebra) ; J. Abra- hams (St. Helena), he, G. & J. Mackley. c, J. Abrahams (Zebra and Sina- quals). Sparrows. — Java.—l, Oakey & Bamber. vhc, E. Hawkins. Spknnoyvs.—Coral-}iecked.—Single—l, Miss E. A. Eeles. vhc, C.E.Dade. Small Doves. -1, Misa E. A. Eeles (Japanese). 2, E. Hawkins (African). vhc, J, Drake (Indian). P&UkKKKTS.-Australian Grass.— I. E. Hawkins, vhc, 3. Drake. Barbary or Ring Duves.— fhc, J. Drake. Love Birds —1, J. Drake. 2, J. Abrahams, vhc, E. Hawkins, J. Abrahams, C. E. Dade. Cocketeals.— 1, Miss E. A. Eelee. i?he, J. Abrahams. Small Parrots or Parakeets. —.4»y other variety. — 1, Rev. T. C. Hose (Paradise Parakeets), vhe. E. Hawkins (Turquismea), J. Drake (Paradise Parakeets), he, Misa E. A. Eeles (Koselle), J. YaUop (Paradise Parakeets); J, Abrahams (Rose and Gorilla Cockatoos). Parakeets.- ^usfrahan or Broad-tailed. -1, Miss E. A. Eeles (Bulla Bulla). Special and vhe, J. Abrahams (Blue Mountain Lorv and Pennenls Parakeets). he. Rev. T. C. Hose (Mealy Koselle); J. Abrahams (Mortan Bay Roachillo). pArnKKKTS.— Ring-necked or Indian.— I, Mias H. Eng-ill. Special, Mias E. A. Eeles. I'hc, G. Andrews, A. Brown, E. Hawkms. he, J. L'Estrange. Kino Parrots.— 1, J, Drake, vhc, Mi^s Bateman. Kev T. C. Hose. W. Green. Cockatoo.— I. J. Drake. 2, M. George. 3, H. Cross, vhc, R. Flaxman. Grey Parrots, -f, J. Breese. 2, J. Yallop. 3, J. Cook, vhc, E. Hawkins. he, D. Copeman, G. & 3. Mackley. Foreign Birds.— Any other variety.-l and 2 and 1, 2, and 3 Specials, E. Hawkins. Special, H. Cross, vhc. 3. Drake, Miss E. A. Eeles (i), E. Hawkins (4), J. Abrahams (3). he, E. Hawkins (4), J. Abrahams (8). c, 3. Abrahams (3). Collection of Foreign Birds, Grodped in one Cage.— lands, E. Hawkins. 2 and he, J. Drake. Selling Class.- 1. r. E. Dade (Crested Norwich). 2. "Willia & Provart (Clear Yellow cock) 3, E. Hawkins (Bishop). Extra 3, G. & J. Macktey (Varietrated Norwichi. vhe, 3. Cutlock (Norwich Crested cock) J. E. Thirkettle (Lizard cock). A. Palmer (Cinnamon cock), G. & J. Mackley (Lizards), he, Willis and Provart (Crested cock), Brown & Gayton (2). e, T. Hutchin (Created cock), E. Hawkins (Bishop). HULL, YORKSHIRE, AND LINCOLNSHIRE FOREIGN BIRD SHOW. This was held in the Artillery Barracks, Park Street, Hull, on October 2tjth and 27th, 1875. The awards were as follows : — Parbots.— Grc!/.— ', H. Logan, Hull. 2, C. Glover, HuU. 8, T. Gilder, Barrow-on-Humber. i'?ic, J. Coker, Hull; T. Sands, ftc. Sir T. A. Conalable, Ferriby. c, J. Scott, York. Pabrots —Any oilier rariety—l, J. S. Taylor, Hull. 2, J. Coker. S. Sir T. A. Constable, vhc, S. Bunting, Derby, he. Sir T. A. Constable ; A. Jones, Hull. Cockatoos —1 an'i c, J. coker. 2, Sir T. A. Constable. 3, L. Meniker, HoU. vhc, J. Calvert, York. Paruoquet or Lorbt.— l.Mrs. Cbarlton. 2 and c, J. Coker. 8. R. Dorden Hull, vhc, J. Elletson, Thorngnmbald. Love Bibds.— 1, J. Calvert. 2 and 3, J. Coker. vhc, Sir T. A. Constable, he, Mrs. J. Chappell ; L. Ewbank. c. C. Hewitt, Baiton-on-Humber. Foreign Birds.— Jny other variety —1, Mrs. Cross, Appleby, Brigg. 2, J. Calvert. 3, C. Glover; J. S. Taylor, ftc. Sir T. A. Constable, c, C. Hewitt. Enulish Field Bird —1, J. Burns. 2, A. Stuart, Hull; J. Burns. 8, L. Meniker, Hull, vhc, J. Coker ; G. Coker ; W. Brigiin, Ottriogham. he, O. GI ver.HuU; J. Vickers, Alford; J.Burns. c,J.Cotcr; G. Coker. Judge. — Mr. George Venables, Engine Street, Hull. THE LIFE OF A WORKER BEE. I REGRET to see so old a writer as Mr. Pettigrew so constantly denying the truth of what his own eyes do not see, and I am certainly more inclined to agree with Huber that the troth is more likely to be arrived at by taking the " mean of many wit- nesses " than the evidence of one man only, even though that man be oneself. I certainly have not the experience of Mr. Pettigrew's fourscore years and more, bat I have seen enough to know that our senses very often are deceptive, and to admit the existence of authenticated facts of other observers, eveu though my own observation has not alhrmed them. Had Mr. Pettigrew considered a few moments he would never November 4, 1875. ] JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 413 have made the rash assertion of allotting worker bees uine moutha as their span of life. Why, at this rate a May swarm whose rjueeu lays tvTO thousand egKS per day would increase her subjects in the three summer months to 212, UUU ! AUowiug one- third deaths by casualties, would still give about 28 lbs. weight of bees and brood as the inhabitants of the hive! I believe I have stated that in summer, when bees work hard, six or eight weeks is the limit of their days. Mr. Pettigrew doubtless refers to me as the writer who is responsible for this statement; I accept the responsibility, and I even believe that one or two weeks may be deducted from that short span. The substitution of an Italian queen for a common English one has now become one of the commonest of all apiarian opera- tions. I venture to say the experiment has been repeated five hundred times during the season just past, and where three months have elapsed, and the queen proved fertile, none of the black workers remained, [u the case of a Ligurian queen being now introduced when breeding has almcst ceased, black workers will be found in April, but not after the May sun has warmed the bees to activity. Where a stock is queenless over the winter, the workers having no work to do will live longer, but certainly not nine months under any circumstances whatever. Idleness prolongs life in the worker and queeulessness in the drones, some of which I last season kept from September till April, when the last disappeared. I cannot find who has said the young destroy the old bees and push them out of the hive. This is not my statement or experience. Many of our best apiarians now use zinc with 3-lGth perfora- tions as adapters between hive and super. I have never heard of an instance of brood being found in the latter when such were used. Can Mr. Pettigrew say it is an uncommon occur- rence when admission is given through a large aperture ?— John Hunter, Eaton Bise, Ealing. BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. TuE Committee at their last meeting practically reversed the Judges' decision in regard to Mr. G. Fox's splendid snper, by expressing their belief in the bona fides of Mr. Fox's statement, regret at the Judges' award, and voting to Mr. Fox the silver medal of the Association in acknowledgment of the exhibitor's ekill as a bee-master. The Committee may be congratulated in making all the amend in their power in regard to this unfortu- nate oocurrence, HIVE COVERS. In answer to the request of " Carolus " I have to say, that though hives are often well protected from the weather by close wooden bee-honses, I have never seen one that I considered convenient. I have seen some very ornamental and costly, and Bome very rustic and ancient. The best I ever saw was a large Fig. 88. round wooden house, about 11 feet wide and 10 feet high, with two shelves running round it; one shelf about 3 feet above the other. So far as protection from the weather goes nothing could be better, but they are inconvenient in many respects — indeed, all the bee-houses I have seen are inconvenient (in the Way) when the bee-master wants to examine the hives they contain. I examine my bees frequently during the summer, by turning them up to see how they are working and pro- gressing. In this way I ascertain when the hives should be swarmed, supered, and eked. The work is much easier and sooner done when they stand singly and separately.l 'All my hives stand singly on three posts, and are covered with roofing felt for the outer covering, and old carpets or cocoa-nut matting under the felt. The felt is waterproof, portable, convenient, and durable. By warming it at a fire when first used it becomes as soft as flannel, and in this state it should be fitted on. Neat straw covers are more pleasing to the eye, and are excellent protectors both in winter and summer, but they are not so durable and portable. Fig. 89. On paying a visit to Mr. Bagshaw, Longnor, Buxton, some three years ago, I found his hives standing about G feet apart, and securely protected from the weather, each hive being placecl in a neat ornamental wooden house well painted. Eighteen of these small ornamental houses standing in three rows greatly improved the appearance of his garden. These houses are about 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide, with moveable overhanging covers. The covers or lids are as easily moved as felt, and the hives as easily lifted for examination and replaced. Neither wind nor rain can touch the hives inside. The houses are wide enough to hold some warm materials between their sides and the hives, and are deep enough to admit supers being placed on them. If a prize were offered for the best covers, I think Fig. 90. Mr. Bagshaw'a would easily gain it. At all events I have seen nothing equal to his for completeness, convenience, and dura- bility. The square houses or boxes complete cost ISs. each, and the octagonal boxes 20s. each, made and painted at Longnor. They cost more at Sale, wages being higher there. The woodcuts will give " Cabolus " and others some idea of what I have been writing about.— A. Pettigrew. 414 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. [ Norember 4, 1875. I FIND nothing so neat aa ferns. II these are cut dry at this cejson they have a rustic appearance, and are (laite ag durable as straw. I take a bundle about the size of a wheataheaf, and tie the bottom ends together ; then open the sheaf in halves, and place it firmly on the top of the hive ; then arrange the fronds regularly round the hive. I tie them round the hive with willow bands, and clip the ends below the floorboard. — B. H. D. ANOTHER TEAR'S EXPERIENCE. A GENTLEMiN in Ireland asks what effect or impression has been nude on my mind by the use of large hives since the ' JIaudy-Book of Bees "was first published. He is evidently a little distrustful of what baa been said in their favour. Our own opinions as to their value and superiority have been pretty atrong and well established for thirty years, but every year's experience furnishes us with incentives and encouragements to do what we can to enlighten public opinion on the question. From all parts of the country we hear of successes from the use of large hives of simple construction that were never dreamed of before their introduction. And all who give them a fair trial in a good season become inspired with confidence in them. The logic of facts, and outside pressure, may, perhaps, induce the Managing Committee of the Bee-keepers' Association to offer prizis for the heaviest s varms, and the greatest results in honey aad comb from one stock hive managed on any system. If this be done we shall probably find results approaching 3 cwt. of honey and combs exhibited as the produce of one stock hive and its swarms. Last year we suggjsted the offering of prizes for heavy hives and their swarms.' We shiU be pleased if one or two gentlemen offer a handsome prize next year for such hives and swarms. Even this year, which has not been favourable for bees, some stock hives rose in weight to 90 lbs.; first swarms to above 100 lbs., and second swarms, or turn-out), to 90 lbs. If the British Bee-keepers' Association continue to seek novelties and ;■ fancy goods" (as the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Bligh calls them), instead of seeking the best results produced in England, it will, we think, become the apiarians of this country to do what they can to induce the Boyal Agricultural Society of England to take beeonlture under its fostering wing, for honey is as much a product of the soil a? milk or meat. SwABSiiNG AND NoN-swAKMiNQ. — On this point, too, history repeats itself in favour of the swarming system of management. In good seasons for honey swarms become heavier than stocks that never swarm at all, and the mother hives and second swarms rise to 70, 80, and 90 lbs. each. No such results can be obtained on the non-swarming mode of management. Besides, on the swarming system the apiary may be kept full of hives filled with young sweet combs, and possess young queens; on the non-swarming system queens become old, combs become black, tough, and ugly, often pollen-bound and distempered with foul brood. Bee-farmers especially find it to their interest to let their bees swarm. Honey run out of the comb is more saleable here and in many other placss than honeycomb. Oar object, then, is to obtain the greatest weight of honey, and we obtain this more certainly from two or three colonies of forty thousand bees each than from one of no greater strength. Another year's experience urges us to recommend swarming in preference to non-swarming, but both may be practised in one apiary. This year we obtained an unusual amount of pure virgin honeycomb, not from supers, but from the hives of swarms. In emptying these the pure comb was placed on dishes and in clean hives on one side, and the darker combs containing honey were placed on the other side. From some of these hives we had as much pure virgin combs as would have filled thrae ordinary-sized supers. Though most of the run honey is sold, we have great heaps of beautiful comb on hand. To be sure we have an order from a distant city for all we have at our own prici, but as it is not in supers we fear it would not oarry well so far. These things are mentioned to let amateurs Jjnow that with large hives managed on the swarming principle they may always have a good supply of honeycomb. Another year's experience has tended to open our eyes to the importance of spring-feeding if the weather be unfavourable. Slow continuous feeding, say a halfpenny worth of sugar given to a hive daily during the spring months, whether it. has honey or not, encourages the bees to breed, and greatly tends to health and prosperity. Great assistance, too, is afforded to swarms after they are hived by feeding when the weather is unkindly. Keeping hives warm and dry during the winter and spring months is a matter of greater moment than most apiarians think. Bees are easily chilled into helplessness. Hard frost .al>d severe winters try them sorely. Life in winter, while the mefpury indicates 20° of frost, is one of suffering to bees. The winter of 18.39 or 13G0, which brought down the mercury to zero, destroye"J thousands of hives. All hives should have their doors oonttJ.cted now, and ba well protected by coverings of some kind. As additional under garment is often a great com- fort and protection to the human frame in cold weather; and bee hives in the open air cannot be too warmly covered. Soft dry hay and woollen rags well stuffed beneath the outer cover- ing of hives afford great comfort to bees. Even three or four large newspapers wrapped around hives protect their inmates much. The outer coverings should be sufficient to ehed-ofi every drop of rain that falls on them. — A. Pettigbew. OUR LETTER BOX. Address (JV. H.).— We cftouot reveal the adiroes of correspondeuts. If you will eaclope a Jetter in a atampel envelope we will forward it. Hen's Vent Tujioured (4. B. C.).— Cut away all the clotted feather?, and with warm wr-ter wasll and cleanse thoroughly the affected part ; after- wards anoint thoroughly with goose greise or lard the skin and flesh all rouud the vent, and repeat the dressing daily while necessary. If the bird seem heated or feveri.sh in the skin give a strong dose of castor oil. Plenty of green food should be given daily. Belgian Mode of Eibbii-keeping (J. M., Derby).— The J^sigiine keep their Rabbits very much the same as we do, but they have time and a great choice of food at a very small c jst. The breedmg adults are kept in small pens or boxes in half darkness, and the young wtien weaned are turned into large cages or pens to fatten for the table. Wo think the very small cost of produce has more to do with the amount of protit than any particular bj otem followed. There was formerly a large establishment for rearing them at Nieuport, about teu miles from Oatend. WiXEapEooFiNO CiNTAS (,A Siilncriiicr).— Paint one side of the canvas with coal ter in which a small quantity of fit is dissolved, and powder over the tarred canvas some slaked lime. Veoetaele Parchment (P. E. .9.).— Wa believe it is made by applying sulphuric acid to paper, but liow or in what proportion we do not know. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIOt^S. Camden Squabe. London. Lat. 5V 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0" W.; Altitndo, 111 feat. Date. 9 a.m. In the Dat. 1875. Got. and Nov. Barome- ter at 82<> and Sea Level. Hygrome- ter. ii Q'S is: Boa Shade Tem- perature. Radiation Temperature. .9 Dry. 1 Wet. Max. Min. In Bun. On grass We. 27 Th. 28 Fri. 29 Sat 33 Sun. 81 Mo. I Tu. 2 Inches, 29.735 V9.873 SO 071 29 982 29 837 29.887 29 901 deg 42 0 46.0 45 4 ft.') 43 8 410 43.9 deg. 41.U 41.4 432 89.9 403 iti 40.0 SE. N.E. N.E. S.E. S.E. S.E. S.E. deg. 47 2 47.0 47.2 46 7 458 45,7 45 5 deg. 43.9 43 8 48.7 41.4 46 6 47.2 49.2 deg. 40 3 414 4!J,8 412 89.7 S61 40,2 deg. 52.0 63.8 69 0 46,9 58.0 63.4 53.9 deg. 40.3 41.6 37.6 410 89.4 32.9 38 3 In. 0.041 0.010 Means 29 9J5 41.0 42.0 46 4 47.3 40.0 64 6 38.7 0.051 BE MARKS. 27tli.— Cjld and damp all day. 29th.— Fair, but dull, and at times very dark all through the day. 29th. — Cloudy and dull all day, but without rain. 30th. — Fair all day, but cloudy and cold. Slat. — Hazy early, soon clearing off; a fine though cold day; very bright about 2 P. M. Not. lat. — Fair and pleasant all day ; but at no time bright. 2ud. — Another fair but dull day ; plight raiu at night. A very cloudy dull week, almost without either sun or rain. The mean temperature generally abjut 5^ lower than that ol last week; the mean maximum in Bun wa3 more than 17- below that of the preceding week. — G. J. Syuons. OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— November 3. There is very little alteration to quote this week, and with trade still quiet prices remain much the same. FRUIT. Apples CheatnutB . i alevo bushel 8. 1 12 0 0 1 6 3 B. 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 a. B. 0to2 0 20 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 12 0 10 VE( d. s. 0to6 0 0 0 (1 0 2 0 0 6 3 9 1 0 0 0 a 4 0 6 2 0 6 G a 0 4 3 0 0 3 0 2 3 e 6 0 8 0 0 0 4. 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 lEI d. 0 0 0 G 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 8. 6 0 1 4 0 1 4 B. 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 1 a 0 3 2 0 1 d. B. 0tol2 0 0 0 s 0 7 0 0 6 a 0 10 d. 8. 4 too 6 1 0 2 a 0 0 5 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 6 3 0 4 0 1 0 0 9 1 0 0 0 S 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 d. 0 Pears, kitchen.. ... doz. 0 0 Filberts, Cobs... GrapdS, hothouse .... 10. lb. .. T>100 Pine Apples Strawberries .. lb. lb. 0 0 ditto . bushel bunch dozen pottle puDUet bushel ... quart bunobes . . dozen n . dozen ^ 100 bundle -J sieve i sieve . dozen bundle t sieve dozen . bunch . «»10) .. dozen bundle bunches . each .. dozen . dozen . bunch ABLES. d. 0 Asparagus French Baans, Kidney... Lettuce n Mushrooms Mustard & Cresa 0 0 Beet, Red Broccoli Brussels ttprouts Cabbai^o pickling Parsley.... doz. Parsnips 0 0 0 n . bushel .. do. bunches buudle bundle bundle . basket lb. . bushel . dozen . bunch wa doz. K Capdicuma Cauliflower Celery Coleworts.. doz. Kidney RatUshes .. doz Rhubarb SalsQfy Scorzonera Seakale Shallots Spinach Tomatoes Turnips Vegetable Marri. 0 6 0 0 0 pickling Endive 0 G Herbs bunch . bundle ft Horseradish 0 Novemher 11, 1876. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 41S WEEKLY CALENDAR. Dcy Day ol of Month Week. 11 Th 12 F 13 a 14 SCH 16 M 16 To 17 W NOVEMBEB 11—17, 1876. Boyal Horticultural Society — Fruit and Chrysantbe- [ mum Show cloees. 25 Sunday after Trinity. [ opens. Lou^'bborough Show. Crystal Palace Poultry Show Hackney (late Stuko NewingtonJ Chrysanthemum Length of day 8h. i'lm, [ Show. AveraRC Temperaturu near London. Day. 60.2 50,2 49.9 iS.5 49.0 48 9 48.1 NiRht. Mean, 34 2 ,S3,8 35.2 83.8 348 83 2 83,9 42 2 42,0 42.6 41,2 41.9 41.0 41.0 Sun EiseB. h. 13 af 7 Snn Sets. Moon Kiees. Moon Moon's Sets. Age. m h. 15al4 13 4 13 al 3 , 21 af 4 80 3 61 r. 31 10 40 11 Dave, 13 14 « 16 17 IH 19 Cl.iok after 15 49 15 42 Day of Year. 815 810 B17 818 819 320 321 81,1°. From obaerrationa taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week ia 43.2'; and its night temperature THE BOSE ELECTION. DECLABATI.ON OF THE POLL. fN giving to tlie reader.s of om- Journal tlie result of tho election of the newer varieties of our national flower I must commouoe by regretting that the declaration of the poll has not been dehvered in the past month. This was my full intention, but "circum- stauces," to use a common but trite saying, " over which I had no control " have given me but scant time for entering into this election as fully as I desired, and have com- pelled me to defer the result. The difliculties are pro- bably greater than most persons imagine. The necessary correspondence is great ; rarely is one exchange of letter sufficient for each elector ; there is a difference of opinion as to the age of a Eose, or too many Roses are named when a limited number is asked for — in fact a variety of cu'cumstanoes which necessitate the interference of the returning officer to render the returns complete and reliable. Then some reply, Cui bono ' The best answer to such a question is the fact, that one firm in the north adver- tised last year the fifty best Roses as brought out by the 1874 election, simply altering two Roses that did not suit the northern elements ; whilst another eminent rosariau in the trade advertised week after week the twelve best new Roses as brought out by the 1873 election, which election he had positively declined to assist ! I smiled at the advertisement, thinking it a curious corollary to the refusal. These are, I may say, public avowals of the utihty of the election. Private letters equally attest The columns, &o., are a3 heretofore : First, the No. denoting the position of the Rosp, then the name, age, and kind of Rose. Letters A, B, and C represent the amateurs' votes, the same letters with an asterisk (*) the nurserymen's. The last column is that which decides the position of the Rose, the gross total. A and A* denote each tho number of first-class votes — viz., in the first twelve each Rose has received; B and B* the number of Beoond-class votes; C and, C* the totals of amateurs' and nui'serymen's votes respectively. the fact that tho returns are looked forward to with interest ; whilst a paragraph like the following speaks for itself — " I have ordered every Rose not in the fifty to bo discarded." It is indeed tolerably clear that, although the electors are not infallible guides aud are all liable to crotchety notions here and there, yet the general resiiiiu; of the whole election is a fair index of the value of a Rose. Indeed, the wish expressed by some writers in our Journal that this kind of election sliould be extended to other flowers and fruits, is in itself an admission that the election is of value. In the present election of the newer Roses — that is, those introduoed since 18G9, including that year, there is the difficulty of the age of each candidate. I have before expressed the wish that some enterprising rosarian ia the trade would give us a catalogue with the age of the Roses attached. Some of the electors have expressed to me the same thought. I believe such a catalogue would be warmly appreciated. This very point makes this election of the newer Roses a greater difficulty than it would otherwise be ; and there are some Roses in the lists that appear to me to take copy by some of us mortals and profess to be younger than they really are. Roses, not being equine, have no teeth on which to pin our verdict. I have my doubts as to Emihe Hausberg and Dupuy- Jamain, even though a leaf of a catalogue was sent me in which both were marked as Roses of 18G9. Had they been so, I cannot but think that somebody in the election of 1873 must have named these two beautiful Roses, but they were on that occasion voteless. This would hardly have been possible ; the names, however, stand. "With this introduction I lay the declaration of the poll before our readers. Amateurs. Nurserymen. Amateurs. Nurservmen. No. Name of Rose. A^e. Kind, A B C A* B* C* Total No. Name of Bose. Ace. Kind. A U (J A* B» U* Total 1 f MarqniRe de Castellane 2 1 Louis Van Houtte 1869 n p. 13 13 10 1 11 24 24 Baron Boustetten 1871 H.P. 2 4 6 3 3 9 1869 H.P. 12 1 13 11 .. 11 24 25 Aunie Laxton 1871 H.P. 6 6 3 3 9 3 Capitaiue Christy 1873 H.T? 8 fi 13 8 3 11 24 26 Hippohte Jamain 1874 H.P. 2 3 2 3 4 Etienne Levet 1871 H.r. 11 2 13 10 .. 1(1 23 27 Madame Hippolyte Jamain 1871 H.P. '.i 1 3 3 1 4 7 5 Fran(;ois Miclielou 1871 H.P. 13 l;i 7 3 10 23 28 — Nachury 1873 H.P. 4 4 7 6 Comtesse d'Oxford 18fi9 12 1 13 8 2 10 23 29 Marie Guillot 1874 T. 4 6 7 Mdlle. Eugraie Verdier 1869 H.P. 11 1 12 9 .. 9 21 30 Madame Berard 1869 T. 2 2 4 2 2 6 8 Catherine Mermet 1869 10 1 11 8 1 9 20 31 ( Souvenir de Paul Ncron 32 1 Auguste Eigotard 1871 T. 4 b .. 1 1 0 9 Ferdinand de Lesseps 1869 H.P. 9 2 n 2 5 7 18 1871 H.P. 2 2 1 3 4 6 10 Marie Van Houtte 1871 T. ,5 R K 5 3 8 16 S3 J Eev. J. B. M. Camm 84 1 Star of Waltham 1874? H.P. 3 4 1 11 Midame Lacharmo 1872 2 6 K 2 6 8 16 1874 H.P. 2 2 2 i 3 5 12 Paul Neron 1869 5 4 9 2 4 6 15 85 ( Sir Garnet Wolsely 36 1 Le Havre 1874 H.P. 1 1 1 8 4 6 13 Mdlle. M. Cointet 1872 H.P. ?, 5 7 4 S 7 14 1869 H.P. 2 3 2 2 14 ( Mad. G. Schwartz 15 t Revnoldi Hole 1871 H.P. 3 5 8 1 5 6 14 37 Richard Wallace 1871 H.P. 4 4 I 1873 3 7 10 1 R 4 14 S8 ( Miss Hassard 39 1 Suptrb et Netting 1874? HP. 1 2 i 1 2 16 Mdlle. Marie Finger 187.i n.p. 1 B 7 2 3 5 12 1874 Moss 1 1 2 3 17 (Perledes Jardins 18 1 Cheshunt Hybrid 1874 T. 2 2 6 3 9 11 40 Souveuir de Spa 1873 H.P. i 1872 n.T. 5 4 9 1 1 2 11 /The Shah 1878 H.P. 4 4 .. .. 19 Thomas Mills 1873 H.P. 9. 4 6 3 2 5 11 41 Wilson Saunders 1872 ? H.P. 4 .. 20 Belle Lyonnaifie 21 Princess Beatrice 1869 1871 T. H.P. 2 2 4 4 6 6 2 3 5 S 11 11 . Audrf Dunand '° Claude Level 1871 H.P. 1872 H.P. 3 2 3 2 1 2 2 1869 H.P. 2 2 4 2 3 6 9 46 Eliza B. Hie 1869 H.P. 1 1 3 23 DachesB of Edinburgh 1873 H.P. 1 4 6 2 2 4 9 VBessie Johnson 1871 H.P. 3 « 1 i Thirteen Eoses received three votes each, a like number only two votes ; the remainder had but a solitary champion No. 7G3,— Vol. XXIX., New Sebies. to express partiality for them. Altogether, by the twenty- four electors, 107 Boses were named in the twenty-five^ No. 1110.— Vol. LIV., Old Sebleb. 416 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1675. and, very cnrioutly, fifty-four, or a fraction over half that number, were named as iu tlie best twelve, no less than nine of these having only a solitary vote. One of the most valued contributors amongst the amateurs has suggested that the election of newer Roses should be confined to the three previous years. There is something to be said for this proposal. I, with all deference, think there U more to be said against it. The proposal will suit those to whom money is no object, who will buy the highly-vaunted candidates for Englith money, coute qui contc, and if they turn out worthless dispatch them to make room for others. Bat our Journal does not write for this class alone, but has always striven to help those who looked at both sides of a shilling before spending the same in Eose-flesh or otherwiee. Now to these it is sometimes a matter of doubt whether it may not pay better to have a newer Rose at 3s. rather than two at Is. tid. Now the present election is a case iu point. There is a recent introduction comparatively, Capitaine Christy, an 1873 Rose, ruuning close up for the premiership, losing it in fact only by " the skin of the thorns," the only teeth a Rose has. Better still, there are two 1874 Roses, Perle des Jardina and Marie Guillot, that are also instances — cases, in fact, where an intending purchaser might decide to lay out the larger sum on account of the position of these Roses ; but this position could hardly be so manifest if only the last three years were tak«n. Then, again, to me it adds consider- ably to the interest of the election to mark how old friends hold their ground. In this respect I think the election of 1873 as compared with the piesent offers marks both of interest and utility. F^r example, in 1873 several Roses were placed highly which are in this election wholly out of the running — viz., President Thiers, No. 11; Lyonnaise, 13; Madame Lef. Bernard, 1.5; and Andrij Dunand, 16. Now, where are these Roses in 1875, when, be it remembered, we have twenty-five Roses named iustead of twelve, as in 1873 ? One alone appears iu the return, although forty-six Boses are named instead of twenty-six ! and this Rose, Andre Dnnand, has only four votes, Lyonnaise has only three votes, and Thiers but two. What a fall is here ! These Roses appear, in fact, to deteriorate. On the other hand some, as Marie Van Houtte, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, and Belle Lyonnaise, have greatly improved their position. Such com- parisons I fancy have their value. In the election of 1873 I ventured to remark that Frangois Michelon would probably run Etienne Levet very closely for the premiership of their year. They have now an equality of votes, the latter having slightly the better class of votes. Catherine Meimet, too, though standing well in 1873, has very deservedly risen ; few Roses are more lovely, and she enjoys a hardier character than many of her class. Of Madame La- charme, for and against whom so much has been said, the verdict is favourable, two-thirds of the voters naming her, but mostly in the second division. Under glass there is no doubt that she can be beautiful, but in the open she can be coy in exposing her charms. 1 hope in a fortnight's time to publish the result of the Eoses as tried by the noses ; meanwhile I desire to express my grateful thanks to all those who have kindly contributed to make the present return of any value by sending in voting papers. Without them the election would indeed be null and void.— JosEi'ii HiNTON, Warminster. kindly give us the results of her experience, as, if she does succeed, her experience would be of benefit to others similarly situated. — James Faieweathee, Halston, Ostvcstry. EASPBEKBY CULTUEE. With reference to the difficulties of "A L.iDY Gaedeser" in growing Raspberries, I would advise her to have the ground where she is intending to grow her plants well trenched, and after all is in readiness and the ground not too wet, have pits taken out where the plants are to be placed sufficiently large to hold one good bairowful of thoroughly decayed vegetable refuse, and incorporate it well with the soil before planting, and to fork-in a liberal dressing of the same material every year round the roots and all over the ground. If she adopts this simple mode of treatment I think she will succeed. ;; I have seen the strongest canes and the best fruit I ever saw picked from plantations thus treated, and where every other kind of dressing had been tried and failed to produce satis- factory results. I invariably adopt this mode of cultivating the Raspberry, and I have not yet had any cause to change my practice. I have, however, not had the opportunity of of fleeing it tried in town gardens. If "A Lady Gabdeneb" should try the plan she might SOIL AND CLIIMATE IN RELATION TO PRACTICE. I AM not unactjuainted (see page 355) with the use of burnt clay, charcoal, charred rubbish, &a., having very early in my gardening career seen the benefits arising from their free use. This will be understood when I say that I received my first horticultural lessons at Shrubland, where Donald Beaton kept a man continually burning clay for the use of the gardens, and where he left on his retirement a legacy of some thousands of tons of it for the use of hia successors. Although I had not the advantage of actually working under the directions of the good old man I was well acquainted with him, and commenced my employment in the gardens a few weeks after he left. Now, to show that I have not forgotten my early lessons, I may say that if I do not use much burnt clay for reasons which I will presently explain, I use what is preferable iu many ways — wood charcoal in large quantities. For planting fruit trees, and also for growing plants of all sorts in pots, it is almost the only thing used for keeping the soil sweet and open. I have not iised a ton of sand in six years. Hard burnt clay would also keep the soil sweet and open — I mean clay which was not smother-burnt, for very stiff clay cannot be burnt in that way. But charcoal does more than this. The plants have actually the power of dissolving and feeding on it, it therefore enriches the soil; most other things used for keeping it open impoverish it. Rubbish of all sorts smother-burnt is invaluable for garden purposes, and advantage should always be taken when burning rubbish of any kind, after getting a good body of fire, to cover it up with soil and leave it to smoulder away without a great quantity of air reaching the fire. All this I have known and practised for a long time, and I thought I knew all about it as well as a good deal about drainage ; but since I have been here I have found out that I do not know all about it yet. Not all clays can be burned profitably. I had one experi- ment on rather a large scale. A quantity of drainage was wanted for fruit borders ; stones and bricks were not forth- coming in sufficient quantities, and I determined to burn clay for the purpose. I had it burned and it made excellent drain- age, and also provided me with many tons of small stuff for mixing with the heavy soil. Well, I dare not tell the cost of the experiment. I had an old practised hand to do the job who had done a good deal of the same sort of burning on rail- ways. Both wood and small coals were used for fuel, as we could not keep the fire alight with wood alone ; and I will let out this much of the secret, that on reckoning up costs I found it would have been quite as cheap to have used the black diamonds themselves for the drainage and saved the trouble of carting the clay about. Let not this, however, prevent others from burning clay, for it can be burned both easily and profit- ably if it is not of too tenacious a nature. If I am obliged to burn any more here I shall take a lesson from the brickmakers and have my material cut and dried, and then piled up so that air can circulate between it, for certainly it cannot easily get into it. My surface soil which has been worked and arrated for generations would of course burn ; but its quantity already is much too limited, and to burn it would be taking a lesson from the very learned man who a few months ago was advising people to burn all their manure before spreading it on the ground ! I wonder if he ever tried the experiment of living on calcined beef. Mr. Luckhurst would like to know what has been done and what is intended to be done to ameliorate the crudity of my soil. I will endeavour to explain. The garden is well drained all over, and it has a very sharp slope, so that there is no difficulty in getting rid of the water. Well, then, all borders for wall trees are dug out their full width — 12 to 15 feet, down to the hard bottom, which is not far to seek. This is made to slope sharply to the front, where there is a drain tile lowered a few inches into the clay and connected with the main drains. The hard bottom of the border is then entirely covered with stones, clinkers, bricks, Ac, at least 5 inches in depth; for Peaches it is 10 or 12 inches. Turf is placed on the drainage to protect it, and then soil to the depth of about 2 feet. This raises the border on the side near the wall a foot or 18 inches above the surrounding ground. Of course the trees are not planted in the stiff clay to which I have alluded. The soil used is such as would grow Peaches November U, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF EORnCULTOBE AND OOTTAGK GABDENEP. 417 in any favourable climate. So my fruit trees are not uncared for : they have tlie best of drainage and the best of soil my skill can devise. It is not tho soil with which the trees have actual contact that is in fault and that could make a climate good or bad. It is the soil and subfoil of the nciphbourhcod which helps to keep the temperature low and tho atmosphere humid. Draining my Peach borders is but like a drop in the ocean ; it will not prevent the Polypodium luxuriating on the branches of the neighbouring Oaks, nor the moss growing on the tops of the hedgerows. The fogs will still rise in the neighbouring valley, and the midsummer frosts defy our garden walls. My trees are altogether isolated from the natural soil, but they are not isolated from the atmosphere for which the na- tural soil and subsoil in the neighbourhood are partially re- sponsible. 'Where Peaches are so isolated, as with glass, they do remarkably well. This year I have been also wonderfully Buccessful out of doors, but I do not yet know whether the credit belongs to myself or to the season. I have learned a great deal since I have been here, and I have materially altered my practice. Time alone will show whether I am more per- manently successful than my predecessors. I trust I have said enough to show that Oldlands is not the worst place in the world to grow Peaches. — Wm. Taylok. ABKUS PBECATOEIUS. The above is the name of jour ("Old Querist") plant raised from seed received from the West Indies, and now " looking sickly." Its browned hue is but the natural tint of Fig. 91.— AbruB precatorius. antumn, for the plant is deciduous. It, like all other deciduous plants, must now be allowed a period of rest by withholding water as the foliage decays, yet not permitting the soil to become "dry as dust," which is a cause of injury to many plants during their resting period. We have known such climbing plants as Passiflora, Clero- dendron, Clematis, and Stephanotis to have been impaired in vigour by extreme dryness in the resting period. We have even known Fuchsias, Roses, Deutzias, and other leaf-shedding plants to have been dried so extremely in the winter as to almost re- fuse to break into growth in the spring. We have known also fruit trees and Vines to be greatly injured by the same cause — the former putting forth weak blossoms, and the latter breaking weakly and irregularly. It is sometimes forgotten that plants which need rest need also support. The soil of all deciduous plants must be perceptibly moist throughout the winter, or the rest to which they are subjected may be the rest of death as it certainly will lead to impaired health. We mention this now as the period when errors in over-resting plants and trees may be made, thoughtlessly by some and systematically by others. With a low temperature and moisture in the soil plants have rest and at the same time support, but total dry- ness of tho soil is an evil ever to be avoided alike with hardy trees and shrubs and tender plants. Let your plants, therefore (a specimen of which we figure), have rest, but let that rest be reasonable. Keep the plant cool but in a not lower temperature than .55'. With an in- crease of heat in the spring it will start into growth, and may then have fresh soil given, taking the old soil away partially, but shaking-out the plant entirely. A mixture of equal parts of loam and peat with lumps of charcoal and a tenth part of silver sand will be a suitable compost. It is the Wild Liquorice, native of the West Indies; it is a pretty stove-climbing plant, its pale purple flowers being attractive and its foliage agreeable ; is of easy culture, and readily propagated from cuttings in- serted in sand and placed under a bellglass in the spring. Its roots possess the same property as the Liquorice of commerce, but the seeds if eaten are apt to produce violent headache. ROYAL HOKTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. The following address from the Council of the Royal Horti- cultural Society has been issued to the Fellows along with the list of privileges for 187G which we published last week. The address sets forth very clearly the present state of the Society and the necessity there is for such arrangements as the Council have made for next year. The pernicious abuse of the transferable tickets which have hitherto been issued to the Fellows has very materially contributed to the reduction of the Society's income, by extending the privileges of the Society to those who did not contribute one farthing towards its maintenance. Notwithstanding the enormous increase of the neighbourhood during the last ten years in extent and population, the income of the Society from subscriptions is very much less now than it was ten years ago. The system of lending and borrowing tickets, which had become prevalent, had its natural consequence, and those who were benefited by it had no need to subscribe to the Society's funds. It is, therefore, against this abuse that the Council have been careful to provide in the new arrangements for 1876. All transferable tickets have been abolished, and every Fellow or Fellow's nominee will have to show their tickets on entering the garden as they would to any place of public entertainment. To compensate for the loss of transferable tickets the Council have acted most liberally towards the Fellows. Every four- guinea Fellow will have three tickets, one for himself per- sonally and the other two for his nominees. He will also have the privilege of procuring for each adult member of his family personal tickets at the rate of one guinea each, which will admit on all except specially reserved occasions ; and a two-guinea ticket will admit all the junior members of his family under twelve. To illustrate this we will suppose the head of a family is a four-guinea Fellow. He receives one ticket for himself, one for his wife, and one for an adult mem- ber of his family, admitting three persons for four guineas. If he has three more adult members of bis family, he can by the payment of one guinea each obtain three more tickets which will admit them also to full privileges. Thus by a payment of seven guineas six members of a household are admitted to all the benefits arising from the daily use of the gardens, admission to all shows, promenades, fetes, and conversazioni. And where, it may be asked, is there in all the metropolis a fashionable suburb which has at its doors a re- sort and attractions which can be obtained on such terms ? The Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society have the pleasure of announcing to the Fellows that they have suc- ceeded in making arrangements with Her Majesty's Com- missioners of 1851, whereby the gardens are granted to them virtually rent free, but only upon the performance of one im- portant condition — viz., that the annual income from sub- scriptions shall be raised to i'10,000. The present income from subscriptions amounts to i;7700, a sum which experience has proved to be quite inadequate to maintain the gardens efficiently with regard either to their usefulness or their attractiveness. The Council have been most desirous that the necessary ad- 418 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEK AND COTTAGE GABDENKB. [ Kovomber 11, 1875. dition to their income elionld be raiRed without undue inter- ference with tbe privileges of their Fellows. They have care- fully inquired into the canseB why the income of the Society has not increased iu proportion with the increase in the population, wealth, and imporlanca of the nei^jhbouriBg districts ; and they nre Ratifiiied that this is due to the praotico of transferring tickets, by which the use of the gardens is to a very large extent enjoyed by these who contribute nothing to its funds, and they are convinced that they cannot expect to obtain that enlarged revenue which is essential to their continued existence with- out pntting an end to this practice. It is upon this principle that the accompanying summary of the privileges of the Fellows has been framed. Should the Council be — as they confidently hope they will be — successful in their appeal to existing Fellows and to the residents in the neighbouihood of the gardens, they will soon be in possetsion of funds which will enable them gradually to discharge the debts which have accrued in past times, greatly to improve the condition of the gardens, and to increase at once their usefulness and their beauty. But they must not conceal the fact, that if this appeal should prove unsuccessful the failure would be most disastrous both to the interestg of horticultural science and to those of the resi- dents of that part of the metropolis who now enjoy the many benefits resulting from the existence of these spacious and beau- tiful gardens. The project so warmly supported by the late Prince Consort — so hopefully accepted by the public — of bring- ing home to greater numbers than heretofore the means of studying horticulture, would in that case be abandoned, and it would be for Her Majesty's Commissioners of 1851 to decide to what new and more profitable upes the twenty-two acres now eccupied by the South Kensington Horticultural Gardens should be applied. The Council believe that these calamitous results may be averted by measures which would have the effect of inducing those who now enjoy for themselves and their families most of the advantages of the gardens without paying for them, to contribute a fair and moderate annual turn towards their main- tenance ; and it is with that view that they have prepared the accompanying regulations, which will come into operation on the Ist January, 1876. Aberdake, President. EOYAL HOETICDLTURAL SOCIETY-FRUIT AND CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW. November 10th. Cheysanthemoms being unusually good this year, and fruit unusually plentiful; the conditions of the Show, too, being un- usually liberal both in the prompt payment of the prize money and in tbe facilities offered to the public ; confidence also being restored and an unison of sympathy established between horti- culturists and the " powers that be," it would have been dis- appointing had not the Exhibition on this occasion been un- usual also by its extent and excellence. The arrangement of the schedule was not, perhaps, all that could be desired, seeing that all the fruit classes were " open," and English growers cer- tainly placed at a great disadvantage in being forced into com- petition with the more highly favoured Channel Islanders, in the classes for Pears for instance ; still the proof of the arrangement lays in the results, and these we will so far as time permits pro- ceed to notice. We know, too, that the restored confidence, though prompt, came too late to enable some growers to compete in the Chrysanthemum classes, for they had no time to prepare their plants after tbe "restoration." ISut we wUl not dwell on the past where all worked honestly and with the best motives, but will describe tbe good results of the present and hope for still greater successes in the future. The early morning of the Show will long be remembered by the competitors by the heavy downpour of rain, but as the morning advanced the clouds be- came exhausted. The Exhibition, especially in the fruit classes, is truly a great one, even surpassing the most sanguine expectations. The plants of Chrysanthemums are, perhaps, generally small, but well grown. Tbe cut blooms are splendid. Thirty-five fine Pines are exhibited, and the Grapes are an excellent display. It is, however, the Pears and Apples that contribute the great feature of the Show, and assuredly not such a fine exhibition of these fruits have this year been exhibited. The vegetables, especially Potatoes, are also very good, and the miscellaneous groups of plants effective and fine. For twelve large-flowered Chrysanthemums in pots (open), Mr. Turner, Slough, had plants in 9-inch pots, containing each from twelve to thirty fine blooms, tbe plants being 1 to 6 feet in height, Mr. G. Eundle, George Glenuy, Elaine, Jardin des Flantes being very fine, and the varieties noticed in another column being very good. Hehad the first prize. In the amateurs' class for sis plants there were four competitors. Mr. Hall, gar- dener to W. Stevens, Esq., Springfield, Tulse Hill, had plants 3i feet across and 2 feet high, each having over fifty fine blooms; the sorts comprised Prince of Wales, Mr. Gladstone, G. Glenny, Lady Harding, Dr. Sbarpe, and Mr. J. Eundle. Mr. Herringtou, gardener to W. H. Soder, Esq., Clapham Park, had larger plants with better foliage; they were very massive. Mr. Brunlees, Prince of Wales, Lady Haliburton, and Lady Talfourd were very fine. Mr. Fox, gardener to C. Millington, Esq., East Combe, Old Charlton, had standard plants with 4 feet stems and compact heads 2 feet iu diameter; small blooms. The prizes were awarded to Mr. Hall, Mr. Herrington, and Mr. Shepherd in the order named. Twelve Pompons iu pots (open). — Mr. Harding, gardener to Eev. W. Arthur, Clapham Common, had nice plants, some pyramidal, and some flat trained ; Cedo Nulli and Antonias amongst the former, and Bob and Martha amongst the latter, being the most noticeable. Six Pompons in pots (amateurs). — Iu this class were five competitors, the plants varying greatly in habit and size. Mr. Fox had nice standard plants, healthy and well bloomed ; Mr. Herrington, pyramids ; Mr. Shepherd, small and densely-bloomed specimens ; and Mr. Whittaker, large flat-trained plants. The prizes were awarded to Mr. Whit- taker, Mr. Shepherd, and Mr. Herrington. The Cedo Nulli, Madame Martha, Bob, Brilliant, La Folie, Eose Trevenna, Sala- mon, and Androujeda were the best varieties in this class. Single specimen large-flowered Chrysanthemums (nursery- men).— Mr. Turner, Slough, was the only exhibitor, and had tlio first prize for Mr. George Eundle with thirty perfect blooniD, * the plant being trained upright and 6 feet in height. (Ama- teurs).— Four competitors. Mr. Hall was placed first with a fine fiat plant of Mr. Brunlees, having sixty blooms. Mr. Herrington had also Mr. Brunlees very fine, and had the second prize ; third honours going to Mr. Whittaker, who staged a globular plant of Mrs. Sharpe. (Amateurs). — Three competi- tors. Mr. Herrington with Golden Cedo Nulli, 4 feet across; Mr. Whittaker, gardener to S. WiUiams, Esq., The Laurels, Putney, Arabella, 3 feet in diameter ; and Mr. Shepherd with a small plant of Cedo Nulli being placed in the order named. Cut Blooms — Twenty-four large blooms (nurserymen), Japan- ese varieties excluded. Mr. Turner was the only exhibitor, and had tbe first prize with the standard varieties. Twelve large-flowered Chrysanthemums (amateurs). — In this class were twelve competitors, and many of the blooms were exceedingly fine, others being small and irregular. Mr. C. Waters , gardener to A. Mongredien, Esq., Forest Hill; and Mr. Pearce, gardener to Professor Adams.Cambridge, had theMargest blooms ; but wonderfully compact examples came from Mr. Hall, gar- dener to W. Stevens, Esq. Mr. Hillier, 13, Priory Road, Wands- worth Eoad, and Mr. Smith, British House, Putney Heath, had admirably finished and compact blooms. The sorts comprise the standard varieties mentioned throughout our reports this week. The prizes were awarded to Mr. Waters, Mr. Hillier, and Mr. Smith iu the order named. Twelve Japanese varieties, distinct, open. — Mr. J. Hinnell, gardener to I?. A. Davis, Esq., Anglesea House, Surbiton, had no competitors. He had the first prize for The Comet, The Daimio, Elaine, Eed Dragon, Apollo, James Salter, The Sultan, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Bronze Dragon, Mrs. Goodilott, and Jane Salter. Mr. Thomas Hobbs, Lower Eaton, Bristol, exhibited seedling Chrysanthemums from imported seed named Mrs. Nash, liko Mr. G. Bundle. Six Bouvardias (open). — Mr. Turner had the first prize with nice plants in 5-inch pots ; the plants were about a foot ia diameter, with very healthy foliage and fresh ox^ening trusses. The sorts were Jasmin;eflora, Hogarth, and Vreelandii. Second honours going to Mr. Aldous, Gloucester Eoad, South Kensing- ton, who bad less compact plants, but with fine blooms and trusses. Six Tree Carnations. — Mr. Turner, Slough, staged six hardy, healthy, decorative plants, in 5 to 7-inch pots. They were very clean and healthy, with handsome blooms. Tbe sorts wero Sir G. Wolseley, Amateur, Lord Dundreary, Herman Stenger, Jessica, and Balaclava. They were awarded the first prize. Three pans cf Eoman Hyacinths, forced, the pans not to ex- ceed 12 inches in diameter. — Mr. J. Aldous, Gloucester Eoad, South Kensington, was first with pans containing each about fifty spikes, and arranged in a pyramidal form ; Mr. S. Lambert, gardener to H. W. Segelcke, Esq , Heme Hill, being placed second with smaller pans more thinly arranged, the spikes having very fine bells. Miscellaneous. — Messrs. Veitch & Sons' group of Chrys- anthemums had remarkably fine blooms, with exuberant fo- liage ; most striking were Grandiflorum, Apollo, The Cossack, and Fair Maid of Guernsey amongst the Japanese varieties. Mr. Turner had also a massive and fine group ; he also exhibited his admirable collection of pyramidal Ivies. Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway, staged a beautiful group of medium-sized decorative plants comprising Cypripediums, Ca- lanthes, Grifiiuia Blumenavia, Ferns, Palms, &c. Mr. Aldous also staged an attractive collection of flowering plants and Palms. Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing, staged a group of Cyclamens, which were very good for the early period. Some of the dark colours November 11, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 419 were very rich, aud the lighta pure. Mr. S. Ford, F.R.H.S., Leonardelee, Horsham, exhibited a group of Celosiaa, very tine and brilliant in colour. Pines. — Of these there is a noble display. For two Queens Mr. Scammell, gardener to C. Reily, Esq., The Priory, Tnn- bridge Wells, had the first honours for handsome fruits weigh- ing 10 lbs. Gozs.; Mr. C. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury, being second with plump and well- ripened fruits; Mr. Harris being placed third for thinner fruits not fully ripe. For two Smooth-leaved Cayennes Mr. Jones, the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, had the first place with grand examples; Mr. Ward, gardener to T. R.Miller, Esq., Bishop Stortford, being second for fine fruits not fully ripe; and Mr. Roehford, market gardener, Tottenham, third for fine but also unripe fruits. For one fruit, any variety, Mr. Jones had the first award for a grand Smooth Cayenne ; Mr. Scammell being second with a perfectly-ripened Queen weighing 5 lbs. G oz9. ; and Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey, third for a handsome Montserrat. Mr. Jones also exhibited sis splendid fruits of Smooth Cayenne. Grapes. — The exhibition of these is very fine. In Class 2, for three bunches of Black Hamburghs, Mr. Coleman, as usual, has the premier award for compact bunches and even and well- coloured berries ; second honours going to Mr. Iggulder, gar- dener to C. B. Bingley, Esq., Stanhope Park, Greenford, for larger bunches, but not quite perfect in colour. Mr. AUward, gardener to T. G. Barclay, Esq., Lower Woodside, Hatfield, for nice bunches, fine berries, but not quite black, having the third prize. In Class 19, for two bunches each of not more than ten kinds, Messrs. H. Lane Sc Sons, Berkhampstead, had the field to them- selves, and won the gold medal with Gros Colman, Foster's Seedling, Muscat Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Guil- laume, Trebbiano, Alicante, Mrs. Pince, and Lady Downe's Seedling, very fine in berry and colour. Gros Colman was fine in berry but not perfect in colour. For three bunches of Black Alicante Messrs. Lane & Sons, Berkhampstead, had the first place for medium-sized bunches, with good aud well-coloured berries ; second prize going to Mr. AUward for larger examples ; and third to Mr. Wattam, gardener to A. H. Longman, Esq., Sheudiah Gardens, Hemel Hempstead, also for large bunches. Mr. Muuro, Potter's Bar, and Mr. Hay- cock, Barham Court, had handsome table fruit in this class. Twelve competitors. For three bunches of any other kind the first prize was awarded to Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Eck- field Place, for very fine Gros Colmans ; second honours going to Mr. Kniller, The Gardens, Malshanger Park, for really splendidly finished Lady Downe's, Mr. Coleman having the third prize for good examples of the same variety. For three bunches of Frontiguan or any other Muscat- flavoured round-berried kind Messrs. Lane & Sons had the premier prize for three fine full bunches of Dr. Hogg, having plump medium-sized berries. For three bunches of Muscat cf Alexandria Mr. Atkinson, Lockinge Gardens, Wantage, had the first place for bunches larger and almost as good in finish and quality as those of Mr. Wattam, who had the second place. Messrs. Lane & Son were placed third for good tapering bunche?, but not perfect in colour. For three bunches of any other white kind Mr. Wattam, gar- dener to A. H. Longman, Esq., had the first place for excellent examples of Foster's Seedling; Mr. Wildsmith being second for large bunches of Trebbiano, and Mr. Allward third for Calabrian Raisin. For the heaviest bunch Mr. Wattam had the post of honour with a splendid bunch of Alicante weighing 10 lbs., the berries being fine and well coloured. Mr. Bannerman was second with Gros Guillanme weighing 7 lbs., Mr. Edwards having the third place with Gros Gnillaume weighing 6 lbs. 3 ozs. A good bunch with fine berries of Waltham Cross was exhibited weigh- ing 3 lbs. 10 ozs. Mr. Record exhibited fine outdoor Grapes, which worthily were awarded a prize. Apples. — The display here is extraordinarily large and fine. For six varieties of dessert Apples there were about thirty com- petitors. Mr. Bowles, sardener to W. Skinner, Esq , Maidstone, being first with Cox's Orange Pippin, Count Peudu Plat, War- wickshire Pippin, King William, Ribston Pippin, and a hand- some Russet variety; Mr. Arnold, gardener to G. Wood, Esq., Roehford, Essex, being second, Beauty of Wilts and Golden Pearmain being very handsome; and Mr. Smith, Romford, Essex, third. For three varieties of dessert kind nearly forty competed; Mr. Jones, Tbo Gardens, Elvetham Park, Winch- field, being placed first with Almond Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and King of the Pippins, the second prize xoing to Mr. Murrell, gardener to A. R. AUerton, Esq., Coleman's Lodge, Prittlewell; and third, Mr. Lumsden, Bloxholm Hall, Sleaford. For six fruit of Cox's Orange Pippin thirty-four competed. Mr. Miller, gardener to F. P. Friend, Esq., North Down, Margate, Mr. Holder, Springfield, Maidstone, and Mr. Coles, gardener to A. Smee, Esq., Bridge, Wallington, being placed in the order named. Of this fine variety Mr. Turner exhibited a box of fruits of splendid colour aud quality. For six fruits of Golden Pippins Mr. Farrow, gardener to G. Batters, Esq., Enfield, was placed first; Mr. Arnold, Roehford, being second; and Mr. Smith, Romford, Esses, third. Prizes were also offered for Margil, Cockle Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and Court Pendu Plat, for all of which there was good competition. The winners will be found in our advertising columns. For six fruit of any other dessert kind Mr. Haycock was placed first with splendid King of the Pippins; Mr. Head being second with the same sort, and Mr. Smith, Romford, third for Cornish Gilliflower. For eighteen varieties of kitchen Apples there were twelve competitors, the first prize going to Mr. Ford, Leonardslee, for a grand and even collection ; Mr. Haycock, Barham Court, being second ; and Mr. Webb, Calcot, third. Nearly all these collections were of very great excellence. For six varieties there was also a grand display by about forty competitors, the first prize being won by Mr. Ford, Wrest Park, for splendid dishes of immense size and finish. Some of the prizes we were unable to ascertain, but they will be found in the ofiicial list. Peabs. — In this section the display was remarkable by its extent, and from the immense Jersey specimens, and not less so for the superior examples of EngliBh-grown ftuit. For eighteen dessert varieties there was good competition, many splendid dishes being exhibited. Mr. Pluck, 38, New Street, Jersey, had the first prize ; Mr. Thomas, 22, Bnrrard Street, Jersey, being placed second; and Mr. Haycock, Barham Court, third. For six varieties there was also great competition, and many splendid dishes staged. Mr. Ford had Pitmaston Duchess in splendid condition, and Beurrfi Clairgeau was in grand form. Prizes were also awarded to separate dishes of Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, Glou Mor;eau, Duchesse d'Angoulerae, Doyenne du Comice, MarCchal de Cour, Van Mens Leon Leclere, Catillac, and Uvedale's St. Germain ; and many handsome dishes were staged. The awards for these, also for other classes, which we are unable to note in detail, are recorded in the advertised list. Vegetables were well represented, and the liberal prizes offered by the enterprising firms of James Carter & Co., Holbom, and Sutton &- Sons, Reading, brought out some excellent ex- amples of culture creditable alike to growers and seedsmen. The prizes of Messrs. Hooper & Sons were not, we believe, awarded, but several piles of fine tnbers were exhibited. Messrs. James Carter & Co. exhibited an imposing collection of sixty varieties of Cabbages and eight sorts of Potatoes. Mr. Ormson's new tubular boiler was exhibited, and attracted considerable notice. The Exhibition closes this (Thursday) evening, and it is cer- tainly worthy of extensive patronage. Fruit CoinnTTEE. — Henry Webb, Esq., in the chair. A. Raw- son, Esq., Bromley Common, sent a seedling Pear, which was too much decayed. Mr. Douglas, Loxford Hall, Essex, sent a seedling Apple of small size, conical shape, and smooth yellow skin, with a tinge of brown on one side. It was of excellent flavour. Mr. Bennett of Rabley Gardens sent a seedling Apple somewhat like the Blenheim Pippin, which was not considered of suflicient merit to receive a certificate. Fonntaine Walker, Esq., Ness Castle, Inverness, sent a fine fruit of Physianthns albens, and a vote of thanks was awarded. Sir William Hutt, Appley Towers, Ryde, sent fruit of Diospyros Kaki, a Japanese fruit of the size of an Orange, and a fine golden yellow colour. It was awarded a cultural commendation. M. E. Treeve, Esq., 29, Edwardes Square, sent a seedling Apple called Kensington Pippin, a flattisb yellow Apple narrowing to the crown. It was found to be unusually acid. Mr. M. G. Pragnell, Castle Gardens, Sherborne, sent a seedling Apple remarkable for its acidity. Mr. Woodford, Eastwell Park, sent a seedling Apple called Kate Woodford, which was not in good condition. Mr. Gilbert, Burgh- ley Gardens, sent a seedling Apple called Burghley Apple, which was past its season. Mr. Matthews, Beddington, near Croydon, sent a seedling Apple of good flavour, but not of unusual excel- lence. Mr. Dancer of Little Sutton sent a fine dish of Cox's Orange Pippin, Huyshe's Prince of Wales, and Benrre d'Aremberg. Mr. Dancer also exhibited fruit of a seedling Pear raised by Mr. Wilmott of Isleworth from Marie Louise. It is of enormons size, aud has a great deal of the appearance of Mario Louise; the flesh was very tender and buttery. Mr. Lock of Red Hill sent a seedling Apple which did not possess any unusual merit. Mr. Charles Turner of Slough sent fruit of Oswego Beurrc, which was not in condition. The Hon. and Rev. J. T. Bos- oawen sent a box of Cornish Gilliflower Apple in very fine con- dition, which were much admired for the exceeding richness of flavour. W. E. Essington, Esq., of Eewdley, sent a seedling Pear of excellent flavour, which is somewhat similar to that of Seckle. It was much admired, but as all the specimens showed signs of decay at the core the Committee desired to see it another year. Mr. William Paul of Waltham Cross sent six dishes of Pears, including fine specimens of Doyenne dn Comice, Beurre Dumas, and Kingsessing, to which a letter of thanks was 420 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COITAGE GAEDENEB. ( November 11, 1875. ' awarded. Mr. Gilbert sent specimens of his selected Brassela Sprouts which the Committee considered too large. Flobai Cojimittee. — Dr. Kellock in the chair. The Council- room presented a very lively appearance from the fine collection of seedling hybrid Draceuas sent by Mr. Wills of the Anerley Road Nursery, Norwood. The plants are exceedingly creditable to the grower, and some of them are very distinct in character. Messrs. Veitch sent a very fine collection of Orchids, and also a collection of plants, of which every one was a hybrid of their own raising. The collection of hybrids comprised sis varieties of Nepenthes. The plants were splendidly grown and very distinct in character; they were N. intermedia, N. Chel- sonii, N. Dominii, N. hybrida, N. hybrida maculata, and N. Sedeni. Calanthe Veithii, one of the most useful of winter- flowering Orchids, was shown in two varieties. There were also five varieties of hybrid Rhododendrons ; Princess Alexandra has white flowers, Princess Royal delicate pink, and they con- trast well with the brilliantly-coloured flowers of Queen of Den- mark and Princess of Wales. Draca?aa hybrida, a cross between D. magoifica and D. albicans, has been shown previously, and well maintains its high character. D. Taylori was also exhi- bited ; it has bold bronzy metallic foliage, and is very striking. Of hybrid Orchids there were CattleyaexonieusiSjC. Dominiana, CypripediumHarri8iannm,C. Sedeni, C. Dominii, C.vexillarium, C. Marshallianum, and C. Arthurianum. A fine plant of Alo- casia Sedeni completed the collection. This fine collection of plants were awarded the gold medal. Mr. Wills's Draceuas are noticed in another column, and to them the gold medal was also awarded. The collection of Orchids from Messrs. Veitch comprised some fine winter-flowering species ; amongst them was a splendid Cattleya labiata, the winter-flowering Calanthes, Odontnglos- Bums, Pleiones, Masdevallias, itc, crowned with a fine Vanda suavis. A vote of thanks was awarded to this collection. Messrs. Veitch also sent Cupressus Lawsoniana variegata. Mr. Charles Turner of Slough sent new ■perpetual-flowering Carnations. Sir Garnet Wolseley received a first-class certifi- cate ; a second-class award being voted to Mrs. Fowler, a fine rose-coloured flower. A beautiful golden sport of Mrs. G. Hundle Chrysanthemum was sent by Messrs. S. Dixon of the Amhurst Nurseries, Hackney. Mr. Denning, Londesborongh Gardens, received a first-class certificate for Cattleya Minas. A cultural certificate was awarded to Mr. Smith, gardener to — Chane, Esq., Henley-on-Thames, for a splendidly-flowered specimen of Vanda casrulea. It had sixty-seven flowers on five spikes. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, received a vote of thanks for a collection of Echeverias, and to B. rotnndifolia a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr. Croucher, gardener to J. F. Peacock, Esq., Hammersmith, also received a first class certificate for Eohe- veria pachytoides. From the nurseries of Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son of Waltham Cross were sent a splendid collection of sprays cut from hardy trees and shrubs to illustrate the autumnal tints ; many were ornamented with berries. With them was sent a basket of Euonymua flavesoens, a new golden winter-bedding plant. It is one well adapted for that purpose. TOBACCO. Thouoh Nicotiana rnstica is indigenous in Western Asia, yet it is considered indisputable that no tobacco was smoked in the Old World before the discovery of the New. It was , therefore, with great astonishment that I read, in a work of Bunsen's, a quotation from the sayings of Buddha, as printed in the Memoirs of the Academy of St. Petersburgh, wherein that sage, who lived five centuries before the Christian era, speaks of a man smoking tobacco. As the matter deserved probing, and as the respectability of the source from which the assertion proceeded made the error, if such it were, only the more likely to obtain currency, I wrote to Max MiiUer, as the best living authority, requesting him to consult the original. He replied, " There is no trace of tobacco in the original, nor even of smoking, but simply of incense." — G. S. Grubs in Caerot and Onion Beds. — We had an early visit from the grubs this year, and lost thousands of yonng Onions before they were noticed. As soon as they were seen the beds were covered over nearly half an inch thick with soot, then thoronghly watered, and I have seen no grubs since. — F. S. C. S. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. One of the finest specimens of that excellent Pear Dotenn*: DD CoMicE which we have ever seen has been sent to us by Mr. G. F. Wilson of Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath. It was Hi inches in its latitudinal circumference, and exactly a foot in its longitudinal. This was grown on one of Mr. Wil- son's orchard-house trees, which during the blooming and setting period are kept in the orchard house, but the fruit waa ripened out of doors in the open air. It was most delicious. We have received from Mr. George Haskell of Ipswich, Massachusetts, a collection of ten varieties of seedling Grapes, raised by crossing the native Vitis riparia with European varieties, and vice versa. These are very curious, and some of them are very excellent varieties. The influence of the cross is very apparent in all of them, and it is quite possible that in this way varieties may be raised that will ripen out of doors in this country. Even in this unfavourable season Admiral Hornby has ripened one of the American Grapes at the Cottage, Knowsley, and Mr. E. J. Beale has been equally successful at Twickenham. One or two varieties which have the Black Hamburgh and White Chasselas for their male parents are very good indeed, and have a flavour which is quite peculiar. M. Edouaed Morren has published the third edition of his " Correspondence Botaniqce," which is a list of the Botanical Gardens, Professorial Chairs, and Museums through- out the world. It is a valuable and useful aid to botanical correspondence, and is wonderfully correctly and carefully prepared. We have received from Messrs. William Manle & Son of Bristol a portion of ja5i made from the fruit of Pyrus Maulei. We remarked the excellency of this new preserve when we tasted it the first year that the plant was exhibited at the Bath Show. Good as it was then, it is certainly better now, experience in the making of it having perfected the pro- cess. It is quite a new flavour, is rich without being cloying, and has a fine, brisk, acidulous smack, which will make it very acceptable for many purposes in domestic confectionery. We have the pleasure to announce that Mr. John Ingram, of the old-established firm of Wood & Ingram, nursery- men, Huntingdon, has been unanimously elected to the office of Mayor of Huntingdon for the coming year. An American paper says — " I do not molest the birds ; instead of shooting them or setting up scarecrows to frighten them away, I throw out every possible inducement for them to build their ueet in my fruit trees. The birds capture a large share of the insects in the larval state. For the residue of tho infects which infest my vegetable garden I find that the la- boratory of the chemist furnishes materials fatal to them all, among which materials white hellebore and cayenne pepper are of the most utility ; the bug or grub which cannot find vegetation unflavoured with these articles will seek its break- fast elsewhere, and leave my garden unmolested. A few drops of carbolic acid in a pint of water will clean house plants from lice in a very short time. If mosquitoes or other bloodsuckers infest our sleeping rooms at night, we uncork a bottle of the oil of Pennyroyal, and these insects leave in great haste, nor will they return so long as the air in the room is loaded with the fumes of that aromatic herb. If rats enter the cellar, a little powdered potash thrown into their holes, or mixed with meal and scattered in their runs, never fails to drive them away. Cayenne pepper will keep the buttery and etoreroom free from ants and cockroaches. If a mouse makes an entrance into any part of your dwelling, saturate a rag with cayenne in solution and stuff it into the hole, which can then be repaired with either wood or mortar. No rat or mouse will eat the rag for the purpose of opening communications with a depot of supplies." CULTURE OF PHAL.ENOPSIS. The culture of Orchids has been very much extended during the last ten years, and their management is more generally understood by gardeners and amateurs, so that these quaint, interesting, and beautiful flowers are to be seen and admired in most gardens, including many of very modest pretensions. Nearly the whole order is amenable to ordinary cultivation. There are, however, a few species, or even an entire genus, that will occasionally balUe the skill of the most ardent cultivators, but unless it is desirable to grow these difficult subjects to complete a selection, or for some other purpose, they are best let alone. There is no need to trouble about them, as there are hundreds of species and varieties of the greatest beauty that can be grown without any difficulty. November 11, 1875. ] JOOENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QARDENEH. 421 Tho cultivator must first aecertain what are the reqnirements of his plants, and their wants, which are few and simple, must be attended to at the right time. There are three degrees of temperature in which nearly all Orchids may be grown. The first and most simple is the cool house, in which an extensive and most beautiful section of Orchids may bo cultivated. The minimum temperature of this house may bo i'r , or it may fall to 40" during tho winter months without any injury to the plants. The next is the Cattleya or Brazilian house with a minimum of 50' to 55' during winter; and the East Indian house with a minimum of 65', or in cold weather 60'. The maximum temperature for the above is 5" to 10" higher. One of the main elements of success in Orchid culture ie the arrangement and effi- ciency of the ventilation ; let the biting east wind blow for a few hours directly on even the hardiest species of the cool-house section, and the chances are that the plant will be utterly ruined. I have Been a Masdevallia cut over as if with a knife by the wind blowing directly upon it through a narrow opening. The plants require plenty of fresh air, but the ventilation must be arranged so that the currents of air pass on to the hot-water apparatus before being diffased through the house, aud when this is the case air may be admitted every day even during winter ; indeed, some of the best cul- tivators have small openings in the side walls, generally about a foot or 18 inches from the surface of the ground, and these are usually open night and day. The genus Phalajnopsia requires to be grown in the warmest house, and one thing greatly in the favour of all the species is that the plants occupy a very small space; the flowers, which are produced in great abundance, being most beautiful. There are now upwards of a score of different species comprising the genus, a few of them at least being undoubtedly natural hybrids, and here Nature herself has produced what the skill of the most experienced cultivator has failed to accomplish. Some of the most skilful Orchid growers have tried to cross the different species of Phalienopsis, but up to the present time all their efforts have been unsuccessful. It would not be ■worth while to notice all the species, as many of them are still rare and likely to be so, nor are any of the rare and difficult sorts at all to be compared to the easiest-grown and more common species. The plant that I would place at the top of the list is P. gran- diflora, and of this there are several varieties, varying a little in the size and formation of the flowers. If imported plants are purchased that have not yet flowered, the variety from Borneo with large leaves and flowers is the best. The flowers are the largest of all the Phalsenopses, of the purest white, the base or centre of the lip being conspicuously marked with yellow or orange. Next to the above comes the queen of Orchids, P. amabilis, from Manilla; the flowers differ from those of P. grandiflora in being smaller, and the lip instead of being stained with gold is marked with rose or pink. Next in order of merit is P. Schilleriana, another Manilla species. This is very distinct, and has large, handsomely variegated foliage. The leaves are olive green, barred and mottled with creamy white. It is also one of the most free-flowering. The flowers are produced on long branched spikes, as many as a hundred or more flowers having been produced on one spike. This species flowers earlier in the season than the two already named ; indeed, aU of them have a tendency to throw-up their flower spikes early in the year, but if the spikes of P. grandi- flora and P. amabilis are pinched others will be formed later, and the flowering season is thus retarded. It will not answer to stop the spikes of P. Schilleriana, as, unlike the others, this variety will not form a second spike, and a season would be lost. This would be one of the most telling exhibition plants but for its early-flowering propensity : it is seldom to be seen in flower after May. The above-named species are by far the best for ordinary cultivators ; they are easily grown, and are moderate in price. A new species was introduced last year which is, no doubt, a natural hybrid between P. Sohilleriariii and P. amabilis. As I have seen it, it is certainly inferior "to either of its parents. The leaves mo slightly barred and mottled, as P. .Schilleriana, and the flowers are between the two in fize and colour. It has been named P. leucorrhoda. P. intermedia is also said to be a hybrid, and all of them are, no doubt, interesting and very pretty. The mode of culture pursued by different growers is very Fig. 93.— Phalienopsis amabilis. different under the same circumstances. To be successful a high temperature must be kept-up, with plenty of atmospheric moisture, which is obtained in winter by sprinkling tho paths aud stages with water two or three times a-day, aud in sum- mer this is supplemented by having troughs filled with water placed over the hot-water pipes. The plants seem to thrive best when they are placed near the glass, and they also grow most freely if planted in baskets. These need not be described here, as a drawing aud description of a suitable basket is given at page 339 of the present volume. The manner of basketing the plants may be briefly de- scribed. A few large potsherds are placed on the bottom, then some pieces of a smaller size to fill the basket three parts of its depth, the remaining portion being filled-up with live chopped sphagnum and potsherds in equal pKoportions. The roots of the Orchid are just covered, and the plant is put-in in such a way that the leaves hang over the side of the basket. Until the roots make a start water is applied very sparingly, 422 JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1875. only just enough being given to keep the sphagnnm alive. The leaves during the summer may be lightly dewed over with a fine syringe every morning. When the plant has started into growth water may be freely applied with the syringe, and if the proper temperature has been kept up, and the atmospheric conditions are suitable, both sphagnum and plant will grow freely. The roots twine round and into the basket, and they cannot come into contact with decaying organic matter, which invariably causes decay. The baskets are suspended so that the plants are about 18 inches from the glass, and they also ought to be placed in the most shady part of the house. Phalaenopses cannot bear sunshine. The shading material, which ought to be made to run up and down, must be ready for use from March until the end of October. These plants are also adapted for pot culture ; liberal drainage must be used, and the plants ought to be elevated above the rim of the pot. I have seen them do well with a compost of equal parts very fibry peat, sphagnum, and potsherds.— J. Dodglas. STBAWBEKRIES. 1 HAVE received to-day (November 6) seven fine and well- crowned plants of La Constante and five equally well-crowned plants of Ne Plus Ultra from Mr. Lovell, who explains that his plants are struck in June and planted out after the heat of summer is over. His land is evidently of a first-class nature, and I should say that such plants in favourable springs would bear a good crop of Strawberries. His mode of culture is good. I had La Constante and Ne Plus Ultra (De Jonghe) some years ago. The last is a line cropper, good market sort, fair flavour, and often of conical shape. To the general pub- lic I recommend Lucas (De Jonghe) in preference to La Con- stante. Lucas is not, perhaps, quite equal to La Constante, but it has these points of superior excellence : it is a quicker rooter, stronger plant, does not suiier under sun, and is larger in the berry. It neither suffers from frost nor sun. La Con- stante is hardy as regards winter, but suffers under hot sun. — W. F. Radclifte. CHRYSANTHEMUMS at CHELSEA and SLOUGH. Besides the public exhibitions of this important autumn flower which are now being held there are private collections which demand notice by their excellence, and which are worthy of inspection by all who are interested in the cultivation of these plants. Two of these collections, amongst others which we know to be worthy of patronage, are those of Messrs. James Vfitch & Sons, the Koyal Nurseries, Chelsea, and Mr. Charles Turner, the Royal Nurseries, Slough. We first visited, therefore will first notice, the display of Messrs. VEiTcn and Sons. These consist of nearly 500 plants arranged in a spa- cious span-roofed house ; and we know not which to admire most, the sturdy vigour of the plants with foliage fresh down to the pots, or their noble blooui3. The plants are in 10 to 12-inch pots, grown on single stems, each plant having three to six flowers which are just approaching perfection, and which will be in good condition for the next ten days. We note a few of the best and which may be considered as standard varieties — those that are uniformly good, and which may be grown with confidence as possessing sterling merit. White Globe and Empress of India are splendid, the blooms being of unusual depth and substance, and there are immense blooms of Alfred Salter, Prince of Wales, and Beethoven, Fingal has perhaps never been finer, and Bronze and Yellow Jardin des Plants are remarkably effective. Mr. George Run- die and its fine sulphur-coloured sport George Glenny are, if not the largest, two of the most perfect and constant varieties, and which are very finely finished. The Beverleys — yellow and white — Pink Perfection, White Venus, Guernsey Nugget, Nil Desperandum, Gloria Mundi, are also very fine; and equally good but smaller are Aurea Slultiflora, Duke of Roxburgh, John Salter, and Abbu Passaglio. Some of the Japanese varieties aro also particularly pay. Klaine, however, is fading, but its place as a white is well filled by Fair Maid of Guernsey, which is fully as long in the petals, although somewhat looser than the above-named variety. Cry- KuE^;, bright mauve, is very attractive, as also is Red Dragon. Gold Thread, the new Japanese sort, is not yet expanded, but The Cossack is very gay in its garb of crimson scarlet. There are also several nice standard plants of Pompons, one of which. Acme of Perfection, is as perfect in the blooms as it is chaste in colour. As a variety for affording cut bloom it is invaluable, while it is equally suitable as a decorative plant. The blooms are exceedingly double, and each petal of rosy pink is margined with white. Altogether the collection is very good, the plants being stout and short-jointed, and the foUage to the eye of the practical grower is as attractive as the bloom. Besides the Chrysanthemums several beautiful Orchids are in bloom, as Vandas, Cattleyas, Pleiones, Calanthes, &a., and these with other collections of ornamental plants, and the perfect order and cleanliness which pervades the establish- ment, renders a visit " to Veitch's " at the present time par- ticularly enjoyable. Very different in character but not less imposing, is the col- lection of Mr. Turner at Slough. The display here occupies a house 100 feet in length and 12 in width, which is filled to repletion by all the best varieties. These plants are not grown specially to bring out the individual size of the blooms by limiting their number to two or three on a plant, but some of the plants have each over twenty flowers ; and these, consider- ing their numbers and the smallness of the pots employed, are evidence of superior skill in culture, and are splendid examples of decorative plants where numbers are combined with quality. Mr. George Bundle and George Glenny are here in grand form, and Nil Desperandum for size and symmetry would be diffleult to excel. Elaine by its flowing fleecy purity is most attractive, and such plants as are grown here would be a great acquisition to any conservatory. In striking contrast to the whites mentioned is Dr. Sharpe, maroon, and not less effective are the bright crimson masses of Julie Lagraviere, which, although the flowers are flat and small, is yet one of the most useful sorts, by its high colour and free-flowering properties affording a fine supply of cut blooms. Rifleman, St. Patrick, Prince Alfred, and Empress of India have perfected noble blooms, and the other standard sorts enumerated above are in admirable condition. A striking feature in this collection is the smallness of the pota in which most of the plants are grown. Many plants there are containing half a dozen blooms, full, deep, and per- fect, which are grown in 6 or 7-inch pots ; and how handy and useful such plants are all know whose duty it is to provide ornamental groups for conservatory and other purposes of decoration. By rich feeding and unremitting attention to watering Mr. Turner has well shown the resources of the Chrysanthemum, and has evidently succeeded in obtaining a maximum amount of beauty out of a minimum bulk of soil. The collection is highly worthy of inspection, as are other specialities of this nui'sery. The Carnations, of course, are not in bloom, but what a forest of fine layers are now being potted I This work alone will occupy some weeks. Surely there must (as there should) be an increasing demand for these beautiful florists' flowers, and evidently their constant patron is determined to keep pace with it. It is now tree, shiub, and Rose time here, but it would be superfluous to detail the condition of the stock ; but it is impossible to pass by unnoticed the fine breadth of the Caucasian Laurel (Cerasus caucasica). It is richer, denser, deeper, and hardier than the common Laurel, and must shortly supersede it in all shrubbery plantations. To denote the general condition of the nursery would bo to repeat the "old, old story;" it can be summed-up in one word — " Turner's." A notice of the display at the Pine Apple Place Nursery is postponed until next week. A POTATO GRAFTED WITH THE NIGHTSHADE. A VERY interesting experiment has been made by Mr. Alex. Maule of Bristol, for the purpose of ascertaining what effect a transfusion of the essence of the native Solanum nigrum into the constitution of the Potato by grafting would have in preventing the Potato disease. The common Nightshade, it is well known, resists the disease. Mr. Maule conceived that by getting the foliage of the European plant on the Potato that the latter would escape the disease, and ho found by experiment his expectation realised. He grafted the one on the other, and the result is before us in an excellent photograph which shows the perfect union of the two species, and the stock plant furnished with a large tuber. Now Mr. Maule does not intend from this experiment that the whole Potato crop is to be grafted in this fashion. His experiment was intended merely as a test to solve a theory Novemiev 11, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 423 which was floating in his own mind, and it was a Bnocessful one. Bat it may be puehed a little farther than Mr. Maule has carried it. Wo all know that iu many instances the scion influences the stock as greatly as the stock does the scion ; and we see no reason why there may not be a graft-hybrid produced in this case as in many others which would have the power of resisting the disease. The transfusion of the essences of dis- tinct plants is not conveyed exclusively by the pollen grains ; and we believe it (juite possible, by frequent repetition of the grafting experiment, to change in some important respect the constitution of the cultivated Potato so as to render it more disease-resisting. It will be very interesting to know what the result of this experiment of Mr. Maule's turns out. We hope Mr. Maule has preserved the tuber with the intention of planting it next season. It would be well to cut it into sets and graft some of the plants produced from these with Solamim nigrum, leaving others in their normal condition. OPEN STANDARD OR BUSH PEACH AND NECTARINE TREES. Alldsiok having been made to the growing of Peaches and Nectarines on open standard, or rather bush trees, and cases mentioned where fruit has ripened during the past season on such trees, it would be well to take a retrospect of the past and ascertain what has been attempted in this way in years gone by, and we may possibly be able to form a tolerable correct judgment of what is likely to be aocomphshed in the futurCv Fine warm summers, which now and then occur, favouring the growth and maturing the fruit of many things that do not generally approach that condition in ordinary years, usually tempt the inexperienced into the belief that because they have ripened Grapes against a wall and Peaches on open standards these fruit can always be done so. This is a mistake. These fruits require more sun than the average temperature which our summers afford, and it is only on those very warm sea- sons that they really ripen well, and it is questionable if they are in reality as likely to do so in a general way as they were a century or more ago. An occasional hot summer or two following each other may be adduced as evidence against this ; but two or three years is not sufficient to found a conclusion upon. I well remember the dry sunny seasons of 1857, 1858, and 1859, the last two especially being thought half-tropical, and it was imagined that many fruits and plants would flourish in the open air that are but rarely met with under that mode of culture. Pine Apples were tried in more places than one and reported favourably of, and some sanguine spirits went the length of asserting that England might be independent of foreign countries in the matter of the port an4 sherry con- sumed ; while Sorgham and other half-tropical green foods were to take the place of those in common use amongst farmers, and certainly some very fine growths of the latter plant in the summer of 1859 did promise well of it ; but, alas ! the cold wet season of 1860 set aside all expectation of this and other plants becoming generally useful, and the ripening of Peaches and Grapes was out of the question altogether. For some years after this ungeuial summer it was urged that Peaches could not be depended on anywhere except under glass, and an impetus was given to the erection of orchard houses, and we have since heard but little of standard trees of the kinds named until the present fine autumn has in a measure revived the subject again by some fairly good fruit having been pro- duced on such trees in favourable situations. Although the cultivation of the Peach as an open standard tree has been recommended I would hardly advise anyone planting a whole orchard of such trees, for the seasons in which they succeed will come so seldom that I fear the disappointments would far exceed the successes. I think it was about 1858 or 1859 that Mr. lUman, a nursery- man at Strood near EocUester, ripened Peaches and Nectarines on open standards ia big nursery, and pyramid Peach trees for gardens as well as for lawns were strongly recommended at that time. In the latter position they were expected to be equally ornamental in spring while iu flower, as they would be useful later on when ripe fruit greeted the eyes of the owner or visitor. But somehow they have never become popular, and I believe what few were planted have produced but little fruit, and have fallen short of the ornamental character ex- pected of them, the growth being irregular and at times ram- pant, while the difficulties in protecting the fruit blossom from the spring frosts was so great that comparatively little reached the ripening period, and that little has been small and under- sized ; that there is certainly but slight encouragement to embark extensively in planting many trees of the character named, although by way of experiment, and iu a favourable site, the practice is worth trying on a limited scale. While on this subject I may ask, What success has attended the cultivation of two other fruits of different habits, but each requiring something different to the treatment given to our ordinary hardy fruits — namely. Figs and Apricots ? Many years ago — I think it was about 185() — I planted several young Apri- cot trees in what I thought was a favourable situation, and they grew and flowered very fairly, but I never obtained much fruit from them. About that same period I ceased pruning or doing anything but now and then fastening up a large limb against the wall of two large Fig trees, and they now straggle across the border, and in favourable years produce good fruit ; that near the ground on the branches resting upon it being as good as on the top of the trees. I should be glad if those who have been successful in the growth of these two fruits to be good enough to give us the particulars of their practice, more especially if they have succeeded in perfecting them without the aid of walls. — .T. Eobson. THE POMEGRANATE OUT OF DOORS. In an interesting article on the above in your issue for October 14th, page 338, it is stated that this plant does not produce fruit in this country. Perhaps, therefore, it may interest you as well as others to know that a plant of the Punioa granatum bears fruit annually here, which in some favourable seasons fairly ripens. I have forwarded you some specimens of this season's growth, but I would mention that those sent are not nearly so ripe as we usually have them, in fact all the fruit that is on the plant has set since the third week in August ; neither has the fruit been so plentiful nor the flowers so abundant as in former years, which can be accounted for by the excessive fall of rain we have experienced here this season. The growth of this plant, or what I will term the breastwood, in ordinary seasons is from 9 inches to a foot in length, whereas this season it is more than double that length, and much stronger than usual. The plant in question is growing against the kitchen wall, which has a south-west aspect, and is well sheltered. The soil is a light sandy loam, which no doubt is greatly impoverished by its close proximity to some large Hollies and other shrubs. The subsoil is sand. It has grown to the height of 32 feet, and covers the wall 21 feet in width. On the highest part the largest quantity of flowers are produced, and only at the ex- treme points fruit is perfected. This plant fully corroborates all that jou have stated as to its requirements, which are a warm sheltered site, with a poor light well-drained soil. At a short distance the Pomegranate has the appearance of a Myrtle, and I have heard many a visitor at first sight exclaim, "What an immense Myrtle you have here! " Such was the exclamation of one lady in particular last season ; when a second rejoined, " Its great size is not its only novelty, as it actually bears scarlet flowers and fruit." — Thomas Foote, Gardener to Sir Arthur Elton, Bt., Cleveclon Court, Somerset. [The specimens sent were small, but one was nearly ripe,— Eds.] HARTHAM PARK, THE RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM HENEY POYNDEE, ESQ. If we pursue the Bath road for about three miles west of Chippenham it brings us into the parish of Corsham, a wide- extending parish embracing many hamlets, one of which all must pass through on their way to Bath — viz., Pickwick. I notice this to correct a very general but erroneous impression that Charles Dickens took the name of the hero of his first important work from this place. The tale goes that putting his head out of the window of the coach on his way to Bath he asked what was the name of this place, and received for answer " Pickwick," and that the jingling rhyme of the word caught bis ear. This, however, is only a case of " as the story goes." The truth, according to Mr. Foster, is that Dickens saw in Piccadilly the Bath coach with the name of " Pickwick, proprietor," upon it, and that the name hit his fancy. In- deed, though Dickens visited Bath in later years almost annu- 42-1 JOUENAL OP HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. [ November 11, 1875. ally to Bee Landor, he haci, it is believed, neyer been in Bath until after he wrote Pickwick, and that the scene in that work descriptive of characters in the Assembly Rooms owed its origin not to personal experience, but to the force of imagina- tion, which gathered the materials out of common rumour. But on the Bath road lies Pickwick. Clote by, turning off to the right, is Hartham Park, in the county of Wilts, owned by William Henry Poynder.Esq., Lord of the Manor of Hilmonton in the same county, one of a family long known and respected in North Wilts for their untiring efforts in doing good, and for munificence to the poor and needing. Some gentlemen of high position and wealth are respected — this is much ; but there are a select few who attain to something higher — viz., who are loved as well as respacted, and such is the most enviable position of the squire of Hartham. The Hartham Park estate has passed through many hands, as is the case with most properties. Hartham is mentioned in Domesday Book six times under the name of " Heartham." In about a.d. 1-tOO it belonged to Henry de Hartham ; in 1640 it passed to the well-known Wiltshire families of Goddard and Dackett. The former owned the present Hartham Park and Rudlow, and their house stood on the site of the present man- sion. The residence of the Diicketts, which stood near, close to the present stables of Hartham Park, was taken down some years ago. Lady .Tames, widow of a Sir William James, a director of the E. I. Company, built the present mansion — that is, the older part. Hartham was purchased by the first Lord Mothven, but sold afterwards to tho late Mr. Thomas Poynder, who built so largely, making such considerable addi- tions in 1860, that from simply a country gentleman's residence Hartham Park became a large and imposing-looking mansion. The interior contains pictures of great value, and the library is rich in rare copies of works splendidly bound. Fi^. 03. — HaiiTUAU PAitK— west-esu vmw of the mansion. Hartham is somewhat connected with English literature. Thus, the Lady James mentioned was a friend and corre- spondent of Laurence Sterne ; and Edmund Smith, a friend of Steele and Addison, author of " Phfedia and Hippolytns," and translator of " Longinus on the Sublime," died at Hartham in 1709. The father of Lord Broughton, Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, lived at Hartham House. The readers of Lord Byron's works will remember Lord Broughton, then Sir John Cam Hobhouse, as a friend of the poet's. That amusing gossip, John Aubrey, has a word to say about Hartham, for he thus writes : — " It is said that the eonigre (rabbit warren) here turns the breed of black conies white, and its pasture grounds make the breed of black cattle pied ;" but he shrewdly adds, " Let him that knows this believe it," but goes on to say, " The rest of the country hereabouts is much inclined to pied cattle, but commonly the colour is Mack, or browne, or deepe red. The men and women strong, and something warme and well coloured, a drawnlng opeech sometbicg heavy and melancholy, as under Saturn." One fine afternoon this autumn foufld me on my way to Hartham Park. Leaving Corsham Court on the left I soon turn to the right, and pass near to Hartham Episcopal Chapel, built by the late Mr. Thomas Poynder for the place of worship of his family and dependents, and the inhabitants near. Tliis was a kind act, as Corsham parish church lies too far off to benefit the aged and infirm. Oh, would that other large owners would do the like ! Entering the park gates and follow- ing the course of a well-planned meandering approach I am soon at the east or front entrance of the house, wondrously enlarged and improved since I knew it first. The view from the front door is somewhat blocked by a clump which was planted to screen the house from the road, and which has now grown over-large. This could easily be remedied, as a much lower screen would keep the road from view, and the noble Elms around would stand out in their full beauty. The Elm is well called by John Evelyn " the Wiltshire weed." The head gardener, Mr. Thomas Carter, formerly under Mr. Fleming at 'Trentham, in at hand to show me, by Mr. Poynder's kind permission, everything that is to be seen. We pass to the flower garden on the south side of the house, a plan of which is engraved. This garden is somewhat sunk, and wisely, to avoid the strong westerly gales, and is overlooked by the drawing-room and library windows. The plan of the garden suits the house, and the planting shows Mr. Carter's good taste. Passing along this garden I ascend by steps to the terrace garden, a garden wholly on grass, from which the beds below tell well. Ascending some more steps I come to the top lawn, a spacious smooth-shaven turf, out of which rise well- kept trees and shrubs. Two splendid Cedars of Lebanon cast their deep layers of shade around, making a fine contrast to the light and graceful Tulip Trees near, and with the hand- November 11, 1876. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 425 some Horse Chestnnta grown naturally — that is, with their lower branches tonohing and lying on the grass. Those who only see these trees as usually grown can have uo idea of the added beauty when the lowest boughs are as these are. Besides the trees and shrubs on this extensive top lawn there is one object of particular interest, a copy of the famous Warwick vase out in one solid piece of Bos stone, which when hewn was over 10 tons in weight. This is unfortunately placed too much on one side; whereas, did it stand just in the middle where is now an old Ash it would overlook the two lower gar- dens, and would form a fine object to look up to, and serve as a connecting link to the eye with the house. Passing, or rather strolling, along this lino lawn I come to the Beech walk, a very dangerous place indeed for young people to enter, being highly suggestive of engaged liogs. Not far o£f is one of several summer houses, but this one I notice is on an artificial mound, placed there for the view. Where stands the mound was a pit, which the late Mr. Poynder had filled up and the fummer house put on its apex. I thought what a good thing such alterations are for the poor, as bring- ing to them many days of labour and labour's recompense — wages. How much good people of fortune often do by alter- ations, which give employment ! how much more good is done in this way to the poor than by almsgiving ! I now take my leave of the pleasure grounds, just observing in passing that as the finely-undulating and beautifully-wooded park is only separated from these by an iron paling, the idea of space is given, and all cramping quite avoided. Next comes the kitchen garden, in which, in itself, is nothing remarkable, but in it stands the conservatory, which with the fernery is 70 feet long and 23 feet wide, and the height of the lantern 24 feet. The stove, conservatory, and fernery (one building) is in three compartments. This structure is very elegant. Up its slender pillars run various bright- coloured IHE Honst C R A V E L WALK Fig. 94.- Blue Lobelia, edceJ witb Sirs. Polloc!:. PelargDuium Stella, ed^'ed with Qolileu Chain. Pelargonium Tom Thumb, edgeJ with Silvti- Chain. Pelargonium Chiistiae, edged with Silver Chain. Altemanthera, edged with Golden Pjrethrum. -Flower garden at hahtham park. creepers, and crossing high np from pillar to pillar they hang in festoons. Taesonia Van-Volxemi was there in its beauty, and the Lapageria rosea with its gorgeous bells. There, too, were Bignonias and the AUamanda cathartica with its striking yellow flowers. The centre compartment is the conservatory, the other compartment the fernery. There was the Thun- bergia Harrisii; the Golden Fern in its gorgeousness, with Adiantum Farleyense, and many others of magnificent growth. In this stove conservatory and fernery what particularly struck me was the heilthinesa of every plant and the admirable way in which all were kept. lu the stove division I noticed a fine plant of Hibiscus splendens with its intense carmine-scarlet centre. Next in order come the vineries. The length of the large vinery is 80 feet, its width 21 feet. The height of the back wall is 23 feet, with a half-lantern top. This is a grand vinery, and it was a pleasing thought to know that not only on its hospitable owner's table its beautiful Grapes appeared, but they reached many a poor invalid's lips, and their grateful moisture comforted those almost past earthly comfort. The vinery is in four compartments. The first contains Pope's Hamburgh, Lady Downe's Seedling, and that troublesome Grape to grow in many soils, Mrs. Pince. In the second com- partment I found Muscats of Alexandria with splendid berries. This house is heated by six rows of ■i-inoh pipes. la the 6., Centre Iresine, with white and pntple Verbena, edged with Mesem- bryanthemum. 7. Pelargonium Roltieson's Unique, edged with Golden Pyrethrum. 8. Grass. Centre Tase. I third division again Muscat of Alexandria, in the fourth the Muscat Hamburgh and Black Hamburgh. Besides this large vinery is a small one H7 feet long, half-span roof, with eight rows of pipes. I saw, too, another kitchen garden chiefly devoted to fruit of about an acre in extent, with its Pear crop a sight to see. I I next come to a very noteworthy part of Hartham Park gar- dens— viz., the frameyard, with offices and sheds around it. I remember looking once through the house of a gentleman famous for giving good dinners, and being struck with the ex- ceeding smallness and inconvenience of the kitchen and ad- joining offices. I remarked upon this, and pitied the cook. So also in visiting some extensive and well-kept gardens I have often noticed that the offices for the gardener's use — tool houses, potting sheds, &c. — were like the small kitchen for the cook, and I pity the gardener. This, however, is not the case at Hartham Park, but quite the contrary. The gardeners' kitchens, so to speak, are on a gr.ind sxiale. Imagine half an acre and uiore of an oblong form, with the centre made into a cold-frame yard, with offices, sheds, A-i;., on one side and end, the other side and end devoted to wall fruit and houses. Here I found half-span houses over 100 feet in length, divided into four compartments. First is the winter forcing house, second is devoted to Pines and Cucumbers, third to Cucumbers, fourth , to greenhouse plants. Next is a Peach house 37 feet long, half- 426 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, ( November 11, 1875. epan. The patent heating apparatus in this yard was the work of Messrs. Cubitt. The quarter of an acre of frames in the centre before mentioned are aa to material of good work- manship, the wall plates of teak with galvanised sashes. The frames, as to use, can hardly be over-estimated. What grand feeders to a conservatory ! What salads ! What bedding stuff ! What winter stuff ! What Melons ! What Strawberries ! Why, the open storing shed at the end of the yard is about 80 feet long, in which everything not wanted can be placed at once ; not a wheelbarrow need be left out in the wet, nor a dis- used frame left about looking untidy. Indeed, this yard and its buildings around would gladden any gardener's heart. On the side where the buildings are I find the Mushroom house, slate fronts on cast-iron pillars, and the bottom perforated tiles. I enter the boiler house, and Mr. Carter tells me that Cabitt's patent boilers answer perfectly, heating some thousands of feet of pipes. In the tool house I find perfect order. A notice is printed up, " A place for everything, and everything in its place," and that notice was evidently obeyed in letter and spirit. The potting shed was large enough for a school- room, and the arrangements of the fruit room seemed good, and the friiit in excellent condition. So of the seed room. Lastly, I peep into a second boiler hquse. The range of offices above described are, as to length, about 210 feet. Such is the frameyard and the buildings around. Instead of everything being old-fashioned and in a half-ruinous state, here was every- thing new, good, and built on the best principles, and reflect- ing great credit upon the architect, Mr. Ilardwick. Mr. Carter tells me he has been at Hartham about ten years, and that he works with a staff of eight men under him. He has evidently his heart in his calling, and well knows what to do and bow to have it done. Having taken a general glance round I now turn my pony's head towards the Bath approach, and proceed onwards towards the entrance known as Rudlow Gate. As I drive on for pro- bably a couple of miles in the park I have a fine view of its undulations and timber, while far away the eye takes in a grand landscape, with what painters so much love, a telling middle distance, the country towards North Wraxall and Colerne standing out in bold relief. Such is but a slight sketch of Hartham and its surroundings, and I wUl take leave to add a sincere hope that its kind and generous resident, who has become its possessor but recently, may be spared manyjyears of health and happiness. — Wilt- SHiBE Rector. FKOST IN LINCOLNSHIRE— WORMS IN FLOWER POTS. The remarks of " J. H." headed " Frost in Aberdeenshire" attracted my attention and caused me to refer to my weather diary, and strange to say the reading of the thermometer here on the 11th and l'2th of October tallied exactly with the state- ment given by "J. H." (see page 377)— viz., G° and T of frost. French Beans and Scarlet Runners were killed, and Dahlias and other tender plants partially destroyed. Respecting soot for preventing worms entering flower pots, I can corroborate all Mr. Douglas has said on that point, as we have frequently used it for the same purpose with good results. — G. R. Allis. VINES AT OSMASTON MANOR. YouE correspondent " J. W." has either been wrongly in- formed or he is under a false impression with regard to the supply of Grapes and the uses to which the vineries at Os- maston Manor were put in former years. Having known the place intimately from early in the year 1853 to the end of 1872, and, moreover, having had the management of it for ten years down to the latter date, I am in a position to speak of what was done during that time, and I emphatically deny that the Vines were grown only, or principally, to afford shade for the specimen Orchids. The primary use of the vineries was to grow Grapes ; and although from their peculiar proportions and construction those vineries were difficult to manage, yet I can say without hesitation that the table of the late proprietor was invariably well supplied with Grapes seven months in the year, which was about as long as the supply would last, the demand being heavy and constant ; and in my time I have cut scores of bunches of well -finished Hamburghs weighing from 2 lbs. to 4 lbs. 13 ozs., as well as smaller bunches. Whether the late owner thought most of bis Vines or his plants would, perhaps, be a difficult point to decide now, but I know that be was as particular and as critical about bis Grapes as he was about his plants or anything else ; and the only specimen Orchid that was a permanent occupant of a vinery was a large plant of Dendrobium speciosum, which was too big to be conveniently moved in and out at the doorway. A few other Orchids were occasionally taken into one of the vineries to rest when the Vines were in a dormant state — a practice which is far from uncommon. A numb^r of Camellias and Azaleas also were grown under the Vines when the con- ditions of the vineries were favourable to the growth of such plants ; but this again is, I fancy, a common practice enough, and I repeat that the vineries were used mainly and successfully for the growth of Grapes. — F. Haeeison, Knowsley Gardens, Preicot, [We have submitted Mr. Harrison's letter to our corre- spondent, and be replies — "I have been both 'wrongly in- formed ' and also under a ' false impression.' My information was from a gentleman whom I bad reason to believe bad know- ledge of the matter, and not from any servant of the family. I bow, however, to Mr. Harrison's correction. My impression was formed on the structure of the houses and on the appear- ance of the Vines. Mr. Harrison supports me in the reason- ableness of my assumption by admitting the bouses to be ' peculiar ' and ' difficult to manage.' As to the Vines, with- out disputing Mr. Harrison's statement, I can only say that they have worn out quickly."] ROSES FOR SMALL COLLECTIONS. The majority of Rose lovers being small growers, I am sure a word of warning just now at the buying season of the year wiU not be out of place. Old growers will bear me out when I say that most new Roses are large, coarse, and without scent, and, moreover, do not last. For example, Mons. Noman as shown at the Crystal Palace some three or four years ago was splendid and unequalled as a light Rose, but it has never been good since its first ap- pearance. This should act as a warning to amateurs not to buy untried sorts. The bulk of new Roses are not improve- ments. Raisers have yet to excel those three fine old purples Pierre Netting, Vicomte Vigier, and Franvois Lonvat, and yet in small gardens one seldom finds them. Why is this ? Simply because buyers will buy Roses puffed by raisers instead of waiting and seeing them proved. I would say to small garden- ers. Do not have a bad Rose in the place. Instead of buying, say, a hundred sorts, thirty of which are bad, order two or three of a sort. Big print, heavy charges, and vivid descrip- tions do not make good Roses. The following may be added to the list I sent yon a few weeks back, all being good : — Mdlle. Marie Finger, a darker, and Capitaine Christy, a lighter Mdlle. E. Verdier ; Maxime de la Rocheterie, a fine dark purplish red ; Comte de Serenye, a fine light blush; Hippolyte Jamain, an improved Countess of Oxford ; and Madame V. Verdier left out in error, — An Old Rose-Growee. DR. PLANT. There has just passed away at the ripe age of eighty-seven one of the most accomplished florists it has ever been my good fortune to know. It is a very long time since my love for florists' flowers was first developed, but even then, forty years ago. Dr. Plant was the leading florist in Ireland, and some of his achievements I have never seen excelled, or indeed equalled, in this country. We were some flve or six years afterwards thrown together as competitors, and it was a white day in my floricnltural calendar when I was enabled to beat " the doctor " in Auriculas. I never did it but once, but to do it once was something. At the period to which I allude Dr. Plant's cul- tures were the Carnation and Picotee, and the Auricula ; be afterwards added the Tulip, and in later years (when it became so great a favourite) the Rose. One characteristic of his cul- tivation was that he managed plants which nobody else seemed to be able to do. I have never seen, for instance, amongst Auricula-growers such plants of Booth's Freedom as housed to grow and exhibit. I have seen it, and that not one plant only, but many, with six and seven pips, each pip as large as a half- crown and without the slightest coarseness. Taylor's Glory, Page's Champion, and Hey's Apollo I have seen with him by the dozen. The latter flower, a very beautiful blue self, I have never seen elsewhere ; with him it was a most effective flower. i^ovember ll, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEli. 427 His was the first place I ever saw a stage of blooms in a regular Auricula house, and I shall as long as memory lasts never forget the sight — all the plants models of growth, strong, but not " lishy," and with fine trusses of bloom of generally seven pips ; he never allowed more. He was most chary of introducing novelties, thinking the old better; but although he clung to them he was in later years obliged to confess that in such kinds as George Lightbody, Richard Headly, and others the old had been distanced ; and when he introduced a new variety into his frames he very soon obtained a good stock of it. It was the same thing with Carnations. That wondrous rose flake, Burt's Flora's Garland, I have seen with him as one of the grandest flowers possible, but it has now almost passed away, and in very few (if any) lists is it now to be seen. Of his Tulips it is impossible to speak too highly ; they were all of grand strains, of great purity and size; and as^he was a true florist he admitted nothing inferior into his collection ; and although my memory goes back to Groom's grand collec- tion at Clapham, and I have seen the Slough, Stapleford, and other beds in bloom, I have never seen beds of greater excel- lence than his were. As I left Ireland nearly thirty years ago I have had of late years but few opportunities of seeing Dr. Plant and his collec- tions, but I am sure he will be greatly missed in the horticul- tural world, especially in the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, of which he was the oldest member at the time of his death, having joined it forty-five years ago. I fear he leaves but few behind him to follow in his steps, and I am quite sure not one who can occupy the position he for so many years held.— D., Deal. NEW DRACAENAS AT THE ANERLEY PARK NURSERY. Mr. Wills is to he congratulated on the possession of a batch of seedling Dracajnas which not only eclipse the few hybrids hitherto raised, but which effectually supersede all foreign introductions of this fine genus of stove plants. For these plants he is indebted to the skill and perseverance of his industrious foreman, the eminent hybridist, Mr. F. Bause. For this splendid achievement Mr. Bause is to be complimented by the whole nation of horticulturists, as he must be honoured and recompensed for his brilliant success. Only a few years ago Mr. Bause revolutionised the family of Coleuses, and un- folded new beauties which were not before dreamt of, and now he has revolutionised the Dracrenai, and, as with the touch of tie magician, he has brought out the hidden beauties of a family of infinitely greater value than the Coleuses. In three years the Coleuses by rapid pi'opagation had become common ; but in three times three years these fine DracKuas will be coveted by those who do not own them, and cherished by those who do. A portion of these grand hybrids were exhibited yesterday in the Council-room of the Royal Horticultural Society, and it is gratifying to be the first to publish their names and give some description of them. We have also seen them at home, for on the invitation of Mr. Bause we hastened to Anerley to see his brilliant family, and we were fairly startled by their beauty, variety, and distinctness. The vigour of these plants is wonderful, their habits excel- lent, and their colours such as have never been seen before in the family. The varieties where white predominates are not only pure and pearly, but the white is a solid white without any flimsy decaying edge. The magenta in their foliage are rich and glowing, the red full and deep, the pink and rose pure and decided, and there are tints of orange, salmon, and purple, with various shades of green and bronze as their staple or ground colours. Yet they are now only just breaking into beauty and character, each new leaf being brighter than the last ; and what the plants must be when the tops are struck, and with, as we may reasonably expect, their colours intensi- fied and preserved in the lower leaves, time can only tell. But if never more beautiful than now they are the most beautiful of all, and we take them and briefly describe them as they are. The (luickness with which these plants have been raised and grown is not much less remarkable than their intrinsic mtrit. Three years have not yet elapsed since Mr. Bause entered the service of Mr. Wills, and here are plants — hundreds of thsm, of great substance and vigour of from 2 to 3 feet in height. Mr. Bause found a few old stumps showing flower-spikes, and these were the parentage of this unequalled group. The seed was sown on August the 1st, 1874, and on November the 10th, 1875, these splendidly-grown plants were exhibited. Mr. Bause is therefore not only a hybridist of the first rank, but as a cultivator his skill must be equally acknowledged. The group must be divided into three sectious^broad, medium, and small-leaved. The former will be unrivalled for general decorative purposes, and the latter must have the front rank as dinner-table plants. We are able to give the names of about thirty-six varieties which have been selected out of a collection of 1700 seedlings, with their parentage ; of the latter the variety first named having been the seed-bearing parent. M'iHsii X excelsa and Regina. — Plant robust ; leaves broadly oblong and gently curving ; colour rich bronze flaked with magenta, some of them suffused with pink. Splendid. Baitsi'ii X Chelsoni and Regina. — Plant stout and vigorous ; foliage broad, of great substance, and arched ; colour deep bronze, distinctly edged with deep red, which is pure and con- stant. A grand variety. Victor'ue x concinnum and Regina. — Plant strong, of sub- erect habit ; leaves broadly oblong, tapering ; colour, lower leaves green and the upper leaves almost pure ivory white, healthy, and with no signs of decay. Very effective. AiierUycnsis X terminalis and Regina. — Plant very robust ; leaves long, broad, and sub-pendant ; colour bronzy green, creamy, striped with deeper cream and suffused with rose. A bold and attractive variety. Versicolor. — Parentage and character similar to the above, yet distinct. Plant not so robust, but colour richer. Effective. Falgens x excelsa and terminalis. — Plant massive ; leaves broad and drooping ; colour deep bronze with narrow rosy pink margin. Very fine and promising. Alha marginata x nigrescens and Regina. — Plant robust, erect ; leaves green marked with clear white. Distinct and good. Mastersii X nigrescens and Regina. — Plant massive, dwarf ; leaves very broad and drooping ; colour light bronze with deep pink edge and a narrow dark midrib ; habit very fine. A very promising variety. Telliniji < ferrea and Regina. — Plant robust ; habit sub- erect ; leaves large; colour bronze and rose, but not yet fixed. A very effective and promising variety. Barroiii ■: terminalis and Regina. — Plant of robust dwarf habit ; colour bronze, heavily marked with pink and cream. Very fine and effective. Leacocliila X Cooperi and Regina. — Plant tall and free; colour green and clear white. Distmct and effective. Pictarata < nigrescens and Regina. — Plant very massive; leaves broad and fine; colour deep olive-green, with a margin of mottled pink and red, promising to be constant. Very fine. Salmojiia :< concinnum and Regina. — Plant of free upright growth; leaves long and tapering ; colour green suffused with salmon, which may possibly deepen and lead to a new colour. Interesting. I'riunq)hans.^P\B.nt of the same parentage and character as Picturata, but not mottled, and colours lighter and brighter. Good. Renardlce X Cooperi and Regina. — Plant moderately robust and of excellent habit; colour green, the new leaves creamy suffused with rose. Very attractive. Seottiic x cDncinuum and Regina. — Plant vigorous and dwarf ; habit good ; leaves broad and drooping ; colour rich bronze ; the upper leaves creamy suffused with pink. A hand- some and promising variety. Pendens x Cooperi and Regina. — Plant vigorous ; leaves broad and elegantly arched ; colour deep green, edged with rose and cream. Very attractive and fine. Stricta alba. — Parentage doubtful, possibly x nigrescens and Regina. Plant free, erect ; colour green marked with clear white. Distinct and fine. Carolettic (Mrs. Wills) x concinnum and Regina. — Plant medium, dwarf; leaves narrow, IJ inch broad; colour bronze and magenta. A brilliant and striking variety. J'oliita X Cooperi and Regina. — Plant robust and forming a perfect massive pyramid of arched foliage; colour dark, the upper leaves edged with cream and suffused with rose. Very distinct and promising. Venusta X concinnum and Regina. — A rich-coloured droop- ing variety. Very promising. Eluabe'tlue X Cooperi and Regina. — Plant massive and of fine habit; colour bronze and red. A fine and promising variety. Terminalis alba x terminalis and Regina. <=- Plant tall, 428 JOURNAL OF HOhTICDLTURE AND COTIAGE GABDENER. [ Kovemtiet 11, 1875. erect; leaves narrow and pointed; colour green, freely marked with ivory white. Very effective, and a fine decorative variety. Hcb'ccic .< Cooperi and Kegina. — Plant vigorous; leaves broad and wavy; colour magenta, pink, and green. Very bright and effective. JJahilia:. — Plant of medium growth; colour very brilliant pink. A glowing decorative variety. Eximia y. excelsa and terminalis. — Plant robust and of fine habit, with noble arched leaves ; colour dark bronze with a distinct red margin. A fine variety. CiintrcUii X ferrca and excelsa. — In the way of, yd distinct from the preceding, and also a fine vaiiety. Ihoma X terminalis and concinnum. — Plant medium; leaves narrow ; colour bronze and pink. The following are naiTow-leaved vai'ieties, and will be un- surpassed for dinner-table decoration. We have seen them under artificial light, and can testify to their elegance of form and richness of colour : — Fredcrici x congesta and Chelsoni. — Plant medium ; leaves narrow, graceful, and nicely arched; colours bronze and red, suffused with a tint of orange. A bright and glowing variety. AiimUic (Mrs. Bause) x congesta and pollen of Regina and terminalis mixed. — Plant medium dwarf ; leaves narrow and graceful ; colours bronze, red, and pink. Excellent. Bella X excelsa and terminalis. — Plant similar in habit to the preceding ; colour bronze, distinctly edged with red. A chaste and effective variety. Violacea x congesta and nigricans. — Habit same as preced- ing ; colour purple bronze. Distinct and effective. Eiirnesti X congesta and terminalis. — Habit similar to Bella ; colours bronze and bright red. A distinct and fine variety. Sydneyi x concinnum and Eegina. — Plant tall, leaves narrow and snb-ereot; colour purple bronze. Distinct and effective. Eenardii X congesta and Regina and terminalis. — Plant compact, graceful ; colours similar to Amaliie. Very attractive. Joctinda y. limbata and terminalis. — Plant tallj leaves naiTow and veiy dark. Distinct and good. Such is a hasty description of these remarkable hybrids. The colours are given as affording a general idea of the plants, which are, however, changing every day and unfolding fresh tints. Their colours, in fact, are not yet fixed, and can hardly be finally determined until the plants are grown from cuttings. Two or three tops which have been taken off and struck have become richer in colour than cu the seedling plants ; and it is highly probable that others wUl follow the same rule. It is remarkable that plants of the same parentage are widely different in habit and colours. It is also noticeable that in no instance has Regina been a seed-bearing parent, but has been freely used as a pollen plant, and with decided effect. A gentleman when inspecting the plants — himself one of the first of British horticulturists and a collector of plants — pertinently observed that " It is now hardly necessary to im- peril the lives of eoUeotors in hunting-out new Dracfenas from the dangerous wilds of the tropics, when they can be created in such diversified beauty at home, for nothing as yet received from abroad can equal these grand EngUsh hybrids." We congratulate Mr. Wills on his good fortune, and Mr. Bause on this splendid evidence of skill in hybridisation. He has now revolutionised two genera of plants, and merits sub- stantial honour and reward. We do not hesitate to say that there is not to be found in the whole civilised and uncivilised world such a valuable collection of Dracjenas in the same area of space as can be now seen in the little span-roofed house at Anerley. them — scraps of meat or bacon, which, my servants assure me, attract thousands, and they have the most lively satisfaction in boiling them. Still there seems to be no diminution. They almost realise the old saying, ' Kill one, and ten come to the funeral.' We have endless companions in misfortune. " I think South Kensington is particularly infested with them. Lord 's house, next door, is so possessed by them that the servants have the greatest difficulty in keeping their provisions from these vermin, which seems to be still more numerous than with me. Do think of my ants, if you know of any one learned in such plagues. We have found out that the little wretches bite. Can any of your correspondents suggest other remedies ? How would it answer to sprinkle Calvert's carboUo powder on the ants and on their runs ? Would the smell be injurious to the inhabitants? I suspect these pests breed in the summer in the Horticultural Gardens, and then migrate into the houses around during the winter, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants." — C. M. THE PLAGUE or ANTS i.v SOUTH KENSINGTON. The wail of distress from that ant-infested district increases rather than diminishes. The lady writes to say that she has tried to extract from the Journal of Horticulture some crumbs of comfort in her sufferings from the plague of obnoxious creeping things in her house, which have taken the place of wasps and gnats — those well-known enemies of her youth. " I have had," she says, " the offices well painted, and every hole filled with putty, but still the horrible ants swarm. I beUeve they breed in the walls in conscfiuence of the bad materials employed in building ; but from whence they contrive to emerge puzzles us all. Now we are trying the plan suggested by the Journal of Horticulture, and we are laying traps for OSMASTON MANOE, THE SEAT OF J. WEIGHT, ESQ.— No. 2. I CONCLUHED my notes last week by noticing the Vines, and \ will now pass on to the other houses devoted to the cultivation of fruit. Peaches are grown at Osmaston on an extensive scale. They : have a period of use of six months, commencing in April and I continuing until the middle of October. The houses in which the trees are grown are light, lengthy, and lofty. In some of them the trees are trained up the back wall, the front of the houses being occupied by trees in pots plunged in the border. These comprise Plums and Cherries as well as Peaches and Nectarines. In other houses the trees are trained on a low i semicircular treUis as well as on the back walls. The pot trees are extremely well grown ; they are heavily cropped and richly I fed, it not being unusual to ripen from four to six dozen Peaches on a pot tree. The trained trees are also in excellent order. Some of them are large, and bear from three hundred to five hundred fruit on each tree annually. I have never seen trees in better bearing condition than are these. The wood is not strong, but the foliage possesses that rich Portugal- Laurel green hue indicative of sound health. Mr. Booth's principal stimulant is cow dung. The pot trees are heavily dressed with it, and the borders have a thick cover- ing of it annually lightly surfaced with soil. As soon as a tree shows signs of exuberant growth it is carefully lifted and root-pruned, and the roots are kept near the surface. The ground is, in fact, completely netted with them, and the wood by this system of culture is of medium strength, short-jointed, and fruitful. An unlimited supply of water is laid on, and is used freely, the trees being regularly drenched in the growing season ; and in the resting period the borders are not suffered to become in any degree dry. By these continued washings and rich surface-dressings red spider is never seen in these houses. The Peaches most esteemed are Grosse Mignonne, Belle Bauce, Royal George, Diamond, Noblesse, and, as the best late sort, Earrington ; the Nectarines which are mainly relied on being Pitmaston Orange, Pine Apple, Violette Hative, and Victoria. Besides the vineries and Peach houses there are three ranges of span-roofed forcing pits devoted mainly to the cultivation of Pines, Melons, and Cucumbers. Pines are not extensively but well grown, the plants being in excellent order. Melons have during the past season been both numerous and fine, l.'SO excellent fruits having been cut from the house 20 feet by 12 ; the sort principally relied on bein? a splendid variety raised at Osmaston, and which is to be distributed during the ensuing season. The crop of Cucumbers has also been extra- ordinarily prolific, and beyond all doubt Mr. Booth has raised a variety of great merit. From a house of the dimensions given above 1364 Cacumbers have been out varying from 24 to 32 inches. These fruits have been snfiioient to supply a house of thirty-five persons besides what have been given away, and over and above these the surplus has realised by sale £20. The variety is as fruitful as 'Telegraph, one of its parents, and is much longer ; but its chief merit consists in its keeping properties. Fruits were hanging in October on plants which had lost their foliage by old age, and these fruits were as green as ever : they appear, indeed, to refuse to turn yellow. The flesh was quite firm, although they had been hanging for months. It is clearly a variety of great value, but scarcely any seed can be had from it, and it is perpetuated by Noveml)er 11, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 429 cuttings ; yet Mr. Booth has succeeded in saving a few hun- dreds of seeds which are to be distributed in the spring. In addition to the structures devoted to fruit culture are also some spacious plant houses. Two of these are .^0 feet square with unusually flat ridge-and-furrow roofs, one of them being glazed with rough glass. These houses are admirably adapted for growing huge specimens, and it was in them that Mr. Hirrison perfected the Orchids, Ferns, &a., for which Osmaston was once famed. In the houses are healthy and valuable, if comparatively small, plants, which are principally grown for decorative purposes, as the furnishing of rooms, S:z. They comprise Dracaenas, Palms, Pandanusee, Ferns, and other ornamental plants. Amongst the latter some plants of Todea snperba are in splendid order, and Dichotoma japonica variegata is in a flourishing state. Another of Mr. B. S. Williams's new plants, Anthnrinm variegatum, is greatly valued as a table plant, being distinct, elegant, and of easy culture. Calanthes are well grown, and Urceolina pendula is extensively cultivated as a bright-coloured autumn-flowering plant which has been recently noticed by Mr. Abbey. Another house contains Azaleas, of which there is a large collection, with hundreds of Primulas, Cinerarias, Solanums, etc., for the conservatory. These are also useful ranges of brick pits, which with their contents I cannot here detail. The walls of the garden are well covered with fruit trees, especially Pears, and the crop is exceedingly fine. There were probably many sacks of Marie Louise alone, and other standard sorts are grown on an extensive scale. A wire trellis on the French system, about 100 yards in length and 15 feet in height, is also covered with Apples and Pears, and the crop is vei7 large. Sixty sorts of Apples are grown ; one named Spencer's Seedling being remarkably handsome, prolific, and esteemed as a valuable kind. Fruits are grown also on bushes, which were laden with produce; and the excellent and com- plete fruit room was at the time of my visit being fiUed to repletion. Strawberries are admirably grown at Osmaston, and I have never seen such fine fruit as has been produced at this place, especially of President and Oscar. Grove End Scarlet is grown for preserving, and for this purpose the old sort has still no equal. The plants are planted early in soil trenched 3 feet deep, and enriched with manure and bones. They produce fine crops of very large fruit the first year, and prodigious crops of smaller fruit the second season, and are then destroyed. The plants would continue to bear longer and bear well, but by no other mode can Mr. Booth obtain such a full return of fine fruit as on the two-years system. He therefore clears and plants a given space of ground every year, as being the most profitable practice in Strawberry culture. Vegetable culture is also conducted with the same care as fruit and plants, and as an instance of attention in this depart- ment Mr. Bjoth saves his own seed of a few standard sorts of Peas, selecting only the finest pods, and he finds the very best results follow this mode of selection. He finds William I. the best of all early Peas, and Hair's Dwarf Mammoth the most valuable of all late kinds. Of Celery, which is largely grown, the most approved sort is Leicester Bed. The arrange- ments and appointments of this garden are very complete, and the management is as good as the means. I now in conolnsion, and as briefly as possible, revert to the ornamental features of Osmaston. The lawns and pleasure grounds are about 50 acres in extent, and are rich in trees, shrubs, and Conifers. The terraces are extensive, the fountains attractive, and the surrounding scenery — the heavily-wooded hills and valleys of verdure, with a glimpse of water through every vista — imposing. But I will first proceed to the EocKERY. — Our route is by a fine Yew hedge, and we pass golden piles of Hollies and many a valuable Conifer. Eventu- ally we see a solitary rock, as if bursting its prison house the earth, then another and another. Following their track amongst the shrubs we come to a cavernous entrance. We stoop instinctively, but there is no occasion for stooping, for the entrance is ample. On either side the stony passage are fissures — yawning rifts, as if torn asunder by some superhuman power; passing these we enter the rock-bonnd dell. The rockery at Osmaston is not a huge pyramid of stones which we walk round to admire, or wonder why they were so placed. It is an amphitheatre, and we stand stiU and wonder that it is really a work of art. In the centre of the enclosure is an irregular stream of water ; at its edge are Sedges and water plants, massive boulders protrude through its sides covered with Lichens and half hidden by Ferns. On drier knolls are Pampas Grass, and scattered about in apparent abandonment are mammoth stones. Heaths, Ferns, Azaleas, and Conifers. The sides of the amphitheatre are rugged rocks, clothed with foliage and draped with Alpine plants in great variety. In one corner AraUa Sieboldi luxuriates, in another Yuccas protrude from the fissures. On a knoll is Sciadopytis verti- cillata in excellent health, and the distinct Cephalotaxes in variety partially hide with their rich foUage the ponderous walls of rocks. A variegated Maple is dotted in here and there to give light to a somewhat sombre scene, and warmth of colouring is imparted by the glowing crimson of Ampelopsis Yeitchii. What a fiery plant is this when in its last autumn garb ' As a trailing, climbing, pendant plant for rock?, roots, walls, or trees it has no equal as a summer covering plant, green in spring, and of glowing richness in antumn. On the rocks at Osmaston it was precisely at home. We ascended from the dell by rough stone steps, and to look down on the scene below — the cascades, rocks, and foliage chaotically inter- mingled, one is not surprised that Mr. Parham considers the work as one of his greatest triumphs, for this natural-looking and wild picture is entirely artificial. The rocks were moulded by Mr. Parham, and the plants planted and tended by Mr. Wright and his gardeners Mr. Harrison and Mr. Booth, and the work does credit to them all. The whole work is complete ; it was projected and carried out ekil fully, and is kept and tended tastefully. From the rockery we pass to the terraces. There are three tiers of these, each extending about 100 yards. On the lawn portion of them are planted standard Rhododendrons, standard Portugal Laurels, very fine; also American and other orna- mental plants. They are further graced with fountains, and here and there a few beds of fiowers ; but flowers are sparingly used, and wisely so, on this dignified frontage, with the bold nature of the adjacent scenery. The terrace wall is covered with climbing plants, and on the walls of the mansion are Magnolias, a yellow Banksian Rose, 30 feet high, which flowers freely, and an equally fine plant of Marechal Xiel. Conifers at Osmaston are extensively planted, and many fine specimens are to be seen. Xot only the lawn and pleasure grounds contiguous to the mansion, but even the more distant woods are rich in many valuable plants of this nature. Mr. Wright is a great patron of ornamental trees, and with a con- siderable knowledge of them, combined with sound taste, he is constantly adding to the ornamentation of his estate. WeUingtonias may be seen by hundreds, one specimen which I noticed being about 36 feet in height, and is 5 feet round the stem at 2 feet from the ground. It is perfectly furnished, and in robust health. That is only an example of many others. Cryptomeria japonica is of the same height, and exceedingly dense. It is a wonderfully fine specimen of this fine Conifer. Pinus Morinda is in grand condition and similarly fine. There are also fine examples of P. Xordmanniana and Piceas nobilis, amabOis, pinsapo, and others. Thujopsis dolabrata variegata is freely planted, and the well-furnished specimens 8 feet in height are very attractive. All the new and choice Eetinosporas are included, and are growing freely, and there are perfect cones of Irish Yews. Deodars and Cedars of Lebanon are numerous and fine, many of these having been successfully removed by Mr. Booth when 20 to 30 feet high. Time, care, and fresh soil are insisted on, and no hurrying or rough hand- ling of the trees and roots is permitted in the removal of large trees, and it is rare indeed that a specimen has failed to grow. This is but a cursory glance at the ornamental grounds of Osmaston, which are full of fine views and features which space does not permit me to detaU. The exit from the grounds is through an avenue of Limes and WeUingtonias, of which the terminal landmark is the village church. But this Lime avenue is not quite satisfactory, and affords an instance of the soundness of the remarks of Mr. Allis when he recently urged the importance of having all the trees of the same variety, and recommended as the best TiUa rubra. The trees are not all of the same variety, and they consequently vary in size and outline, tut when- ever we come to the kind recommended, the tree is not only much larger than others of the same age, but is more handsome in shape and outline. It is certainly a matter of great importance in avenue-planting to have all the trees of the same variety, as securing the uniformity of growth which is so essential. There are many trees and Conifers which I have not noted, but there is one which I did not see in the grounds which is 430 JOUENA.Ii OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1875. worthy of a place there — Capressua Lawsouiaua erecta viridis, and which I beg leave to recommend as worthy Mr. Wright's notice. I leave this fine place with the impression that in planting and management it bears the impress of skill and taste on the part of the late Mr. Wright and Mr. Harrison (now at Knowsley) , and certainly not in a less degree does it that of the present owner and his industrious and able gardener Mr. Booth. — J. W. NOTES OK VILLA, axd SUBURBAN GARDENING. The Gbeeshoose, — There are many things to attend to in this structure now that plants have been or ought to have been housed. In the first place, avoid overcrowding, and those plants that have been standing outdoors for a length of time must not be kept in a too dry atmosphere, neither must it be heated in mild weather. I allude to Caniiellias, Azaleas, Heaths, and Epacrises, as well as many other hardwooded plants which an amateur may feel inclined to grow. This too sudden change from an outdoor temperature often causes Ca- mellia buds to drop off, and if in an unhealthy state some of their leaves also. Too much water and with bad drainage will induce the same thing. For the present, therefore, an occasional syringing the foliage of all these plants will do good. They must not have too much of that even ; they ought to be allowed to become dry occasionally, or Heaths will be liable to mildew, and too frequent syringings will induce Camellias to Hower too early, and those that lose their buds would be likely to start into growth, which would be at the wrong time of the year. Watering at the root is a different matter, for though Azaleas may not require so much water in winter as in summer, yet it is necessary that they should have sufficient, for their flue hair-like roots will not bear drought. But when a plant of this kind is watered give it sufficient to go through the ball of earth and then have done with it. On the other hand, such plants as Cactuses may be kept dry until the fleshy leaves begin to shrivel, then give water; but there are not many plants that will bear this. Achimenes and Gloxinias maybe best preserved in the pots in which they grow for the present, and if they could stand on a damp bottom would receive moisture sufficient. The Gloxinia being more fleshy might bear it longer, but then it will not bear the cold so well as the Achimenes ; therefore place these in the warmest part of the house. Ventilation is another nice point to attend to. Just through this month, or even up to Christmas, there is frequently a stag- nant outdoor atmosphere for days together; then it is necessary that a little fire heat should be given, and the bottom as well as top ventilators opened, so as to promote a circulation, or mildew makes its appearance. Lachenalias are easily-grown bulbs, and should be encouraged in the cold frames at present. Primulas and Cinerarias, too, must be encouraged in every possible way, for now is their best time, and a check would be injurious to them. Look sharp after green fly, which soon makes its appearance upon plants in a genial atmosphere. Most people make it a rule to fumigate their plants several times after they are housed, because those parent aphides that are brought in with the plants if not killed would soon increase, and cause much trouble to eradicate. Forward with all di'ipatch the growth of Calceolarias in pots. All successions of them should be shifted on. They, too, will do in cool frames for the present, but must have plenty of air while the weather will allow it. Ijiliums, some of the most beautiful plants grown, should now be potted, putting three or four bulbs into a pot, and let the bulbs be covered with about 1 inches of soil. We used to do them this way. Use good-sized pots, drain them well, half-fill the pot moderately firm with soil, place the bulbs on it, and cover them over with 4 inches of soil; place them either in a cold frame or in one corner of the garden under a wall, cover them with litter so that no frost can reach them ; examine them after being potted a considerable time, and re- move them from this only when the shoots are pushing through the soil ; then place them in a cool frame, and for a few days protect them from much light until they show signs of becoming green, when they may have more of it; then clear the top soil off and add a little fresh, and as they grow add more. When the weather gets warm enough for other plants to stand outdoors let them do the same, and there they may remain till they flower. They like plenty of water, and as they approach flowering weak guano water may be given twice or thrice a- week, and they will bloom admirably about August. — Thomas Recobd. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOEK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. H.\KDY FnniT OAnuEN. Vert little can be done in this department now that all the fruit has been gathered and the trees are rapidly shedding their leaves. We are preparing a border to plant out a few Apple trees, and it is on ground where some old Bnllace trees have been grubbed out. It would be foolish to plant any other trees on this ground without trenching it well up. The way this is done is to take out an opening at one end of the border 2 or even 3 feet deep, according to the depth of the soil. In our case we cannot go more than 2 feet, as the soil is not deep enough. The ground is full of old roots, which are carefully picked out, and as the soil is poor some rotted manure is worked in, and two barrowloads of good rich loam to every three square yards. The loam we consider of more importance than the manure. We would rather have trenched the ground six weeks ago, but the crop has just been cleared from the trees. At planting some fresh loam will be placed under and over the roots, and in this way the trees will get a good start. Probably next autumn the trees will be lifted, and tlie ground trenched over again, and the trees be replanted in fresh loam. In ground such as ours, where there is much tendency to canker, this lifting and replanting keeps the roots near the surface, and they are further induced to work upwards by the trees being mulched over the roots in winter, the mnlchingnot to be removed, but left on to be washed in by the raina and bleached by the summer's sun. The borders are so full of roots that it is not possible to fork the ground over without injuring them, but in light soils digging fruit borders is very questionable practice. Two varieties of Apples not so well known as they ought to be have been added to our collection this year; they are grown to great perfection in Mr. Thompson's orchard at Ilford. 'The first is known as Brownlee's Busset, this is grown in quantity, and is very highly esteemed ; the other is The Mother, an introduction from America. It was growing on an espalier, and the tree was loaded with large, handsome, highly-coloured fruit; its appearance is all in its favour as a market variety, but it is also of very good flavour; the fruit is in use in October. We have cut away the old spent Raspberry canes, pruned and tied the young canes of this year into their places. Owing to so much wet the Strawberry quarters are very full of weeds, mostly grass, and this has been introduced with the loam used in putting out the young plants. It will not be possible to sub- due them by hoeing, and at the first opportunity they must be removed by hand. Strawberries in pots have not yet been re- moved to the orchard house where they are wintered. The Chrysanthemums are in full flower, and if it was neces- sary to water other plants on the shelves the damp arising therefrom would do much injury to the large flowers by causing the petals to become mouldy. We would just allude to the fruit room. It is necessary to look over all the fruit at least twice a-week, and to remove such as have decayed or any that show symptoms of decay. There is now an over-abundance of fine Pears. The best that we have in use at present are Marie Louise, Doyenne du Comice, and Man'chal de Cour ; these three are very distinct both in appear- ance and flavour. There are many others in use, of which the best are Beurre Superfin, Zephirin Gregoire, Triomphe de Jodoigne, and Van Mens Leon Leolerc. Thompson's is a very fine October Pear, but it is now over. FRUIT AND F0RCIN3 HOUSES. Vineries. — We have not yet started the early houses, and we have given full instructions as to previous preparation of borders, washing and painting Vines, and limewashing walls. It would be well if the woodwork could be painted about once in two years. The hot-water pipes may be painted every year with lampblack and linseed oil. We have discontinued making up a bed of fermenting material in the house for the last three years, but the Vines certainly start more strongly when the heat from the pipes is supplemented by the genial steam from a bed of manure or leaves, or a mixture of equal proportions of both. It is necessary to turn over the bed occasionally, at the same time adding fresh material to keep up the heat. In our case it is necessary to use stable manure as leaves cannot be obtained, but if fresh Oak leaves could be obtained they would be used in preference. When a good bed of fermenting material was made up in the house even at midwinter, it was not necessary to use any other heat until the buds were well advanced, which saved fuel, as the fires were not required for three weeks or a month later than usual. The work in the late houses, and other in- structions, is the same as that given on page 387. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Chrysanthemums make a very beautiful display now where the cultivation of them has been attended to, as it ought to have been. At Loxford tho large orchard house is quite filled with plants, a very large proportion being grown to produce large blooms for exhibition. These plants are arranged closely to- gether, the tallest plants at the back, and those that have been trained for other purposes and Pompons about a foot or 18 inches high near the front, so that the eye catches the whole mass of flowers in a gradual incline from back to front. The earliest-set buds always produce the largest flowers. Empres, of India, Prince Alfred, Prince of Wales, Princess of Waleas Beethoven, and a few others are unusually large this year. It is necessary to look over the flowers very frequently, and remove November 11, ISiB. ] JOUItNAtj OF nOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 431 auy ileoajing petals. Those who inteiid to exbibit will be careful to Bee that their best flowers aie uot iujuied by iu- atteution to this, aa one decayiug petal will do veiy much mischief iu a few days if it is uuobserved. Mildew is aho very troubleBome. The plants are most persistently attacked by this parasite towards the end of September, and the only way to kei*p it in check is to dust the plants with flowers of sulphur as soon as it is perceived; but as mildew always does attack them, it is best to use sulphur as a preventive. Ju^t before tho buds are formed, or, indeed, all through tho growing period, the plants are also attacked by aphis, which cluster iu the centre of the young growths, and would quite spoil the bloom if they vv'ere uot destroyed. Difjping the shoots iu soapy water wherein some tobacco liquor has been mixed, or dusting with Scotch snuff, will destroy them. Specimen plants are being trained to neat sticks. It ia not desirable to finish tying them until the buds are well expanded, as they increase in growth up to the time the buds are about fully opened. The small Pompone vaiietiea require but few sticks. The growths are trained into the proper shape early in the season ; the main stems are fastened at that time to supports to bring the plaut into the required shape, l^'urther training is unnecessary except to regulate auy after-growths that may grow out of the required bounds. The plants require large sup- plies of water, but it must be applied to tho plants carefully, and uot be spilled about in the house. Moisture i.s very injurious to the flowers, and the largest and best blooms suffer tirbt. The Hyacinths and Tulips have just been potted. Many per- sona pot their bulbs as soon as they are received in September, and they ought to be potted early if they are intended for early forcing. The largest proportion of ours will flower late in the spring, and for Ihis the last week in October or the first iu November is the best time to pot. The soil used must be rich, but not too rich ; an over-rich compost rots the roots, and the bells do not open well. We were recommended to pot our bulbs, by one who had ample means of knowing about the culture of Hyacinths, in well-rotted cow manure, the manure to be reduced to mould by laying for years exposed to the atmosphere. We tried two or three bulbs in this rich stuff, but not a root ran into it, and the plants came to nothing. Our compost for Hyacinths is about equal parts of cow manure, loam, leaf mould, and sand. For Tulips it is the same, except that stable manure is used in- stead of the other. After potting the pots are plunged in cocoa- nut fibre refuse out of doors. Leaf mould answers quite as well as the fibre refuse. Ashes have been recommended very fre- quently, but we have not found them to answer so well. The bulbs should be plunged out of doors, and not be protected from the weather in any way. The plunging material should be about 4 inches over the pots. Now is a good time to destroy any insect pests should the slightest trace of them be seen. There are lew houses quite free from either thrips or green fly, and by fumigating now at intervals of two days the insects may be quite destroyed. It may be done three times, and then at an interval of ten days smoke again. FLOWER GARDEN. The weather has been fine for the last week, which gave us an opportunity to get all the Gladioluses out of the ground. The best plan is to dig them up with a fork aud cut the stem off close to the bulb. At the same time the bulbs are spread out in a dry place, or if there be only a few roots of a sort the roots are placed in flower pots aud left there until they are quite dry. If it is desirable to increase the stock of any particular variety all the spawn that clusters round the base of the roots is saved and potted, the spawn is potted at once, and the pots are plunged in a cold frame, or anywhere if they can be tholtercd from too much rain. The roots are very large, and with few exceptions are perfectly sound ; we took the precaution of pulling out all plants that were unhealthy at the time of flowering. Carnations and Picotees that were potted a few weeks ago have been looked over and all decaying leaves removed. The pots are now plunged to the rim in cocoa-nut fibre refuse, the plants being only a few inches from the glass. The Pinks were planted out near the end of October, and ■will require no atten- tion, except to press the plants firmly into the ground after frosts. Those who grow Pinks aud have not yet planted out should do so at once ; spring planting produces imperfectly-laced flowers. All the bedding-out plants have been removed and the ground made nest for the winter. Those beds that are planted with spring-flowering plants are now being filled. — J. Douglas. CHRYSANTnEMUMS. — I was Very much pleased with a collec- tion I saw on the 2nd grown by Mr. Goff, au amateur, on the premises of the Waterworks, opposite St. George's Church, Campden Hill, Kensington, the whole of which are in pots. A few which I thought especially worthy of notice are Alfred Salter, light pink ; Aurea Multiflora, yellow ; .Tardin des Plantea, bronze and yellow ; Empreas of India, white ; Globe, white ; Elaine, large, white, very fine; Lady Margaret, white ; George Sands, red with gold centre ; Prince of Anemones, large lilac. — WlLLLlM GaBDINEH. HORTICDLTDRAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige us by informing \xi of tho dates on which exhibitions are to bo held. LODGHBOKOOOH.— November IStli aud ICth. Ux. W. Pai;clt, 55, Baitergate, Sec. NoETHAiipTON (ChryfaathemumB).— November IGth and 17th. Mr. N. Gutteridge, 51, Denmark lioad Sec. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Thomas Bunyard& Sons, Ashford and Maidstone. — Catalogue of Moses. Maurice YouDg, MilfordNarperies, Godalmiop, Surrey. — Cata- logue of Conifercef Bhododendrons, Forest Trees, Roses, £c. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *^* AU correspoudonce should l-e directed either to " The Editors," or to *'The Publibher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. "We request that no one will wiito privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjeota them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correepondents should not mix upon tho same sheet questiocs relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, end bhould never send mora 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. Naming Plants and Fruits. — Some of our readers are agei-ieved because the tames are sometimes not promptly annoancei, but the delay is often uu- avoidable. It is no easy elloit of memory to identify a f-pecimen belonging to kinds having hnndreds of kindred. Books (E. S, T.).— Our " Orchii Manual" and *' Fern Manaal" would suit you. Grapes at the Edinburgh Show. — We are officially informed that Mr. Thomaon of the Tweed Vinejard nndertook to reply on the whole question for the Koyal Caledonian Horticultural Society, both as one of the Mana;^iiig Committee, and as a J udge at the late International Show. We have received several letters on the subject, half of them asserting and half denying that the prize was awarded to a double bunch. Wd cannot publish more on the subject. Roses (E. S.).— Why do you trouble yourself about standards? Unless on thoroughly good Rose soils they are generally troublesome and dwarf . On either the seedling Briar or Manotti Roses would be mucU more satia- factory. You procured the Briers lately, but October is much too early to dig them up, aud althou^ih they may enrvive, which ia very doubtful, if they fail you must uot attribute their failure to beiug cut, but to their being taken up whil"^ the sap was still flowing. As to the sorts named, Capitaine Christy, Baron Bonstetten, Eugenie Verdier, Marie Contet, Mens. Numan, Etienno Levet, and Prince de Portia are cood Rohes, and good growers when grown on suitable stocks, Mdlle. Eugenie Yerdier perhaps tlie most delicate of the lot. Crop of Grapes (B. Jordan).— The crop of Black Hamburghs at the Rev Mr. Heyworth's was good, but there being nothing in the culture special there would be no instructive information if we published your letter. Kitchen Garden Walks {A. Dambcjl). — Gravel would do for facing instead of granite chippings. Sutton's Improved Reading Onion {Inquiring Tyro). — We cannot inform you of the particulars you need. Write to Messrs. Sutton and abk them. The Banksian Medal (SH7/.^cribfr).— The Royal Horticultural Society's medal was so named in honour and commemorat ion of Sir Joseph Banks. Fruits for North Carolina (H. H. F.). — We cannot recommend trades- men. Go to any nurseryman near you, and inform him what you need. Any of the Rhubarbs and Raspberries would succeed. Edwaedsia 5I1CR0PHYLLA Cdlture (Amateur in Trouble). — The spray sent is of the plant above named. It in an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers, which are produced in early summer outdoors against a south wall, and in April or May when grown in a cool greenhouse. It is a native of New Zealand. To flourish well iu the open air it requires to be planted in front of a south wail, and its shoots trained thereto, plautii-g in a compost of fibrous sandy peat and turfy loam iu equal proportions, and after removing the soil from a semicircle drawn with a radius of Sfeet from where the shrub is to be planted 2 feet deep, place some roUf^h material at the bottom, as charcoal or broken stones 6 inches detp, fill iu witii the compost above named, and in- troduce the shrub, planting it on a raised but flattened c^ne about 6 inches above the surrounding ground level, and give moderate watering. This we should advise to be done now, lifting carefully, securing the shoots to the wall. Water copiously during dry weather iu summer, and f^yringe overhead in dry hot weather, but after the middle of September keep dry both over- head aud at the roots. The shoots should be trained rather thinly, but bo as to cover the wall. Pears and Plums FORNoRTnWALL(S.W.).— The following Pmrs are likely to succeed:— Jargonelle, Williams's Bon Chretien, Beurrd- de Capiaumonc, Achan, Beurrt* Bachelier, and Knight's Monarch. Plums : Augelina Burdett, Aunt Ann (Gulhiie's). OuUin's Golden Gage, Prince Euglebert, Winei^our, and Victoria. For the south wall of the aairy Marie Louise Pear will be suitable. CucuMBER-GBOWiNG (/p*if(c'f).— In our "Kitcheu Gardening,"' which you can have free by post if jou enclose five po^ttage stamps with your address, you will find full directions. Our "Orchid Manual" you can have in the same way if you enclose thirty-two postage stamps. 432 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1875. Pelabgosicm Losing Colour {G. B.).—It is due to want of light, and want of heat and moisture, kg as to secure free growth. The plant will not recover its high leaf- colouring until spring, when with Ireeh growth the colouis will be good. Keep rather dry during the winter, and repot in spring. Illustrations of Plumieeia alba and bicolor (Idem). — P. bicolor is a sjnonyme of P. alba, which is figured in Jacquin's " Stirpium Americanom." PJumieria tricolor in the " Botanical Register," pi. 510. Ihe specimens had no number. Ranunculus and Anemones Planting (F. fl".).— The Turbans &hould be planted between now and January, and the Persian varieties of Ranunculus from January, and Anemones from now to February, just as you \ii&h for au early or late bloom. "With fine named varieties the latter-mentioned date is preferable. Heating with Peat (TT. IK). — We have no experience of heating with ordinary peat turf, but the compressed peat answers well for stove hot-water boilers with hot-water pipes for diffusing the heat, and in all probability ordinary peat turf would answer. A email stove boilerwith a flow and return 2- inch hot-water pipe would, along the slides of the house all around, probably meet your requirements, but we do not kuow of any stove or furnace specially constructed lor consuming peat. Perhaps some of our readers may have espeiience on the matter. Catching Rabbits (W. TK).— We know of no trap bat the bos one with the table in the centre letting loose the spring doers, and these placed at the mouth of their burrows may take some ; but a far better plan is to turn a muzzled ferret into the burrows, with a rabbit net over each of the bolt.holes &3 well as the entrance. Blight on Peach Tbees {J. P. of York). — We presume green and black aphis is meant by green and black blight, either of which may be destroyed by syringing with tobacco juice diluted w'th six times its volume of water, holding m solution 2 ozs. of soft foipper gallon. The trees being young, and we presume weak, would be improved by giving a liberal dressing of manure, which we would give now, and pointing-iu with a fork, but not disturbing the roots, treading firm afterwards if a light eoil, and mulching for at least a jard from the trees all around, with short rather littery manure 2 or 3 inches Ihick. Forcing Azalea amoena, Lily of the Valley, Spirjea, and Deutzia {d Subscriber). — You may place them all in heat now ; the Azalea and Lily of the Valley especially, giving the latter the benefit of a mild bottom heat if you have it, and the Azalea a temperature of 55^ from fire heat, and 10^ higher by day, which will suit Lily of the Valley, placing it near the light. Spin^a japonica and Deutzia gracilis ought not to be started until the middle ■of December, and they are better if not placed iu heat until the early part of January. They require to be brought on gradually. Winter Temperature for Various Plants (Idem). — Euphorbia splen" dens, Gloxinias, Gesneras, Coleus, Begonia, Poinsettias, Stephanotis, tic, lequire a temperature of 55^ — 50^ night, 65'— 60= day, the lower temperature being in severe weather, and with sun and air 70= to 75" by day. The plants should only have water to maintain them fresh. If you wish them to grow the temperature should be 5 higher upon all the temperatures named, but the cooler and drier they are kept with safety to the plants the better they vill do when subjected to heat and moisture. Bunches of Grapes from One Eye (Hortus). — We do not consider the terms "joint'' and "eye" are synonymous. Two eyes or more, as in the shoot sent to us, may proceed from one joint, and the bunches of Grapes on ths shoot were twins, each from a separate eye united at their bases. We cannot insert more. Climeebs for North Wall (M. M. 2*.).— Evergreens are Ivy and Cjto" Qeaster microphylla. Deciduous are Ampelopsis Veitchii and A. hederacea. Violas (A. B. C). — There is no necessity to replant them ; they will bloom again nest year, whether left where they are this year or removed. Names of Fruits. — [We do not reply to communications through the post, and we cannot name more than six fruits at onetime.] — (W.H.Boig). — Beauty of Kent. (Vesta). — 1, Doyenne Boussoch ; 2, Vicar of Wmtfield; 3, Winter Nelia; 4, not known. (W. E.). — Reinetie du Canada; 2, Lewis's Incom- parable; 3, Dumelow's Seedling. (St. Vincent B. Down).— l,Gu\tlenB.eixiette; a, Five-crowned Pippin; 4, English Codlin; 5, Pearson's Plate ; 6, Feam's Pippin. Pear No. y, Beurrc Ranee. (OjJ'ton). — Marie Louise. Names of Plants (H. IT.).— Coriaria nepalensis. (FT. G. Gree}t).—'RoBa, Yiridiflora. It was portraited in this Journal some years since. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEOU OHEONICLE, taking EecoD<3, and third again going to a fair pair of Blacks. Altogether the Cochins were a great feature in the Show. Bralimas were beautiful, the Darks being wonderfully good, and Mr. AnBdell'fl birds well to the front. Mr. Percival sent a good pen, and so did Mr. Pritchard, but nothing could fight against the winning old cock. Lights were only three pens in number, but the quality was very fair indeed, the winners walking-in easily. Fulish were only a small collection. Fine Silvers, really good iu crest3, won, we believe, the extra for this section ; and Golds took second and third, there not being much between the quality of the two latter pens. French were two nice classes. Old birds came oS best in Cruves, though Mr. Knight's chickens were well-grown birds. Soudans were very good, and the winners rightly placed. The Variety class was conspicuous for a capital pen vf Malays and some very pretty Sultans. We are pleased to find this extremely ornamental variety so generally looking-up, and to see so many new fanciers for Miss Watts's old friends the Serai Taooks. By-the-by, we believe this lady first introduced them, and then we believe they had five toes ; we mention it, as there is at present a doubt as to the necessary number. Game were splendid classes. The Duke of Sutherland sent a fine team, as too he did in Hamburghs, and his birds were certainly shown in beautiful condition. A Black Red cock took the extra, and we think deservedly, though the winning Brown Bed was a grand bird and in admirable feather. We again saw here one or two fine undubbed cockerels, and shall expect this class at the Palace to be a most interesting one. There was a nice pen of Piles shown, which took the China extra iu Classes 18 and 19. Game hens were all good, and we much liked the first-prize Black Red hen. In Duckwings the quality was not over good, the first-prize pen coming easily to the front, second and third being moderate. Hamburghs were very good ; the competition was mostly between a few yards, and the prizes were for the most part fairly distributed. We believe the extra went to Golden-pencils, but are not certain ; if so, we think they had it properly, as the pullet was certainly a gem. Blacks were good, and the winners all of good colour. The Silver-pencils were very even in quality, all the prize birds being of great merit. Silver-spangles were a capital lot, and the winners seemed well placed. The second-prize pen was, we hear, the same pen as won that honour at Oxford ; if so, we think they looked better here even than there. Bantams were all good, but the classes were not large. Perhaps, as a class, the Variety class was the best, for the Laced and White-booted were very good. There was also a tidy pen of Pekins here. Blacks were good, and the winners well placed. We saw, too, a very stylish pen of Duckwings in the Variety Game class. Ducks were a fine lot, and Mr. Walker literally marched-in, and had a regularly good turn. His birds were all good and nicely shown. In Variety Ducks pretty Mandarins won first, and good Black East Indians the third place. Geese and Tui-keys were good though not large classes. We furnish full awards below, though we are not certain as to the correctness of the awards in the extra prizes. The Local classes contained some good birds, as also the Selling classes. HANLEY POULTRY SHOW. This Exhibition was held on the 3rd and 4th inst. We were sorry to find so few entries, but the Show has never seemed wall patronised, yet the Committee issue a schedule with plenty of classes and good prize money. The poultry Judges were Mr. John Martin and Mr. Hutton, and their awards seemed to give general satisfaction. The quality was certainly good through- out the Show, and though many of the classes were small winning was by no means easy. Dorkings had two classes, and the Coloured were quite a nice collection. The pair which won the extra were really capital ; the pullet a great beauty. In Whites we believe the second- prize bird was the cup Alexandra Palace cockerel. Somehow he is not quite our fancy, though a smart bird. A nice pen of Silver-Greys were first, and Whites again third. Spanish made a nice class, and the winners well selected, and looked well. Cochins were a good lot in quality. A very fine pen of Whites here won the extra. We believe it was the cup pen at Edin- burgh; if so, the cock has improved. Buffs were a nice lot, but nothing equal to what there was at Oxford the week before. Partridge were very fine. A capital old cock won first with a neat hen ; second also good, as too was Mr. Tudman's pen. In the Variety class a pretty pair of Blacks were first. Cuckoos Pigeons had li'2 entries, and in some of the classes the quality was very good. The Carriers, in which Black and Dun won respectively, were a capital lot, as also the Pouters, which were first Black and second Blue, although the system of cock and hen in one pair showed less to advantage here than in any other. In Dragoons first were Blue and second Yellow. This was a fair class. Antwerps were well placed, the second, though once good, having seen their best days. English Owls were not a good class, and the winners rather plain, the first Blue and second Silver. Pen ,03 (Thresh) we thought very good. Owls any other were mostly Whites, and well placed. Fantaila a nice lot, as also the Nuns. Turbits we thought bat moderate. Barbs were really grand, and Blacks won the prizes. In Tumblers the first were Almond and second Black Mottle, which we preferred ; the former, though good in colour, were rather plain-headed. Iu the Variety class Grey Frillbacks were first and Blondinettes second. The Pigeons were very badly placed as to light, and it was surprising the awards were so well made under the circumstances. Cage Birds were placed on the centre table of this room, and as in the case of Pigeons, the light was very bad. Plain Belgians were a very good class, the first a stylish good-positioned bird; the second a Buff, losing only iu want of condition. Crested Belgian were not as f osd, being a little coarse. Yellow Norwich were all of the highly-fed variety, the three first-named stand- ing quite out from the rest; only the winners in Buffs being of high merit. The Variegated were very good in colour, and the winners Yellows. Next to the Belgians Lizards stood well for quality, both classes producing birds of great merit, though the awards did not go iu all cases to the most highly-peppered birds. Of Mules there were but four birds in the two classes, the first iu both cases being even four-pointed birds. Gold- finches were a good lot in all respects, but the moulted Linnets did not show to advantage, not being as forward. November n, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 433 Babbits Lad four classes, that of Lopa being good, the first- and-extra for the best going to a Toitoisesheli buck, evidently young, but of grand style and carriage, 22J by dg ; hard run by a Black doe, 21* by-1'. No. 13 (Schoheld), Fawu-and-white, was 225 by il, but in very bad order, many others measuring weU-up to these lengths. Himalayans were only moderate in quality. Angoras were very good; the first a grand Eabbit in both wool and size. In the Vaiiety class the firbt was a pretty good Silver- Grey, and second a Blue Dutch. Several other Silver-Greya were nice and even in the colour, but some too dark on head. Dorkings.— iiarit Coloured— ^ , S. and Extra, J. Walker. 2, J. White, he, V?. Badger, W. H. Kinfc c, J. i-cott. Any other variety— l, J. Walker. 2, W. Badger. 3, T. Potter, juu. Si-AsisH.— 1 and Extra, T. Mooro. 2, S. L. Edwards. 8, E. Jackson, he, T. Powell. CocuiSS— Cinnamon and Bng.-l, W. H. Crabtree. 2, J. Walker. 3, T. Stretch. Broicnor l'artridge-Jeathered.—\, A. Bamtoid. 2, W. H. Cralitree. 3, L. Aspden. ti/ic, E.Tuiman. ftc. R. P. Percival C.F.Bennett. II7ti(«.-t and Extra, B. P. Poicival. 2. H. Beldou. 8. W. Whitworlh, jun. Any other vuriely.—i, W. Badger. 2, L. Aspden. S, G. Eoity. he, H. B. Wood, c, K. Cagshaw. BRADiii PooTKi.— Dull-.— 1, 3, and Extra, T. F. Ansdell. 2, F. Holbrook. he, E. Prilchard, E. Kvder, R. P. Percival. c, J. Smith. Lioht.-l, K. P. Percival. 2, T. A. Dean. S.J.Steele. Polish.— 1 and Extra, U. Beldou. 2, A. W. H. Sylvester. 8, G. W. Boothby. vhe, P. Unsworth. Crev£-0n. 7ic, W. Pearson, H. Yardley. ANY COLOCR.— 1, R. Fulton. 2, W. Pearson, he, H. Crosby (2), P.. Fulton. Babes.— 1, R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. he, J. Walker. Tumblers.- 1, G. Holloway, jun. z and he, R. Fulton. Any other Variety —1, K. Fulton. 2. G. Richardson. Tipplers.— ,S'iH{?ie Bxrd.—l and 2, R. White. Selling Class.- 1, H. Crosby. 2, F. S. Barnard. CAGE BIRDS. Belgian Canary.- C^-nr Yelloa^ or Bujff.—l, W. Cater. 2. M. Leno. vhe, T. Moore (2), M. Leno. c, J. Haywood, W. Cater. Crested.— 1 and 2, W. Cater. he, T. White, T. Lea. c. J. Ad.ims. Norwich Canary.— Clear yellow.— 1, J. Athersuch. 2 and r/tc, J. Adams, he and e, Bulme& Murfin. Clear Buff —\ and 2. J. Athersuch. hc,J. Tomkmaon. Norwich Canary,— raricpatcd.—l and /ic, J. Athersuch. 2, J. Adams, c, J. Tomkinson. Lizard.- Jongiie — I, S. Bunting. 2 and lie, W. Cater, vhe, J. Adams. Grey.—l, S. Bunting. 2, W. Cater, rlie, C. D. Ellerton. he, W. Cater, C. D. Ellerton. Pied Mule.— Yci/oir.-l, S. Bunting. 2, J. W.;Nick!iu. !ic, T.Lea. Tellow. — 1, S. Bunting. 2, S. Lea. GoLDFiNcn.—l,S. Bunting. 2, J. Adams, ftc, J. Brough, J. W. Nicklin. Mule, Bred in the Poitesies.— iVllou.— 1, H. Unwin. 2, T. Lowndes. Buff.—l and 2, J. W. Nicklin. Linnet, Moulted in the House.— Brou'n.-l, C. D, Ellerton. 2, J. W. Nicklin. he, T. Lea, E. & R. Ward, e, S. Bosson. BABBITS. Lop.EABED.— 1 and Extra, C. H. King. 2, H. Hallenshaw. I'lic, S. Schofield. lie, T & E Fell, J, Taylor, T, Brough, W. Hammond, C. H. King, T. Green, c S. B. Whittle.li), J. Newton. , „ , ..„ . „ ,„ Himalayan.- 1 and 2, J. Wilson, vhe, J. Pilgrim, he, C. J. Millet, R. W. Cottarn. c, J. Prentice. _ AsGOBA.— 1, H Swetnam. 2, R H.Swain, fcc, A. Farndon. Any other Varh-TY.- L T. Scholiold, jun. 2, B. H. Moss. l>'ic, W. B. Chantrey, T. Schofleld, juu. he, T. Scliofleld, jun., F. M. Chatterton, 1. Purser, c, R. Lloyd, F. M. chatterton, G. S. Meadowcroft, H. C. Holloway. Judges. — Messrs. Hutton and Martin. DERBY SHOW OP POULTRY, &c. The annual Show was held at Derby on Saturday and Monday in the Corn Exchange, the Drill Hall, where the light is much better, not being available, and in consequence the Rabbit section was dispensed with. The Committee is one of most determined workers, and everything was well managed, and Messrs. Spratt'a representative having the superintendence of the feeding the birds were well seen to, and the number of entries a high compliment to the skill and management of the Society. Turner's pens were used. Unfortunately some pens were empty, the birds having been miscarried by the railway company. There were 2tJ2 entries in poultry in fourteen classes and 18U of Pigeons in eight classes, while the Cage Birds were 358 in fifty-seven classes : the total being 800. Coc7ii)i.s headed the list and were just a fair class, the first going to very high-coloured Buffs, second to Partridge, and third to Buffs. Dark Brahmas were one of the best classes in the Show, the prizes going to old birds, the hens in which pens were splendid in pencilling; the first-prize cock a little white on fluff but a grand shape. There were some grand pullets shown by Mr. Holmes, but the cockereln were not equal to them. Light Brahmas were also very good, but the extra was won by the Dark. The whole of tht.se were placed on the ground and were difficult to see. Game, Black Reds were not good as a class, although the winners were pretty correct iu style and colour. Brown Reds a grand class. All the winners were chickens; first and second dubbed but the third undubbed, the whole about perfect though young. Iu single Game cocks the first was an adult Black Red, very rich in colour and close and hard in feather; second a Brown Red chicken, scarcely well from dub- bing, full of style and quality ; the third a Black Red chicken. Haynburghs were mixed classes, the Pencils coming first ; and iu this class Golden were placed first and third, with Silver second, the extra for Hamburghs going to the Hanley wiuners. Iu Spangles first were Silvers, about perfect in all respects but that the" cock's legs were pale, but these had evidently been washed, showing at any rate honesty of purpose on the part of the exhibitor. Golden won both the other prizes, and they were very good. Bantams, Game were both numerous and good. First a good stylish pair of Black Beds ; second Brown Reds, perfect but rather light in eye ; and third Black Reds also. The next was a rather curious class, Duckwing and Pile being pitched against the Blacks, Sebrights, and Whites. A splendid pen of Sebrights, however, won and took the medal; also very pretty Blacks second, and Piles third. Iu single cocks of any breed first was a well-known Silver-spangle, second Spanish, and third Dorking. In the Variety for pairs the first were a slashing pen cf Gold Polands, second Crcve-Cccurs, and third Black Ham- burghs. Many v.h.c. were marked. The Selling classes were large, but we iailed to recognise any great desire to part with good birds, Pjjco/ts came next; the Carriers a large class, but with the exception of those marked they were poor : first was a smart Black cock; second a Dun, better but in low condition; and third a smart Dun hen. In Pouters first was an exquisite Blue hen ; and second a Blue cock, a little bishoped but otherwise good. Dragoons a heavy class, the winners as also several others very good. First a Yellow, second Blue, and third Yellow ; a grand Silver very highly commended. Fantails also a stiff lot and a perfect puzzle, the first and second Whites and third Blue. Turbits an immense class and many perfect birds ; first a Blue cock, second a Yellow, and third a Silver hen. Tumblers were a fair lot ; first an Almond, second Red Agate, and third a Kite. The Variety class was a show iu itself of thirty-seven entries, the first going to a grand Russian Trumpeter, second to a White African Owl, third to a Spansled Ice, and extra third to a Grey Frillback. In the Selling class there were some good birds; first a Yellow Dragoon, second a Black Carrier, and third a Spangled Ice. . , ^ ■, Cage Birds were in two sections— viz., one for members and the other for open competition, both being well supported, nine point prizes being carried off by Messrs. Judge, Whittaker, Orme, Woodward, and Bunting. In the local classes the Nor- wich birds were very numerous. In Clear I'ellow the first was a good bird all round. Pen 11, however, we preferred for second to No. 7. Buffs were also good in both size and colour. The marked and variegated classes produced some very good speci- mens, the heavily variegated being grand classes, and as such these ought to be had iu all schedules. In the Crested birds Mr. Woodward won all before him, leaving no chance for others, these being a splendid stud. Lizards were not numerona, and 434 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1875. only of moderate quality. Jonque Cinnamons were well placed, but we should have reversed the first three awards in Jonque Cinnamons. In Me&ly Goldfinch Mules the first v/as a nice bird, but much like a hen, eyes and witigs evenly marked. lu the open classes were Boroe grand specimens of every variety, and as a rule the awards were well made. One exception, how- ever, we could not understand — camely, the first in Evenly- marked or Variegated Norwich Jonque birds was really an unevfcnly-marked bird, while there were many good birds per- fectly marked — a point we may be pardoned for looking upon as tiiB summit of all breeding, CticKiNs.— 1, A. H. Hunt, Rickmanaworth. 2. Rev. R. Fielden. Maggingtnn r.ectory, Derby. 3, K Aiiadell, Derby, he, W. G. Watera, F. HolbrooH. c, W. Harvpy, K. P. Percival. BsinMA P00TRA8 —Dark.—}, F. Holbrook, Derby. 2. H. Chawner, jun. 3, E. Eydtr. H-vde, Manchoster. vhc. H, Chawiipr, jun "/ic. Dr. Holmew, C. Ccppack. c. Dr. Holmee. W. W Litaker, M. I.cn.', F. Holt rook. Light.— I, K. P. Percival, Norlhenfieu. Manchester. 2. J. Widdowson. Derby. S, D. Sealey, Kedditch. he. S. T. Vernon, T. Bold, c, W. Thorn. H, Feast. GiME.— Black Eed.— I, F. Waide. Maiddtoue 2. C. Spencer, ThuktoD. S. F. "Woods, WorkBop. he. F. Sale, Duke of Sutherland, c, G. Ei;irneBby, .1. Fiihin, J. pHj'ne. Brown /ifrf.— Medal. J. l^icharoEou, Lnughburough 2, T- Dyaon, Halifax. S, H. E. Martin, Fak^nham. i>/jc. Duke of Suthtrlaud, J. Cock. JiC, T. Whittiughara. J. Stuppard, F Sale, F. Ward, J. Greenwood. Any other variety. —1, Doke of Sutherland, Stoke-on-Trent 2, G. BamcEby, Derby. 8, F. Sale, Derby, he. E. Bell. c. J. Moulds. Game.— CocA:.— Medal, Duke of Sutherland. 2. H. E. Martin. 8, G. Lucas, Mansfield, ftc, T. Spencer, W. Berestord, F. Sale, c, W. T. Evtrard, F. Sale, E. Merrin. HkMBVRGBB.—Oohl ajid S'dver-2)P1^cill€d—'Medii^, Duke of Sutberlard, 2, H. Pickles. 3, C. W. GibtiS. Sutton Uridpe. he. H. Kirlpei'. c, F. W. Meyneil, V/. Dixon, jun., S. W. Hallam, Gold avd fi'i'h'cj'-sjJOH^/frf.—l, Dnke of SmherlAnd. 2, T. E. Jones, Wolvtiharopton. R, H Picliles, Earby, Leeds, he, 3 Overend, H. Hinckley, H. R. Platlin, jun.. T. May. S. W. Hnllam, c, S. "W". Hal am. Bantams.— Ga»ie, Ltack and other Jitv/.i.— 1, Shumack & Daft, Southwell. 2. D. "Warren, Syston, 3, A. C. Bradbury, NnthaJl v/ic. T. siddou, Shumack and Dalt, J. MaTO. he, F. Sale, A. J. Nixon. Any o(-ier I'licitO/ — Medal, J. "W. Lloyd. 2, E. H. ABhIon.Uottram. S.J. Fadford, Worcester, v/ic, J. "W. Llovd, M. Leno, A. C, Bradbury, he, A. & \V. H silveiiter, H. Draycott, D. E. "Wing- field. J. Mayo, c, J Wrii^ht, S. Clapham, W. Harvey. Any Vabiett.- Single Cock.—l, Duke of Sutherland. 2, R. Hill. Nottingham (Black Spanish). 3, E. Barker, Stokesley (Dorking), vhe, W. E. Smith (Cochin). he, J. Payne (Buff Cochin), H. J. Storer (Dark Brahma), c, R. Pjm (Dorking and Hoodan), Miss Murray (Houdons). Any Vaeiety.— 1, G. W. Boothby, Louth (Golden Polands). 2, "W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport (Creve Coeurs). 3, Duke of Sutherland, vhc, A. & W. H Silvester, E. Hill (black Spanish). E. Wood (White Dorkinss) he, Capt. Fielden (Burmese), J. Pickerini:; tGolden Pf/foir.— 1. 2. and 8. J. Thackrey, Bradford, vhc, E.Pearson, Whitbj. hc.h. Belk. Any variety Buff.— 1,2. nud vhc, J. Thackrey. 8, L. Belk. Dewsbury. he, R. Ptari-on. l.iZi.hD3.— Golden or Silver-sjiangled.—l and 2, R. Ritchie. Darlington. 3. S. Bunting. vhc.S. Bunting (2). he, S. Bunting. Broken.— 1 and 2, S. Bunting. 3 and vhc, R. Ritchie. Cinnamons.— jonqiic or Mealy.— 1,2,5. vhc, and 'ic, J. Adams, c, J. Adams, Brown & Gayton. Goldfinch Mdle.— .4»(/ varicty.-l, S. Bunting. 2, G, E. Russell. 3, J. Horn, vhc, J. Bexeon. Dark—1, Orme & Ashley. 2, G. Cox. 8, J. Eesson. he, Orme k Ashley, W. Sherwin. SellingClass.— 1. J. Adama. 2, J. Horn. S,R. Whitaker. t?ftc,G. E. Russell. Orme & Ashley. R. Whitaker, H. Bunting. J. Clark. J. Prosser. he. Orme a^-d Ashley (6), G. Radford, C. H. Legge, J. Clarke, Brown & Gayton. c, J. Saint, C. H. Legge, W. Evans. Goldfinch.— 1, E. & R. Ward, Derby. 2, G. Cox. 3 and vhc, R. HodsUinson. Linnet.— Broi(-n.—l, S. Roberts, Derby. 2, E. & E. Ward. 3, R. Pearson, vhc, H. Croxall. British Bikd3— ,-1)i^ other variety.— 1,T. fioddard, Fadlergate, Derby {Song Thrush). 2,J. Fogg. burton-on-Treut {Song Tbrubh), 8, C. H. Legge(Lark). Parrotb.—I, S. Bunting. 2, W. Holbrook. Deiby. S, S. Richaidoon, Derby. CAGE BIRDS.-LOCAL CLASSES. Belgian.— C/«;ar or Ticked Yellow.~l, W. Woodward, sen., Derby. Clear or Ticked Buff.— I, W. Woodward, sen. Norwich.— Clear Yclloio.-l, R Whitaker, Darlev Abbev. Derby. 2. E. Orme, Derby. 3. W. Ashley. Derby. 4, C. J. Salt, Burtoi;-on-Trpnt. 5, J. Bexson, Derby, he, W. Woodward, jun. c. T. Newbold. Clear Buff.—l. E. Orme. 2. W. Sherwin, Derby. 8, W. Ashley. 4. J. Clarke, Derby. 5, W. Woodward, he, C. J. Salt, e, C. Dakin. NoBwicH.— ;i/ar/c(?tZ Yellou—1, R. Whitaker. 2. J. Clarke. 3, H. Watson, Derby. 4, E. Orme. C, J. Judge. Derby. vhc.W. Sherwia. he, W. Afchlev. Marked Buff.— i,^. Orme. 2,0. J. Salt. S, H. Watson. 4, H. Wallis.Derby. 5, J. Clarke, vhc, K. Whitaker. Norwich.- Variegated Yellow.— 1, R. Whitaker. 2. W. Shei-win. 3, W. Woodward, jun. 4, W. Ashley, vhc, C. J. Salt. Variegated Buff.—\, R, Whitaker. 2, E. Orme. 8, W. Abhley. 4, W. Sherwin. /tc, W. Jackson, C.J. Salt. tioKWicB.— Heavily Variegated Yellotv.-l E. Whitaker. 2, A. Wallis. 8, W. Jackson, Kurton-on-Xrent. 4, E. Orme. vhc, H. Watson, J. Judge, he, J. Clarke. Ileal ily Variegated Buff.—l, E. Orme. 2, W. bherwin. 8, W. Ashley. vhc, C. Legge, J. Judge. NoBWicu.-Jo/i(7ue Green.— I, W. Jackson. 2, J. Judge. 8, J. Lowe, Lont^ Eaton. Meaty Grecn.~l, E. Orme. 2, T. Newbold, Barton on-Trent. 8, J. Judge, he, H. Ingman. Niyhwica.— Variegated Yellow Crested.— I. F. Woodward. 2, H. Wataon. 8, J Judge. Variegated Buff Crested.— 1, F. Woodward. 2, R. Whitaker. 3, C. Legge. he, J. .Judge. Norwich- Fei/oir Crested.— 1,V. Woodward. 2, J. Bexson. 3, H. Watfion. he, W. Woodward, jun,, R, Hodgkinsoa. Buff Crested.— 1, F. Woodward. 2, E. Orme. 3, J. Juige. L.iz\ftDa.- Golden-spangled.— 1, W. Ashley. 2, S. Banting, Derby. SUver- spangled.—l, W. Scanlan, Derby. 2, S Bunting. hiZARDB.— Golden-spangled. Broken Cajis.-i, W.Ashley. 2,S.Bunting. 8,W. Scanlau Silver-si)angled, Broken C'aps.~l, S. Bunting. 2, C. Legge. CiNNAMONa.— Jo;i<7«e, Self.—l. T. Newbold. 2, E. Orme. 3, W. Sherwin. 4. C. J. Salt vhc, W Woodward, sen.. W. Ashley, J. Bexson. Tic, C. Legge- Mealy, Self—1, K, Whitaker. 2, E. Orme. 3, A. Ufton, Derby. 4, H. Ball, Cabtie Donington. vkc, C.J. Salt. he. W. Ashley. CiNNAii'iss. — .Vrtrfcf*/ or Variegated Jonque.— I. J. Judge. 2, C. Legge. Marked or Variegated Mealy.~\, J. Judge. 2, \V. Sherwin. 3, A. Ufton. 4, R. Whitaker. vhc, C. Legge. c, H. Ingman. Vasahy.— Any variety.— 1, W. Ashley. 2. J. Bexson. 3,H. Ingman. Mules.— J^o/i(/He Goldfinch, Marked or Variegated.— 1, S Banting. 2, A, Cuitis, Burtun on-Trent. Mea'y Goldjinch. Marked or Variegated. — 1, S. Bunting. 2, J. Bexs m 3. T Newbold. he, H. Watson, R. Hodgkioson. MuLEB —Dark Jonque Goldfinch.— I, A. LurLis. 2, W. Sherwin. Dark Meal;/ Goldjinch— 1, J. Bexson. 2, H. Watson. 3, S. Bunting, he, A. Curtis. Any other variety.— 1, A. Curtis. Judges. — FouUry and Pigeons : Messrs. Crewe and Hutton. Canaries : MeBsrs. Moor and Harrison. WELLINGBOROUGH SHOW OF POULTRY, &o. This waa held iu the Corn Exchange, WtUiugborough, on November Gth and 8th. Dorkings.- CofA-.— 1, E. Barker, Stokesley. 2,' Mrs. A. Tindal, Aylesbury. lic.J.C Daviea. Uen.—l, Kev. E. Bartrum, Borkhimpstead. 2, Simpson ana Dodds, Bcdaie. ha, Simpaon & Dodds, S. W. Hallam, W. G. Thompson. CocmN-CHiNAS.— C'jc/i.-.- Cup, Mre. A. Tindnl. 2, R. P. Percival, Northenden. he, P. Ogilvie, A. F. f''aulliner. Hen. -I, Mia. A. Ttndal. 2, R. P. Percivui. lie. H. Yardlcy, A. F. Fuulkusr. c, G. V. & A. T. Umpleby, E. J. Draper, H. Yardley, W. Mantield. Bkaiima Puothab —Dark —Cock.— Cnp, H. Lingwood, Needham Market. 2. Rev. J. D. Peake, Uppingham, vhc, Hnv. T. c Peake. /c. E. Pritchard, E. KendricK, jun., Rev. T. O. Peake, c, Rev. J P.Wright. Hen.— I, Rev. J. D. Peake. 2. L, C. C. R Morris. vHc. A H. Robbina. Mrs. S. M Beaaley. he, E. Pritchard, R. P. Percival, M. Leno, E Ayro, Uarvey &. Pratt, H. Lingwood, Rev. J. D. Peake c. J. Kook, Mrs. A. Tindal. Bbahma PooTRiB —Light.— Cock.— 1, H. E. Horsfall, Liverpool. 2, Mrs. Peer, Sharnbrook. he, J. Long. T. Smith, M. Leno, Markyate Street, Danetable. Hen.—\, Mrs A. Tindal 2, R. E. Horatall. vhc, H. P. Percival. lie, J. Long, T. smith, Mrs. Peet, M. Leuo, G. B. C. Breeze, c, ti. Feast. Spas-ish.- Cocfc.— 1, W. Nottage, Northampton. 2, R. Newbold vlic, E. Jackson, e, J. Harvey. Htn.-l, U. Sawyer, Wellingboroagh. 2, E. Jacksen, Finchfield he. J. T. Parker. Game.— B/acfc breasted Bed.-Coek.-Cvip. Harvey & Pratt. Chailington. 2. J. Calladine, Heanor. he, J. Mee. I/en.— 1, Harrey & Pratt. 2, W, Smith, Jan., Rattenford. he. J. Cock. Gaue.— Any other colour.— Cock.—l, 3. Cock, Worcester. 2, S. Tilley, North- ampton, he, G. Carter. Hen.— 1,3. Cock. 2, H. Loian, Oandle. he, H. Feast, T. Hancock. HAiiB0RGH9.— (?oM or Silver-spa7uiled —Cock.— Cup, J. Carr, Swansea. 2, W. Riley, he, H. Feast, J. Robinson, c, T. Love, T. B akeman. Hen.—i, J. Carr. 2. T. Dean, Keighlty. he, J Calcutt, J. Kobinaon, T. Love. Hamburgub. .^/ii/ other colon-.— Cock.— I. U. Pickles, Earby, Leeds. 3, H. Feast, Piint\ftvnon, Sw.insea. he, J. Long. J. Robinson, A F. Faulkner. Hen. —], F. W^ Mej'nell, Derby. 2, J. Foster, Kettc.ing. he, H. Pickiea, O. Sheppard, W. Dixm.iun {•£). Anv other Variety.- Cocfc.— 1. A. & W. H. Sylvester, Sheffield. 2, W. Cutlack, jun. he. U. Pickles. Kev. N. J. Hidiey, S. M. Beasley. W. L. Blake. H. Featt. H. fi. Clark. W. Manafleld. Hen.— Cup, A. A W. H. Sylvester. 2, H. Feast. he, H. Pickles, Rev. N. J. Ridley, W. Cutlack, jun., G. W. Boothby, W. Mans6eid. Spfcial Sbllikg CLkHs.—Coek.—l, J. T. Parker. Northampton (Spanish). 2. Miss Williams, Aylesbury ( White Cochin). 8, T. Rogers, The Grove, Crouch End. London. /iC, Mrs. Builiu (Poland), W. Pa^e (Game), J. Harvey, Rev.T. C. Peake (Brahma). J. Foster. J. Holme (Dorking cock and Rouen Drake), e, C. Taylor (Spauiah), H. Vardley. Special selling Class.- //en — 1, M. Leno (Brahma). 2, G. B. C. Breeze, Ware ( Partridge Cochin). 3, T. Love (Golden Hamb;irgh). vhc, Simpson and Dodds (Spani.hi. he, E. Pritcliard (Dark Brahma), Rev. T. U. Beaaley (Crevt- Cceur), H. Ogilvie (Dark Brahma). Mrs. Peet 1 Light Brahma), P. Paasmore (White Cochin). J. T. Parker (Spaniab). Rev. T. C. Peake (Brahmai. T. Rogers, J. Holmes (Dorking), E. Ayre (Bruhma). c, P. Ogilvie (Dark Brahma), Young and Holmts. Special Selling Class.— /'ai>.—l, Rev. T. C. Peake (Brabmas). 2, Misg Woodham. Ronincv ( Iloudaus). 3. G. 8. C. Breeze (Paitridge Cochins) he, T. Love (Golden Humburghs), H Yardley, E, Ayre (Hamburghs), P. Paasmore (Chinese Geesel. J. Holmes (Rouen Ducus), W. Taylor tGolden Polanda). C,M. Leno (Brahma). Local CLAat^.— 1, Howe & Kobinson. Wellingborough (Game). 2, H. Upton. 8, W. G. Thompson. Wellingborough (Dorking). Ducks.— .diiy vaiiiity.-l, Hon. Mrs. Vernon, Kettering (Rouenl. 2, M. Leno (Fancy), he. A. &, W. U. Sylvcatsr (3), C. RodweU, Hon. Mrs. Vernon (i), J. Driver, £. SuelJ. November 11, 1376. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 435 BAHTims.—Oame, Black-bjcastM lird.—Cock.—l.R. Nowbitt. 2, W. Babker- ville, Manchester, he, A. Newlon, T. Hewbon, Cant. T. Wetherall. Sen.— 1, P. Foxwell, Worcester. 2. Capt. T. Wetberall /(C, Wells & Sherwin, J. C. Davieu. R. Brownlie, Oapt. T. Wetherall. W. Adaius, W. Biiskerville. Bantams.— (?amc, tuty ollitr cotoitr.—Coi.k.—l, H. Bruwulie. 31 G. Evans, Worcester, /ic, E. & A. KarriiJKlnu, E. W. i>oulhwood. B. Newbitt. flelt. — 1, K. Newbitt. 2, W. Adams, Jpswieh. lie, J. AlJimaon, R. Brownlie, H. A. Clark, E. W. Sonthwood. Bantams.— .4nj/ rarUfy not Giimc.~Cock.—l, M. Leno. 2, W. H. Crewe, Etwall. )ic, J. W. Lloyi'. y/«i.— 1, M. Leoo. 2, Youos & Holmes, Driffield. lie, E. l*ritchard. Wells & Sherwiu, W. J. Johnson, J. W. Lloyd. PIGEONS. Pouters.— Cocfc.—l and 2, L. & VN. Watbio. /j?, Mrs Ladd, C. Miirlio. Hfu. —1. A. P. Byford, 2, C. Martin lie, Mrs. Laild. h. & W. Watkin, W. Nuttago. Cakbiees.— Cock.— 1, H. Yardley. 2. Mrs. H. Pickworlh. (ic, T. K. Cucksey, W.J. Toon. Hen.-l, U. Yardley. 2, W. Larkin. ftr, 0. Uandley, T. K. Oucksey, W.J. Toon. TDMBLER9.— Cocfc OT Hen.~l and 2, H. Y'ardlev. Draooons.— C'ocli; or Uen.—l and 2, W. Smith, lie, R. Woods (1), H. Yardley, W. Larkin, A. McKenzie (Jl, W. V. Longe. Any other Yahietv.- focfc or Hen.— I, C. Martin. 2, n. Yardley. lie, H. Yardley. L. Allen, tr. Barnes. Special Sellisg Class.- C'o^rA: or Hfn.- 1, A. P. Eyford. 2, M. Leno. S, W. A. £)awson. he, H. Yardley, L. Alien, L. & W. Watkin, Foster & Chambers. Local Class.— Cocfc or Hcn.—l and 2, G. Garner. 8, u. J. Kint?. CANARIES. Norwich.- C/ffl/ Jonque.—l and 2. J. Athersuch. vkc, J. Adams. Clear Buff.—l and 2, J. Athersuch. rljc, J. Adams, he, IIowo A Robinson. Marked or Variegated.— /onf/KC—l, Martin & Griffln. 2, J. Athersuch. vhe and hc,,l. Adams. i>»f/.— 1 and he, J. Athersuch. u ani vhc. J. Adams. Clear or Variegated.— Crcs((^rf Buff.— I, J. Athersuch. 2, S. Stratford, vhc, J. Aoams. /ic, Howe & Kobinaou. c. Stroud Ofc Good. Cinnamon.— 67f«r, Ticked, or \'arie{]ntedJonqiu'.—l nnd i^he, J. Athersuch. 2 and he, J. Adams. Clear, Ticked, or Vnriedated BulT.—l and/(c, J. Athersuch. 2 and i)/ic, J. Adams. Mule —Cocfc or Uen.-l and 2, Strond & Goode. vlic, J. Athersuch. he, Howe & Robinson, c, J. Adams. Selling Class.- 1 and e, Martin & Griffin. 2 and vhc, J. 'Athersuch. 3, J, Adanis. /ic, J. Martin. Local Class.— 1, 2, and e, Howe & Robinson, vhc, H. Orton. he, 3. Hagar. Parrots and other Foreign Bird?.— 1, F. Simco. 2, G. Mnrdin. vhe and he, J. Cookcrof t. c, W. Bryant. British Birds.— Cup, W. G. Thompson, 2,W. Garrod. f/ic, W. & T. Wright. he, J. Hager. c, — Horton. RABBITS. Lsp-EARED.— Bucfc or JDof.— Silver Medal, T. Scliofiold, jnn. 2, E. Pepper. vhe, J. Barker, he, T. Harrison, K. Bright. Himalayan.— B((cfc or Doe.— I, J. D. Jsamea. 2, S. Ball, vhe. Miss E. King, he. Rev. C. H. Miller, J. Barker, Foster & Chambers, J. M. Atkinson, c, J. M. Atkinson. Dutch.— iJucfc or Doe.—I, T. Scbofield, jun. 2, B Greaves, vhc, B. Greaves, W. Richardson, he. Rev. T. c. Beaaley, A. G. FillinKham, W. Donkin, Mrs. H. Piokworth c, T. Seholield, jun., W. Donkm, J. Tebbutt. Silver-grey. — Buck or Doc— Cup, J. Fivth. 2, F. Perser. I'lic, Miss Firth, H. W.Wright, /ic, Mrs. S. M. Beasley, E. S. Smith, c, J. Schotield, jun., J. Enoch, G. Johnson. .Angora.- BucfcorDoc— 1,T. Henson. 2, J. Martin. he,G. C. Livett, J. &G Hughes, c, H. Hancock, Mrs. S. M Beasley, J. Ma' tin J. it G. Huirhes. A.SY OTHER Variety —Biicfc or Doe.— I.e. Robinson (Belgian Hare). 2, E. S. Smith (Silver Creaml. lie, T. Schofleld, jun. (Belgian Hare), B. Greaves ^Belgian Hare), J. Tebbutt (Beltiian Hare), e, P. Ugilvie (Belgian Hare), Misa L. N. Beasley (Belgian Hare), B Greavea (Belgian Hare). Special Selling tJLAss. -Biicfc or Doe.— I, c J. King (Dutch). 2, C. Kobin- stn. s, J. Enoch (Patagonian). vhc, T. Lomath (Black-and-white Lop), he, T. Lomath (Yellow-and-white LopJ, B. Greavea {Belgian Hare), e, B. Greavea (Lop), E. S. Smith (Himalayan). Local Class.— 1 and 3, J. Abbot (Lop). 2, T. Lomath (Grey Lopl. vhc, Mrs, Butlin (Silver-Grey). he, J. Chamberlain (Dotch). c, C. J. King (Lop). CATS. Long Hair.— .Ifrt^c or Female.— ^.C&pt. T. Wetherall. 2, Miss H. De Teissier. he, T. Weightman, H. Hankmson, Capt. T. Wetherall. Any other Variety.— iVn/e or Female.— i, W. Robins. 2, W. Ball. hc,F. Coles, J. J. Phipps. c, W. U. Percival. JuDOES. — PouUrij : Mr. R. Teebay. Piijeons: Mr.F.Esqiiilant. Canaries and Cage Birds : Mr. G. Gayton. Babbits ; Mr. G. Johnson. Cats : Miss Beasley. Alexandra Pai,.vce Poultry Show. — Our reporter aska us to Btate that the slight errors mentioned by the Secretaries were not his, they were alterations ma(3e by ourselves. The Pigeon classes omitted were to have been reported on by another gentle- man, who failed to send us any votes. SHEFFIELD COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY. This was held on November Ist, at the Freedom Hotel, Walkley. The awards were as follows : — YOUNG BIRDS. Carbiebs —1, W. Harvey. 2, H. Brown, vhe, J. Deakin. he, E. Brown, H. Brown, S. Hill, J Deakin, Pouters.— 1 and rlic, W. Hni-vey. 2, H. Brown, he and c, G. Crookes. TrMBLERS.— .V/iorf-racerf.— 1, 2, and lie, A. Silvester, vhe, S. Hill. Other varieties.— I and 2, A. Silvester, he, W. Harvey, e, S. Hill, J. Smith (2). Jacobins. -1 and c, W. Harvey. 2, J. Smith. I'/ic, S. Hill, /iC, J. Smith, E, Brown. O-ahS.-English.- 1, S. Hill. 2, W. Harvey. TT.RBIT8.— i and c, W. Harvey. 2 and he, A. Silvester. Dragoons. — 1, J, Smith. 2 and he, S. Hill. ANTTFEBPS.— 1 and 2, J. Deakin. vhc, S. Hill. B.VKBS.- 1, S. Hill. 2, J. Smith. Fantails — 1 and 2, E Brown. ^UNS. Swallows, or Magpies —1 and he, W. Harvey. 2, G. CrDOkes. Other Varieties.— 1, 2, and he, A. Silvester. 3, W. Harvey. OLD BIRDS. Carriers.— 1 and 2, W. Harvey, r/ic, H. Brown, J. Smithers, lie, J. Deakin, H. Brown, c, J Dealtin, S. Hill. Pouters.- 1 and 2, W. Harvey, he, H. Brown (2). G. Crooks, c, G. Crook?. Tumblers.— .S/iorN/accrf.-l, 2, and vhe, A. Silvester, e, H. Brown. Other varieties. — 1, Extra 2. and vhc, A. Silvester. 2. W. Harvey. JACODINS.— 1 and 2, W. Haivey. c, J. Sti.ith. E. Brown. Owls.— 1, G. Crookes. 2, s. Hill, he, H. Prown. Turbits. — 1, 2, and c, A. Silvester, he, E. Brown. Dragoons.— 1, W. Harvey. 2 and he, S. Hill, c, J. Smith. Antwerps.— 1 and vhc, W. Harvey. 2, J. Smithera. he, J. Deakin (3), J. Smithera, H. Brown, e, S. Hill. BAhBS —1 and I'/ic, W. Harvey. 2, E. Brown, lor, S. Hill (2). Fantails.- 1, J. Smith. 2, E. Brown. OiHER Varieties —1. W. Harvey (Trumpeter). 2 and Extra 3, A. Silvester (Spangled Ice and Isabelles). Extra 2 ana vhc, G. Crookes (Nuns), he, W. " Harvey (Hunt), A. Silvester (Blondinota and Bald Ice). Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton. NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE SHOW. This Exhibition of poultry, Pigeons, Canaries, and other cage birds was held iu the Corn Exchange, Newcastle, on November 4th and 5th. The total of entries reached 1183, forming alto- gether a magnificent show. The entries iu the three sections numbered as follows: — Poultry and eggs, 27-1; Pigeons, 692; Canaries, Mules, and British and foreign birds, 222. The carry- ing-out of the entire Exhibition reflects credit to the Committee of Management and Hon. Sec, H. (). Bleukinsop,Ega. No less than fifteen silver cups and ninety gold medals, the latter of the value of ±'1 each, and awarded as first prizes in most of the classes, were given away. We are only able this week to publish the awards of the cage birds. CANARIES. Belgians.— i>Uoit' or Yellow markcd.—l, 2. and vhe, J. Futter, Newcastle (2). Buff or Biiff-marked—\, 2, medal and vhe. 3. Rutter. flic, W. Pearson, Dinning- ton C. lliery; G. Turnbull, Newcastle. Diinor Diai-viarkedineareift Belaian).— I. 2, and /ic, W. Scott, tii;jay-on-Tyne. lie, T. Dobaun, ^ewca3tle. c, W. Pearson ; Hackwurth & Blown. Newcastle. Glasgow Dons.— IVHoiu — 1, T. Bruce, Shotley Bridge. 2, J. Smeaton, Tweed- mouth, he, J. Davison, Newcastle, c, — Franer, —Armstrong. -Redhead, Newcastle; —Clark. Su#.-1, W. Brewis, Newcastle. 2, W. Wallace. New- castle, c, W. Wallace; K. Gilhespy, Blaydun-on-Tyne; G. TurnhuU. Yellow or Biiff7narked.—1,\\. Brewis. 2, G. Forsyth, Spittal, Berwick, lie, W. Wallace ; J.Davison. Norwich- re(/oii'.—l .and medal, R. C. Jobling, Hcworth Colliery. 2, J. Baxter. Newcastle- tilie, C. J. Salt. Burton-on-Trent. lie, 3 Thackery. Brad- lord, e, R. T. Vaux, Sunde-land. Bii#.— 1 and 2, J. Baxter, olie, C. J. Salt (21. c, J. Thackery. Yellow or Buff-marked.— I, R. C. Jobling. 2, T. Clemmson, Dar- lington, i-lie and lie, C. J. Salt, ulie, J. Baxter, c. R. T. Vaux (2). Chested.— IVlIou' or I'clloin-marfcfii.- 1, C- J. Salt, 2. K. E. Tnatt, York, lie, J. Baxter. Bu# or Ctiaf-morfcc li.- 1, R. T. Vaux. 2 and n/ie, J. Baxter, vlic, 0, J. Sail ; T. J. Knaggs, l^ewcastle. n ttt s r. Yijeeshire Fancy.— JViioic or Yellow marked.— J, 3. Thnckery. .2, W.,s: G. Burmibton, Middlesboro'. Burr or Buff-marked.— I, Dunn & Harrison, soutu Shields. 2, R Pearson, Whitby. ,.^.„ ^ v o t Li/.ards.- GoW or ,Sitversimngled.—l, J. Stevens, Middlesborough. i, ■>. Dixt-n, Newcastle. , , . ti .r , t Cinnamon.- re»oic.—l, C. J. Salt 2, G- L. Fox. Sunderland. BuiT.-l, .1. Pringle, Brunei Terrace. 2. C. J. Salt.— i'clioic or Buff marked.— I, VV. i G. Burmiston. 2. C. J. Salt c, J. Baxtur; R. C. Jobling. , , , „ .j„ Mules.— (JoMyiiic/t, Yelloir or Buff, ncarcji (o (.■aimri/.— land medal, J. Puroy, Ashington Colliery. 2, J Miller, Newcastle, t.lic, W. White. Diirham ;K. Georgeson, Galethead-on.Tvne. c, R. C. Jobling. IcUoio or Buff-maiked^ 1, K. Hawman, Middlesloro' ; 2 and ii/ic, J.Baxter, c, J.Stevens; K.George- son. Drtrfc.-l, J. Stevens. 2, R. Hawman. ™, -., Any other Variety.— 1, J. Stevens. 2, W. H. Batchelor, Whitby. Common Canary.— 1, T. Jamieaon. 2, J. Thackery. vhc, 3. smeaton , Dunn and Harrison ; Hackworth & Brown. j ,. * i^y,„„ GREEN CANiBY.-l,2, and c, Armstrong & Redhead. I'lic and ftc, A. Ross, Newcastle. I'lie .ind lie, J. Allison, Long Benton, rlic. n. Grey, GateiJhead . T. Dobson, Newcastle, he, H. Bishop, Newcastle; W. Swann, Newcastle, e. 'aoSll°scn.-Moulted.-l, W. H. Batchelor. 2, T. Cleminson. he, J. Leybnra, Brown LiNNET.-jVoiiKerf.-I, J. Dickinson, Whitby. 2, E- Pearson, u/ie, J. Baxter ; Dunn & Harrison ; G. Stephenson, Gateshead, lie, U. Winstone, New- "BMiisn Bimn.-Any variety.-l and vhe. 3. Baxter. 2, R. Georgeson. t'lie. W. & G. Burmiston; W. Crake, Newcastle, e, 3. Leybum; R. Pearson, J. Jamieson ; Knight & Spencer. Baldock. t ...lo N^w^nstle • Foreign BitT>s.- Any variety.-! and gold medal, - Levna, Newcastle , 2, E. Mackenzie, vhc, 3. Grey ; H. Howie ; T. Barrow, Sunderland. Selling Class.- 1, T. Clemmson. 2, Knight i Spencer, lie, J. Baxter (.:)_ Dunn & Harrison; K. Gilhespy; J. Murray, e, J. Miu:ray(2); J. Brown (.!) J. Thackery ; G. Stephenson. The Judge was Mr. W. A. Blakston. THE JACOBIN. I w.vs very much surprised and disappointed on reading " \Yii.TSHmE Rector's " article on the Jacobin in the Journal of the 11th of October. From what he had previoitsly ^"*«? ^ certainly expected some assistance from him in raising the bird to its old standard, but instead I found a wet blanket. /*.^^^: SHIEE Rector " tells the Jacobin fanciers that they are all right and their birds very pretty, and then be goes off the siibject and away into marking— a point not under discussion at all, and one of small importauce in comparison with the shape and feather- ing of the bird, points in which the modern bird is so glaringly deficient that they look like half-bred beside the true eld type. He thinks the mane and rose great beauties, and at the same time laments the loss of the long, thin, soft-feathered birds; but if he will think it over again he will, 1 have no doubt, see that such birds could not have a mane, and therefore no rose, as it requires short stiff feathers to form the mane, a vile thing to come to be reckoned a beauty ; so that I cannot see that they could exist together. I must also differ from "Wiltshire Rector" about what he calls artistic beauties and fanciers' beauties. I hold that with the old fanciers they had artistic beauty of the highest order m their eye when they formed their standards of the Pouter, Carrier, &o , as anyone may see by looking at the descriptions of the different varieties where true lines of beauty are laid down. They did not say a bird must measure so much. The 436 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. { November 11, 1876. points aimed at beyond all others were elegance of shape, grace- ful action, and the sound colouring tastefully disposed : these are certainly not opposed to artistic beauty. " Wiltshire Rector's " proposal to give a prize for mottled birds of the old style is, in my opinion, only going a very little way in the right direction, for however good, few will, I think, rank them as equal to the soundly coloured and properly marked birds. The old Reds, which were the finest I ever saw, were gorgeous in colour — (how often I have wished I could breed Pouters of the same brilliance !) — and could not be excelled in other respects by any. If there is to be a prize given let it be for the highest style of bird in every respect, and then I will gladly give substantial support to it, and would desire no better judge than Mr. H. Weir to decide upon their merits. But as Mr. Weir shrewdly remarked that one cause of the deterioration was owing to judges giving prizes to the best in the class how- ever poor it might be, I see no benefit in giving prizes to the least bad in a bad class ; therefore if birds not fairly good came forward according to the old standard, then I would withhold the prize or prizes to another season. In conclusion, I would only remark that "Wiltshire Rec- tor's " defence of English Owls, in which he told their admirers to stick to them, was of small importance compared to his de- fence of the low-bred bird now styled the Jacobin. No Owl fanciers of taste can see the foreign birds at shows, and of course see their superiority at a glance ; but this is scarcely possible with the Jacobin, as, if in existence, they do not appear at shows, otherwise very little writing would be required to point out their superiority to the present so-oalled Jacobins.— G. Ube. Philopeeistebonic Society. — In addition to the Crystal Palace Show of Pigeons we would remind our country friends that this Society will hold a meeting on Tuesday evening next at the Freemason's Tavern, Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn, and that the Show will consist of most varieties of Pigeons; admis- sion by introduction of a member or on presentation of address card. BEES TWENTY DATS HATCHING FEOM THE EGG. Under the above heading I observe a letter in tho Journal by "B. itW.," endeavouring to prove that worker bees are only twenty days in being hatched from the egg. I am sorry that I did not see Mr. Pettigrew's and Mr. Lowe's controversy to which "B. & W." refers. I think I can prove that worker bees are twenty-one days in being hatched, and this is how I will do it : When we find stock hives weighing 50 lbs. or 60 lbs. three weeks after the first swarms left the parent hive we drive out the bees and put them into empty hives. If second swarms have issued we generally unite the turnouts (as Mr. Pettigrew terms them) to the second swarms. I have swarmed a hive artificially at 6 o'clock P.M., and on the morning of the twenty-second day driven out the bees from the stock hive, and found a few dozen worker bees still in their cells, only they were ready to leave them. — A. Cockeuen, Gairnie, Aberdeenshire, BEITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. If Mr. Pettigrew will refer to the catalogue he will find that not less than i'lO in money was oiiered at the late Show for " the largest and best harvest of honey in the comb from one stock of bees, under any system or combination of systems," the results of which were duly chronicled in your columns. I and many others hoped for and looked ia vain to see the exhibits of 100, 200, or 300 lbs. of honey, respecting which we in the south have heard so much. Perhaps Mr. Pettigrew or some of his friends may be induced to send an exhibit of two hundred- weight or thereabouts to the next show. — B. Laukance Cleaver, Son. Sec, 1, Dcvonshin- Terrace, Marloe Boad, Kensington. Bee Case. — At the Quarterly Small-Debt Court, held at Anchterarder on Monday, Sheriff Barclay on the bench, Thomas Miller sued Peter Neish for fl, the value of a hive of bees. From tho evidence it appears that Miller and Neish are neigh- bours, and that both keep bees ; that a hive of the former threw off a swarm early in July, which alighted some 10 or 15 yards from Neish's bees, which, being also on the point of swarming, attracted by the buzzing, came off and joined those of Miller. The pursuer alleged that the bees properly belonged to him, while Neish offered to buy Miller's or sell his own to the pursuers. To this, however. Miller would not agree, and Neish taking pos- session, the action was raised. The Sheriff gave decree for 7s. dd. the value of Miller's bees), without s'Tpeasea.— (Scotchman.) Ants in the House. — We find most useful in keeping them away is Keating's Persian powder. It must be used largely at first over tables, floor, shelves, everywhere, and then in about a month there will be hardly any seen. Afterwards it will be sufficient to sprinkle the floors only every day, bearing in mind that the ants in London are amongst the things that cannot bo got rid of permanently, but with never-ceasing care they may be kept out. I tried the meat plan, but though we caught basonfuls, we never subdued them as ws have since we tried the powder.— F. W. H. OUR LETTER BOX. CiNiRiEs' Feet Covered with Sciles [BUif Be!!).— The claws and shiaB of birds beyond a year old mostly becoma scaled, which scales may easily be removed either by inserting the thumb mil or a penknife baneath the ed^'e of the same. Operate carefully. You say '* they look like corns." If there should be any accumulation underaeath the feet it may, perhaps, be caused through dirt gathered from the cige bottom. If so wash the feet gently ia some lukewarm water, which will i^often the substance, and with tho aid of your thumb and linger relieve the feet from the dirt. RAnniT Abeangements {Mars). — We see no objection to your proposed arrangements, nor could anyone advise not knowing the place. The dog you mention is probably only changing its coat. If there is any redness of the skin wash the dog with soft soap and water. Give more exercise. Preserving Hives ANn their Combs {A Bee-keeper). — Tonr hives of combs for swarms nest year should be placed or hung up in a dry place where mice and moisture will not injure the combs. In a moist place, such as a room with damp walls, the combs would perish — that is to say, lose their adhesive properties, and be useless for swarms. V\q preserve all such combs in a garret. KE5IOVINO Hives (J. P., jun.).— Par better let them winter where they are. In the transfer now to your " cold-house fernery," would cause the sacrifice of many lives among your bees, of essential importance to their well-being. The gain, if any, would not compensate for the loss. Thatch warmly and trust to Providence. Bee-keeping near London {Tgnoramiis). — 1, Your bees would certainly find their way home after a day's work, in spite of the enclosed situation of your garden. 2, In an ordinarily good year they would be likely to afford you a martjiu of profit we doubt not. They would go beyoui the limits of the garden you speak of. 3, Mignonette, borage, laurustinus, thyme of all sorts, garden fruit trees are all productive of honey. Of the two former a good succession should be kept up. But trust rather to the forage they woald get beyond. Quince SIarmalade (G. Haddinftion). — We did not receive the letter you mention. Gather the fruit when fully ripe and of a fine yellow ; pare, quarter, and core it ; put the quinces into a saucepan with a little water, and set them on the fire until they are quite soft ; then take them out and lay them on a sieve to drain ; rub them through and weigh the pulp ; boil an equal quantity of sugar to petite ea^^e, then add the pulp, and stir them together over the fire until it will fall from the spoon like a jelly. The marmalade ia then fit to be put into pots, and when cold cover them closely. METEOBOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Camden Sqcarb, London. Lat. Bl° 32- 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet. Date. 9 A.M. In the Day. 1875. ■ o Hygrome- "•S Shade Tem- Radiation a Barom terats and Se Level ter. S's S'S" perature. Temperature. » Nov. Dry. Wet. Mai. Min. In sun. On grass Inches. deg deg. deg. deg deg. deg. deg. In. We. 3 29 S3) 60 0 49.7 S.S.E. 46 5 52.0 433 51.0 4i.O 0,014 Th. i 89.846 It.i 517 S W. 48 0 53,7 47.6 74.6 43.3 0 010 Fri. 5 29.806 48 3 43.8 S.W. 488 57.1 46 2 69 0 42.2 0,5EO Sat. 6 29 108 55.2 5i4 W. 49.8 57.8 47.9 85.2 49.2 0 020 Sun. 7 29 471 45 6 4tl N. 49 0 64.3 S7.9 83.2 41,1 0 400 Mo. 8 29.335 39.0 36 8 N.W. 47,8 47 5 84.1 80.4 33 8 — Tu. 9 29.431 35 2 34 4 N.N.E. 45 0 47.2 30,8 64.3 28,4 0.863 Means 29,555 406 45.4 47 8 .iS5 41.0 70.1 40.0 1.S6S REMARKS. 3rd. — Very dull dark day, mnch warmer, and but little rain. 4th.— Hazy early ; fine till 2 v.si., then cloudy, with a little rain ; fine night. 5th. — Fine till noon, after which it was damp ftuil very dark. 6th.— A great fall in the barometer during the night ; a very stormy momiDg, occasionally bright, but on the whole a stormy day, and the wind very high. 7th. — Most beautiful day, but rain commenced about 8 p.m., and it fell heavily at midnight. 8th. — A fine day throughout, but particularly fine in the morninpf. 9tb. — Hazy all the morning, and iihowery from noon, but the rain not heavy: great rise in the temperature during the day, having changed from 35 ' at 9 A.M. to 50'^ at 9 p.m. Both the barometer and the temperature very variable, and at times rapid in their ehangee. The mean temperature 2^ above that of the preceding week, and the maximum in Bun exceeded that of last week by 15^. — G. J. Syjions. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— November 10. There are no quotable alterations in the supplies, and prices sabatantially the same as last week. Apples h sieve 1 Chestnuts bushel 13 Figs doz. 0 Filberts. Coba lb. 0 Grapes, hothouse lb. 1 Lemons IMOO 0 Oranges I^* 100 8 FRUIT, d. B. d. 0to2 0 Peaches doz. 6 Pears, kitchen doz. 0 dessert doz. 1 Pine Apples lb. 4 Strawberries' lb, 0 Walnuts ^\m 1 ditto bushel 4 d. B. d. otoia 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 November 18, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTIGULTUBR AND COTTAGE QABDENER. 437 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Average Snn Snn Cl.'Ck Day of of NOVEMBER 18-24, 1876. Temperature near Ei8e>. SetH. RiflfiH. Sets. Age. Month|Weelr. London. D»v. NiBht. Mean. m, h. DavB. m. B. 18 Th Royal Society at 8.30 p.m. 47.9 82 9 404 35af7 5af 4 , 18af 9 f.9af 0 20 14 39 322 19 P 48 9 fl3.5 412 27 7 4 4 43 10 1 20 1 21 14 26 823 20 S 48.7 84 6 41.7 29 7 3 4 , morn. , 35 1 ( 14 12 S24 21 Sun 26 SONDAY AFTER TKINITT. 49.G S6.2 42.9 3) 7 2 4 4 0 , 47 1 23 18 67 825 22 M 49.2 34.7 41,9 33 7 0 4 19 1 1 57 1 24 13 41 825 as To 47.fi 34.2 40 9 34 7 59 3 1 32 2:7 2 25 13 25 827 24 W Society of Art? at 8 p.m. 47.4 81.7 39.5 85 7 58 8 46 B 18 2 26 13 8 828 From observations taken near London during forty-three years the average day temperatnre of the week is 48.5' ; and its night temperature 83.9°. 1 STRAWBERRY CULTURE— DUG DE MALAKOFF STRAWBERRY. 3^^^^ ELDOM ("and rarely honourably) mentioneil by our distinguished fragarians is Due do Malakoff Strawberry. Gratifyinc; indeed it is to find the author of the " Frnit Manual" pronouncing it to be " a very excellent Straw- berry," exactly what I have found it in a light shallow soil, which can only bo made to grow Strawben-ies by heavy manuring, in the soil and on the surface. " C. P. P.," Dr. Roden, and others may raise a cry when a departure is made from the system they consider ortho- dox. Their soil suits the Strawberry so well as to render frequent renewal unnecessary. In fact, I knew a gardener that had Strawben-ies on the same ground without re- newal of plants for over twenty years, and relied upon them (Roseberry) for the supply of preserving fruit. True to his faith (and it were that of a veteran, he having had over fifty years' experience of Strawberries in that soil and place), a futile attempt was made to grow British Queen upon the same system. What, however, with Hantboia run wild, Keens' Seedling, Myatt's Seedling (Filbert Pine), and Elton, really passable fruits were had for dessert and " loads " for preserving. ' ■ Different indeed is my practice and soil. His was a strong unctuous loam ; mine is a light shallow one, which may not be stirred deeper than a foot or 15 inches. With this latter kind of soil I have at present to do, and, as there is miich of a similar kind, a short account of my experience and practice may not be uninteresting. The plants bear the finest fruit the first year, more of it and smaller the second, and in the third season a very mode- rate crop of inferior fruit, amounting to a waste of land, material, and labour. After the second year the plants either go off — plants here and there — leaving ugly gaps, or become superabundant only of foliage — sterile so far as fruit is concerned. Placing between every alternate row of plants a|year old, and fruiting for the first time, a row of 3-inch pots filled rather firmly with good loamy soil, as closely together as they will stand and level, the first runners are laid upon the pots, one in the centre of each, and secured with a wire pin, like a liair pin, cutting off the bine beyond the first runner — the only one layered. Early in July there will be sufficient runners to fill the pots, as we have the choice from the runners of two rows of plant?, the pots being placed in alternate rows, and a row is left clear for facility of gathering the fruit with- out danger of injuring the layered runner-bines. If dry weather ensue water every other day, whilst, if moist weather, watering will not be necessary. In a fortnight the runners will be well rooted, and within that and three weeks they should be detached from the parent, for if left longer the roots become matted in the pots, and before that takes place they should be planted out. Early Potato-ground will be clear or other crops off, as Peas or Cabbage, and all tlie preparation given is to manure well and dig in deeply; or if the ground be in good heart No. 764.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeies. the manure is not always given, but merely dug. The plants are put out in rows 2 feet asunder for the compact growers, as Keens' Seedling, with the plants 1 foot apart; the stronger kinds, as President, require the rows 2 feet 6 inches apart, and the plants l.'J inches apart, watering in dry weather until established, and keeping clear of weeds and runners as they appear. In October or early November a mulching is given at least 2 inches thick of short but very rotten manure between the rows and plants, placing near the crowns, but not upon but beneath the leaves. No implement of any kind to be used in the spring and early summer after planting for loosening the soil or removing weeds, for it wants solidification, and this the feet will do in removing weeds ; and in a firm soil the Strawberry and everything else is much more fibrous-rooted than in a loose and open soil. Water as much as you like between the rows after the fruit is set and swelling freely, remembering that a good soaking once a-week is worth a surface-wetting every day ; but I do not water, and the fruit is always large enough, and it is " big 'uns " we want and have. Well, we have a heavy crop of course, and have secured what runners are required for planting and forcing, and we cut up every other plant in the rows and clear the other of runners, making all neat and trim. Weeds and runners only trouble us further untU autumn, and then in October or November comes the top-dressing as a year previously with short about half-decayed manure, and the following season we have a hea^^y crop, and clear them off the ground after fruiting, and crop with any winter greens we want. We plant about half the ground under Strawberries every year, and have in return plants a year and two years old, longer than which it is not profitable to continue them. The one-year-old plants will be the staple for dessert, whilst the two-year-old will give some for that purpose and later, and an immensity for the still-room or preserving. The laying in pots may be considered a trouble, but it is not too great for plants intended to perfect then- fruit in pots, and why should a httle extra trouble be grudged over those intended to be fruited in the open air ? or is not a crop of fruit the first year equal to what is gained from plants left to root as they may, planted some time in summer or autumn, will give the second year, worth striving for ? Late planting of self-rooted runners in any soil means loss of a year's crop ; for in a strong soil, as in a light, early-planted early-rooted run- ners will give their finest fruit the first year. Another plan which answers well with me is to plant out the plants which have been forced in rows 2 feet apart and 18 inches asunder in the rows. They never fail to fruit heavily the following season, after which they should be cleared off. I have, however, kept them a second season with satisfactory results. Runners are never taken of plants other than thoso fruiting, thereby securing fruitful plants. Any not show- ing fruit should be rooted out and replaced by fruitful plants from pots, which is easily done when plants are forced. If laying in pots be an objection strips of No. niC— Vol. LIV., Old .Seeies. 438 JOUSNiL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1875. tnrf, cnt 4 inches -wide and 3 inches deep, laid between the rows grase-eide downward, the runners pegged to the centre 4 inches distance apart, and in three weeks cut equidistant between the plants, and planted they are as good or better than from potg. Or if turf may not be had, firm the soil be- tween the rows, every other only, and peg the runners 4 inches distance apart, a row up the centre, and in three weeks thrust a trowel all around each plant about 2 inches from it and lift with a ball, planting and watering well, and little check will be experienced. The kinds I have reduced to are Keens' Seedling — that form of it and Sir Harry some time since going as Hooper's Seed- ling, which crops heavily; it is very dark in colour when fully ripe, ovate in form, and in large fruit cockscomb -shaped. I have had fruit of it 2 ozs. in weight and ten and twelve to a pound. This Keens' Seedling, still for all purposes unsurpassed, is our first early, and never fails, but is good for nothing after the second year. Black Prince I have let die-out, for though it cropped heavily its size was objected to. It does exceedingly well in light soO. giving nice early fruit for dessert and abundance for preserving. Sir Joseph Paxton is the handsomest of all Strawberries, ard excellent. La Grosse Sneree is free in growth and bearing, not unlike Duo de Malakoff, but inferior to it for flavour. Of Sir Charles Napier we retain a few, also Oscar, but few they will remain. Due de Malakoiit follows Keens' Seedling, preceding or with President, and is of a dwarf compact growth, and, considering the size of the berries, prolific. The fruit is very large, cocks- comb-shaped if the fruit be at all large, good specimens being frequently 2 ozs. weight (I have had some close upon 4 ozs.), eight and ten to a pound — in one instance six, and though monsters, they are not coarse, or hollow or flavourless ; for it is a characteristic of this kind that the fruit, however large and when forced, is always high-flavoured, surpassed by none except British Queen, and approached by no other large kind except Frogmore Late Pine. From its very dark-red colour it is not a showy fruit, and the colour pervading the flesh, as well as externally, is not by some liked ; but as fruit is grown to be eaten, its juicy, sweet, and rich flavour wiU overcome ■objection to colour. President, though a strong grower, crops ■well, and stands ■wet uncommonly well ; but drought in close quarters causes it to mildew. The fruit is large — ten and twelve to a pound in good examples ; the heaviest I ever had weighed 2 ozs., and many H and IJ ozs. Taken all in all it is the best of all Strawberries for a light soil and for forcing. Lucas, with its dwarf compact growth, fine fruit, and free- bearing, is one of the very best ; but it and Duo de Malakofl occasionally have the plants going off from canker, also Dr. Hogg, which is not, however, serious, unless the plants are -continued beyond two years. Helcne Gloede I have added, in ■view of a late kind superior to Frogmore Late Pine. To weed-out for a light soil I would leave — 1, Keens' Seed- ling, with a few La Grosse Sacree and Sir Joseph Paxton ; 2, Duo de Malakoff for its size and flavour; 3, President; 4, Lucas ; and 5, Huline Gloede ; and to still further reduce to two. Keens' Seedling and President, ■which for general useful- ness are not yet beaten. — G. Abbey. HAEDY HEATH CULTURE. Of these there are now rather an extensive collection, and among them are some of great beauty. All are interesting, even the common Erica vulgaris when seen in quantity as on the mountains and moors about the month of August, impart- ing a rich purple glow to all around. Erica cinerea and E. tetralix, with their bell-shaped flowers, furnish us with a pleaiing diversity to the vulgaris section, while the Menziesias are charming evergreen shrubs of low stature, worthy of more extended cultivation, and which cannot fail to please any who may commence their cultivation. The cost of these plants is very trifling, and they are easily procured with the exception of M. CiErulea, which is rather rare. M. polifolia alba, M. p. ntropurpurea, and M. empetritolia (the la=t-named being of dwarf habit) are very suitable for making individual beds or planting as edgings to beds of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, or, in fact, any of the peat earth plants ; or if planted in connection with rockwork they are of rare beauty, and are invaluable for Buoh work. All are of easy culture, not requiring after being carefully planted any special attention. No doubt the native soil of the hardy as well as all other Heaths is peat, but, to those unable to procure such, a soil can be made up to grow hardy Heaths perfectly if leaf or any other well-decayed vegetable mould can be procured, and to this add about an equal quantity of any ordinary free garden soil, with a fair sprinkling of sand to allow the moisture to pene- trate freely into the soil, and prevent it from becoming hard, sodden, and sour, as it would have a tendency to do if no sand were used. The plants will flourish in such a mixture in the greatest luxuriance. I have always found that it was of the greatest benefit to them to have an annual top-dressing of about 2 inches of leaf mould, which not only assists in pre- venting excessive evaporation, but supplies the plants with an ingredient into which their tender and hair-like roots run with the greatest avidity. If it is desirable at any time to in- crease the stock nothing can be more simple: merely add more sand to the existing leaf mould, into which peg the shoots, when they will very soon emit roots in abundance. The winter-flowering properties of E. herbaoea carnea very properly make it an especial and general favourite, while the varieties of E. vagans are best for autumn-blooming — indeed, almost the whole season some of the species are in flower. I name a few of the various sections that I consider specially worthy of cultivation in addition to those named above : — Ericas vulgaris alba, Allportii, anrea, coccinea dumosa, Ham- mondii, rigida, Searlei, Lawsoniana ; E. cinerea, varieties alba, atropurpurea, coccinea, and rosea; E. tetralix, varieties alba and rubra ; E. vagans, varieties alba, carnea, and rubra, aa well as E. ciliaris and the varieties of mediterranea. — J. B. S. ROSE ELECTION.— No. 2. The following lists show how the electors voted : — Mr. Henry Curtis (Cartis, Saudlord, Jt Co.), Devon F.osery, Torquay. 1. Marqaise de CaeteUane Capitfline Chribty 3. Louis Van Houtte 4. Comtesse d'Osford 5. Ferdinand de Lesseps t>. Catherine Merniet 7. Mdlle. Eug'iiie VerJier 8. Marie Van Hontto 9. Soupert et Netting (Moss) 10. Thomas Mills 11. Francois Michelon 12. Etienne Levet 13. Princecs Beatrice 14. Paul Ni-Ton 15. Madame Berard 16. Madame Nachnry 17. Hippolvte -Tamain 18. Reynolds Hole 19. .Tean Ducher 20. Marie Guillot 21. liiichess of Edinburgh 22. Earon de Bonstetteu 23. Bouquet d'Or 24. Bessie Johnson 25. Belle Lyonnaisa Mr. Cranston, King' a Acre, Hereford. Anguste Neumann IS. L'Espcrance Comtesse d'Oxtord 14. Le Havre Louis Van Houtte 15. Louisa Wood Paul N.ron 16. Annie Laiton Marquise de Castellano 17. Rpynolds Hole Capltaine Lamure 18. Madame 0. Schwartz Capitaine Christy 19. Madame Chate Mdlle. EugfDie Verdier 20. Malame Marius Cota Etienne Levet 21. Mdlle. Marie Cointet Sir Garnet Wolseley 22. Belle Lyonnaise Madame Lacharme 23. Perle des Jardina Marie Van Houtte 24. Frani:ois MicheloQ 25. Princess Beatrice Mr. Georoe Peince, Capitaine Christy Catherine Mermefc Etienne Levot Fraui.-ois Michelon Hippolvte Jamain Louis Van Houtte "Madame Hippolyte .Tamain Mdlle. Marie Fioger Mdlle. Marie Coiutet IMiirie Van Houtte Perle des Jardicis Marquise de Castellano Martefc Street, Osford. 13. Ausmste Kigotard 14. Anna Ollivier 15. ComtesHe d'Oxford 16. Claude Levet 17. Edward Morren 18. Etienne Dupny 10. Madame Lacharme 20. Madame Caroline Kuster 21. Madame G. Schwartz *22. Madame Xachury 23. Pauline Talabot 24. Souvenir de Spa 25. Thomas Mills Mr. G. Wheeler, Louise Van Houtte Etienne Levet Comtesse d'Oxford Catherine Mermet Capitaine Christy Paul Neron F^an^•oi8 Coartin Duchess of Edinborgh, h.p. Ftlicien David Thomas Mills Edward Morren Madame Itival Verne Warminster. 13. Souvenir de J. Gould Veitch 14. Lyonneis 15. Ferdinand de Lesseps 16. F^an^■oiP Michelon 17. M.llle. M. Cointet 18. Audrr Dunand 19. Madame G. Schwartz 20. Madame Bellon 21. Jean Dalmais 22. Auguste Rigotard 23. Jean Gros 24. Pierre Seletsky 25. Matqoise de Castellane Mr. EiCHABD Smith, Worcester. , Dupuy-Jamain 4, Ferdinand de Lesseps , Edward Morren 5. Louis Van Houtte . Fran>:ois Michelon 6. Marquise de Castellane November 18. 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTXAGE GARDENER. 439 7. H, ■J. 10, 11, 12. 13. 11, 15. I. 2. fl. 4. 6. 6. 7. 8. t). 10. 11. 12. 3. 4. .5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. IG. Star of Waltliam 17. UeyuoUlrt lloto IR. KichariJ Wallace 19. Madamo Nachnry 20. Mtllle. Mario Finger 21. llippolyte Jamain 22. Eli^e linllle Anna OlUvier 23. Emilie HauBberg Annie Laxton 24. Piichess of Edinburgh, n.P. Sir Garnet Wolseley 25. Capitaiue Christy Mr. Bennett, Manor Farm Nursery, Stapleford, Wilton. Mdlle. Eng.uie Verdier Etlenne Levet Madorao Lacbarme Perlo dert .Tardins Marie A'an tinntte "Perfection de Monplaisir Perle des Jardina Etienne Levet Frani^oi-^ I\Tif^hGlon DncbeRa of Edinburgh, n.P. Catherine Mermet Belle Lvonnftise Marie Ouillot Mdlle. M. Cointet fthe very best) Marquit^e de Castellane Mdlle. Enc'iie Verdier Louis Van TXoutte Starof ■Waltham 13. Baron de Bonatetten 14. AugQste Rigotard ir*. Marie Opoix 16. Marie Van Houtte', 17. Capitaiue Cbritity 15. ComtesfiB d'Oxford 19. Madame Hippolyte .TamaiU 20. - - - 21. Jladame Lacharmel Paul Ni ron Souvenir de Paul Neron 23. Thomas Mills 24. Madame Caraille 25. HippoUte Jamain Mr. CffARLES Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slongh. 13. Ferdinand de LossepS 14. Princess Beatrice 15. Sir Ganiet Wolseley Ifi. Marie Guillot 17. Marie Van Houtts IH. Mdlle. Marie Cointet 19. Perle des .Tardins 20. Capitaine Christy 21. Madame Berard 22. Edward Morreu 23. Le Havre 24. I^aul N' ron 25. Roya! Standard Mr. George Cooling, Eatheaaton Nurseries, Bath. ComtGSse d'Oxford Rev. J. B. Ciimm CatlieriuG Merroet Frfin(;ois Mirhelon John Stuart Mill Etienne Levet Mis9 Hasaard Belle Lyonnaise Lonis ^'an Houtte Miirquise de Castellane MdUe. Euginie Verdier Madame Hippolyte .Jamain Louis Van Houtte Marqai?e de Castellane Comtesse d'Oxford Capitaine Christy Frani-ois Michelon Madame Hippolyte Jamain Reynolds Hole Mdlle. Euc'nie Verdier Mdlle. M:irie Cointet Etienne Levet Marie Guillot Madame G. Schwartz 13. Paul NCron 14. Soupert et Netting (Moss) 1.5. Arthur Dickson 16. Marie Finder 17. Fiani,'ds Courtin 18. Madame Hunnebelle 19. Madame Lacbarme 20. Catherine Mermet 21. Capitaiue Lamura 22. Belle Lynnnaise 23. Marie Van Houtte 24. Perle dea Jardins 25. Souvenir de Spa Messrs. Ewing & Co., Norwich. Marquise de Cftstellane ComtesBG d'Oxford Louis Van Houtte Catherine Mermet Mary Turner Buhamcl Dumonceau Cheshunt Hybrid Capitaine Christy Mdlle. Eue-nie Verdier Marie Guillot Perle dea Jardins Mdlle. Marie Finger Mr. Ben.tamin R, Cant, St. Comtease d'Oxford Capitaine Christy Frani;oi8 Michelon Etienne Levet MarquiRB do Castellane Ijouis Van Houtte Mdlle. Enccnie Verdier Btar of Waltham Thoraas Mills Catherine Mermet Marie Van Houtte Perle des Jardins 13. Reine Blanche 14. Eliza Borlle 15. Ferdinand de Lesseps 16. Annie Laxton 17. Madame Genrpe Schwartz 18. Madame Jules Mar;;;ottin 19. Madame Lacbarme 20. Reynolds Hole 21. Souvenir de Roman Desprey 22. Perle de Lyon 23. Madame Caroline Kuster 24. Peach Blosaom 25. Soupert et Netting (Moss) John Street Nursery, Colchester. 13. CbeBhnut Hybrid 14. Sir Garnet Wolseley 15. Madame Caroline Kuster 16. Madame Lachanne (for pota) 17. Hippolyte Jamain 18. Ferdinand de Lesseps 19. Claude Levet 20. Antoine Mouton 21. Etienne Bupny 22. Misa Hassard 23. Princess Beatrice 24. Pencil Blossom 25. St. George Mr. H. Blandford, Dorset Nuraeries, Blandford. 4. 5. 6. 7. K 9. 10. 11. 12. Anguate Ritrotard Comtesse d'Oxford Catherine Blennet Capitaine Christy Etienne Levet Louis Van Houtte Marquise de Castellane Mdlle. Eugtnie Verdier Mdlle. Marie Finger Mdlle. Marie Cointet Marie Guillot Perle dea Jardins Mr. J. BtTBBELL, Louis Van Houtte Etienne Levet Franc;oi8 Michelon Capitaine Christy Ferdinand de Leaaeps 13. Perle de Lyon 14. RLve d'Or 15. President Thiers 16. Princeps Beatrice 17. Madame Ci>cile Berthed 18. Madame Lacbarme 19. Madame G. Schwartz 20. Frani^ois Michelon 21. Ferdinand do Lessepa 22. Eliza Boi lie 23. Baron de Bonstctten 24. Abbr Branimerel 25. Auguste Neumann Heighington, Darlington. 6. Reynolds Hole 7. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 8. Hippolyte Jamain 9. Cheshunt Hybrid 10. Comtesse d'Oxford 11. Marquiae de Castellane 12. Mdlle. EugL-nie Verdier 13. Mdlle. Marie Cointet 14. Mdlle. Marie Fingerj 15. Aufjuste Rigntai'd 16. Annie Laxton 17. Marie Van Houtte Mr. R. W. Beachey 1. Louis Van Houtte 2. Comtesse d'Oxford S. Ferdinand de Lesseps 4. Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier 5. Marquise de Castellane 6. Catherine Mermet 7. Frani;ois Michelon 8. Etienne Levet 9. Marie Van Houtte 10. Thomas Mills 11. Capitaine Christy 12. Le Havre 1. Marquise de Castellane 2. Comtesse d'Oxford 3. Ferdinand de Lesseps 4. Louis Van Houtte 5. Fran<;oi3 Michelon 6. Thomas Mills 7. Miller Hayes 8. Etienne Levet' 9. Capitaine Clu-isty 10. Catherine Mermet 11. Marie Van Houtte 12. Mdlle. Eug5". Now, that is a temperature which will admit of beiu;,' placed in the conservatory many attractive plants. Poinsettias, Gesnenis, many Orchids, Epiphyllums, Eucharises, Uesonias, with such oruamental-foliaged plants as Palms, Coleuses, even DraciF/nas, and most of the choice Ferns may all be placed in structure, having for its minimum the teraperatiu-e above named. Furthermore, tho same temperatm-e will be en- durable by Cyclamens, Mignonette, Primulas, and Cinerarias, only they would not last so loo^' in beauty as in a cooler house, and larger stocks would require to be grown. The same remark applies to Roses, Azaleas, Deutzias, Hpirrcas, and almost all winter and spring-llowering plants, and we are not certain that it would really injure Camellias in pots, but if planted-out we should consider it too exciting, and if a house had been kept cold and was suddenly raised 10- or 15- there would be danger of the buds dropping. Vines for Glazed Verandah (W. C. F.).— There is no saying how many Vines you will have accommodation for, as you say the house is 40 to 50 feet long. We will take it at the latter, which will give you room for Vine rods at 4 feet distances, and we should train each Vine with two rods, planting from eai!h end 4 feet, aud the Vines afterwards 8 feet apart. We should cut each Vine back to a foot of its base, and when the eyes break select two shoots of equal strength, aud train to the right aud left respectively for 2 feet, and then upright, and up to the top of the roof. You will require six Vines, and these may be two Black Hamburgh, one Trentham Black, one Duke of Buccleuch, one Foster's Seedling, and one Buckland Sweetwater. Plant in spring, when the Vines are beginning to grow. Transplanting Manetti Stocks— Briars and Roses (St. Edmund).— Transplant now oreai-ly in December, and plant firmly. The Briar stocks require no preparation, only to he cut with about 4 to 6 inches of root stem, and planted at once in good rich rather strong soil. Now is a preferable tune to plant Roses than spring. The buds recently started into growth will, should we have severe weather, from then- unripe growth be liable to sufter, but you may protect them by a Uttla dry hay wrapped lightly around them, remoriog in mild weather. Raising Briar Stocks from Seed {R. B.).— Sow the seed now, or you may keep the heps in sand until spring, and now, or then, dividing the heps intii as many parts as there are divisions sow in drills about an inch deep and (5 inches apart, and cover with liue soil. Tho seeds should be scattered about an inch apart. Some of the plants will t_-ome up the first year, but a majority not until the second, taking-up the growth of each year in autumn after the leaves have fallen, planting 6 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart, and the following season many if not all will be fit for budding as dwarfs. Trees in Orchard House (I/K/Kirt-r).- We should prune the trees as soon as the loaves have fallen, and as the trees are planted out remove the surface soil without disturbing tho roots, giving a top-dressing "2 or 3 inches thick of equal parts of turfy loam and rotten dung, making it firm. Remove the Vines if they are likely to shade the trees. " Hints on Orchard Houses " may be useful to you. It may be had free by post from our office for 2s. 74(^ Prar and Apple Trees Unfruitful lldciii),~The soil is evidently coor. Burning tho clay and mixing it with the soil with a liberal dressing of manure would improve it. Mulching around the trees as far as the roots extend with :^hort half-rotten manure would attract the roots to the surface, and tho trees would be more healthful and fruitful. Erratum.— In the article on Clapp's Favourite Pear, on p. 897, second paragraph, for "last year" read "last used," my object being to show the continuance in season of the kinds nanaed, and not the ripening of last year.— G. A. Keeping Fruit (Mechanic). — It may be true that the old gardeners took prizes for two years and for three years with the same Apples, their mode of preserving them being among dried sand in air-tight jars covered with bladder, but the judges could not have tasted the fruits. Dwarf Roses in Greenhouse (A Sji/i.).- We should not advise you to plant 80 close as you intended: 18 inches is much too near for Rose trees. In a border 32 feet long and 10^ wide we should not recommend more than ten, or at the outside twelve, in the length, and tliree, or if both sides are quite free, possibly fiuir rows in width, but 3 feet is generally better than 2| feet. We should recommend all on Manotti, planting twelve sorts, two and two, in the two back rows, and twelve kinds of Teas in the front row. This would give thirty-six trees — i.e., three rows of twelve each, planted first Teas 2 feet from edge of border, then two rows of Hybrid Perpetuals, the last being 2^ from the vinery. Varieties — llijhrid Perprtuah : Charles Lefobvre, John Hopper, Alfred Colomh, Marie Baumann, Marquise do Castellane, Mar- guerite de St. Amand, Princess MaiT^ of Cambridge, Victor Verdier, Countess of Oxford, La France, Bar()neps Rothschild, Boule de Neige, to which you may add Dupuy-lamain, Emihe Hausburg, Mdlle. Eng-nie Verdier. Dr. Andry. Teas: Madame Wilteriiioz, Souvenir d'un Ami, Adam; Gloire de Dijon, La Belle Lyonnaise. Celine Forestier (Noisette) — these three arc strong growers; Catherine Mermet, Madame de Vitry, Cheshunt Hybrid, Souvenir d'Elise, Madame Bra vy, Marie Sisley, and for a wall Marechal Niel. Defei t in Heating (L. F. G.).— We fail to detect any defect in tho arrangement of the flow and return pipes, and as you complain of an insuffi- ciency of beat we conclude you have too little piping, necessitating the driving of the fire, and causing much of the heat to pass away by tho chim- ney. Not knowing the size of the houses and the quantity of piping we are unable to arrive at an opinion. Wintering Fuchsias (L. H.).— They will not pass the winter safely in a cold frame unless covered with straw or other protective material, so as to exclude frost. They require to be kept dry, but not so as to caase the wood to shrivel, and if in a temperature of from 40- to 35" all the better ; they will endure 45- without being unduly excited into growth. HlPPEASTHUM reticulata STRIATIFOLIA TREATMENT (Q. I> (.S,S ).— The offset s'iut us is of the above, and is very pretty were it mUy from the clear white baud in the centre of each leaf, but it has iu addition rose-coloured llowcrj with white network, which aie produced in early summer. The plant ought niiw to be kept on a shelf near the glass, and without water or only so much as to keep the leaves from flagging, and this should be continued until it again commences to grow, when water should be given more freely, and copiously when in free growth both at the roots and overhead, continuing it until the growth is complete, and then reduce it, placing the plant in a light position, giving water only to keep from flagging, but not drying-off. Potting is best done when the plant is in free growth, and keeping under rather than overpotted, being careful not to iojare tho ro:jts. It is a stove plant. Repotting Azaleas and Rhododendrons (A Siihscribir).—']Lho plants being intended for forcing ought not to be repotted until they have flowered. The most likely cause of the leaves falling is want of water, the check having been given some time ago, rather than a few degrees of frost, though that would be sufficient to induce their falling. Hydrangeas, Myrtles, and Cytisus may, if kept dry aud the pots protected from fro.-t so that the roots are not affected by it, be wintered in a greenhouse without lire heat, but they are better kept in a house from which frost is excluded, for in very severe weather the plants often suffer and are sometimes killed. Poinsettias Losing their Leaves {A Coit.itant Rtadrr). — Tho plants being allowed to become very dry at the beginning of September, and also being old, we are not surprised at their losing tho old leaves, which old plants usually do. They do not at any time require heavy watering, only to be kept regularly moist, with a moderately moist well-ventilated atmosphere. The temperature (60 — 70-), is rather high, 5^ less would be better. The loss (tf roots we should attribute to the keeping of the plants dry and the subsequent moisture. AU peat soil is not good. Good fibrous loam three parts, one part old cow dung, and a part leaf soil or sandy peat, and a sixth of silver sand is a preferable compost. Training Wall Pear Trees {Kitl'i). — Nothing is more easy than to train wall trees on what is termed by gardeners the horizontal system, but the foundation must be laid when the trees are young. To make a handsome specimen of your tree it ought to be cut down to within 18 inchos of the ground, and the two side branches should be cut back to tho bifurcation. If you do not hke to cut it down, then the branches marked b and h must be raised higher, allowing about 9 inches between tho lowest pah" and those above, g must be brought down to c, and be out back to 6 inches. F and d must also be brought opposite each other, and the leading growth to be cut back to tHnches. As soon as one pair of brtiuchcs is formed the leader mast either he cut or stopped at 9 inches above them, ho that another pair may be formed, and this is carried on until the wall is covered ; if any side branches (as some have done on your tree), should grow too strong for the others they must be stopped. Aphis on Fruit Trees (L. I. K.). — The trees being unnailed from tho wall, leafless and pruned, dress the trees with o composition formed of 8 ozs. of soft soap thoroughly dissolved in a gallon of tobacco juice, and with this thoroughly apply to every part with a brush, reaching well into every crack, angle, and crevice, taking care not to dislocate the buds. As you allude to "fungus'" the trees maybe infested with mildew, in which case ad i to the above-named compound of soft soap aud tobacco juice, sulphur and soot in equal proportions, so as to forma compositiim of the consistency of paint, and apply with a brash. We know of no " now remedy " for the Potato disease to be apidied at the time of planting, and have no faith in such nostrums. The long Pear is Van Mons Leon Leclerc ; tho round green one Susette de Bavay. The two long green Pears we not know. Insects on Geraniums (E. M. P.). — We do not think you have rod spider at all. If you have it upon such plants as Geraniums iu a greenhouae it will soon disappear with syringing every morning with water only. It is more likely to be thrips, and those you may destroy by fumigation with tobacco, selecting a calm evening for the operation, having the foliage of the plants dry, and with the house shut-up close, filUng it with tobacco smoke so that a plant cannot bo seen from the outside through the glass. Do not remove the plants and burn sulphur iu the house, but send us a leaf or two infested vriih the insects, and we may probably tell you what they are and what remedy to apply. Pine Plants Infested with White Scale {A Comtani Rt-adcr).'- Take of tobacco juice a gallon, and in this dissolve 1 lb. of soft soap and 1 lb. of gum arable, adding when thoroughly dissolved a wineylassful of November 18, 1875. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 451 spirits of tnrpentine, and apply the mistnre with a brush to the leaves and every part iafented, haviog the litiu'.l well stin-ed and mised, and applied at a teinperftturo of 120- to 13U-, aoa this will remove or amother the scale, and after twelve hours the plants should be thoroughly syringed with clean wat*ir also at a temperature of 120- to 130\ If the ecale infcHtii the base of the leavey it is best to place the plantH infested in a frame over a bod of hot dung, the frame being full nf vapnur from the hot dung, and the lieat not exceeding lOU, and the plants placed therein (or twelve hoars aud matted over, and upon their removal from the frame syringed with a solution of soft soap, 4 ozs. to a gallon of water, applied at a temperature of 120 ^ the plants will in all probability be cleared of the pest, or it may b9 necessary to repeat the treatment. Any hotbed of hot dung in readiness for Cucumbers, &c., before the soil is put on the bed, the bed being made up of sweetened dung, will answer, and as yours are suckers it may be the readiest mode foryou to adopt. Temperatdre for Plants in Winter (Donna ,? Cochins (Whitel.-Coclt.-l, H. Tomlinson. 2, T. H. Waterman. 3, R. P. Percival. vhe. Capt. G. F. Talbot. )ic, J. Bloodworth. J. H. NicoUs. COCHINS (White).-Hc7l.-1 and Cup, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, W. A. BumeU. S, Capt. G. F. Talboi. i-hc.Mra. A, Tindal. ftc, Mrs. J. T. Holmes, Capt. G. F. 456 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1875. Talbnt, W. 'Whitworth, Jan., R. S. S. 'Woodgate, G. H. Proctor, R. A.Boiasier. c, J. Turner, R. A. Boiasier. Cochins (White).— CocA-crf I.— l.H.Toniliiison. 2,M.Leno. S,A.F. Faolkner. c, R. A. Boiesier. Cochins tWhite).— Pullet.— I, J. K. Fowler. 2, "W. A. Bumell. 8, Mrs. A. Tindal. he. J. Bloodworth. Cochins (Black).— 1. 1.atly Gwydyr. 2, A. Parbv. 3, G. Fortev. CocHiNB (Black).— CocAr^e^—l, Cnp, and 2, A. Darby. 3, W. Badger, he, T. A&pden. Cochins (Black).— Pw^Iff.—l, J. Turner. 2, T. Aepden. 3, A. Darby, ftc, Lady Gwjdyr. e, E. Kendrick.jun., Miss E. Maneel, G. D. Harrieon. Cochins {Any variety).- 1, Mrs. J. T. Holmep. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. 8, C. SidKwick. 4. W. A. Burnell. vhc, Capt G F. Talbot, he, G. Shrimptou, W. A. Bmnell, P Ogilvie, W.A.Taylor, H. Tumlineon, R. P. Percival, T. M. Derry, C. Can-, Mrs. A. Tindal, Capt. G. F. Talbut, T. J. Saltmarsh, (J. Bloodworth. C, M. R. Smith, G. Ellis. Brahmas (Dark).— t'0'*A".— 1 and Cap, Rev. G. Watson. 2, E. Kendrick.jun. 3, G F. Ansdt-II. 4, Horace I.ingwood. 5, Hon. Mrs. B. Hamilton, he, K. P. Percival, Horace Linpwood, W. Dorchester, L. WriRht, T. F. Anedell. c, Miss E. C. Shnter, Dr. J. Holmes. Bbahmas (Dark) .— £/<■".- 1, Cup, and4, T. F. Ansdell. 2 end 3. Rfv. J. D. Peake. 5, F. Holbrook. vhc, Horace Lingwond. hc,G. Maples, jnn.. L. 0. C. K. Nnrrii^, F. Bonnet. Newnham & Manty, L. Wright, J. Way. c, E. Pritchard, J. H. Pickles, W. Dorchester. Brahmas (Dark).— Corfc^rff.— 1, Cap, 2, and 6, Horace Lingwood. 3, Hon. Miss D. Pennant. 4, F. Bennett. 5, .1. Rimmer. 7, W. R. Garner. 8, H. Feast. 9. R P. Percival. 10, T. Pomfret he, E. Pritchard, Hon. Mrs. B. Hamilton, E. Ryder, W. A. Peel, Dr. G. A. Ainger, — Mouleon. c, L.Wright, B. B. Glover, Rev. J. Richardsrtn. Brahmas tJ^Rrk).— Cockerel— I, Horace LinpTvood. 2, Hon. Mrs. B. Hamil- ton. 8, Hon. Miss D. Pennant. 4, S. Lloyd. 5, J. Brookwell. ftc, L. C. 0. R. Korris. c, T Pomfret, Horace Lingwood, J. Harvey, Bl. Leno. Brahmas iDark).— Pullet.— 1, (.up. and 5, R. P. Percival. 2, W. R. Gamer. S and lit, Horace Lingwood. i, Hon. Mrs. B. Hamilton. 5. i;. P. Percival. 6, Newnham & Manby. 7. Dr. .1. Holmes. S, J. .Swan. 9. E. Kendrick, jun. vhe. E. Pritchard. N'ewnham & Manbv, W. Birch, R. B. Wood, F. Bennett, K. Rvder, L.Wright, he, J, Kvans, F. Bennett Hev. T. C. Peake, L. W-iRht, E. Diirand, Hon. Miss D. Pennant. T. F. Anadell, Rev. G. W. Joyce, Rev. J. D. Peake, Horace Ungwond, W. Dorchester, T. Wakefield, Dr. J. Holmes, E. Kendrick, jnn.. Rev. A. Van Stranl'enzee, G. D. Harrison, R. P. Percival, S. Allaway. jun., R. B. Wood, .1. Hill, Hon. Mrs. B- Hamilton, N. Fd;/hill, P. Ogilvie, T. Pye. c. Miss E. C. Sehutt-r, F. Bennett, Ncwuh:im &. Manby, L. C. C. R. Norrls. P, Le Siieur, Mrs. GriRgs. E. Durand. Brahmas (Dark).— 1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2. H. Beldon. 3. W. H. Crabtree. 4, T. F. Ansdell. 5. W. H. Ward. G. R. P. Percival. he. Miss E. C. Schuter, G. Maples, jun., J. Swan, c, Mrs. J. G. Bepburn, Hon. Mrs.B. Hamilton, J.Lyon, Rev. J. D. Peake. Bbahmas (Light).— Coet.—l and Cnp, R. E. Horsfall. 2, R. P. Percival. S. P. Haines. 4. J. Bloodworth. 5. Mrs. W. C. Drummond. he, R. Bird, Dr. G. A. Angler, R. E. Horsfall. H. Lingwood, P. Haines, c, D. Hare. Brahmas (Light).— Ht-n.—l and Cup, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2. S. Sambrooke. 3, P. Haines. 4, J. Turner. 5, Rev. G. Watson, he, S. Lucan, Mrs. Peet, Rev. G. WatFOn, S. H. LloTd, Mrs. E Hcyn, Horace Lingwood, Mrs. J. T. Holmes, W. H. Crabtree, T. A. Dean. F. Crook, c, J. Long. Bpahmas (Light).— Cocfccr^;.-! and Cup. R. E, Horsfall. 2 and 10. T. A. Dean, a, S.Wadlev. 4. Capt. W. >=avile. 5, S. Lucas. 6, H-race Lingwood. 7, J. Turner. 8, H. Stephens. 9. J. T. Hincks. he, R Bird, Mrs. Peet. Brahmas (Light) —Pullet.— I and tup, Capt. W. Savile. 2, Dr. G. A. Anjrier. R. G W Ppttpr. 4. J. Birch, jun. 5 an-1 R. Horace Lingwood. 6, C. H. Wake- field. 7. R. E. liurafall. 9. Mrs. A. Tindal. 10, Mrs G. Bftin. /ic, Capt. W. Savile, E. S. Cadman, R. Bird. Dr. G. A. Angier, G. W. Petter. H. Stephens, Mrs. J. Walph. R. J. Foster, J. Bentou, P Haines, J. C. Harrison. C. B Lufidy. c, B. J. Lesslie, G. W. Petter, C. Martin, J. J. Hewitt, Mrs. Peet, J. W^iddowson, K. J. Foster. T. A. Dean. Brahmas (Light).— 1, G.W. Fetter. 2 and 5, Capt. W. Savile. 8, R. P. Perci- val. 4. Mrs. A. Tindal. 6, Mrs. F. Cheshire, vhe, S. Lucas, he, F. Cleaver, P. Haines. Rev, G. Watson, M. Hedley, E. Mannoch. T. A. Dean. Spanish.— CocA:,—l and Cup, D. M. Mills. 2, Mrs. AUdopp. 3, F. Waller. he. T. Moore. Spanish.— Hfn.—l. E. Jackson. 2, J. Thresh. 3, J. Walker. SpwiBU.—Coekercl—l and Cup, A. Howes. 2 and 3, G. K. Chilcott. he, 3. Walker, P. F- Le Sueur. Spanish.- PiW/<(—l, Mrs. AHaopp. 2, H. Goddird. 3, W. Nottage. he, E: Jackson, J. T. Parker. J. Bonlton, H. Godd:ird. G. K. ( 'bilcott. HocDANS.- Cotffc.— 1 and Extr.i, R. B. Wood. 2. W. H. Copplestone. 3. J. Swan, vhc, R. B. Wood, W. (j. Qnibell. he, C. Morris, W. O. Qaibell, W. Whit- worlb. jun. c, G. D. Harrison, W. Cutlack, Jan., Mrs. Valiance, W. Dring, G. W. Hibbert. HouDANs.— 77pj7.— 1 and 2, Mrs. Valiance. 3, C. Morris, r'lc G. D. Harrison. he, W. Dring, D. Lane, W. O. Quibell, S. W. Thomas, c, P. Hanson, Mrs. N. Grenville. 'EorDLSn —Cockerel.— I, W. O. Quibell. 2 and i^hc, R B. Wood. 3, J. K. Fowler. 4. G. D. Harrison, he, D. Lane, W. O. Quibell. F. Warde. W. Dring. c, R. A. Boissipr, W. A. Peel, W. Dring, G. W. Hibbert, W. Whitw-.rth, jiin. HornANS.-P»;/ef.— 1 and Cup, Mrs. Valiance. 2. K. B. Wood. 3, W. H. Copplestone. 4, D. Lane, vhc, W. O. Quibell. he, G. D. Harrison, W. H. Copplestone, W. 0. Quibell. e. J. K. Fowler, Miss E. Mansel, W. A. Peel. W. Dring. G. Berry, G. W. Hibbert. CntivE-CfKVHf.-Cock —I and Cap. G. W. Hibbert. 2, W. Cutlack, jun. 8, W. P.Park. vhe.MrB. Cross, W. H. Crabtree. ftc, W. Dring. F. L.ik'e, Miss A. Sharp, c. F. C. Bentinck, Hon. C. Parker. Miss E. Williams, W. Cutlack. jun, Creve-C(F.t!R8.— //ph.— 1. J. Swan. 2, Mrs. J. Wicks. 3. H. Grant, vhe. J. J. MaMen, Kev. J. G. B. Knitrht. H. Stephens, W. H. Crabtree. he. W. Dring, J. H. Nicholls, H"n. C. Parker, W. Cutlack, jun. c, G. W. Hibbert, Mrs. Cross, G. De Faye. W. Dring. H. Stephens. CRETE'CcEvna -Cockerfl—i, W. F. Upsher. 2, E. Bnrrell. 3, J. J. Maiden, vftc, W. Dring. hc,G W. Hilihert. P. F Le Sueur, c, H. Feast. CREYE'C(EfjR3.—Pullet.—l, J. J. Maiden. 2, W. Dring. 8. W. H. Crabtree. vhc. H. Stephens, he, W. F. Upsher, G. De Faye, W. H. Crabtree. c, W. Cut- lack, jun. Hambupghs (Golden-spangled).— Cocfc.—l and Cup, T. Blakcman. 2. G. & J. Duckworth. 3, H. Beldon. vhc, N. Marlor. he, J. Robinson, M. H. Broadhcad, Duke of Sutherlfind. H Pickles. Hambukghs (Golden-spangled).— Hcn.—l. H. Beldon. 2, J. Walker. 8, T. Blakeman. he, N. Marlor, J. Robinson, G. & J. Duckworth, H. Picklea. Hambcrohs (Silver-spanglf dl. -Cocfc — LDuke of Sutherland. 2, J. Carr. 8, H. Beldon. vhe. H. Pickles, he. W. R. Park, Miss E. Browne. Hambcrghs (Silvcr-spancled).— I/e?).— ]. W. K. Park. 2, H, Beldon. 8, H. Pickles, vhc, J. Carr. he, Asbton & Booth, Mips E. Browne. J. Carr. Hamburgh s (Golden-pencilled).— Cocfe— I.J.Walker. 2, H.Bel 'on, 8. Duke of Sutherland, he. G. & J. Duckworth, J. Webster. Mrs. G. M. Bolls. Hambdrghs (Golden-pencilled). -H('7i.—1, Cup, and 2, J. Walker. 3, C. Jud- BOn. vhc, Duke of Sntherland. he. H. Beldon. Hambdbghs (Silver-pencilled) —Cock.—\, Duke of Sutherland. 2, E. W. Bracewell. 3, H. Beldon. c, J. Webster, J. Long. Hambuhghh (-silver-pencilled) —Hf'K.—l, R. W. Bracewell. 2,F. W. Sl.'vnell. 8, Duke of Sutherland, vhc. J. Webster, H. Beldon. he, H. Pickles. G. Elho. Hambprghs (Black).- Coc^-.—l, J. Pickup. Jan. •'. Duke of Sutherland. 8, H. Beldon. ifh<^, C. F. ('opeman. 'ic. H. Robmaon, J. T Simpson. Hambukghs (Blauki.— //t-n — 1. H. Robinson. 2, H. Pickles. 3. H. Beldon. vhc, N. Marlor, J. Robinson, J. T. Simpson, he, C. D. Farrar, J. Swan. Game (Black Red) —Cock.—l, S. Matthew. 2, D. Barley. 3, W. J. Pope, he, E. G. Farquharaon, W. C. Phillips, W. Foster. Game (Black-Red).— Cocfcfrcl.—l and cup, S. Matthew. 2. W. Foster. 3, J. Westacott. 4. F. Sales, he, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton, T. Woods, J. Forsyth, G. F. Fit^-Werbert. Game (Black Red).— J7(!n or Pullet.— I and 3, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton. 2, S. Matthew. 4, W. J. Pope, tic, W. Smith, jun.. J. Nelson, J. Beattie, W. J. Pope. Game (Brown Red).— Code— 1, J. Cock. 2, D. Harley. 3, G. F. Ward, he, H. E. Martin, W. Perrin. c, J. Jeken. Game (Brown Red).— Cocfc^rei —1 and cup. H. E. Martin. 2. T. Burgess. 3 and 4, S. Matthew, he, J. Wood, C. H. AolfF. c. Robinson & Braitiiwaite, J. Forsyth. Gamf; (Brown Red). — Hen or PuUet—l and cup, H. E. Martin. 2, H. Lntan. 3. W. N. Wright. 4, f*. Matthew, vhc, C. H. Wolff, h^. T. Burgess, J. Wood, K. Payne. J. NelHon, W. C. i'hillipfl, J. Jeken, A, Cameron, S. Field. Game (Duckwing).— CocA;.— 1 and cap, H. E. Martin. 2, D. Harley. 3, R. Hawkins. Game (Duckwing).— Cocfterci.- 1, S. Matthew. 2 and 3, H. E. Martin, he, J. Forevth, H. C & W. J. M«8un, Hon and Kev. F. Dutton. Gamk (Duckwing). — Hen or Pullet.—l, S. Matthew. 2, F. Sales. 8, H. E. Martin, he, J. W. Fitch. Game (Pile).— C'ocfc or Cockerel— 1, R. Walker. 2 and 8, G. H. Fitz-Herbert, he, D. Harley. Game (Pile).— /T^rt oi-\Pullet —1 and 2, G. F. Fitz-Herbert. 8, R. Walker, he, H. C. & \V. J. Mason, J. btabler. Game (Black ur Brassy-VVmgedj.— Cocfc a;id h,en.—l, E. Kendriok, jao. 2 and 3, C. F. Montresor. Game (Any Variety).— Cocfc and Hen.—I, Hon. and Rev F. Dutton. 2, F. H. Wright. 8, H. Lotan. c. G. F. Ward, G. F. Fitz-Herbert, W. Perrin, J. Stabler. Malay.— CocA: anrf ffen—l and cup. J. Hinton. 2, T. Joint. 3,Rov. U. Fau-Ue. he. Miss A. Brooke, G. Burnell c, S. B. Perry. PoLi'-H (Golden-spangled) -Coek.~l and 3, A. & W. H. Silvpster. 2, T. Dean. he, P. Unsworth. G. W. Bouthby. H. Beldon, Rev. C. W. Shepherd. Polish (Golden-spungled). — H^/i.— 1 aud cup, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, T, Dean. 3, Rev. G. W. Shepherd, he, H. A. Clark, P. Unsworth, G. W. Boothby, H. Beldon, Kev. C. W. Shepherd. Polish (Silver-spangled).— CocA: —1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Elinton. 3, G. C. Adkina. c, C. Bloodworth, G. C. Adkina. Polish.— (Silver-apangled) —Hen.— I, 2 and 3, G. C. Atkins, he, W. R. Park, J. Hinton. H. Beldon, K. Lambert. G. C. Adkins, H. Beldon. c, J. K Miluer. Polish (Black or any other variety).— Cocfc.—l, T. P. Edwards. 2, P. Unsworth 3, A. Darby. Polish (Black or any other variety).— //en.-], A. Daiby. 2, T. Norwood. S, T. Dean. LEGHORNs(Brown).— land Cup, E.Brown. 2, S. L. Bradbury. 8,K.J. Foster. c, E. Mannoch. Leghorns ( White).-!. E.Burrell. 2 and 3, A, Ward. Andaldsians.-I, Extra, and 2, Miss M. Arnold. 3, W. Wildey. c, Mias M. Arnold; J. H. Fry. Silkies.— 1, H. Stephens. 2 and he, R. S. S. Woodgate. 8, A. Darby. e,Mrs. J. T. Holmes, S. P. Broad. Anycth^r Distinct Variety.— I, F. Blackwell. 9, T. Aspden. 3, T. A. Dean, 4, J. B. W. William?, vhc, S. R. Harris, he, Rev. N. J. Ridley, H. Pickles. Selling Class (Dorldngs, Brahmas. Cochino). — CocA:. — 1 and 4, W. H. Crabtree. 2, J. K. Fowler. S.J.Weston. 5, C. Sidg\vick. 6, G. Dowker. vhc, M. R. Smith, tie, Capt. W Savile. E. Pri^t-hard, Hon. Mrs. B. Hamilton. J. Swinson. P. Haines, M. Leno, L. G. W. Stiatford. B B. Glover, T.J. Saltmarsh, J. Swinson, Dr. G. A. Angier, H. Yardlev, Mrs. A. Tindal, F. Cleaver, G. Lamb, P. Ogilvie, J. Earle. G. E. Porter, J. LoVndes, Mrs. M. E. Shelley, Hon. Mrs. Colville, 0. Cork. J. E. PUin-im. G. Lamb, F. Bennet. Mrs. W. B. Lanfear. W. A. Burnell, W. H. Ward, G. W. Petter. c, S. Lucas, M. Ltno, W. Whitworth, Jan., W. Birch. _ Selling Class (Dorkings, Brahmas, Cochins).— Hen.— 1, H. Tomlinson. 2, F. Parlett. 3 and 4, Newnham & Manby. 6, F. Bennet. 6, T Sear, vhc, E. Pritchard. D. Young, J. Swinson, Mrs. J. G. Hepburn, Rev. G. Watson, M. R. Smith. W. E. Smifb. P. Ogilvie. he, W. R. Bull. S. Lucas. R. Bird. H. Verey, J. E. Pilgrim, Mrs. A. Tindal. C. Cork, F. Bennett, M. R. Smith, Capt. Hon. E. Digby, J. Clark. M. Leno. H. Storer, W, White, Mrs. J. G. Hepburn, W. J. Russell, H. Yar'lley. G. W. Petter, W.A.Euvnell. Rev. A. Van Straubenzee, Col. Haflsard. C.B., Capt. Hon. E. Digby, W. H. Crabtree, H. Feast, H. A. Rigg, J. Long. E. Fulton, G. E. Porter, Kev. T. G. Wilson, c, R. Bird, M. Leno, H. Yardley, T. J. Saltmarah, J. Bloodworth, B. W. Peel, R. J. Foster, C. Howard. Sflling Class (Dorkings, Brahmas, Cochins).— 1, T. Wakefield. 2, Miss E. C. Shnter. 8. B. Warner. 4, J. Hill. 5, W. R. Bull, tt, P. OgUvie. vliC. W. R. Garner, M. Leno. lie. M. R. Smith, E. Pritchard, Viscount Turnour, S. Lucas, Mrs. A. Christy. C. Bloodworth, L'r. G A. Angier. C. Carr, MibS Mill, T. M. Derry, G. W. Petter, J. P. Miller, e. Mrs. A. Tindal, H. Feast, Rev. T. G. Wilson, H. Vcrey, F. Bolbrook, Rev. W. Pearce. Selling Cla'^^m (Houdaus, Creve-Cceurs, or La FU^che) — CtiicA:.- 1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, Rev. W. Pearce. 3, Kev. C. C. Ewbank. 4, 3. Stephens, he, J. Walker. J. Chieman. Mrs. Cross, W. Dring. A. Godson, J. J. Maiden, H. Feant. c, Hon. C. Parker, G. W. Hibbert, W. R. f ark, W. H. Copplestone, C. Morris, W. H. Crabtree, Kev. J. G. B. Kiiight. Selling Class (Houdans, Creve-Cceurs, or La Fleche). — Hen,— I, Rev. C, C. Ewbank. 2. W. Whitworth, jun. 3, W. Drinu. 4, Mrs. A. Christy. v/iC,Hon.('. Parker, A. Godson, he, Capt. T. :s. Robin. Mrs. A. Tindal, J. J. Maiden, W. R. Park, C. Morris. Mrs. A. Christv. c, Mias Mortimer. Rev. A. E. Viner, Mrs. Valiance, J. Chisraan, Rev. C. C. Ewbank, J. Zmsch. D. Lane. P. Hanson. Selling Class (Any other variety except Bantams). — CocA".— 1. C. Blood- worth. 2, G. Hentrev. 3. C Howard. 4, P. A. Beck. 5, J. Preston, /ic. Rev. W. Serjeanteon, M. H. liroadhead, E. Winwood. J. Newick, A. & W. H. Silvester. e, J. Chesters, J. T. Parker, G W. Boothby. G. Thomas. P. A. Beck. Selling Class (Any other variety except Bantams). — I, W. Bentley. 2, J. Preston. 3, J. Hoggar. 4. Kev. N. J. Ridley. 5, Rev, VV. Serjeaotaon. vhe, C. Bloodworth. he, J. Walker, Miss E. Browne, T. P. Edwards, J. Hinton, E. Shaw, J. Hoggar. c,H. Feast, J. Hinton. j^ELLiNO Class (Any other variety except Bantams) — Hen. — 1, A. Darby. 2, J. P. Poyer. 3, P. A. Beck. 4, Rev W. Serjeanteon. 6, T. P. Edwards, vhc, J. Hinton. tie. J. Preston, C. Bloodworth, Miss E. Browne, P. Hanson, Mrs. A. Dresi-ing, A. F Faulkner. Hon and Rev. F. Datton. c, J. Cheaters, A. & W. H. Silvester. C. Howard, 0. Bloodworth. Game Bantams (Black Red).- Co.- /c —1 and cup,F. W. B. Hore. 2, R.Brownlie. S.G.Hall. 4, J. Ntltjon. 6, R Y. Ardagh. 6, W. Baskervlllc. /ic, G. Maples, jun., T. W. Anns, W. F. Addie. c, W. F. Addie. Game Bantams (Black Red).— Hen. - 1, A. S. Sogden. 2, R. Brownlie. 3, E. Morgan, he. F. W. R. Hore, \. Darby, T. W. Anns. Game Bantams (Brown npd).-Cr,ek.—l. G. Hall. 2, T. Barker. 8, H. Beldon. Game Bantams { Brown Red i - //<■».—! and 2, S. Beighton. 8, H. Beldon. he, J. .\nderson, Mrs. G. Hall, G. F. Waid. Game Bantams (Duckwing).— Cocfc.— 1, A. Cameron. 2, W. Baskerville. 3, J. Smith, he, K. Newbitt. A. ttewes. Game Bantams {Duckwlng).—i/cn.—l,W.Adama. 2, Shumach & Daft. 3, S. Beighton. Game Bantams (Pile).— forfe.-l, cup and 2, R.Brownlie. 8, F. Maitland. Game Bantams (Pile).- Hen.- 1 and cup, R. Brownlie. 2, Bellingham & Gill. 8. J. Harrison, he, J. Mayo. GAMEBANTAMs{Wheaten;.— Hen.— 1, A. H. Jones. 2, T. W. Anns. 8, F.W. R. Hore. „ Bantams (Black).— 1 and cnp, C. & J. Hlingworth. 2, W. H. Shackleton. 8, E. Cambridge, he. Miss M. M. Francin. c, C. H. Poole, R. H. Ashton. Bantam-^ (Whi'e booted).— I. J. barnwhaw. 2. R. S. S. Woclgate. 3. W.Adams. Bantams (Any other distinct variety).— 3. Mra. Woodcock. 2, H. B. Smith 8, G. D. Harrison. Bahtams (Sebright).—! acd 2, M. Leno. 3, R. A. Scott. November 18, 1876, ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 457 Selling Class (Bantams, any varictv).— 1, G. Amer. 2, G. Hall. 8, Mm. Griirgs. 4,M.I-eno. /jc. C. Dickt-Dn, J. Ot-croft. G. HaU. c, J. Bloudworth, G. Garriid, J. A. Wardell. C. Howard, J. M. Chiinnaan. Game oa Gaaie Bamtaus (Uuliiiniiied oi Uudubbed).— CocA:.— 1 and Cap, H, I.otan. 2, J. Fcirsyt' . 3, W. T. Everard c, J. Chebters, J. Wood, S. Mattbow, A. Cameron, Mrs M Hayno. G. H Fjtz-Herhert, .\. Hcwe«. Any other Vahiktv (Not Trimmed or Hacked in any way).— CocA: or Hen. — 1 and Cup. G. K. Cbilcoit. 2, X. F. Ansdell. 3, Horace Lingwood. c, D. M. Mills, T. F. Auhdell, C'apt G. V. Talbo', Mra. A. Cbristy. Docks (Avlebburyl.—l, J. K. Fowler. 2, J. Walker. S.W.Jacob. 4,T.Soar. ;ii;. N. Edghill, S. K. Harris, J. K. Fowler. Duces lltuuen).— Drafcc— 1, W. Kvaus 2 and 3. P. Unsworth. 4, F. Parlett. vhc, T. Wakefield, W. Evans. J. Gee he, J. Brookivell, J. N. C. Pope, R. Glad- stone, T. Wakefield. F. E. Arter, F. Parlett Duces (Kouen)—I>Hcfc.—l, Cup. and 2, W. Evans. 3, J. Walker. 4,T. Wake- field, he, J. Walker, K. Gladstune. P. Unsworth. Docks iBlackl.— 1, Cup, 2, 8, ai.d 4, J. W. Kellaway. vhc, G. S. Sainsbury. he. Rev. W. Serjearitson, G. S Sninsbury, Mrs. M. A. Hayne. Ducks (Any oiber variety, or Crnanioiytal Waterfowl).—!, J. Walker. 2, H. B. Smilb. 3, M.Leno. /ir, M. Teno, W. noutcbor, H. B Smith. Geese.— 1 and Cup. Ta. R. Fowler. 2, Hon. Mrs. Colvile. S.J.Walker, vhc, Mrs. Kadclyfle, E. bbaw. W. Tippler, J. Beazley. TOkKEVs — 1 and Cup, H. J. Gunnell. 2, Kev. N. J. Ridley. S, Mrs. A. May- hew. 1'h.c. F. Warde. J. Everelt. he. W. Wykes. W. Tippler. ■108EEY8.— Cocker,!— 1, W. Wykcs. 2. Rev. N. J. hidley. S. J. Walker, he, H. uunuel. R. Gladstone, G F Warde, E. Kendrick, Jan., F. Warde. Turkeys.— yoHjc; ht-n. — l, J. WaJker. 2, Mrs. Maybew. 3, K. Gladstone. he, w. Wjkes, W. Tippler. PIGEONS. Pouters (Blu6-pied).—Coe;c.— 1, 3, and kc, R. Fulton. 2, L. & W. Watkin. e. N. Hill. PsuTEES (Black-pied). - Coc*:.— 1, Rev. W. C. Bullen. 2, J. Baker. 3, H. Pratt. Pouters (Red or Yellow-pied).— Cocit.—l.Cnp and2. R. Fulton. 3, D. Combe. Pouters ( White).- Cocfc.— 1, Cup, and 8, K. Fulton. 2, W. A. P. Montgomery. he. Mrs. Ladd. H. Pratt. Pouters (Any colour or markings).- Cocfc.— 1 and 3, F. W. Zurhorst. 2, J. Uitcbell. Pouters. -youna Cocks.— 1, R. Fulton. 2 and c, F. Gresham. 8, E. W. Bryce. hs, W. Noltage. Pouters (Blae-pied).— Hen.— 1 and Cnp. R. Fulton. 2, F. Gresham. 8, Rev. W. C. BuUen. Pouters (Black-pied).— Hcti.-I, R. Fulton. 2, F. Gresham. B, G. Tunneeliffe. Pouters (Red or Yellow-pied ).-ifen.—l, W. A. P. Montgomery. 2, H. Pratt. 3, R. Fulton. )n'. ,T. Balier, N. Hill. F. Gresham. Pouters (White).— /;e!i.—l, R. Fulton. 2, Mrs. Ladd. 8, F. Gresham. he, F. W. Znrhorfct, A. Beath, H. Pratt. PouTiiRs (Any colour or niai-kincs).- Hfin.— 1, E. Fulton. 2, F. Gresham. 8, N. Hill. fcc.A.Heatb. PonTEBS.-Ioii7i9 Hen.— 1 and Cup. B. Fulton. 2, E. W. Bryce. 8, H. Pratt. he. Mrs. Ladd, F. Gresham. c, J. T. Hnlnies. Pouters (Fijnoy or Austrian). —1, Cup and 3, W. B. Tegetmeier. 2, G. Hollo- way, jan he. G. Hoiloway, jun., A. & W. H. Silvester, W. B. Tegetmeier. c, V. Combe, Dr. J. B. Hicke. Caeriebs (Blaek).-Coc'i-.— 1 and 2. F. T. Wiltshire. 3, G. Kempton. fic, J. Montgomery, W. Siddons, H. M. Maynard. R. Fulton. Carriebs ( Black).- fled.— 1 and Cup. F. T. Wiltshire. 2, W. G. Hammock. 3, J. Montgomery, he, W. Siddons, H. Heritage, W. Massey, Major J. H. Cryer, H. M. aiaynard. Carriers IDun).-Cor;fr.—l and Cup, F. T. Wiltshire. 2 and 3, E. Fulton, he, J. Montgomery. H. Heritage, H. M. Mavnaid, R. Fulton. Carriers (Dun).— Hen».—1, F.T. Wiltshire. 2, K.Fulton. S, H. M. Maynard. he, J. Montgomery, .T. Hodgson, R. Payze, Jan.. W. Massey, R. Fulton. Carriers (Any other colour).-6'oc*:.—l. J. Kirk. 2. R. Cant. 3, E. C. Stretch. he, E. T. Dew. J. C. Ord, H. Jacob. E. C. Stretch, R. Payze,.iun. Carriers (.^ny other colour).— Hen.— 1, G. Bentley. 2, W. Hooker. 8, E. T. Dew. he, W. G. Hammock. Carrusrs (Black).— l'ou>i3 Cocfc.-I, J. Montgomery. 2, R. Fulton. 8, F. T. Watsbu-e. 4, H. Heritage, he, H. Heritage, Col. F. C. Hassard, R. Cant, H. M. Maynard. R. Fulton. Carriers (Bl9ck).-rou?ii7 Hen.— land S. H. M.Maynard. 2, Mrs. T. Hallam. he, F. T. Wiltshire, W. Bulmer, W. Massey, J. Montgomery, S. Warrell, S. Harding. R. Fulton. Carriers (Dun).— round Cock.— I and Cup, J. Montgomery. 2 and 4, H. M. Maynard. 3. R. Fullcm. lie, F. T. Wiltshire, S. Harding. J. -Montgomery. Carriers (Dun).— Youn/? Hen.— 1 and Cup. S. Harding. 2, R. Fulton. 3, H. M. Maynard. he, F. T. Wiltshire, W. Sargent, H. Heritage, H. Jacob, J. James, H. M. Maynard, Col. F. C. Hassard. Carriers (Any other colour).— Voullff Cock.—l and Cup, H. Jacob. 2, J. Kirk. 3 and i, W. G. Hammock. Careders (Any othercoIoar)—roiingHen.— I.J.Baker, 2, G. Bentley. 8,H. Jacob, he, J. c. Ord, G. Kempton, Dr. J. B. Hicks. W. G Hammock. Carriers (Any age or colour).— 1. H. M. Mavnard. 2, Col. F". C. Hassard. 8, W. Massey. )ic, W. W. Pyne. M. Martin, H. M. Maynard. W. Harvey. Dragoons (Blue) —Cock.—\ and Cup. F. Graham. ■?, R. Woods 3 and vhc, W. Smith, he, D. Combe, Ward S Rhodes, W. Smi h, R. Woods, L. Whitehead. DRiOouNs (silver).— Cocfc—1 and Cap. R. Woods. 2, C. E. Duckworth. 3, F. Graham, he, W. Smith, W. Osmond, F. Graham, M. Walker, L. Whitehead, A. Bingham. Dragoons (Red).— Cocfc.— 1 and Cup. S. C. Betty. 2, G. H. Thomas. 8, E. Woods, he, F. Graham. Dragoons I Yellow).-C'oc;:.—1, S.C. Bettv. 2,R. Woods. 8,F.Grabam. he, R. Woods, R. Fulton, L. Whitehead, F. Graham. Dragoons (Blue) -Hcn.-l, D. Combe. 2, R. Fulton. 3. H. J. Dwelly. he, W. Smith, F. Grubam. R. Woods, W. B. Tegetmeier, M. Walker, L. Whitehead. Dragoons (^i.ver, BlaekBars).— Hen.— 1, C. A. Pearson. 2 and 3, F. Graham. «c, W. Osmond. W. B. Tegetmeier. Dragoons (Silver Brown Bars).— iipn.— I and Extra, W. Bishop. 2, E.Lee. 8, H. Yardley. he. W. Bithiip, C. F. Herriefl. Dragoons (Red). He?).— 1, F. Giabam. 2. — Whitehead. DBAGooN8(Yellow).—Heii.—l,R. Fulton. 2,E. Woods. 3, F. Graham, vhc, K. Woods. )tc, F. Graham, K. Woods. Dragoons (Grizzle).— 6'ocA: or Hfn,—1 and Cup, E. Fulton. 2, W.Smith. 3,F. Graham, he, H. J. Dwelly. J. G. Dunn. Dragoons (White or any nther colour).- Cocfc or Hen.— 1, Cup, and 2, W. Bishop. 3, J. Philpott. he, W. tiisbop, A. Jackson. Dragoons (Blue or Silver). -Yoinifi.—l and Cup, R.Woods. 2, C. E. Chavasae. 8, F. Graham. )ic, W. Smith, F". Graham, C. jb. Chavasse, C. E. Duckworth, H. Yardley. Dragoons (Red or Yellow).— roiiH!?.- 1, 2, and 8, F. Graham. hc,B. Woods, W. Sargeant. Dragoons ( \ny other colour).— rou«fl.—l and he, F. Graham. 2, W. Bishop. 8, J. Philpolt. ToMULERS (Almond).— Cocfc.—l and Cup, J. Ford. 2, R. O. Fielding. 8, T. Hallam. vhc, R. Fulton. J. Ford, he, M. Stuart, R. O. Fielding, R. Fulton. Tumblers lAltnond).— H™.— 1 and 2, C. Merck. 3, J. Ford, fic, T. Hallam, J. Baker, H. Yardley, K. F^ulion. Tumblers (Almond).— loun^.-l. Can, and 3. H. C. Kenning. 2, T. Hallam. he, H. Heritage, H. C. Henning, J. Ford, R. Fultun, R. W. Bryce. Tumblers (Knld or Beardl.— C'ocfc or Hen.—i, Cup. 2, and 3, Mrs. W. Wood- house, he, T. W. Townson, K. O. Fielding, E. Burcbatt, G. Murphy. Tumblers (Any other variety).— Cocfc.—l, H. Yardley. 2, J. Baker. S, M. Sluart. he, R. O. Fielding, T. HaUam, M. Staart, C. E. Duckworth, E. Fnlton. c, J. A. Shorrock. ToMnLEBs (Any other variety).— Hen.— 1, M. Stuart. 2, C. E. Duckworth. 8, H. Heritage, he, T. Hallam. J. Ford, M. Smart, R. Fultin. Barbs (Black or Dun).— Cocfc.— 1, R. Fulton. 2, J. Firth. 8 and lie, U. M. Maynard. Barbs (Black or Dun).— Hen.— 1, H. M, Maynard. 2, W. A. P. Montgomery. 8, H. Fulton, he. W. J. Uyder. Barbs (Any other colour).— Corfc.—l, R. Fulton. 2, J. F'irth. 8, M. Martin. Barbs (Any other colour).— Hen.— I and Cup, R. Fulton. 2, R. AV. Bryce. 8, U. Yardley. Barbs (Black or Dun).— rounp Cock or Hen.— 1 and2, J. Firth. 3. Major J. H. Cryer. 4, L. WiiKht. (ic, J. Firth, W. A. P. Montgomery, L. Wright, E. W. Bryce. Major J. H. Cryer. Barbs (Any other colour).— Youn^ Cock or Hen.— 1, Cup, and 3, J. Firth. 2, P.H.Jones. Jacobins (Rod).— 1, J. Thompson. 2, J. Pyper. 3, H. Heritage, he, A. Magnull, E. A. Seale, E. E. M. Royda, J. Pyper, O. E. Cresswell, R. F'ulton, J. Baker, H. M. Maynard. jAO'-iBiNs (Yellow).— 1 and cup, R. Fulton. 2, G. Richardson. 3, A. A. Vander Meersch. he, Mrs. W. Woodbouse, E. E. M. Royds, A. Mangnall, O. E. Cress- , well. R. F'ulton. Jacobins (Any other colour).— 1, 8 and cup, E. A. Seale. 2, E. E. M. Royds. he. D. Combe, J. Frame, G. Hardy, U. Heritage, A. A. Vander Meersch. B. Fnlton. Fantails (White).- 1 and cup, E. A. Seale. 2, A. Smith. 8. J. E. Spenoe. he. Rev. W. Seijeanteon, J. Walker, E. A. Seale, tj. Bluhm. J. Hinton, H. C. Bow- man, W. J. Warhurst, J. E. Spenee, A. Smith. Fantails ( Any other colour).— 1, J. Baker. 2, H. Yardley. 3, W. J. Warhurst. he, E. A. seale, H. W. Webb. Nuns (Any colour).— 1 and 2, W. Croft. 8. J. P. Carver, he, J. B. Bowdon. Miss A. Brooke. Trumpeters (Any colour).— 1, 2. and cup, E. Fulton. 8. W. Harvey, he, It. Combe, J. Baker. Owls (English).— 1 and cup. Ward & PJiodes. 2, E. H. Unsworth. 3, E. W. Van Senden. he, E. Lee, I. G. Sprunt, A. ManguuU. Ward & Rhodes, G. B. Sawdon. Owls (Foreign).— 1 and 2. E. W. Bryce. 3, J. J. Sparrow, he, F. Beck, T. S. Stephenson. TuRUiTs ( Blue and Silver).— 1 and 3, E. T. Dew. 2, E. Fulton, he, G. Hardy. G. H. Gregorv, T. W. Townson, E. T. Dew. TuRBiTs (Red or YbUowl.-l and cup, R. Pulton. 2, W. Croft. S.J.Baker. lie, G. Richardson. A. A. Vander fileersch, H. A. Roper, J. Cargill. TuRBiTS (Any other colour).- 1, S. Salter. 2, R. E. Horsfall. 3, G. Richardson, he, O. E, Cresswell. Magpies.- 1 and cup. F. P. Bulley. 2, N. Lowe & C. Cooper. 3, J. T. Herbert. he, H. A Roper. J. T. Heibert. Runts (Any colour).- 1, 2, and cup, T. D. Green. 3, J. S. Price, he, J. S. Price, M. Martin. Flying Tumblers (Not Short-faced).- 1 and 2, J. G. Frith. 8, J. Ford, he, H. Yardley. W. Ellis, J. W. Harling, J. Ford, R. Fulton. Antwebps (Short-faced).- 1, C. Gaiiion. 2, A. Bingham. 8, W. Harvey, he, F. Cook, J. Holden, F. Eastwood, J. Kendrick, jun., J. J. Bradley, J. T. Theo- bald. ANTWEEP3 (Homing).- 1, C. Gamon. 2. J. Robertsbaw. 3. Mrs. G. S. Vigor. 4, J. Donaldson, he, — Doubell. J. W. Barker, A. Webster, G. Parker, W. Ellis. J. Roberlsbaw, F. Wjnser, J. J. Sparrow, J. Picton. ANY other Variety.- 1, G. H. Gregory. 2, H. W. Webb. 3, G. Richardson. he, R. Barclay, H. Yardley, L. Allen, A. & W. H. Silvester. Selling Class.— .St/n7ie Bird.-], J. Ford, 2, J. Bowes. 3, H.J. Dwelly. 4, J. Thompson, he, W. J. Nichols, J. Thompson, P. H. Jones, G. H. Thomas, A. Smith, W. Massey. Selling Class.— Pair.— 1. Capt. Hon. E. Digby. 2, J. Ford. 3. L. Wright. 4 and he, R. Barclay. Collection of Four Paibh.— 1, Cup, 2, and 4, R. Fulton. Extra 2, M. Martin. 3, A. Hives. Collection of Carriebs, Pouters. Baebs, oa Tumblers.— 1 and Cup, F. Gresham. 2, T. Hallam. 8, W. Wuodhouae. he, P. H. Jones, H. Heritage. E. W. Bryce. Collection of any other Variety.-] and Cup, J. Schweitzer. 2, H. Verdon. 3. R. Woods, lie. J. Frame. .1. F. Leversidge, W. Ellis, J. Kendrick, jun., J. Baker, O. E. Cresswell, R. W. Bryce. Special Flying Class of Homing Antwerp''.- 1 and Cup,W. B. Tegetmeier. 2 and 4, G. Cotton. 3, J. T. Theobald. 5. W. Davis. 6, B. Stocker. he, F. Lubbock, G.Parker. J. Harrison, Jan.. — Fitz-Herbert, T. Winser, F. Wineer. T. J. Ledger. W. Medhurst, jun.. W. B. Tegetmeier, S. Le Blanc-Smith, J. J, Sparrow, A. H. Walter. RABBITS. Lop-eared (,=!elf-coloured).— 1 and Medal. T. Schofield, jun. 2, J. Caddy. S, W. Andrews. 4, A. Archer, vhc, T. & I,. J. Fell. he. H. Sallon. c, J. Barker. LoPEAREn (TortoiMesbell).- 1 and 3. C. Daniels. ,2, C. King. 4, H..W. Simp- son, vhc, T. Schofield. jun. he, H. Pickworth. Lop-eared (yellow-and-White).-l. T. Schofield. jun. 2, 0. King. 8, H. Pick- worth. 4, W. .Andrews. I.op-eaeed (Any other colour).- 1. 2 and 3, C. Kin;;. 4, H. W. Kirby. SiLvER-tiREY.— 1, MiBS Mortimer. 2, A. Hudson. 8, J. Firth. 4, A. Canty, vhc and c, W. H. Anns, he, W. W. Dove. Himalayan. -1 and Cup. Foster & Chambers. 2, W. Adams. 8, T. Scho- field, jun. 4, J. Butterworth. D/ic, J. E. Pilgrim. )ic. W. W. Dove, c, J. But- terworh, G. P. &R. H,ackett. Angora.— 1, Kev. J. Richardson. 2, H. Swetnam. 3, Mrs. E. R. Stephens. 4. C. Arlhur. vhc, R. H. Swain, he, W. Bowes, H. A. Suggett. c, W. P. Williams, W. Russell, R. A. Boissier. Belgian-Uare.— 1, B. Greaves. 2 and 4, W. S. Smith. 3, G. H. Robinson. vhc, G. a. Robinson, B. Greaves, A. Hudson, P. Ogilvie. )ic. Dr. Hayes, Rev. T. C. Beasley, R. J. Foster, e, B. Greaves. DuTOH.—l and 4, Mrs. H. Pickworth. 2, A. W. Whitebouse. 3. T. Schofield. jun. vhc, E. Frost. any other Variety. -1 and Cup, E. S. Smith. 2, Mrs. Coward. 8, C. King. 4, T. Schofield, jun. SELLi-iG Class.— I, H. Vallons. 2, T. Schofield, jun. 8, Miss Mortimer. 4. E. Frost, vkc, C. Arthur, C. King, Miss Mortimer. E. Frost, he. T. Schofield. jun.. J. Tebbutt, P. Ogilvie. c, E. Frost, H. W^est, A. Bell. Miss Mortimer. W. D. Craike, J. Cranch. The Judges were numeroaB, the onerous duties were divided among them, Mr. Hewitt taking the Dorkings and Brahmas, Mr. Teebay the Cochins, Col. Stuart Wortley the French, Mr. Dixon the Hamburghs, and Mr. Tegetmeier the variety Bantams. Consumption or Egos. — The importation of egsa increased from jE1,941,858 in nine months of last year to £2,105,971 in the same period this year. Ipswich Poultry Show. — An exhibitor says, " I have just received the schedule of the tenth annual Poultry and Pigeon Exhibition at Ipswich for December 8th and 9th, and with all 458 JODfiNAL OF HOBTICb'LTUKE AND OOTXAGB GAKDENEB. ( November 18, 187S. that has been written abont the clashing of shows I find there are four other exhibitions on the same date, and Canterbury the day after. I have heard from the Hon. Secretary of the Ipswich Show that he will forward any specimens exhibited there to any other show if exhibitors will send him the labels." CAGE BIRDS AT THE DERBY SHOW. The general arrangements were conducted tolerably well, still there are one or two matters that in the future it would be well for the Committee to alter — viz., the setting forth a day for judging, and not letting it be done on the first day unless before the time of opening the Show to the public. Some of the prize cards were not placed upon the cages until daylight had about gone ; and as to the detached list of prizes, when it did appear in the form of a tabular key to the already-issued catalogue, I may remark that more credit (if any) was due to the compiler for the intricacy of it than for the utility to exhibitors, visitors, or members of the press. — Qoiz. Han-ley Show. — The winners of the three special prizes for Pigeons were awarded, in their sections, one to Mr. Fulton's Carriers, one to his pair of Barbs, and the third to the Rev. Mr. Serjeantson for his "White Fantails. As at the two former shows Mr. T. H. Eidpeth judged the Pigeons on this occasion. THE BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. I AM much pleased that the Hon. Sec, Mr. E. Lanrance Cleaver, has noticed my remarks touching the shows. He refers me to the catalogue offering ±'10 in prizes for " the best and largest harvest hive of honey in the comb." The schedule of prizes which he refers to was sent to me, but if I remember aright the ilO was offered by two gentlemen through the Asso- ciation, but not by it. Indeed one of the gentlemen — viz., the Hon. and Eav. Mr. Bligh — wrote a letter suggesting to the Com- mittee the importance of offering such prizes. The effort made by the hon. and rev. gentleman was most commendable. Last year I suggested that handsome prizes be offered for the heaviest swarms, also for the greatest results in weight (not in comb merely) from one stock hive managed on any system. My sug- gestion is distinctly different from Mr. Bligh'a if I understand his lightly; and I believe mine is of far greater importance, and if adopted will help to advance apiculture much. How is it that the Association does not offer prizes for such results ? and how can the Secretary of that Association or any one else expect to see 2 or 3 cwt. of hives exhibited when no prizes are offered for them ? Will the Secretary undertake to do his best next year to offer prizes for such ? and if the Com- mittee will not yield to his entreaties in this direction, will he promise to pay the carriage merely of such exhibits ? I care not for the honour cf taking prizes ; I have never competed for one in my life, and never wish to compete ; but if next year be a favourable one for honey, I will send up to the Crystal Palace Show the results of one or two stock hives, if the Aesociation will pay their carriage. What more can I do ? What else can be done if prizes and encouragements are not offered by the Association ? — A. Pettigkew. for which he was expecting a letnm of 2s. per lb. for the honey (?) —Beta. HIVE COVER. I HAVE made a hive cover which might be useful to some of your readers, and which I think good and cheap. I procure 2 yards of the material of which rick covers are made (more or less according to size of hives), which I cut so. 1 and 5 are sewn together to make a piece like the others, 3 is turned up and down ; the four pieces are then joined with the narrow. „. est ends uppermost. It * must be well sewn with thread on purpose, to be bought with the material. It must be well done. I had a charwoman, a shoemaker's wife, who tho- roughly understood it. I then had it well painted. — Tkiceps. Spdkious Honey. — A correspondent writes from the north of England : Owing to the bad honey season all sorts of inventions to manufacture honey are being attempted, and it may be well to put purchasers on their guard. Eecently one of our grocers was supplied for sale with two small supers, which looked very nice. On asking the grower if he had any more he replied that he had one other large super, which he promised to bring the following day. He did so, and its size aroused the suspicions of the grocer, who fortunately happened to be a bee-keeper. On tasting the so-called super honey it was found to consist of nothing but raw (or preserving) sugar. The grower was taken to task, and obliged to confess that as the season had been so bad he had constantly fed his bees with raw sugar at 3J(Z. per lb.. The length of the report of the Crystal Palace Show compels us to omit other reports and commanicatious until next week. OUR LETTER BOX. FoT^xs IS Small Sp.ics IR. D.). — You cannot keep more than a cock a^d three hens in a space 12 ftet by 9 feet. You do not say whether the quarter of the grass run is part of the 12 feet. If it is not, you may keep mure heua. If you mean a quarter of an acre the three might be eight hens. Rearing Dokkings iJ. D.). — The description you give leaves nothiug to desire for DorkiugH, as it possesses all that is necessary. They are essentially the fowl of the homestead, and will be found far more profitable than mongrels, or even half-breds. There used to be a good sale in York for good poultry, and if you will kill them young they will then be in perfeijtiun as to quality, while the increased size of the breed will cause them to be larger thau the mongrels quite full grown, and consequently tough. There aie as good Dorkings bred m Yorkshire as in any part of England. Loss OF Bees {C. CUiral— The fact that your two old hives filled supers this season is pretty good evidence that their bees were not lost from waut of food, or driven from home by foul brood. No one can say with certainty what was ihe cause of the loss of the bees of both your old hives. They might have swarmed unseen, and lost their young queens afterwards <>n their marriiii^e tours, an occurrence not at all unusual; or their queens may have died uf old age when there were no eggs in the hives. More probably, suc- cessors were reared and lost in going out to meet the drones. When hives lose their queens from any cause their bees are often so disconsolate and dis- organised that they do not attempt to defend their stores, and rapidly dwindle away and die. Doubtless the bees of jour cast or swarm were so reduced iu number by hunger before yoa began to feed them that they could not be pre- served alive by feeding. Bees near Nottingham (W. T.). — We are sorry to learn that all your bees were drowned by the late floods. Nottingham is an escellent county for bees, and we think they would do well on the skirts of the town. The fruit trees of gardens yield much honey to bees ; after the fruit blossoms fail bees find more honey iu fields and forests than they do in gaidens. If you canuot find a more elevated spot than your present garden on which to place hives, they may be kept and do well in the lefty house you propose erecting fur them. Pollen-carrying in Novemiiee (A. .B.).— Bees carry home pollen in fine weather as long as they cau find it. Even Christmas Rosea yield some of it to bees. Your bees working now is a sign of health, not of foul brood. The price of a good stock hive in spring is about £2 ; small old-fashioned hives may be had of cottagers at a less price. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Cauden Sqoabe. London. Lat. 61° 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude. Ill feet. Date. a A.M. In the Day. 1875. iJ. M a ©- a 5 o .2 I'll i 1 •c . C o-Sj a O * J3 ^ O H H < to H «.Ei . 12* to o o o o o o a, C o oj ^O Tf CT TH t- o o tH t- C •" --. <■££« m2 S £r 2 S O t- 1 P=5 S e ■3S« ^•o o o o o o o 1 ,Uj-~ ^ . « „ S ".-s ^o o o o o c o o 5pja £ HJo'gfc, ■«J< O (M t- Tft c O Ci C|J ti % o f? S~° Sb S ^O G o c o •Sja g ■3 a " *; '-' "^ o c ^ 1 I nal averape Si years stated i column 2 of rries. Hard =*! 1 i s <° •o° = o o o i° ° o o CO I I p o S ^ c c- CD 55 g =«S g: g CQ 00 a rio o o c s c o d ko o « c « c CI V. < ^s s s c w o- t» ^ p- © mra g ^.-.S-a «-3^ liiisl ^ « « cr l-l lO •* 3 B a- r*" « ^ g o f-.ti ^ _^ A "S 1 H "3 W o H "o a a fO E. i 2 ^ 1 03 1 a 1 § ■ 1 s % S i « a. fa 1 ^ A — s s s c S 2 P S Q S f= A o The plan of selling by auction is an easy one for the grower, and, on the whole, we find that the trees are fairly taken care of. I find the cost of gathering and marketing Cherries to be about 3s. per sieve, which is an increase of about Is. compared with twenty-five years ago. We calculate that we have made on the trees for the last ten years an average of 5s. Gd. per sieve. I next pass to Poars, which require a deep rich soil, and of the two a better climate than Cherries ; but they are not so Kovember 25, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 463 latter. The Borts principally much grown in Kent as the grown for profit are — TIME OF RIPENING. Do7eDn6 d'Ete July. Cbalk July. GitroD des Carmes . . July. Lamzaas Auf^ust. "WindBor AuRUst. Caillot Rosat August. BellisBlme d'Automne A.u^. aud Sept. Cohnar d'£tb September. 'WilliamB'B Bon Chre- tien September. "Tat September. Beurre dAmanlia Sept. and Oct. Bergamot September. Hessle September. Marie Looise October. There are also many new sorts, but they require proving before we can know whether they will bear on standards. Many good Pears, it may be observed, do well on the bush which will not do as standards. I will name a few of the best sorts for the bnsh, and will also digress a little by recommend- ing a few for a wall. TIME OF HIPltNINa. Suffolk Thorn October. Eyewood . . October. Catherine .. October. Beun-f BoBC Oct. ond Nov. ColebasBO . . Oct. and Nov. Aeton Town Oct. and Nov. Beurrt- de Capiau- mont . . Nov. and Dec. Duchesee d*Angon- leme .. Oct. and Nov. Rondelet . November. Nutmog Dec. and Jan. Moccas . . . December. Catillao .... Dec. to April. TIME OF TIME OF FOE BUSH OB PYRAMID . BIPENINO. FOR A VfALL. BIPENINO. Doyenu.- d'Et.' July. Citron des Carmes. . , July. Beurrt- GiUard August. Jargonelle August. Beurre de TAesomp- Fondante d'Automne September. tion AORUSt. Marie Louise (on Desire Comt- lis Aui;. and Sept. north aspect) October. Colmor d'Ete September. Gansel's Bertjamot .. Oct. and Nov. Beurrt- Goubanlt September. Brown Beum- November. Souvenir du Congres September. Van Mona Leon Le- Gratioli ot Jersey . . September. clerc November. Louise Bonne o: Glou Mort^eaa November. Jersey September. Urbaniate Oct. and Nov. Benrre Superfin October. Huyehe'a Prince oJ Beurri- Ilardy October. Wales November. DoyenoL- daComice. . Oct. and Nov. PassG Colmar Nov. and Dec. Marie Louiae d'Uccle October. Ne plus Meuris .... December. BeUe Julie October. Chaumi>ntel December. Pitraaston Duchess. Oct. and Nov. Beurr. Diel December. Marechal de Coor , . November. Beurre d'Aremberg . Dec. and Jan. Baronno de Mello . . November. Winter Nells Dec. and Feb. Beurre Duval November. Bergamotted'Eeperen Feb. and April Durondeau November. Prince Albert February. Thompaon'e November, Easter Beurre Feb. and AprU Zephirin Gregoire . December. Beurre Ranee March. Beorre Sterckmana . Jan. and Feb. Alexandre Bivort . February. Josephine de Malinea Feb. and May. Huysbe's Victoria .. Jan. and Feb. St. Germain (very fine but coaraej April. Plnma are grown in onr orchards merely to fill np inter- mediate spaces between other trees. They never make very large heads, and consequently are more suited for confined spaces ; neither do they last so long as Cherries, Pears, or Apples, for the wind has great effect on them, and when they attain to any age they lose large limbs. Their roots skim just under the surface, and they consequently soon derive benefit from any dressing of manure. Not long since I measured the distance which some Plum roots had travelled from the main stem, and found it to be 10 feet. There are some orchards in Kent planted entirely with Plums, generally 6 by 7 yards apart, and they are very productive, notably one of Green Gages at Gillingham. A few years ago this piece was a perfect model of a fruit plantation. The trees were large for Gages, and bore abundantly in one year, making, I believe, more than £100 per acre. The trees are going off now, but there is an intermediate plant of other kinds coming up. The owner was offered £50 an acre for the fruit on the whole 28 acres, half of which was not nearly so valuable as the Green Gage part.* Green Gages are so useful for domestic purposes that it will be a long time before we have too many of them. The best sorts for bearing, and the kinds possessing the most useful qualities, are — Early Bivera Sandall's Early Orleans Prince Engelbert Dauphine Washingtou Victoria Mitchelaon's i Belgian Purple Autumn Beauty Stone Wood Diamond Orleans Green Gage Oulins Golden Gage Jefferson Wliite Maf^am Bonum Gis home's GoUah Belle de Lonvain Pond's Seedling Prince of ^Vaie3 Cluster Itamson Prune Damson Lastly I come to the Apple, the most useful of all fruits * There iB also another orchard of 3 acres, all Plums, near here, the trees planted about 18 feet apart. This has realised by auction £25 per acre on an average of the last three years. TIME OF KITCHEN. RIPENING. Keswick Codlin August. Manx Codlin August. Lord SuJlield August. Gooseberry Apple. ... August. Stirliug Castle Aug. to Sept. New Hawthomden . . Aug. to Nov. Lord Derby September, Celliiji October, Waltham Abbey Seed- ling Sept. and Oct. Cos's Pomona October. Barcbard's Seedling. . October. Golden Noble October. Beauty of Kent October. Bess Pool November, Betty Geeson Nov. to May. Small's Admirable . . November. Dumelow's Seedling or Wellington . . November. Royal Somerset Nov. to Jan. Brabimt Bellolicur . . Nov. to March. Warner's King Nov. to Jan. Kentish Fill Basket . Nov. to Jan. Gascoigne's Seedling Nov. to Jan- Tower of Glammia . . Nov. to Feb. Blenheim Orange . . Nov. to Jan. Mt^re de Menage December. Norfolk Beefing .... Jan. to June. both to the rich and to the poor. For eleven months in the year this excellent fruit supplies our tables ; but although cultivated largely in certain parts of Kent, we find, as a rule, that Cherries pay better where the soil is suitable. Apples will grow on almost any soil, even on stiff clays, if drained, but they are not so suitable for orchards, as the grass grows more rankly, and the sheep as a consequence do not feed so closely. Where the soil suits, the Apple makes a large head and re- quires as much room as any tree. I have heard of 500 bushels being grown on one acre. As for sorts their name is legion, but some of the best are — TIME OF DESSERT. RIPENING. Joanneting (red and white) July. Early Harvest August. Early Julien August. Devonshire Quarren- den August. Red Astrachan August. Early Strawberry August. Early Nonpareil .... Sept. and Oct. Ingestre Yellow Sept. and Oct. Mother Apple October. Summer Golden Pip- pin Sept. and Oct. Sykehouse Russtt . . Oct. to Feb. Kingof the Pippins. . November. Ribston Pippin November. Golden Pippin November. Coe's Golden Drop . . Dec. to May. Court-Peudu-Plat Dec. to May. Cox's Orange Pippin. . Dec. to Feb. Braddick's Nonpareil. Dec. to April. Byson Wood Pippin. . Dec. to April. Wheeler's Russet. . . . Dec. to Feb. Northern Spy Dec. to April. Sturmer Pippin .... Feb. to June. Winter Nonpareil Feb. to March. Lodgemore Nonpareil Feb. to June. Adams' Pearmain February. Golden Knob Feb. to April. I next come to fruit plantations which have standards or half-standards, and underfruit. The plan generally adopted is to plant the trees, which are more frequently half -standards, 22 feet by Kit feet, with Gooseberries or Currants between them 5J feet apart. The cost of the trees, bushes, and labour comes to about £20 per acre. In about three years the berries will begin to bear and to make some return. Trees grow faster and boar sooner in arable plantation than on grass. The culti- vation assists very much, and of course the more the land is manured the greater will be the crop. Apples, Pears, and Plums suit this class of planting best. Large returns are made by the underfruit, especially if the plantations are near towns or railways, an acre of berries frequently realising from £20 to £30 ; indeed, a large grower near Maidstone informed me that he had made £100 per acre from one piece of Gooseberries; this was, of course, an exceptional price. The sorts most used are the Golden Drop, Whitesmith, Rifleman, Crown Bob, Lanca- shire Lads, Velvets, and Warrington. Black Currants also are now attracting much attention. They require a strong stiff soU. The sale of this fruit has increased much of late years ; some say to make port wine, others for use as a dye ; however, the fruit is one of the most wholesome we have, and makes an excellent preserve. The Baldwin's Black is a great improve- ment on the old sort, but I am not certain whether this and the Naples are the same. I have seen trees lately which have borne as much as half a sieve each, and one planter in Bainham told me that he had grown 250 bushels on 2 acres at three years old, and realising £118 less the expenses of picking and sale. In West Kent, especially on the ragstone, Filberts and Cob Nuts are more grown than berries. The soil exactly suits them, and they bear most abundantly. The Cob Nut is, how- ever, fast taking the place of the old Filbert, being found much more productive and profitable. The Nut is larger, but not so well-flavoured as the Filbert ; but it grows much quicker to bear- ing. I have seen some trees at I^oose, near Maidstone, which grew 40 lbs. on a tree, and over £100 per acre was made of one particular acre. The trees are generally planted about 16 feet apart each way, and the pruning of them requires considerable skill and care. For this work the usual price ranges from 2d. to 3d. per tree. Plantations used for Berries only. — These plants are gene- rally intended to remain for a few years only, with a view to temporary profit. This plan is the best, as the upper fruit is raised while the under fruit is bearing. Gooseberries and Currants are generally placed 0 feet apart each way, making 1210 plants to the acre. The cost ranges from 8s. to 15s. per 100. Many growers (especially with Black Currants) now i6i JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 187B. plant an intermediate bnsb, which is taken ont again after five or six yearB. By this plan they obtain a better return at Btartinp. It is now found much better to form the young Black Currant as a stock instead of a bush. This is done by not taking off any of the buds when the cuttings are struck. The plant in this way forms a better head and lasts many more years. In all kinds of plantation it is most essential to have a man who thoroughly understands pruning, as the amount of produce is more or less dependent upon the intel- ligence of the cutter. As a rule, the young gardeners of the present day do not attend sufficiently to the art of pruning. They ought to have proper training at the nurseries before they undertake such responsible work. My experience is that not one in ten (even among professed gardeners) thoroughly knows bis business. For educational purposes I can recom- mend M. Dn BreuU'a book on pruning as a good practical work. The drawback to fruit plantations which are under cultiva- tion is the great cost of labour in keeping them clean ; for if loots and weeds are once allowed to gain the upper hand the expense of subduing them becomes enormous. As the fruit- picking season comes on labour gets scarce, and there is great difficulty in getting work done. Our fruit plantations have all been dug well once over, many twice, and have had at the least four hoeings, yet I should have been very much ashamed if any of you had seen them last August. In West Kent on the light soils and shingle both Rasp- berries and Strawberries are cultivated to an immense extent, and very profitably ; but this is a class of fruit we have not time to discuss. I can only remark, as showing the progress of fruit cultivation, that in the space of about twenty years probably not less than one thousand acres of poor woodland about Farningham, the Grays, and Sittingbourne have been grubbed, and are now growing fruit of this description, or of the other kinds I have enumerated. There is another kind of cultivation of dwarf fruit which, BO far as profit is concerned, may be considered at present to be in a state of infancy, but which I believe will command great attention presently. I allude to the growing of the Apple on the Paradise or Doucin stock on bushes — the effect being the same as growing the Pear on the Quince, or the Cherry on the Mahaleb stock. The object is to avoid profuse- nesB in growth, so that quicker results and greater bearing propensities may be obtained. Many of our amateur fruit- growers have already done much to assist and encourage this most interesting class of fruit-growing, and I believe, when well understood, we shall find the system to be very profit- able. The great benefit is, that by this mode of culture any- one possessing even the smallest plot of ground can have a succession of fruit. These dwarf trees can be planted 3, 4, or 6 feet apart at first, and thinned as they grow too large ; there- fore any person having only G perches of land might have one hundred trees. Mr. Rivers in his useful work " On the Cul- ture of Pyramid and Bush Fruit Trees " has so well described the treatment required for dwarf fruit, that I cannot do better than advise you to study his work. Our countrymen owe that gentleman, Dr. Hogg, Mr. Scott of Merriott, and many other propagators, their thanks for the great services they have rendered. I must conclude my paper with a few remarks on old orchards and fruit plantations, because we must all have observed that many such are much neglected. It is no uncommon thing to gee trees running into one another owing to the planting being too thick, or from profuse growth. Now a little thinning or shortening of the lateral branches will do great good. There should not be less space than 3 feet between the boughs cf every tree, so that a ladder may be worked easily, and the sun and air let in ; but large boughs (unless dead) should never be cut off if it can be avoided. It is often the custom to cot and thin out the inside of old Apple trees, but great injury ii) done by the practice after the trees have arrived at any age. A very good fruit-grower once remarked to me that he liked the interior of his Apple trees to be bo thick that he could not see to shoot a partridge through them, and I quite agree with him, for we once had the greatest injury done to an old plan- tation of Apples by the clearing-out of the inside of the trees. The plantation had borne 3500 bushels in one year, and the next year my father was advised by the bailifif to have the trees trimmed out. The remarks of the man appeared reason- able enough. He urged that we could get no fruit inside but a few scrubby Apples, and that what went to support these boughs would help the other parts of the tree. The work was allowed to be done, but the result was most disastrous, aa nothing like the same quantity was ever grown again. I believe manuring never pays better than when bestowed on old plan- tations. The treatment appears to give fresh vigour and bear- ing power to old trees if they have any good wood left. It is not, however, always necessary to manure with dung, for feed- ing Bheep with corn or oilcake answers much the same purpose. I end by advising everyone to have each tree looked to and examined early in the autumn, and never to allow an unpro- ductive one to remain or be regrafted. THINGS NOT GENERALLY KNOWN. ACACIi. I DO not think it is generally known that there is no wood lasts so long for posts as Acacia. There is little or no sap, and it lasts underground far longer than Oak. If sown and transplanted and cat down from time to time like Ash, it grows very quickly from the root or stool, and makes very durable Scotch fencing. More persons ought to turn their attention to planting it in covers. It is not a tree that attains to a great age or size, as it quickly matures. — C. P. P. LouoBEOBooGH Chbvsanthemum AND Feuit Show. — A Com- mittee of the leading horticulturists, with the Rev. J. Bird aa President, has lately established a Chrysanthemum Society, and have just held their tiret Show, which was a very successful one. Notwithstanding the uufavourable season, this new Society has produced an excellent show of this favourite autumn flower; and, judging from the spirit displayed, Loughborough will soon become as eminent for the growth of the Chrysanthemum as it is for the growth of roots and vegetables. Very fine-trained specimens of both large and small varieties were staged, and the cut blooms were such as to call forth remarks of astonishment. The show of winter fruit was particularly good, and every prize was sharply contested. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. A General Meeting of the Fellows of the Royal Horticul- tural Society will be held at South Kensington on Thursday, December Uth, at three o'clock p.m., to receive from the CouncU an explanation of the Scheme of Privileges for 1870, and to give an opportunity to the Fellows of stating their opinions on its details. The attendance of the FeUows on this important occasion is most desirable. Messrs. Carter & Co. of Holborn have offered a series of prizes for vegetables at the Shows of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1870, amounting in all to £78. ■ The next dinner of the Horticcltural Club will be held at the Club House, 3, Adelphi Terrace, on Wednesday, December let, at 0.15. Members have the privilege of in- troducing a friend. It is particularly requested that in- struction be given to the Secretary by the 29th inst., as much inconvenience was occasioned on the lastoeoaBion. Double the number of members expected were present, and although the resources of the Club are considerable, it is not easy to alter tables on so short a notice. A card to the Secretary would be sufficient. We are informed that the Rockwork at Sandringham, Dunorlan, Eattersea Park, and Osmaston, w'iich have been praised in our columns, were all erected by Mr. Pnlham of the Stoneworks at Broxbourne. Odf foreign imports of Chestnuts have been deolic- ing; they have ranged from 65,000 bushels to 25,000 bushels. Chestnut flour, so unknown to us in England (although there Is no reason why this should be), is the staple food of many Italian peanants, with which they make their polenta, prefer- ring it to Maize, as being more nutritious. The cost per head for this kind of food is from 3d. to id. per day. — {Food and Fuel Reformer.) GRUBS DESTROYING VEGETABLES. Some years ago I could not, and had not, grown any tap- rooted vegetables fit to cook, when one day to a gardener who came from a distance to see my Carnations I told the diffi- culty I was in. lie said, " At the back end of the year put on November 26, 1875. ] JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 465 a thick layer of spent gas lime, and in spring dig it well under, and jon will have all the vegetables you can wish." The result was, we had more than we could use and the finest in the country round. 1 allude to Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Carrots, Onions, Beets, Parsnips, &c., and some of which were finer than I have ever seen since. I left the house in the following year, but the suooeeding tenant corroborated some years after what I have now written.— J. C. KEEPING GRAPES FEESH. The accompanying sketch (fig. 98) is of a tin tube 2 inches diameter at the top and about 8 inches deep, which will hold four bunches of Grapes ; the tube to be filled with water and a few pieces of charcoal. The top of the tube is to be fastened in the centre with copper wire ; the ends of the wire twisted will form a loop to hang the tube from the edge of a shelf or any other method, so that the Grapes may not touch the wall. I use email bottles for a single bunch, hung on iron rods with small hooks. The four divi- sions at the top of the tube keep the bunches at equal distances from each other. The bunches to be cut with 7 or 8 inches of wood, 60 that they may not slip out of the tube. — James Cross, 15,Z)eiJo«- sjiire Buildings, Bath. Sbashoke Weeds on Garden W.iLKs. — Mr. Eobson, on page 447, makes inquiries for some- thing that will destroy Beaehore weeds on garden walks. If he can conve- niently procure gas water I think it will destroy the weeds thoroughly. I al- ways use it here, and I find it more powerful and lasting in it; destroyer than salt. — M. H., Cole Orion. Fig. 98, effects as a weed- OLLA PODEIDA— A CONTINENTAL TOUR.— No. 7. I HAD no idea when I began an account of our short tour on the Continent that it would occupy so much space in the columns of your Journal, and must, in this my concluding paper, apologise to your readers for having been so long in finishing these somewhat desultory remarks, which by the pressure of other matters I have not been able to conclude before. It is my intention now to compare (even though, as Mrs. Malaprop said , " comparisons are oderoua ' ') Battersea Park with other parks and gardens abroad. Wishing, while other parks were fresh in my memory, to take a stroll through Battersea Park, I did so a few days after my return to London, and was much pleased with what I then saw. I especially noted as being attractive some varieties of the Fuchsia with ornamental foUage, such as Meteor, Pillar of Gold, &a., which combine both high-coloured foliage and graceful flowers. Mr. Rogers tries new varieties of Pelargoniums, Lobelias, itc, every year, but does not give them a prominent position till well tested. Among the Lobehas on trial were some new varieties from Mr. Henderson : — Charming, Unique, and Defiance of the pumila section — the latter is a lilac somewhat similar to Omen — and Brilliant is a good bright blue of the speciosa kind ; but none of the Lobelias seemed to be better than a selected strain of pumila raised by Mr. Eogers himself, called, I think, maxima aznrea. Planted alongside one of the drives were some trial plants of some of Mr. Pearson's best Pelargoniums. Mr. Rogers kindly put himself at my disposal, and mot me near the lodge at the Battersea Eoad station end, and drove me round the principal drives, while wo left the carriage from time to time to see more closely the more interesting part of the parks and gardens. I am not going now at this distance of time, having only made a few cursory notes, to attempt a full descrip- tion of each bed and each design. I only wish to give my general impression of the park. Now, first of all, I may observe that in point of position aa well as in the general outline and landscape the park has had much to contend with, and much credit is due to those land- scape gardeners, especi- ally Mr. Gibson, who have so well overcome these natural difficulties. A flat piece of ground with, I believe, hardly a rise or irregularity in it anywhere, lying close along the river, where it had to contend with spring frosts and damp, within reach, too, of the smoke and fogs of Lon- don— these, all gardeners will admit, are certainly difficulties of no slight nature, and yet the re- sult is such that there are some portions, espe- cially the subtropical and more highly-kept parts, which give as much or even more satisfaction to me than almost any gar- dens I know. This result has been accomplished by judicious planting, by careful study of the gene- ral outlines and contours of shrubberies and beds, and in the disposal of the proper trees and shrubs in the right places. The soil which was taken out to form the lake has been used to make raised ground for planting on ; and the subtropical gar- den, which is one of the most ornamental and successful features of the park, is pro- tected by the manner in which these raised banks, carefully planted, protect the more tender plants from winds and weather. I do not say that the park is perfect, but the care with which it is kept, and the variety of plants and shrubs which are to be found, and the advantage which is taken of the different kinds of plants, hardy, alpine, herbaceous, bedding, subtropical, appy growths from being made. In removing keep the roots from drying winds, and by watering at planting, and sprinkling over- head daily if the weather be dry, you may safely move them in September. Planting Orchard (Oregor;/ Young). — The tree'^ are sufMciently close together without the Plums between each line of Apple and Pear trees, which will only leave the trees 13 feet 6 inches apart, whereas they should not be less thau 20 feet, better 24 feet apart. We should remove the Plum trees, or increase the distance to 24 feet, or yon may leave the Apples and Pears as they are and plant the Plums elsewhere 24 feet apart. This distance is not too much, especially as you propose growing bush fruit in addition to the standard trees We should trench tbe ground at least 18 inches deep, and loosen the bottom of each trench another 6 inches, but not bringing tu the surface more than 6 or 8 inches of the previously unmoved ^^oil, and apply the manure to the surface, and pointing it in. It would be desirable to give some well-rotted manure well mixed with the soil used for planting with. Soil fob Roses (S. AT.).— Your black loamy soil, with the addition of a fourth each of tbe marly clay and old hotbed manure well intermixed, will grow the Roses well, the ground being trenched 2 feet deep, and the manure added and mixed with the soil as the work proceeds. Preparing Ground for Dahlias [Id^m]. — We should have the soil trenched now two spits deep, placing between the top and bottom spit a liberal dressing of manure, and place the marly clay on the surface after trenching, aud throw up the soil as roughly a s possible for the winter. During the firHf. dry frosty weather after tlie middle of February fork-in tho marl, thriiwing the ground level, aud in March apply to tlie surface a liberal dress- ing of well-rotted manure, and fork it in during dry weather, again turning the surface with a fork at planting time. Pruning Roses (T. Kcnjicth). — Having planted them this month wa should not prune them until February, and the dwarfs at the same time, in both cases pruning rather closely — i.e., the strong shoota to three or four eyes, the medium to two, and weak shoots to one eye of their base. Secure the plants against winds, and if frost prevails in February defer the pruning until milder weather. Peas for a Small Garden (Wt'm).— William I. (Laxton's) is the finest of all early kinds, attaining to a height of about 3 feet. It may be sown at the beginning of next month in a warm situation, or the first open weather after the middle of February or in March, sowing at the same time Best of All {Maclean's), which attains a height of about 3 feet, aud the latter-named kind at intervals of three weeks up to the middle of June, putting-in at the same time Omega (Laxton's) about 21 feet, and these will give you a supply of Peas of the first excellence up to October, and later if frost permit. Select Carnations and Picotees {Idtin). — We name a dozen of each, the first-Dumed in each class being the most moderate in price. Carnations — Crinuion Bizarrcti : Eccentric Jack and Isaac Wilkinson. Scarlet Bizarres : WilUam Pitt and Campanini. Purple Btzune.i : Purity and James Taylor. Purple Flakes: True Blue aud Ajax. Scarlet Flakes: John Bailey and Superb. Base Flakes: Mrs. Martin and Sybil. Picotees — Bed-edged: Mrs. Keynes, Princess of Wales, and J. B. Bryant. Purple-cd{jed : Mary, Alliance, and Mi-3. Little. Rose and Scarlet-edged: Gipsy Bride, Juliana. Mrs. All- croft, aud Mrs. Fisher. YeUow Grounds : Prince of Orange and Claude. If you only want them for cut flowers the Clove Carnations are good, aud there are now some very fine varieties, as King of Yellow-;, Bride, Prince Arthor, Geant des Batailles, Maiden's Blush, and Christine ; and of Picotees Mrs. Kelk, Sparkler, Amazon, Margaret, Gem of Roses, and Beauty. Renovating Vinery [R. A. If'.).— The border inside ought to be the full width of the house, especially if you have no outside border; but the present width of outside border we should retain in addition to the inside border, having the front wall with 2-feet openings and 14 or 18-inch pillaia, the open- ings the depth of the border, and arched over, or a stone head placed across the openings and only a few inches below the level of the border. The openings and outside border may be made after the Vines have been planted a year or two. To have Grapes in June you will require four rows of 4-inch pipes along the front of the house. We do not recommend any particular kind of boiler, but we advise you to have one sufficiently powerful to do its work with ease. You may plant the Vines inside and still continue the present Vines, but we should not continue them more than a year; and if the Vines are closely planted, or if they cover the roof, it would be well to discard the old Vines at once, for the young Vines must have room for their foliage to be fully exposed to light and an-, so as to secure the thorough ripening of the wood. Plant Btrong or fruiting canes, bat do not allow them 472 JODENAL OP HOBTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. t November 25, 18Vt5. to frnit the first sea^ou. All the Vines uameJ, except Black Hamburgh, are ansuitable (or ripenin;? in Jane, but are good for a late houee to be ripe in Au;:;ust and hang until after Ciiristma^, and some will hanct in i^ood condition until March. Black Hambur;;h, Duke of Buccleuch, Mill Hill Hamburgh, and Foster's Seedling, or Buckland Sweetwater, would be suitable for the earliest house. TODEA SDPERBA (D. W. ff.).— It should bo wintered in a cool house, but frost should bo excluded, as, though a few degrees o( frost may be endured by the plant, we have known the fronds discoloured thereby. It requires a compost of rough fibrous peat, with some crooks (broken pots) intermixed about a sixth, and good drainage, aflbrding moderate pot-room. Eenewino Vine Bordee (Mem).— With an inside border you may renew the outside border, and that without losing a crop of Grapes. It is not neces- sary to place charcoal next the roots, but mix it with the soil. The lifting of the Vines and renewing of the border would ba best done just before starting the Vines, giving a covering to the border of hot dung and leaves ten days or a fortnight before applying fire heat. The lime rnbbish should be removed and mixed with the compost of the border, but one-third of it will be suffl- cient for that purpose, and in place of the lime rubbish have that more depth of properly prepared border, 15-inch depth of border being much too shallow. Oederinq Camellias, &c., from Ghent (B.).— Orders for these are best Riven in early autumn, so that the plants may not suffer in consignment from severe weather, as they are liable to do if transmitted during the winter months. CHRYSANTHEsinM Jdlie LAOBAVrERE (J. F. F.).— It is not a Pompon, neither is it a large-flowering variety. The blooms are medium-sized, reflexed, of a reddish crimson colour, and are produced in great profusion. The plant is a sturdy grower, and is seldom affected with mildew. It is one of the most useful varieties that can be grown for decorative purposes and for affording a supply of cut flowers. CHRVSANTIIEJIC3I3 (J. W. /I.).— They are florists' flowers, of which we can- not name the varieties. Dion;ea MUSCIPUL4 IH. r.).— It very rarely ripens its seeds in this country, therefore is usually propagated by dividing a plant. NA31E8 OF Frcits {W. D. P.).— Boston Russet. {Knutsford).—k, not known; E, Comte de Lamy; c. Napoleon; D, Mario Louise. [J. M. J.),— 1, Pearson's Plate; 3, Franklin's Golden Pippin; 3, Crasanne ; 4, not known; 6, Jeau de Witte ; 6. Grand Soleil. Un Old Stihscriher).—\, Catillac ; 2, Deux SfEors; 3, quite rotten and shapeless; 4, not known; 5, Kerry Pippin; 6, PoweU's Russet. (O. Hcad\.— \, not known, worthless ; 3, Colmar d'Arem- berg; 4, Black Worcester; 6, Braddick's Nonpareil; 7, Pitmaaton Russet. {W. K. ^sAui;n.—l, English Codlin; 2, Uvedale's St. Germain; 4, Braddick's Nonpareil; 5, Hanwell Soaring; 6. Loan's Pearmain. (Kastoii Ncston).— 1 and 2, Beurrp Diel ; 3. Pitmnston Duchess; 4, Vicar of Winkflold ; 5, Van Mens Leon Leclerc ; G, Glou Mori;eau. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE. POULTRY FARMING. At the reqaest of many inquirers I promised to give publicity to my opinion of the best and most profitable plan of keeping poultry of all sorts. I have always urged that grass runs are absolutely necessary ; but I believe most will agree with me that the greater number of their fowls will not seek over a large space of ground, and to rent for the purpose of poultry-breeding a number of acres Bpecially is an extravagance. In 1373 I devoted a large field of 14 acres of turf from Christ- mas to Midsummer to fowls only, as I found in early spring and summer a large loss and annoyance from cattle, sheep, and horses grazing with them, on account of the coops being con- stantly upset, and wire partitions, &c., damaged by rubbing against them. So I determined at once to set apart a portion or portions in acre lots, and after repeated alterations I am satis- fied that it those who intend to keep fowls (no matter how many), but as a guide not less than one acre per hundred should be allotted, will follow the plan now submitted (although the cost, as a start perhaps, looks large), they will find economy in the end in money, time, and trouble. I often notice correspondents are advised to devote too much hen-house room. For one hundred adult birds I consider an acre of grass is ample, and according to the determination to keep flyers or non-flyers, erect a wire fence 6 feet high in the former case, and i feet high in the latter, entirely round the four sides of the acre, erecting in the centre of the ground a wooden or other house 5 yards long by 4 yards wide, measuring to the eaves 4 yards in height, the root of which should be a double span, having in the S-yards length four stretchers of 4 by 3 to tie the roof together. Upon these bars should be three or four perches laid to suit the birds that roost high. On either side of the roof should be a skylight to Uft up to give light and ventilation according to weather, hinged at top. The under side of these should be wired so as to prevent fowls making an exit by them. The floor should be fixed 4 feet from the ground, so as to afford a space underneath the hen house proper for shelter in damp and windy weather. On all tour sides of this under space should be two doors 2 feet by 2 feet, the bottom being G inches from the outside floor, about 3 feet from each end of house. Pre- vious to setting joists to carry the floor some rough slates shotild be laid horizontally all round underneath and touching the joists to prevent rats from climbing into the top house. To form a roosting-stage fix four pieces of 4-by-2-moh timber in a slanting direction, the foot of each being placed G feet from the aide of the house, and the top resting against the side near the roof. These lean-to's will form rafters, and on each, at every foot from the top. place a piece of wood of the shape of an L to form sockets in which to rest the longitudinal perches. These should be of Ij by l}-lnch timber, and they can be removed at pleasure to clear away the droppings underneath. This frame of perches forms roosts suitable for all birds, high or low roosters, and one of the particular advantages is that the fowls all roost together with the tail to the wall, as the long toes will clasp the 1} and the short the 1}. "Wire netting should be fixed from each angle of the hen house obliquely to each angle of the acre, so as to form four separate quarter acres of ground, and the partitions must be netted suffi- ciently high to keep the birds in their proper compartments. The main entrance should be where it is best seen from the dwelling house, and to be used for cleaning out, gathering eggs, &o. It should be 5 feet by 2 feet 6 wide, and fixed so as to avoid opening against the roosts. Inside the upper house along the wall, starting at each end, have standing a frame, not a fixture, but secure, forming seven nests in a row 13 inches square, in three or four tiers, each nest having a piece of board running across the front 3 or 4 inches high to prevent the eggs falling, and if two 10 inch boards are used for the horizontal divisions it wiU afford a walk of 6 inches for the fowls to alight or tread upon when seeking a nest. The nests should be 2 feet 6 wide, and about 4 feet 6 high if three tiers of nests are used. In the centre of the upper house should be a shallow oval or round utensil as large as convenient, into which the ashes— that is, the grit, &c., after the household cinders have been riddled, should be emptied, and if insufficient, dry sifted soil, to both of which should be added black sulphur, and every other day or two with a small shovel (after the birds have had time to dust and pick out useful scraps) sprinkle in rows over the droppings under the roosts, so deodorising all nauseous effluvia. During the summer months this manure should be removed once a fortnight, and the roosts scraped and greased with a mixture whilst melted of lard, sulphur, and paraffin oil (1 lb. of the first to 1 oz. of each of the two latter), and every crevice or crack should be filled up. Every three months or oftener the houses should be white- washed, taking care to mix with each bucketful half a pint of carboUc acid or paraffin oil, and to be rubbed well in every crevice and joint of woodwork where vermin are sure to lodge. Carbolic acid powder should occasionally be sprinkled through a dredger in and about the house, runs, &c. The advantages claimed are that the fowls have a constant weekly change of keep, passing over the whole acre once a-month. It is preferable that each half, or some portion least in the way for walking, of each quarter acre should be du" up during its term of fallow, and in all snch cases to now and again sprinkle straw over that part, and spread all the dry grain given to the fowls upon the dug portion. There is always a V7eek to dig up such a small space of ground. Occasionally a drill or two of various grains might be introduced, so as when the fowls come on that part again they will seek for the sprouted corn. The straw will be found a great acquisition, as the birds will not too readily get their food, and will continue for hours to search for it, and when finding that they are sure at the same time to find Insects, &c., besides giving healthy exercise. When the hatching season commences the hens should ba sat elsewhere, and when chickens come the adult fowls can be in one space and the coops containing mother and chicks in another space, and so fed upon better and more expensive food, which is often consumed by the larger birds. Then again, when cockerels intended for killing attain a certain age and require fattening they can again for a short time be fed separately, alternately changing the coops and chicks, and closing or opening the doors of the under compartment. A small roost house made moveable could be used by the fattening birds. Again, in late autumn when early pullets are about to commence laying they require more nutritious and warmth-producing food, and this can ba faciUtated by this mode. I am quite satisfied where young and old run indiscriminately — not even calculating loss from being lamed and crushed, but simply the extra and more expensive food, intentionally given and required by the young, which is in such cases insatiably devoured by older birds — the cost is nearly if not more than trebled during the year, the saving of which, besides the comfort of having all under control, would quickly repay the cost of a suitable structure. I omitted to say that the ventilator over the roosts should be glazed and a piece of timber fixed hanging down from the upper portion where the hinges are fixed, so as to thoroughly light the roosts and yet break the bright glare that would otherwise shine over the nests. That on the opposite side should be fitted ■with a zinc or non-trans- parent plate. I advocate the use of milk from early in November till the end of March. I gave last winter i£12 worth, also during the same months Tyler's patent amalgamated meal and Brown's aro- matic compound as very first-class warmth and egg-producing inceativea. Of course there are many others very good, but November 25, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 473 more expensive for non-exhibition fowls. In all cases where soft food is given it is best scattered upon the turf in different corners each morning. It is not necessary to keep a cock with a number of fowls. I cannot account for it, as I can see no reason why it should be, but I have seen repeated inetances where birds have laid more eggs for a given number of the same breed and age without the male bird than with one. It is better to pen five hens with a cock a few weeks before the required time for hatching, and make sure of almost all the eggs being fertile. Every cock will during the year lessen the profits 10s. at least. — Gallinacultubist, Matnpton-in-Arden. KILMARNOCK ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION'S SHOW. This was held in the Corn Exchange Hall and Butter Market on the l'2th and 13th inst. The Pigeons were arranged in the large hall in rows, at a convenient height for observation. The Canaries were hung on the wall at one end. The poultry and Babbits were shown in the Butter Market adjoining the hall, on a lower level. The Society may be said to have reached a mature age, and to be one of the oldest in the country, being established in 1852. The poultry were a large show of C0.3 pens. To show the dif- ference between Scotch and English tastes we give the num- bers of pens exhibited of each variety : — Spanish 12 Brahma Pootras 19 CocbiDS 18 Dorkings S7 Game 153 Hamborghs 78 Polands 13 Trench 22 Scotch Greys 27 Bantams V6B Malays 6 Other varieties 6 Ducts, Oeesc, &c S3 Selling classes tl 6IJS It will be seen from this that the China fowl is not in repute about Kilmarnock. The Scotch people being eminently a prac- tical people have almost discarded the Brahma fowl and his relatives. There are not wanting evidences from England also, judging from letters that appear from time to time in the poultry papers, that Brahmas and Cochins are on the decline. We were much struck with the fine display of Game fowls. They seem the favourite breed about Kilmarnock. The twelve pens of undubbed Game showed from the faulty combs of some of them, that were Nature left alone the places of the dubbed ones might often be reversed. The IlamburgJis were also a good show. Though small fowls they are good layers and con- sume little food considering their size, and as ornamental fowls we consider them entitled to about the first place among poultry. French are increasing and already number more than Brahmas or Cochins, a position they ought to hold we were told. The class for Scotch Greys contained twenty-seven pens, and was one of the best in the Show. We never saw such a good lot together before. Although not to be considered ornamental poultry, they have other good points in such perfection that they are sure to increase in public estimation. Of Bantams, while Black-breasted Reds, Piles, and Duckwings were shown in considerable numbers, only two pens of Brown Beds put in an appearance. Sebrighta were, as they always are at Kil- marnock, well to the front. The Pigeons were a first-rate collection of 446 pens, and when we say that out of this number Antwerps were eight. Dragoons only four, and common Pigeons nineteen pens, this makes 415 pens of really fancy Pigeons. The Pouters were judged by Mr. Huie of Glasgow, his announced colleague, Mr. George Ure, being prevented attending. Mr. Jones judged the rest. Commencing with Pouters, 123 pens, the classification adopted was, as suggested in this Journal — viz., to class Mealy with Blue, rather than with the artificial Black Bed and Yellow. The first class was for Black Red or Yellow cock, standard Pied — that is, without any glaring mismarking, for pied to a feather no one expects or can expect to see. No. 610 (Andrew Dunleavy) was a Black of fair colour, rather gay on crop, but a well-shaped bird. No. 611 (David Thomson) a Yellow of fair colour and good proportions, well-feathered limbs, good crop, wanting in pinion. To him was awarded second prize. No. 012 (.James Walker), third prize, a Red of good colour, well-marked crop, and wanting in pinion. He was a stylish kind of bird, but too much cow-hocked. No. 613 (Thomas Wood, Y'ork), hiehlycom- mended, also a Red of fair colour and style. No. 614 (James Walker), fourth, a very good-coloured and marked Yellow, with well-shaped and feathered limbs; an upstanding bird, a trifle short in feather. He was to our taste, considering everything, the second best in the class. No. C16 (Ridley & Dye), first and special, a glossy Black of very correct marking except a rather small bib. A very handsome bird of fine lines and finished look- ing. Clean limbs beautifully set and feathered. All over a good Pouter, he is a credit to his exhibitors, who carried oS the cream of the Pouter prizes. Credit is also due to the breeder of all, or nearly all, their fine exhibits, Mr. Mitchell of Glasgow. No. 617 (R. H. Blacklock) an unnoticed Bed of a good stamp in colour, marking, and shape, worthy of highly commended we thought. No. 018 (Ridley & Dye) a Yellow, good colour and stylish, bub too deficient in marking for a " standard Pied " class. In this class Mr. Mitchell showed bis old Yellow bird, but besides being of a bad colour and no great marking, he is down from age, loose-feathered, and quite out-classed. Blue or Mealy cock, standard Pied, were twenty-one in number. The first of note, No. 022 (A. Dunleavy), highly commended. A capital Mealy of a light tint, well-cut moon, but not easy to say anything about pinion trom his light colour. No. 623 (James Ferguson), a Mealy of a better colour, brighter red in beak and bars, but not of the same proportions as the last. No. 62-1 (James Walker), fourth prize. Blue, well-marked, good in colour and style. No. 625 (Hugh Thomson), highly commended, a very good Mealy, but rough-legged and rather wide on them. No. 626 (Ridley & Dye), first aud special, a Blue, such another as their Black in the previous class — an easy win. No. 628, same owners, second prize, a Mealy, large and fine, well marked, but not a good colour. We would not have placed him, he was so loose-feathered and down on the wings from age. No. 631 (J. Mitchell), third. This bird was, we were told, full brother to the first-prize one, and rather better in every respect excepting being too gay on the crop, which takes away his finish. Still we would have given him the Mealy's place. No. 634 (R. Crow), highly commended. In many respects a fine bird but with too small a moon. No. 635 (Andrew & Cunningham), a first-rate Blue, but much too white on crop. No. 637 (James Walker) was a handsome Blue and evenly marked, but looked shortish in limb. Class 41 was for Pouter cocks, any other colour, standard Pied, and included Whites. Here, again, Ridley and Dye came in first with a very fine White, long in feather and limb, slim-girthed and good "in crop. Second prize fell to an immense and handsome bird, something between a Sandy and a Mealy, but more inclining to the latter, as he had faint bars. He showed a good sprinkling of black ticks about the head and body. We should think he was about the biggest bird in the Show. Both third and fourth prizes went to good Whites ; in fact, except the Mealy or Sandy spoken of, the class, composed of fourteen birds, was all White except No. 655 (J. B. Spence) a Red Chequer. He is a handsome shapely bird, and though chequered with a powdery tint on his body feathers, his neck and wing secondaries are of a deep rich red, richer and darker perhaps than the colour of any other Red Pouter in the Show. The next class, 42, for Black, Red, or Yellow Pouter hens, standard Pied, brought out nine birds. The winner was easily found in No. 600 (Ridley & Dye), first and special, a sweet Black hen as near perfection as generally found. She was good in every point, especially in due proportion of limb and feather. Her hmba nicely set and feathered; colour good aud marking also. As is too often the case, her moon instead of ending in fine points ran up to her eyes, and this was the only eyesore about her. No. 663 (James Walker), second prize, marked in catalogue Red, was a Yellow of fair colour but not well marked, having no pinion. No. 664, same owner, third prize, marked in catalogue Yellow, was a fine Red (they seem to have transposed these two pens), the best Red for colour in the Show, finely-cut moon, but no pinion, well-shaped and feathered limbs. We would have made the Red second, and the Yellow third. No. 659, still the same owner, was a solid-winged Black of fair colour and good style. Eleven Blue and Mealy hens competed in the next class, 43. Here, again, Ridley & Dye were success ful, taking both first and second prizes with Blues. Both were well-marked nice birds, but though the first was the largest the second was the nicest in shape, but was unfortunately Kite- barred. Mr. Mitchell's well-known Mealy came in third, and a most taking hen she is, one of the slim-girthed kind that never thicken. She is over three years old now, and but for the fact of her having a division of colour in her moon, otherwise finely cut, dividing it into two parts, she would not have been beaten by any Pouter hen in the Show. No. 674 (J. Walker), fourth prize, a Blue finely marked and stylish, quite as good as the other winners, and taking them together they were a very even lot. No. 675 (D. Liwrie), highly commended, well marked, but wanting in general finish like the winners. The next class, for hens of any other colour, standard Pied, including Whites, brought out only eight. Here James Walker, No. 676, was first ; and Ridley & Dye, No. 677, second with good Whites; third and fourth fell to Joseph Secular and John Secular with hens of the same colour, and all the four were of a handsome and stylish appearance. No. 670 (R. H. Blacklock), a very glossy and good Black, wrongly entered in this class. Twenty-two young Pouter cocks bred this year comprised Class 45. No. 685 (A. Hutchison), commended ; a tidy little Mealy of good shape. No. 688 (J. Walker) a dull-coloured but evenly-marked hand- some Red, commended. No. 089 (Thomas Wood), highly com- mended, a slightly-made Red cock, of colour much above the average, and heavily stained on the rump aad tail as many fine Reds are. No. 090 (Hugh Thomson) Smoky Black, otherwise a good bird and well marked. No. 692 (Hugh Thomson), first and ili JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ NoYember 25, 1875, Bpecial, Black, worthy of the honour, good colour, nicely set limbs properly feathered, and marking about perfect. No. C93 (Eidley & Dye) fourth, Black, Btylieh but no pinion. No. C94 (Hugh Thomson), commended, a very nice Blue, short of marking, with very good limbs. No. 703 (James Walker), third prize. A really handsome well-marked Blue of good proportions but ticked all over with slight chequer marks and brown-barred. No. 704 (James Walker), second prize, rightly placed. Blue, not a large bird, but very comely. Pouter hens of any colour, bred in 1875, were fourteen. No. 707 (David Thomson), fourth prize, Yellow. No. 712 (K. H. Blacklock), second, a Blue exceedingly handsome and well-shaped. No. 713 (Ridley & Dye), highly com- mended. Yellow. We preferred this one to the fourth, having better cut moon, and better set legs. She was solid-winged and not very lengthy. No. 714 (James Mitchell), first prize, a good- coloured Black, long in feather but with scarcely enough limb, and rather wide set. In marking also rather deficient having little bib. No. 718 (James Walker), third prize, a Blue, a good bird. No. 719 (J. Walker), highly commended, a fine rich- coloured Yellow. Class 47, Any other Pouter cock, seven entries ; and Class 48, Any other Pouter hen, five entries, we considered decided mistakes. Whatever the body colour of a Pouter is, if he is decently marked and with good points otherwise, we can admire him, but a lot of solid-breasted, solid-winged, ring- necked, bishop-sleeved birds, some with blazes up to the crown of the head, and others white from the lower mandible to the thighs, wanting both bib and belt, are nothing but an eyesore. The meagre number of entries showing that there are either few Buch birds about, or that their owners are disinclined to exhibit them, should prevent the repetition of such classes. The only birds eligible for it are, in our opinion, Splashes, by which we mean Whites with coloured tails, or slightly marked abouj the head and back, but not to such an extent as to come under the definition of mia-marked birds, and as none of this description were visible we conclude that no class is wanted for them. Carriers. — Eidley & Dye were first and third in cocks of any colour with a good Black and a good Dun. The Black was especially good in wattle, good also in general style, being long-feathered and long-necked. He did not, however, stand- up on his legs so well as the Dun. Mr. Hugh Bankhead was successful in taking second, and Mr. McCrae fourth. In hens the first went to No. 744 (Alex. Smith), a very good Black, as glossy in colour as any Black Pigeon we ever saw, and with wattle and eye both good. She was a fine upstanding and pro- portionate bird, and stood quite away from the others. The class for young Carriers of any colour or sex contained twenty, mostly Blacks and Duns, and many of them of great promise. Mr. James Boss was awarded first prize, and Mr. B.C. Stretch second. Only eleven Short-faced Tumblers competed, mostly Almonds, and not a few of them showed they had been altered from what Nature made them. No. 777 (Bryce) was first and special with an Almond cock clearly before the others, not only good in colour but also in head, beak, eye, and carriage, Barh cocks were also eleven, the winner of first and special being E. G. Keay's Black, Mr. Bryce's Dun being second, and his Black third. 785 (Spence), a good Yellow cock was very ill- looking and seemed unlikely to reach home alive. We cannot understand how Barbs are called by some so high-class as to be out of the category that includes Jacks, Owls, Fantails, &o., and to be considered equal with Pouters, Carriers, and Short-faces. We always thought that any Pigeon fit to be named beside these three breeds, must, like them, have something beyond mere fine points — viz., a certain highly-bred way of carrying them- selves, called shape or carriage. We never saw anything of this in Barbs, and without it they never can be allowed to be on an equality with the three varieties named. We have often heard it remarked that a Barb is only at his best when he is half decayed, and that you see all of him at a glance. He squats in his pen all of a heap, and has none of the ever-varying motions Bo charming in a Pouter or Fantail, the fine attitude of a good Carrier, or the dignified strut of a Short-face. Barb hens were only five, and Mr. Bryce was first aud third with Yellows, the former of a sound colour throughout, but the latter smoky blue in rump and tail. Second went to Mr. Laurie's Dun, a nice one, and of that glossy, hard, dark Dun only seen in Barbs, and so different from the Carrier Dun. In Trumpeters Mr. J. E. Spence showed and won with an all- black Scotch-bred Russian, a really splendid bird. We should think his rose would be 1^ inch in diameter, and his hood if measured along the ridge following the semicircle at least 4i inches. He was a panioularly upstanding bird for a Trum- peter, showing his lines beautifully and not struck all of a heap like so many of them. The other was a Mottle — there were only two of them — but in no degree to compare with the Black. Fantails were twenty three aud well judged, considering the Judge sympathises with the English style, but now bo many Scotch birds have large tails and plenty of motion as well, the big tail alone, with nothing more, cannot win. Whites seem the favourites, and the class was chiefly compoied of them, but there was an all-black and two saddle-backs, one of which, No. 798 (W. Nelson), was a Chequer bo nearly black as to be taken for it, and as clear-cut as a Turbit. For motion, constant, and grotesque, we have not seen the like of this one for many a day, and we think the coloured sides are an additional pro- perty, just as a shouldered Turbit is superior to a White. Jacobins contained twenty pens of Blacks, Reds, and Yellows, and were nearly all of the maned style. We saw Bome of them examined, and the plucked backs of their heads exposed. With- out believing that the Jacks of the day have been crossed — for we have always considered the Eeds and Yellows proverbial for richness of colour, and cannot imagine where this could come from — wo are rather inclined to the belief that the manes are merely the result of selection. We bred them years ago, and found the big coarse ones often came so, and always considered that it resulted from the feathers lying the wrong way. As for the plastered-down hood we consider it an abomination, and as we have heard it remarked by good fanciers, makes the bird at a little distance ofl look like a Bald-head. No less than thirty-three Turbits, Black, Eed, Yellow, and Dun, competed ; but, strange to say, not a single Silver. First and special went to Andrew & Cunningham's peak-headed Yellow, good in colour and good all over; second a peaked Blue (M. S. 'Temple) ; equal thirds to Robert Millar and to M. S. Temple for a Shell-crowned Blue, the best in Turbit points in the lot we thought, excepting the shell, for we prefer the peak ; fourth to R. J. McKinlay's peaked Red, good in colour and frill, but not so fine in head and beak. English Owls nineteen pens, all Blues and Silvers, except one of Whites. As pointed out in this Journal some months ago, it was suggested that English Owls being so far behind Africans in all the properties of the breed, they were not worthy of support, but that in so far as the colour known as powdered blue, a beautiful and striking colour, is not found in Africans, it might be well to make a class for it till Africans or Owls equal to them could be produced of the powdered colour. Fulton's book, part nineteen, lately out, suggests something of the same kind, and no doubt this plan will be adopted some day. It seems strange how what are called English Owls, though palrably and plainly in many cases only coarse or crossed Africans, should continue to be encouraged by intelligent com- mittees of shows, while the English Trumpeter has been quite ostracised. Of the nineteen pens exhibited none were powdered, and as there were some good foreign Owls in the Variety class the English Owls contained nothing to please the writer or those of his way of thinking. Class 60, for common Tumblers, Self-coloured, contained twenty-one pens of pretty birds. First were glossy Blacks, second pearl-eyed Whites, third rich Yellows, and fourth equally rich Eeds. The next class was for common Tumblers, Blue-barred or any other colour. We did not see any Blues, but the fourteen pens exhibited contained Black, Eed, and Yellow Mottles nicely marked, and some Almonds. Class 62 was a charming collection of twenty-one pens of Beards and Balds. We think scarcely anything could exceed the beauty of colouring and marking displayed in this collection, combining Blacks, Blues, Silvers, Eeds, and Yellows. Antwerps, any colour, were, as we have already said, eight pens, and Dragoons four pens. As they take in money and special prizes to the value of £5 10s. for 36s. that they con- tribute in entry money, we do not think these classes will be repeated, at least we heard some murmurs to that effect. " Biug out wild bellB, Ring out the false, ring in the true." Common Pigeons, nineteen pens of what we learned in our early days went by the name of sods ; all Blue or Blue- chequers, except a pair of Whites. Nuns twelve entries, all Black except two Red; the latter not BO good, however, as the Blacks, who carried oS all the prizes. Any other distinct variety nine entries. First 998 (E. G. Keay), Blondinettes, mostly lovely birds — fancy Pigeons indeed. Second 991 (W. Brydon), equally pretty petite foreign Owls, White ; third (John Cowe) beautiful powdered Ice Pigeons, the colour of a tropical moonlight with creamy bars ; and fourth (J. Allan) nice sharp-cut Magpies. The Selhng clasB, not exceeding 40s. for a single cock or hen, contained a miscellaneous assortment of twenty-three pens. A Carrier cock. No. 1019 (G Brown) carried off first prize ; a bad- coloured Red Pouter fourth. We did not see many birds marked as sold, though good value was to be had. The concluding class. No. 69, was a SelUng one for a single cock or hen not exceeding 20s. Thirty-two were entered here, and a Barb cock secured chief place. There was a good " old style " Yellow Jack, very much like Eaton's portrait, which wa were told had been claimed by Mr. Huie. There was plenty of good value in this class also, but few marked " sold." Probably as closing time drew near more business was done. PPANien — I and cup, VPillounhby 4 Purvis. Hexham. 2, E. Jaokson, Finch- field. S. W. M'lutvre, Ochiltree. 4, J. Boss, East Gateshead, ftc, W. Cuthbert- sen, W. WaUaoe, D. M'Beatb, J. Edgar, c, R. Begg. November 25, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 475 BaiiiMA PooTRAS.— 1, 3, antl cup, H. Wyse, BiahopbriKKS. 2, H. Wilkinson, Skiptnn. 4, H. A. Gibson, Kirkleatonc. /ic, T. Fye, J. A. Dtinpstor. c, J. Angus, mifiti E. ItaHSeli, U. Steveimon. CocuiN-CiiiNAs.— 1, D. Gulbniitli. TliisblfV- 2 aiul cup, J. Wyso, Falkirk. 8, G. H. Prncior, Dnrham. 4. (i. WiIIik .n, lulnmrnock. he. .). J. Wuller, J. Drinuan, J. Wyse. c. Mra. \V. Stcv.ii. W. >liiiw, T. Beardawith. DoHKimm.—Silver-Oieii.—l, D. M'Kiiy, Stabli^btuno. '2 and /(C. A. J, Muttor. Kilniamuck. 8, Z. H. Heyn.Iidrrbead. 4, J. Fernuanu. c, W. Wallaci^. Colourtil. — i and oup. J. Turnbull, Larbert. 2. (i. S. Robb. Leblie. 8. A. J. Mutter. 4. J. Stuttgard, Coliio. he. J. White, c, K. Dickie. Whit,\—l, J. T. Proud, BiHbop Auckiand. 2, A. (ienimell, Hillbead. 8, J. Stevenstm. 4, J. Pettigrew, Lilly- hole, /tc, B. Mortitt, J. Stevenson. Oa^e.— Black-breasted RetU—Cock or Cockerel.— 1 and 4, J. A. Mather, C1ob(i- bum. 2, M MeUlrmn, Dmnfrios. 3. D. Harley. Edinbar{?b. he, J. Nicol, J. Saddler, T. Toiiilinaon. c. J. Crumbie. Hen or i'uUet.—l, A. Allan, Hamilton. 2, J. Clark, Poliai-H Kuw. 8, D. Harley. 4, C. Jauiiebon, l''urfQr. he, J. & C Sneddon, J. A. Mather. 1). lJ.»atb i Taab. Game.— Brou'H-^^^■^^•^^■(I lU'ds —Cock or Cockerel. — land Extra, W. Webater, Denburn. 2, J, Nelauu, (.oekohaw, Hexham. 3. T. Newton, Gatebeck. 4. K. Stewart, Blair Adam, he, R. B. Hudson, T. & J. C. Parker, J. Fert;uson. II. W. Hu'chiaon, H. Beldon, D- Harley. Hen or Pullet —1 and Special, W. Webatiir. 2, W. UiKttin, Ulveiston. 3, W. ^\'ebater. 4, J. Nelaon. fic, K. Anderson, J. & 0. Sneddon, W. Bradley, c, J. Chester. Game— .4nj/ other variety. —Cock or Coc/fcrcZ.— Extra 1 and extra, D. Harley. 2 and 8, J. A. Mather. 4, J. H. Herriot, Kirkcaldy, he J. Hall, J. & A. M'Kay. W. Nelaon, G. Thompson, Z H. Ueya. D. Harley. Hen or i'ui^tt.— Extra and l,L.Ca88on, U^verston. 2, J. Hall. 3, C. M'Kain, Barrhead. 4,W. Nelson, he, J. Wisbart. D. Harley, T. C. Newbitt c, D. Buath & Taah. UNDuitriFD Game.-I, H. W. Hutchinson, Kirkcaldy. 2, W. Broadley, Kel- brook, «, W. Webster. 4, T. & J. O. Parker. UAaiBUitoHa.— (jfoiden-sjjanflieii.- 1, J. Crawford. Special and 2, H. Beldon. Bingloy. 3, T. MV'all. Kilmarnnck. 4, J. Ramaay, Mauchline. /w. A. Robert- aon, W. Jarfline. .S'ficcr-^ipfln^ifrf.— Special and 1, H. Robinson, Baildun. 2, H. Beldon. b and he, J. M. Campbell. .4, A. Glen, PaibU-y. he, Aahton & Booth. Hamburohb. — GoUlen-pcJiciiied —Special and 1, J. Fotberiuphiim, jun., Dun- fermline. 2, R. W. Braoewell, Earby, Leeds, 3, D. Giliiiour. Irviue. 4, W. Linton, Sclkiik. he, K, Adam, J. Taylor, M. Pollock. SiivtT-jH'ncilleil. — tipecml and 1, J. Webster. 2. R. W. Bracewell. 3. H. Beldon. 4. Mrs. Luchhead, KU- barohan. he, H. KinniburKh, T. Hanson, W. Reid, A. Anpua. Hambubghs.- J5/hcA.- — 1 and 3. J. Ross. 2, J. Patrick, Stackstead, Manchester. 4, H. Beldon. he, H. Robmaon. J. Gilchrist. PoLANDs.— 1 and cup, H. Beldon. 2, J. &, C. Watson. Earby. 3 and e, J. Gil- mour. 4, H. Paton. Crosa. he. J. StevenHOn, A. Wylie, J. Laird, c, J. T. Proud. Fren'ch.- 1, T Fullarton, Loans. 2, M. Jodd. fr-dinburpU. 8, A Carawell, Barrhead. 4, P. Macdonald, Montrose, u/tc, J. C. Shaw, he, W. Hartley. c.J. Sandeuian, D. Muir. Scotch Grets.- 1,H. B. Marshall. Glenhove. Special and 2, D. Kerr, jun. S and he, W. Gird wood, Brownlee. 4, J. Jardine. he, A. Hamilton, A. Brown, T. Wallace. Malays.- 1, Rev. H. FairUe, Kirkmichael, Maybole. 2, J. F. Strugnell, Rugely, 3, J. Patrick. 4, A. Youdel. vVny other Disti.nct Variety. — 1, H. Beldon. 2, T.A.Bond. Londonderry (Sultans). S, W. Birch, Strathblnne {White Leghoma). 4, J. Fulton, jun. (Anda- lusiana). Game Bantams —B^ocfc-brfosied iJeda.— Extra and 1, R. Brownlee. 2,J. D. Donald. 8, A. Walker. 4, J. Nelson, he, M. Robertson, J. Harrower. Mra. J. Dye, J. Nelson. J. Scott, Bruughton Ferry, c, J. Durning. Brown-breasted Heds —1, J. Nelaon. 2, J. Hine. Any other variety.— Ex.tra. and 1. R. Brownlie, Town end. 2, Mra. J. Uye, Hexham. 3. J Nelson. 4 and he, T. Harrower. jun., Rumblint,'well. he, J. Ferguaon. Undubbed Qame Bantams, any variety.— 1, T. C. Nowbi:t, Epworth. 2, K. Adam. 3, M. Robertson, Kilmarnock. 4, R. Muir, Caimhill. Bantams.— i?/acfc or White —1 and cup, H Beldon. 2, Bower & Horafall, Harden, 3, T. Green, Manchester. 4, U. H. Aahtun, Mottram. /le, W. U. Shackle- ton, S. Clapbam, (t. Good, c, J. D. Donald, (iolden or Creamy Silver Sebright. —1, J. Miliar, Kilmarnock. 2, A. Millar, Kilmarnock. 3, D. M'Naupbt, Kil- maura. 4, J. Millar, Kilmarnock, c, G. Good, Kilmarnock. Silver Sebright.— 1, cup, 2, and 4, A. Robertson. 8, D. M'Naught. he, M. S. Millar. Selling Class.- i4ny variety of Bantavm.— I and c, D. M'Laren, Kilmarnock. 2, J. Wilson, Bedliuttton. 3, Cummiug iSc Fleming, Beith. 4, R. H. Aahton. he, J.J. Uallor, li Craig, T. C. Newbitt. Aylesbury.- Extfii and 1, F. E. Gibson, Middleton. 2, W. Wallace, Mauch- line. 3 and he, Z. H. Keys. 4, F. Robertson, Belfast. RoDEN.— 1 and 2, J. Nelaon. S, H. B. Smith. 4, L. McKellar. he, J. Pollock, W. Wallace. Any other variety.— 1, 3, and he, H. B. Smith, Brookland (Ba- hamaa. Mandarins, Whiatlera). 2 and he, Mrs. W. Shaw, Kilmarnock (Man- darins). 4, W. J^indsay, Stranrear (Mandarins). Gb-ese.— 1, J. Allan. 2, T. B. Andrews, Kilmarnock. 3, Mies Wilson, Southook. Turrets.— I, J. Allan. 2, W. Husband. Kilmarnock. 8, J. Currie, Kilmarnock. Selling Class.— Any variety except Bantams.— Cock or Cockerel —I and c. J. Koaa (Spanish, Black Hamburgh). 2, A. J. Mutter. 3, J. A. Mather (black- Red). 4, J. Kamsay (Golden-apannled Hamburgh), he, A. Robertson. W. Burch (Houdan), c, C. M'Kain, P. MacJouald (Creve Ca^ur), R. Faulds, W. Husband (Silver spangled), J. Hamilton (^pantah). Hen or Pullet.— i. H. Mitchell. Perth (Brown Ked). 2 and c, W. Shaw (Cochinl. 8, J. Stewart, Pathead. 4, J. Matthew, Brcchm (Golden foland). Im, W. Wallace. Mra. J. M Fedries (Golden-pencilled), G. WiJlison, K. Faulda (Cochin China), c, J. Clark. Bantams.— Medal, A. Shaw, Kilmarnock. PIGEONS. TovTEKs.—Blaek, FiCd, or Tellou-, Standard Pied— Cock. — I and Special, Ridley & Dye, Hexham. 2, D. Thomson, Claremount. 3 and 4, J. Walker, he, T. Wood, c, J. Mitchell. Hen—1 and Special, Ridley & Dye. 2, 3, and 4, J. Walker, he, J. Walker, Ridley & Dye, A. Wardrop. c, A. Dunleavy. PoDTERS.— Biac or Mealy. Standard Pied.-Cock.—l, 2. and Special. Ridley and Dye. S, J. Mitchell, Glasgow. 4, J. Walker, he, A Dunleavy, H. Thom- son, R. Crow, J Walter, c, J. Paton, H. Shields. Hen.— I, 2, and Sp(;cial, Rid- ley & Dye. ?., J. Mitchell. 4, J. Walker, he, R. Gibson, D. Lawrie. c, J. Mitchell, D. M'NaauUt. i'vVTEim.-Auif other colour, Standard Pied —Cock.—l, Ridley & Dye. 2, R. H.Blacklock, Sunderland. 8, A. Dunleavy, Glasgow. 4, A. Brown, /ic, A. Brown, D. Thomson, J. Scoular. c, J. Scoular. He7i.—1, J. Walker. 2, Ridley & Dye. S and 4, J. Scoular, Townholm. he, W. S. M'Allister. Pouters.- Any colouj. Standard Pied —Young Cock.—] Special, H. Thom- son, Glasgow. 2 and 3, J. Walker. 4, Ridley & Dye. he, A. Dunleavv, T. Wood, D M'Naught. c, A. Huichison, J. Walker, H. Thomson. Young Hen.— 1, J. Mitchell, 2, R. H, Blacklock. 3, J. Walker. 4, D. Thomson, /tc, Ridley and Dye (2). W Mushat, J. Wallter. c, T. Wood, R. Crow. Pouters- Jjiy other.— Cock,— \, J. Walker. 2, T. Muirhead, Alloa. 8, J. Mitchell. 4, D. L.awrie. Kilmarnock. Hen.—\, D. M'Naught. 2, A. Dunleavy. 3, D. Lawrie. 4, W. Mushat. Townholm. Carkierh.— C'ocfc — 1 extra and 8, Ridley & Dye. 2. H. Bankhead, Kilmar- nock. 4, J. M'Crae. he, A. Smith, D. Lawrie. Hen.— I, A. Smith. 2, E. C. Stretch, Ormakirk. 4, W. Lindsay. 3, Ridley &. Dye. Carbiekb.— I'ouftf; Cocfc or Hen.—l,^. Rosa. 2. E. G. Stretch. 8, H. Bank- bead 4, Ridley A: Dye. he, G. F. & A. Umpleby. c, Ridley & Dye, E. G. Keay, D. Munn. H. Bankhead, D. Lawrie. IvyiBi-ER^.— Short faced.— Cock or Hen.— I and extra, R. W. Bryce, Edin- burgh. 2. W. Brydon, Dunse. 8, T. Douglas, Thornhill. 4, A. Dunleavy. he, H- B. Massey. Tumblers.— Se//-coioHr('rf. not Short faced.~l and Extra, J. D. S. Crawford, Beith. 2, B. Douglas. 3. A. Gray, Beith. 4, W. Stevenson, Beith. he, W. C. CaasellB, J. Glen, J. Stevenson, B. Conn, c, J. Glen, F. Robertson. Tnaim-ERs— Biu(!-6arrerf or any other colour, not Short-faced.—\,3. Wilson, Beith. 2, W. & A. Crawford. 8, R. Bluir. 4, J. Glen, Cambusland. he, D. M'Whirter. e, W. Stevenson, D. I-awrie. Barbs.- 6'ocfc.— 1 andi-xtra, K. G. Keay, Birmingham. 2 and 8, R. W. Brycfi. 4. H. D. Maaaey, Spalding. Hcn.—\ and 3. R. W. Bryce. 2, D. Lawry. 4, J. Allan. Trompeterb.— Cocfc or He/i.-l, J. E. Spcuee, Broaghty Ferry. 2, G. F. & A, 5. Umpleby, Boroughbridgo. Fantails. —Cocfc or Hen.— 1 extra, Gumming & Flemming. 2. J. Hunter, jun., Johnatone. 3 and 4, R. Blair, Thorn, vhe. H. C. Bowman, he, A. Brown, H. Daviea. e, H. Coalaton. jun,. J. Wylli<\ W. &. A. Crawford. Jacoiuns.- CocA- or Hen.—l and Extra, K.J. M'Kinlay, Kilmarnock. 2, R. Millar. 8, W. Brydon. 4. K. W. Bryeo. he. J. Frame, W. H. Low, J. Gilmour. c, J. Buchanan, T. C. Tavlor, J. I^ambie. J. Gilmour, K. W. Bryce. Tdrbits.— C'ocfc or Hen.—l and Extra, Anlrew &. Cunningham. 2, M. S. Temple. 3, R. MUlar. M. S. Temple, Hexham. 4, R. J. MKinlay. he, H. Beldon, J. Muir. c, J. M. Weir, J. Weir. J. Muir. O-WLQ.—English.-l, Extra, and 4, M. S. Temple. 2, L. & R. Davison, Mont- rose. 8,R W. bryce. he. J. W. Stansflfld, M.S.Temple. c R. H. Unsworth. Beards or Balds.- Lonp or Slwrt-faced.-l and Extra. D. Millar. 2, W. Brydon. 8, H. Thomson, 4, A. Gray, he, A. Robertson (2). c, R. Hutchiaon, W. Stevenson. Ridley ic Dye, H. Beldon, A. Gray. Antwerps.- 1 and 2, C. Gamon, Cheater. 8, E. G, Keay. 4, J. W, Stansfiela, Halifax. Dbaooons.- 1, 2, and Special, W. Smith, Walton-on-the-Hill. 8, D. Lawne. Common.— 1 and Extra, J. Brown. Neilston. 2. J. Hamilton. 8,J.W, Stans- fleld. 4. Gumming & Fleming, he, K. Brown 6c Erakine. c, J. Munn, D. Waddell, J. Muir. T. B. Andrews. Nuns.— 1. J. Gilmour. 2 and 3. J. Conkie, Darvel. 4. H. Beldon. Any other Variety,— 1. E. G. Keay. 2, W. Brydon. 8, J. Cowe. Aberdeen (Ice) 4. J. Allan (Magpies), e, A. Dnnleavy (White Foreign Owls). H. Beldon. Selling Class.— Price not to exccediOn.— CockorHen.—l and 8, G. Brown, Kilmarnock (Carrier cock). 2, A. Richmond, Kilmarnock. 4. W. Mushat. he, A. Hutchinson (Pouter cock), J. Frame, E. C. Stretch, D. Munn (Carrier hen), A. Wardrop (Carrier hen), R. Gibson (Pouter cock), c, A. Robertson (Fantail), T. Maxwell (Barb cook). J. FerRUaon (Jacobin cock). Selling Clk-^a— Price not to exceed Wa.— Cock or Hen—1, T. Maxwell, MaxwL-lltown (Barb cock). 2, H. Daviea. 8. 1. Weir, Kilmarnock ( Black Turbit). 4. D. Lawrie. he, J. M^Creath (Fantail hen), D. M'VVbirter (Tumbler hen), J. Frame, W. Brydon, H. Daviea. c, T. Maxwell (Barb hen), A. Wardrop. CAGE BIRDS. Clear Yellow.— Cocfc.—l, J. Thorpe, Dumfries. 2, T. Scott, Carluke. Sand 4, A. Kelly. Hfn.— 1, R. Brydon, Lochmaben. 2, T. Scott. 8, T. Fernie, Paisley. 4,R. Byron. Daly. , , Clear Bufk.— Cocfc.— 1,4, and special, M. Adama, Ayr. 2, R. S. D. Pollock, Beith. 8,D Dick.KilmamocK. he. R.Byron. Hen,— 1 and special, W. M'Luckie, Kilmarnock. 2, T. Scott. 8, W. Love, Kilbirnie. 4, R. Byron. Piebald Yellow. -O"ori:.—1 and special, T. Scott. 2. R. Pateraon, Howood. 3. R. Millar. 4. A. HarknesB, Kirkconnel Hen.—l, R. Baxter, Beith. 2, W. Thom, Stevenson. 3, A. Kelly. 4, A. A. Mauchan. Piebald Bu^f.-CocA:.— 1, J. Richmond. 2, T. Scott. 3, J. Grieve, Kilmarnock. 4. R. Byron. Hen.—l and special, T. Scott. 2, W. Thom. 8, T. Femie. 4, A. Kelly. UvLT^.— Goldfinch and Canary Yellow.— 2, J. M'Pherson. Paisley. 8, J. Littlejohn, Overtown. Goldfmeh and Canary Buff.— 1,3. Thorpe. 2, J. Kerr. 8, A. A. Mauchan, Dumbarton. A7iy other variety. -I, R. Calderwood. Kilmar- nock. 2, T. Ferguson, jun., Kilmarnock. 3, W. Laughland, Kilmarnock. Goldfinch.— 2 and 8, T. Kevie, Glasgow. Any Variety of Canary otuer than Scotch Fancy.— 1, J. Thorpe. 2, D, Dick. 3, A A. Mauchan. Selling Clahs.- Clear or Ticked Canary.— Coek.—l,D. Dick. 2. J. M'Kean, New Dreghorn. 3, J. Richmond, Galston. he, J. Kerr, Kilmarnock. Hen.— 1, J, Richmond. 2, P. Waaon, Girvan. 3 and apecial, J. Graham, Kilmarnock. c, W. M'Luckie. , , „ , Selling Class.- Darfc or Piebald —Cock.—l, A. Lyon. Crookedholm. 2 and special, D. Bennie. Dreghom. 3. W. Raid, c, A. A. Mauchan. Hen.—l, T. M'Nish, Kilmarnock. 2 and 8, R. Cron, Dalmellington. 4, R. Buntin, Kil- marnock. Home or Foreign Bird.— -4ny other variety.— 1, J. N. Marr, Irvine (Rose Cockatoo). 2, J. M'Callum, Irvine ( Rock Parrot). 3. D. M'Laren (Parrot). RABBITS. Lop-eared.— Bucfe or Doe.~l and 4. J. Murray. 2. H. Woods, Blackburn. S, T. & E. J. Fell. Blackburn, he, J. S. Robb, R. M'Donald, R. Callander, Any other Fancy Variety.— Cucfc or Doe.—l and 2, J. Jones, Fulwood. 3, J. and E. Fell. 4, J.Adams. ., , , „ ^ Common.— Bucfe or Doe.— 1, J. Smith. 2, D. M'Caughie, PoUockahaw. 3, J. Reid, Paisley. 4, D. Smith, Kilmarnock, fcc, R. J. Turner, A. Brown. A. Youdel, A. Walker, H. Black. Judges.— PowZir;/ .- Mr. Richard Teebay, Preston; Mr. Leno, Dunstable; Mr. J. Paton, Stewarton. Pigeons: Mr. James Huie, Glasgow ; Mr. G. Ure, Dandee ; Mr. P. H. Jones, London. Cage Birds, Sc. : Mr. J. Lyle, Wishaw ; Mr. A. Pringle, Dairy; Mr. T. Buchanan, Glasgow ; Mr. A. Brown, Kilmarnock. CRYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW. [Continued from jJage 457.) Game. — These classes were generally considered not up to the standard of last year. We have noticed throughout the season that the Game have been backward, and the quality only mid- dling. The winning Black Red adult cock waa a great beauty and won easily, and the same exhibitor's cockerel won the cup. Both classes were good, but the adult cocks want more time. Hens and pullets competed together; the winners were all good and well placed, though we believe some preferred the second- prize pen. The fourth was a very beautiful bird in shape and style, but not quite first-rate in colour. Brown Red cocka were a good lot. We liked the winner immensely, and he was in brilliant condition and feather. The cup again went to cock- erels, the bird being beautiful in colour and in fine feather. The other winners about right. 1487 (Woolf), not quite good in colour, but a large bird. Brown Red hens or pullets were very grand, the cup bird perfect all round and very fine in shape. The third bird waa trimmed quite in a fantastic manner about the throat, and we wonder that she kept her place though pos- sessing, as she did, so much quality. In Dackwings the winner was a beauty, perfect in colour and fair in head. Second and third good, the former very fine in head and neck. Cockerels were good. The winner was a very smart bird, well shown, and in fine plumage. Second and third might, perhaps, have 476 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( November 25, 187S. changed places. In hens or pnllets there were eleven entries, the winner a very good hen of much excellence in all points. Second a promising pullet : 15i5 (Fitch) a prettily-colonred bird, bnt poor in feet. Piles were a nice lot, and Mr. Fitz Herbert showed a good team of birds and did well with them- The winning cock ia yellow-legged, and a splendid one too. Second a good adult cock, and third a fair cockerel. In hens or pnllets we much admired the second-prize pullet, and thought perhaps a card might have been placed over her master's hen. Third another very good hen. 1503 (Stabler) a good old pen requiring more time. Black or Brassy-winged made up only six pairs, three of which belonged to Mr. Montresaor. Tha first went to Black chickens, the other colour taking second and third houours. The same gentleman's other pen (unnoticed) was a smart pair of Blacks, the hen being especially good, but her mate failed in feet. In the uudubbed Game clasi a smart Brown Red cockerel won the cup, but we did not quite like his colour. Second and third also went to Brown Beds, of which the former was a very nice bird in all respects. Seven birds were commended in this class, of which perhaps the best were pens 2414 (Fitz-Herbert), a Pile, and 2405 (Cameron), a capital Brown Bed. Malays. — No less than seventeen pens were entered. Mr. Hinton won the cup and first prize most deservedly. The cock is a superb bird and in grand feather. Second went to a capital pair of old birds of very even and sound colour; and third were a younger pair, very good, and of true Malay shape. Miss Brooke's was a nice pen and the colour was good. Mr. Burnell's pen were fair, and not dear at 50s. There were no less than seven pens empty, including those of Messrs. Payne, Falle, Perry, and Brownlie. We never saw so many empty pens in many of the classes at the Palace as on this occasion, and wish a mark could have been pnt against such tenantless pens in the catalogue for the edification of absent readers. Spanish. — These made classes better in numbers than quality. Of the four lots we thought the pullets best. The winning cocks, however, were all good. The first-prize bird also won the cup ; he has a fine face of good colour. Next to him ive liked the only highly commended bird in the class, for his lobes were very first-class. Hens were all backward ; they will be in grand form by Bristol ; as they were, many looked pinched and untidy. The cockerels were fair, nothing very grand anywhere, Mr. Chilcott's perhaps the best. Pullets made an improvement; the winner was nice and will improve yet. Second was a splen- did bird with a beautiful face, and would have been first we should say easily but for her twist. Third certainly of great promise. The highly commended birds were, many of them, capital. Of them perhaps pens 1054 (Jackson), 1068 (Goddard), and 1070 (Chilcott), were as promising as any. Polish were very good. The varieties are putting in a capital appearance. The Golden-spangled were especially good, and really there were a dozen pens worthy of prizes which only had "highly condemneds," as some jocosely term them. The win- ning old cock is a wonder in all points and was looking well. Second also a grand old cock, his crest and wings being espe- cially good. Third went to a nice chicken promising to make a good one. All the noticed birds were good, and the Judge rightly called it " an extremely good class." Hens again were beautiful. The old winner looks splendid and won the cup ; we never saw a better crest, and she has r- ally moulted out as fresh as a daisy. Second good in colour, but not so perfect in crest aa some of the other birds, Etill of great excellence; and third another really good bird. This class won the title of being " extraordinary," and the birds were certainly a superb lot. We believe Mr. Boothby lost his hen for i'lO 10s. : we say " lost," because we should say she was a bargain at the money. Silvers were also a very fine lot. We liked the winner in cocks very much. He wants more time, and will then run in as nearly the best old Polish cock extant we should say. Second was a good bird of immense crest and prettily marked — a good second. Third a very smart-looking bird, but not quite so Al in colour. Hens were very fine, and Mr. Adkins indeeddid well ; his crests are very beautiful, and his hens have all such good markings. Mr. Hinton's hen was very fine, but her markings are not quite oar fancy perhaps. Mr. Beldon's was a splendid hen, and almost deserved a better place. White-crested Blacks were very beau- tiful, but we were sorry to find so many pens disqualified. It ■would be well to know what amount of trimming is allowed, for we can but believe that every bird of this breed that wins has a certain amount of it. The winning cock was an old bird, a fine fellow, but his crest is not ready. Second, a very nice bird with neat crest. The third bird we liked the best of the lot ; he is a fine cockerel with a grandly coloured crest. Mr. Norwood's bird was a pretty cockerel, but ordinary cockerels have no chance against old birds in this breed. Hens were very nice, the winner singularly good in crest and colour, and well first; second a very well-grown pullet of good colour with a large crest ; third a beautiful hen with fine crest. Of the dis- qualified birds we will say nothing. Silkies. — The judging here was good, and we were pleased to see all the prizes given to one type of bird, for crests, ears, and combs prevailed before mere perfection of leg feather. The winning pair contained Mr. Woodgate's cockerel first at the Alexandra Palace, which was claimed there, mated with a very fair pullet. Second were beautiful in shape and head, but the cockerel's neck was full of pen feathers, which made him look a little yellow. Third a very nice even pair all round. Mr. Broad's old bird had a charming comb, one of the very best we ever saw, but the legs are in a bad state. 1G95 (Holmes) a very nice pair, well-feathered, but a shade coarse-looking. Leghorns. — We did not think the Browns so good as they were at the Alexandra Palace or Oxford, though perhaps many of the birds were the same. The winners, we are told, are im- ported. They are very nice in colour, and have beautiful lobes, but lack somehow the smartness of their English relations. The second were a nice pair, but we thought the cock carried his tail badly, and we preferred perhaps the third, where the cock was a fine bird, or even the pen of Mr. Mannoch, 1669. Mr. Kitchin's "birds were not, we think, his best, as we have seen better specimens of his at other shows. We can sympathise with him in having to fall back upon attendants to choose hia birds for exhibition in his temporary absence from home. His birds in pen 1071 were extremely good in ears and colour. Whites made up eight pens, in which the colour was on the whole pretty even. The winners were well in first, and are very showy. Second not so good in colour, but still a smart pen. Third belonging to same exhibitor, and much resembling his second-prize pen. Mr. Fowler's were nice birds, and BO were Mr. Day's, but they did not seem so large as the winners. Andalusians. — This was the first venture here for this breed, and eleven pens were entered, of which half a dozen came from Miss Arnold. This lady won first and second with two nice pens, both of which contained very beautiful cockerels. Third went to a nice pen of adults belonging to an old admirer of this breed. Vabiety Class — This was extremely good. A very splendid pen of Black Minorcas, as good as any we ever saw, were first ; fourth prize also went to a very good pen of this breed. Second prize was won by a fair pen of Cnckoo Cochins, and third nice White four-toed Sultans. 1711 (Harris), Black Malays of great lustre. The Untrimmed Class.— Very early on the first day we found ourselves in front of Class 111, and we waited for the awards with much interest and great curiosity. We judged the class before the cards were up according to our own ideas, and could then only pity the people who had paid their 7s. Gd. each, and had no chance of the prizes by not sending vulture-hocked specimens. We were amazed later on when the awards were out to find that the Judge had evidently not thought more of hocks than any other point, and had given the prizes to the best birds in the class according to his ideas. The birds that won were a very beautiful Spanish cockerel, second a good Dark Brahma cock, and third a fine Dark Brahma hen (h(cked). The class had twenty-eight entries, and we saw among them a Cruve, Malay, a Spanish, and a Bantam. In Asiatics there was a good White Cochin cock, some fair Buffs, and one or two good Brahmas. We left the class regretting very much that it had not been called "the class for vulture-hocked Asiatics," when all the unpleasant words about it would have been spared ; and we cannot help thinking that even after the schedules had been issued this class could have been set right by a few lines in the poultry papers ; for though the disturbance did not arise till the entries were closing or had closed, considering the circum- stances a week's act of grace could perhaps have been given to this class. As it was, the Judge acted undoubtedly wisely in keeping to the class as advertised in the schedule, and making hocks no more a &ine qua -non than any other feature. Waterfowl. — The Aylesbury Ducks were very good. They were in pairs where Mr. Fowler's truly wonderful pair were again first. Second were also good, having splendid bills. Third a nice pair. Fourth were also good, and better matched, perhaps, than the third. Eouens were divided as to sexes, Mr. Evans did well. His birds are simply perfect, and splen- didly shown. We never saw larger specimens, and congratulate their owner on his winnings. Second and third drakes both good and of large size. All the noticed pens were good, and would have come to the front well in any orilinary competition. Blacks made an immense class, of which Messrs. Kelleway and Sainsbnry sent no less than ten pens. Mr. Kelleway had all his four pens in the list. We really cannot criticise the class, for we could never get the lot iuto equal light ; but we may say that Mr. Sainsbury's Ducks were perfect beauties, and we do think the prizes should have been more divided between Devizes and the Island. Black Ducks, however, are dreadful things to judge, and we never envy anyone this work Mr. Walker's drake is a beauty ; what a pity he cannot buy a small Duck ! And Mrs. Hayne's and Mr. Serjeantson's, though pos- sessing much colour, are too large for the fashion. In fancy Ducks, Spotted Bills, Mandarins, and Carolinas won the prizes. They were all in lovely feather, and we can never make out in Kovember 23, 1876. ] joubnaij op horticulture and oottage gar ener. 477 Bucb even company whafe the Judges go upon. Geeae were splendid. Mr. Fowler once more to the front. Second went to a cheap pen of Greys, and third to really Rood Whites. Ti'iiKEYS had three classes. The qimliiy was very even, and most of the specimens huge. The 1875 birds were especially good, and very well grown birds, calling to remembrance pleasant thoughts about the winning season. The Sale classes were so immense and the quality so mixed that we could not attempt to go through them, especially as the remarks would hardly be of interest, so many of the birds having gone to fresh owners ; but we must say one word about the first-prize Buff Cochins in the cock-and-hen class. The pullet is a wonder, the cockerel not worth a crown. We wonder if she will shoot hocks or a tail. We hope not, for she has gone to a new home for i'14 14s., and the lady who purchased her is one who has striven against many difficulties honestly to come to the front in this fancy for which we all have so many pleasant feelings. — W. H.urRnnoiis. — As a rule the five varieties of Hamburghs are kept much in the hands of their old admirers and exhibitors, still we rejoice to see some new names in their class, and these, too, in the prize list. The cup for the best ct>ck went to a Golden-spangled bird, that for best hen to a Golden-peucilled ; and we tliink both the awards good. Golden- spangleii cocks were a good class indeed. The cup bird was, we saw, marked sold, though ten guineas was his catalogue price. Hois as near perfection as possible ; his sickles flowing in an elegant curve, and his comb such as is rarely seen in spaugled birds, ample, yet free from coarseueea and beautifully spiked. Second a very good bird too ; the peak of his comb is not quite straight, and he has not the wonderful style of No. 1. Third a pretty bird with good carriage, but showing white edges on the breast and thigh feathers, so often taken off, and a slight blush in the lobes. Hens were in many cases out of condition, and we did not think the class a remarkable one. First was a bird showing traces of age on the head and back — viz., white-edged feathers. She is very round, and large in spangling. Second another old bird, small, and not bright in comb ; her spangling glossy and even but not very large. Third a bird of very rich ground colour. We liked Mr. Pickles' highly commended birds. Silver-spangled cocks. — The first-prize bird was certainly not equal to the Golden winner. His comb is largo and a trifle coarse, but honestly shown ; his spangling large and very green. Second a well-shaped bird with smaller spangling, particularly well marked on the wings. Third a less heavily spangled bird, aud too light towards the thighs. In spite of the present taste for very heavy spangling, we mnst say that we like to see a spangled and not a black breast. The very highly commended bird (Pickles) in this class took our fancy. Hens. — No 1, to our idea, a perfect bird, good in form and condition, with round and even spangling. Second a very nice bird which would match No 1 well. Third had large spangling, but not so clear in tail and not so elegant in carriage as the former two. Mr. Carr's very highly commended and highly commended birds were both good specimens of the lighter spangling. Golden pencilled cocks. — First was a lovely bird, perfection in colour, with good lobes, and excellent in carriage. Second in most points equal to the first, but rather too copper-coloured in tail. Third a smaller bird, good in carriage and lighter in neck hackle than the other prize birds. Hens. — First the cup bird, beautifully barred and coloured, a trifle deficient in comb. Se- cond also very well marked and good in colour, but not so clear in neck hackle and not good in comb. Third a heavily barred bird, a little mossy on the wing. The very highly commended bird was also good and heavily pencilled. Silver-pencilled cocks. First was a pretty little bird, good in carriage, with an honestly shown comb but barred sickles. Second we preferred on the whole to the first; his head and comb are excellent, and he has beautiful flowing sickles. Third not a bird of the same style, somewhat squirrel-tailed, with one sickle not well grown. 1352 (Webster), commended, is a pro- mising bird, but slill very young. Hens of the Silver variety are as a rule rather more heavily pencilled than we like. First a pretty and well-formed bird with this heavy marking. Second good in lobes, too dark on the back. Third lighter in pencilling and deficient in breast-marking, which mnst have pulled her down. Black cocks. — First a beautiful bird, in which we could see no fault. A faultless comb in a Hamburgh cock which is, as in his case, also evidently as Nature made it, is a great beauty, and should receive its reward from a Judge. Second good in colour but coarse in comb. Third a gloEsy nice biid, which we were sorry to see ill on the third day. We liked the carriage of 1379 (Simpson). Hens. — First very good in colour and form. We observed in her a peculiar blue rim round the lobe, almost like that of a Silky ; we have seen it in other Black Hamburgh hens, but never to the same extent. Second a neat bird, not a bad match for the first. Third very fair, rather pale in comb. 1384 very highly commended (Marlor), a blooming bird, spoilt by a little red in lobe. 1389, very highly commended (Simpson), wa thought as good as the third-prize bird. — C. BUBTON-ON-TBENT POULTEY AND CANARY SHOW. The seventh annual Show of Poultry, Canaries, and British Birds took place at St. George's H*ll, Burtoo-on-'Trent, on the 13th and lath inst. Altogether there were 343 exhibits. Mr. J. C. Salt the Secretary did his utmost to make the Show a success, and had matters well arranged by the time the Show opened to the public on the Saturday morning. We were glad to find the catalogue printed in a way exhibitors generally prefer, with the awards attached to each successful exhibitor's name. A day was set apart for judging, which affords the opportunity of the catalogue of prizes being issued and posted in due season. Exhibitors do not like to wait three or four days ere they hear any tidings of their birds sent for show, aa was the case at a recent bird show. The birds exhibited in the all-England classes for Norwich Canaries were very good and of very high colour, more so than those exhibited by local exhibitors, who nevertheless sent many beautiful specimens for exhibition. The Cinnamon and Crested Canaries were choice. Mules otherwise than "Dark" were not of much acount ; but those shown in the class for Dark Gold- finch and Canary Mules were very good. Goldfinches, too, at this Show were fine in three or four instances, especially the first-prize bird, which possessed a fine blooming face, and good in other respects. British birds of all kinds, especially the first-prize Thrush and second-prize Starling, were exceedingly good. A silver cup value .i'3 33., for the greatest aggregate number of points in the whole of the classes (1 to 19 inclusive), was won by Mr. J. Adams, Coventry, with forty-eight points; and a silver medal value ,£1 Is., for the second best winner, was won by Mr. J. Athersuch, Coventry, with forty points. The Secretary was well backed up in his exertions for the Show by a hard-working Committee, who seemed to possess an idea of getting the house in proper order. The birds were well attended to. The poultry show, which comprised some fifteen classes, possessed many fine pens of the Brahma, Dorking, Game, and Hamburgh breeds, although the latter were not very numerous. Bantams made a good display, with here and there a nice pen. DoRHisofl.— 1, Rev. E. B. Charlton, Lichlield. 2, Simpson & Dodt3, Bedale. ftc, Kev E. B. Charlton, W. H. (;rewe. CocBitiB. -Cinnamon or Buff.— I, Rev. H. Fieliien, Derby. 2. Mrs. Allaopp, Worcester, vlic. SiinpBon & Dodd. he, E. .1. Draper, W. H. Crewe. Any other variety ~1, J. Gunn, Coalville. 2, Rev. R. Fielden. BRiHMAS.-Barfc.— 1. W. Whiteley. Sheffield. 2. W. McMalh, Enge'ey. vhe, J. Pownall. he, E. Pritch^rd c,L. C. ('. R. Norria. Liffft^—l, J. Steele. Leek. 2, J. Hunter, Burton, vhc, D. Sealy, J. T. HinckB, J. Hunter, he, R. Hall, jtm., W .1. Ford. Fhbucu.-I. J. Pownall, Middlewich. 2, Rev. J. G. B. Knight, Ripley, he, J. Ward, J Tavlor. c. R. J. Blair. G«Me.— Black Kerf— 1, C. Spencer, Thulston. 2. J. Lane, Burton. M, J. Glaasbrook. c. J. Filkin. BroicnRfd —I.E. Bell, Burton. 2, G. Barnesby, Derby, he. i. Lane. c. F. Clavey Any other variety.— i, F. Fell 2, G. Barnesby. vhe^ J.Lane, he. E. Bell. J. Harris, E. Winwood. C.R.Taylor. HaMBDRGBS.— SoW OF SHver-iiiaugled.—l and 2. S W. Hallam. Whitwick. vhe, R. H Plattin. he, J. Lane. C. Dawea. c, M. Barlow. Qold or Silver- pencilled.— 1, F. W. Meynell, Derby. 2. S. W. Hallam. G»ME BiKTAiia— 1. J. Wright, Wibsey. 2, T. Fonlkes. Hanley. vhe,h..3. Radford, he, S. W. Hallam, H. Hlvia, ^. C. Bradbury. P. Fox«ell. c, H.Butler, Bantams.— 1 and 2. R. H. AahtoD, Mottram. vhe, D. C. Wingfield. he, W. Cramp. Any other Distinct Vabietv.— 1 and 2. Mrs. Allaopp (Black Spanish), vhe, W. Reav (Black Spanish f. hr, H. Jefford (Black Hamboryh), E. Win wood. SelliVg Class.— 1. H. Jefford. Hurlon (Black Hamburgb). 2, W. McMttth (Dark Brabmal. r/tc, J. Pownall (Dark Brahma and Houla-ie) G. M. Cooper (Black Hamburgh) he, E. Clavev (Black Red Game), Rev. E. B. < harlton (Dorkingsl.A C Bradbury, Rev. K. Fielden(Cochin). C. Uawes. c, G.M.Cooper (Dorkiugs), W. H. Crewe (Andalusian), F. Cooper (Black Spanish). CAGE BIRDS. Norwich.— C/car rei/OfO.—l, Brown ,k Gavton. 2 and 3, J. Athersuch. vhe, Willis & Provart, 3. Adams (2), E. Noller. he, Willis i Prcivart. Clear Buff — 1 and 2, J. Athersuch. R. J. & J. Clark, vhc. Brown & Gayton, P.. Noller (2), J. Adams (-21. he Willis & Provart c. R. Noller. Norwich —Ticked or Unevenly-marked Yelloiv.-l and 2, J. Athersuch. 8, j; Adams, vhe, J Athersuch. H. Watson, he. Willia & Provart, R. Noller. e, R. Noller, J. Aditms. Ticked or Unevenly-marked Buff—1 and 3. J. Adams. 2, R- Noller. vhc, J. Athersuch, G. Radford, he, Wi.Ua & Provart. c, H. NoEwioH.— E»en or Best-marked Yellou\—1, Prown & Gayton. 2, B. Noller. 8, .1. W Lamplough. Even or Best marked Buff.— I and 2, J. Adams. Third prize withheld. , ^ „ ^, , j n a Norwich.- Crcsfed ri'!!ow.-l and 2, F.Woodward. 3, G Cox. Crested Buff. —1, J. Athersuch. 2, J. Bexson. 3, J. 4 J. ^lark. vie. J. Adams, G. Cox. Cinnamon.- Jonguf.—l. J. Athersuch. 3 and 3. J. Adams, vhc, J. Athersuch, J. Adams he, T. Tenniswootl. Buff.—U 2. ind 3, J. Adams, he, G Cox. Marked Jongue or Buff.—l and 2, J. Adams. 3. J. Athersuch. he, X. Temiia- wood. c. Brown & Gayton. , „. . „ „ r, ^- 1 iZAUDS. - noHlenspanated.—1 , J. Athersuch 2, J. Clemin'on. 3, S. Bunting. Silver-spangled.— I and vh£, S Bunting. 2. J Cleminson. 3, W. & c. Burni^too. ANYOTHER Vauety.— 1,J. Adams. 2, W. Cater (Belgian). 8, Orme i Ashley {Crested cinnamon). , . „ , „„.,,. ,r , ^ ,j MuLK -Jonnrie Goldfinch— \,StToni Si GKoile. 2 S. Bunting, llealy Gold- finch.—1. Sroud S Gooue. 2. S. Bunting. Dark Goldfinch.— I. J. W. Lamplough. *' Moore & Wynn. 3. S (iunting. r/tc, Moore & Wynn, G. Cox, J. Bexson. 'goldfinch -1. E. Ward. 2,.r. Dent. 3. W Gretton. Sellino Class.— I. J. Athersuch. 2, E. No ler. 3. J.Adams, iilic. WilUa and Provart Brown k Gayton, he, Moore & Wyun, R. Noller, J. Adams, Orme and *'"'' '''• LOCAL CLASSES. NoBwiciT—CI*ar resole— 1. C.J. Salt. 2. W. JacksoD. 3. T. Newbold. Clean' Bu#-l.W. Jackson. 2, C.J. Salt. 3, T. Newbold. he, T. Bates. 'bioh.wiOB.— Marked rdlou'.— I.W.Jackson. 2,T.Newbold. 8, J. Dent. c.C.J. 478 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ November 25, 187S. Salt. Marked Buff.-l, C. J. Salt. 2, T. Kewbold. S, W. Jackson. hc.\ W. WatsoD. NoEwicH.— ranVjnferf Tellcv.—i, C. J. Salt. 2, T. Newbold. S, T. Bates. rarugatfd Buf.-l.'W.Jackscm. 2. W. "WatBon. 3, 0. J. Salt. NoEwicH.— i/trtiri7y rariegateti Tellow.—l, W. Jackson. 2, C. J. Palt. S, W. WatsoD. Eenrily-varieaatedBuJ'.— 1, C.J. S&H. 2.^7. Jackson. 8, W. Watson. )lc, T. Newbcld. NoEwicH.— JoHque Green.—i, W. Jackson. Meaty Green.— 1, T. Newbold. HoBwicB.— Created yellow.— 1, A. Curtis. Crested Buf.—l, T. Bates. 2, W. Watson. KoEwicH.— rart>?a(erf Crested Yellow.— '\, A. Curtis. Variegated Crested Buff.—l, W. Watson. 2, A. Curtis. 3, W. Jackson. CiKNAMoN.-Jonqu€.— 1, T. Newbold. 2, W. Jaokson. 3, C. J. Salt, he, J. Dent. Buff.— I, W. Jackson. 2. T. Newbold. S, C. J. Salt, c, J. Dent. LiZAEDS.— GoMf n fpanffled.—l, C. J. Salt. 2, J. Lacey. 3, J. Dent. Silver- tpanglcd.—\, J. Dent. Mule.— Jongue Goldfinch.— l, T. Newbold. 2, A. Curtis. Mealy Goldfinch. — 1,T. Newbold. 2, A. Curtis. 3, W. Jackson, ^ny o(her vartety.—l, A. Curtis. British BiEDS.—), T Newbold (Thrusbl. 2, K. Peck (MarlmBI. 3. J. Fogg (Tbrushl. he, W. M. Hopkins (CoUard Turtle Dove), H. Lea (Collard Turtle Dove), E. Carloot (Hook), Mrs. Fogg IThrushl, R. Allsopp (Tbrushl. Judges. — Poultry : Mr. E. Hewitt, Birmingham. Cage Birds : Mr. G. J. Bamesby, Derby. HINCKLEY PIGEON AND EABBIT SHOW. The Show was held at Hinckley on the 17th and ISth inst. in the Corn Exchange, a room too Email for the purpose, though held at the same time as the Crystal Palace Show, yet the entries were very good. From some cause the pens (which were from Whitwick) did not arrive, and this upset the whole of the arrangements, which seemed otherwise very good. The Pigeons were placed in a very good light on the top of the Rabbits, which in some cases were rather difficult to see. Pouters : the first going to a White cock of great size, with good limb, and (as we sometimes hear it pat) "at the right angle;" second a well known Blue hen, which to be seen is to be liked ; third a White cock, a little flat, but otherwise good ; very highly commended a large Blue, but thick in girth. Carriers, first a Black cock, second a Dun, and third Black ; very highly com- mended a grand Dun hen, a spout seemingly recently cut. Dragoons a splendid lot, the first Yellow, second Blue, and third Yellow; six very highly commendeds, all well worthy of prizes. Antwerps, Short, were very good, first a Red Chequer, as also third, the latter rather rough in gullet; second Silver Dun, good, but rather thin in beak; very highly commended a handsome hen of that colour. Long-faced Antwerps were also good, the first a Red Chequer of rather slaty hue was of immense strength of head and beak, and was stylish for so large a bird ; second also of that colour; and third a Blue Chequer, long and strong. Tumblers, first and second Yellow Agates, and third a Kite. The Variety class was a puzzle indeed, and two extra prizes were allowed, as also in the Selling class. First a Black Barb; second Almond Tumblers ; and third a White Owl ; extra second a very pretty Pigmy Pouter ; and extra third a Red J acobin cock. In the Selling class were some very good birds. The first was a most perfect Spangled Ice; second and third Black Carriers; extra second a Black, and extra third Red Barbs ; and altogether this was the best Selling class we have seen for some time. In the local classes our notes are all bad, except the Antwerps (which were very good), the Tumblers, and the first in Variety class, a nice Yellow Turbit. For the money given the Babbits were a very good entry — namely, 91 in seven open, and 10 in two local classes, 101 in all. There was but one class for Lops, and it would be much better if these were divided into at least broken and self colours, and there is no doubt but that this would pay well. In this class the first was a Sooty Fawn doe, 22J by 4j, very good in style, quality of ear and dewlap, and perfectly straight in leg, a point very often overlooked in the eagerness to get length of ear; second a Black doe, '21J by 45, splendid in shape, even, fine in quality of ear, carriage, and condition ; third a Black buck, very large, 21 J by 4?; very highly commended a Black-and-white doe, 22J by 43, not in good order, and small ; very highly com- mended TortoisesheU, very bad order, 21i by 4?; several others running about the same, all points counted, and we would just say these were measured reasonably, and not as to pull the ears out of their sockets, but just as if we had tried it upon ourselves for a quarter of an hour before commencing operations. Angoras were a nice class, the quality surpassing many shows we have seen of late, but the size was not equal to some. Himalayans were a moderate class, the winners, however, very good, the first especially, and this in the catalogue at £1. The North- ampton first was highly commended, and has gone sadly back. Silver-Greys a fair class. First a smart sharp-silvered doe ; second a buck, large, even, but a little coarse and mealy; third was, however, better in quality, but much smaller ; very highly commended a very promising young Rabbit. The Dutch were a grand class, and every one noticed, and the three winners as correct as any three we have ever seen together. First a Black- and-white, second TortoisesheU, and third Black-and-white, but quite young and small. In the Variety class the first was a large and good Belgian Hare, second a Silver-Cream, and third a Patagonian ; very highly commended a young Belgian Hare, a good colour, but short of marking. The Selling class was large, but there were not many of very high merit. First was a good young Silver-Grey; second a Lop, 20* by 4f ; and third a Belgian Hare. In the local class of Lops the winners were 21J by 4i, and 20i by 4J, respectively. The Committee seemed very willing to do the work correctly, but with limited room and inexperience we saw some errors ; but as a whole the Show was well conducted, and we hope to see a more extensive schedule of prizes and better accommoda- tion at the next attempt. The prize and sale money was sent off by cheque on Saturday night. Mr. Yardley won the point prize for Pigeons ; and Mr. JohnEon of Kettering the one for Rabbits. PIGEONS. Pouters.— 1 and vhc, H. Pratt, Hampton-in-Arden. 2 and 3, W. Nottage, Northampton, he and c, J. Marliu. CARwiEas.— 1, 2, and 3, H. Yardley, Birmingham, vhc, W. Larkio. he, W. Larkin, A. Makenzie. Dragoons.- 1. R. Woods, Mansfleld. 2, H. Yardley. 3, A. Makenzie, Liver- pool, vhc, A. W. Wren. K. Woods, F. W. Jennings (2), A. Makenzie, A. Pearson. he, K. Woods, W. Larkin, A. Makenzie. c, S. J. Rowley. ANTWERPS.- S''iort-/(irt(i— 1. H. D. Gough, Wolverhampton. 2 and vhc, A. Famduu, Hinckley. 3, H. Yardley. he, H. Yardley, C. Gamon. Long-faced.— 1. C. Gamon, ChcBter. 2 and 3, T. H. Stre-.ch, Ormskirk. he, C. Hillier. c, A. Farndon. Tumblers. -Ejcfpf Almond.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, A. 4 W. H. Silvester, Shef- field, nc, H. Yardley, A. & W. H. Silvester. ANY other Varieti-.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3. W. Nottage. Estra 2. A. & W. H. Silvester. Extra 3, C. Martin. Kettering iJacobinl. vhc, A. P. Bvf jrd (Barb), C. Young (Trumpeter), W. Larkin (Barb), W. H. Crewe (Scandaroon). he, W. Nottagi', J. H. luchley (Frillback, Swallow, and Nun), A. Wood (Red Jacobin), E. H. Munt(Fantail). J. Cargill (Trumpeter), c. E. Snell (Fantail). Selling class.- 1, A. & W. H, Silvester. 2, W. Nottage. Extra 2, H. Parker, Long Eaton. 3 and Extra 3, H. Yardley. he. A. Richardson (Tumblers); J. H. Inchley (.Archangel). H.Parker. W. Larkm. T. H. Stretch ( Blue Owl), c, J. H. Inchley (Jacobin), VV. Bowen (Long-faced ,\ntwerp), G. Penton (Pouter), T. H. Stretch (Carrier), E. RoLinson, H. It. Spencer (Antwerps). RABBITS. Lop —Buck or Doe.—l, H. Woods, Blackburn. 2, H. Halmsbaw, Faldgrave. vhc. W. J. Coley, E- Pepper, J. Bingham, I. & E.J. Fell, J. Barker, he, W. J. Coley (4), H. Kendnck. c, A. atkinson. Angora.- Bucfc or Doe.—l, H. F. Henson. 2, H. Pickwortb. S, Welsh and Sberwin. vlic, s. A. Clegg, H. Halmsbaw, J. Martin (2). he. A, Famdon, J. Hallas. HrsLALATAN.— Bucfc OT Dof .— 1, C. H. Miller, Bedford. 2, B. Robinson, Rugby. 3, J. Hallas, Hudderstield. vhc, Foster ,^ chambers, E. S. Smith, he, £. H. Gilbert, J. Wilson, G. Johnson, c, H. T. Hincks, J. Barker. Silvee-Geey.— iJucA: or Doe.—l. F. Purser, Bedford. 2 and 3, E. Robinson, Kettering, vhc, E. S. Smith, he, J. Frith. Dutch.- Bucfc or Doe.—l, G. Johnson, Kettering. 2, A. G. Fillingham, Wel- lingborough. 3, F. Sabbage, Northampton, v/ic, J. Hallas. h«, H. E. Gilbert, T. i E. J. Fell, W. Richardson. Any othee Variety.— 1, W. H. Crewe, Derby (Belgian Hare). 2, J. Hallas. 3, J. H. Incbley, Loughborough (Patagonian). vhc, F. Quick (Belgian Hare). he, T. C. Beasley (Belgian Hare), W. H. Crewe (Belgian Hare), H. Pickworth {Belgian Hare), c, A. Famdon (Belgian Hare), J. Barker (Siberian), G. Jolinaon. Selling Class. — 1, G. Johnson. 2, T. S. Barrows, Leicester (Lop). 3, J. Tebbntt, Northampton (Belgian Hare), vhc, J. Bingham ( Lop), he, Foster and Chambers, E. S. Smith (Himalayan and Silver-Grey), E. Pepper (Blue-and- white Dutch). LOCAL CLASSES.-PIGEONSi Dragoons. — 1 and 2, A. Famdon. Antwerps.- 1 and 2, A. Famdon. he, J. Trivett. e, A. Famdon, J. Payne, J. Trivett (2), T. S. Ludlow. TuiiBLEEs.— I and 2, A. Famdon. e, J. Tomlin. A. Famdon. AKTi- OTHEK Variety.— 1 and iic.T.S. Ludlow (Yellow and Red Turbits). 2 and vhc, — Hill (Blue Rocks), c, A. Farndon (Cumulet and Carrier). RABBITS. Lop.— i?u<:fc or Doe.— 1 and 2, E. Pepper, Hinckley. ^, G.Billington. c, R. Austm, W. Chapman. Any wther Vaelety.— 1, E. Pepper (.^gora). 2, S. H. Pilgrim, Castle Hill. Hinckley (Himalayan). )i(;, J. £. l^ilgrim (Belgian Hare), T. S. Ludlow (Silveff- Grey). Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. BiBMiNGH.iM PouLTHY Show. — As anuouuced last week, the entries for the twenty-seventh annual Show at Bingley Hall, on November 27th, 29th, 30th, December 1st and 2nd, are over the average, and an excellent display in nearly every department is anticipated. The London and North-Western, the Great Western, and Midland Railway Companies have acceded to the wishes of the Council, and announce numerous excursion trains from most towns within a radius of fifty or sixty miles. The stock and poultry are due to arrive on Thursday and Friday. The special appeal for support from the town and district, which has been recently issued, has been fairly responded to ; and, as subscribers of 10s. or 20s. receive 15s. and 30s. value in tickets, there ought to be no difficulty in maintaining the list at such a figure as will enable the Council to continue, if not to increase, the amount of their present liberal prize list. — {Midland Counties Serald ) OLDHAM BIRD SHOW. The first Exhibition of Birds of the Oldham Ornithological Society took place in the Temperance Hall, Horsedge Street, on the 11th, 12th, and 13th inst. Upwards of i'oO were announced to be given in prize money, besides several silver cups and a timepiece. Whether the whole of the money announced to be given away will be disposed of rests entirely with the promoters of the Show. Several of the exhibitors who were prize-takers in some classes were proved to have exhibited painted birds in the Golden-spangled Lizard class, and to such a disgraceful extent that to award them prize money would be encouraging them and offering premiums for spurious-coloured specimens. November 25, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICDLTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 479 No leBs than half-a-score birds in Claoa 7 were found to be painted, besides others which were mutilated in their feathers by being plucked. The plucking Bystem was not confined to the Golden-spangled birds, for two cases of plucking and trimming cropped up in Class y. Silver-spangled Birds. The Oldham Committee were supported with nearly 300 entries ; more even than they expected, considering that other bird shows were being held on or about the same dates. The Oldham first Show has certainly gained for itself a notoriety for painted birds far beyond anything that has previously taken place, and we trust that the detection of them will put a check upon such foul practices in the future. We here reprint Class 7, Golden- Bpangled Lizard, as it appears in the catalogue. " Painted, S5, Ellis Wild; 87 and 88, Thurston Smethnrst ; 90 and 91, Abraham Hamer ; 92 and 93, Barlow i Fielding ; 94, James Wrigley ; 96, John Lockwood ; 100b, Barlow & Fielding ; 101c, 102d, Bardsley and Bloomer. Plucked, 89, John Lord ; 92, Barlow & Fielding. Foul, 93, Barlow & Fielding." In Class 8, No. 108 was also stated to be " plucked" and 109 " trimmed." In Class 10, 129 was likewise designated as being plucked. Apart from the mutilation of the feathers and the painting of the Lizards, the show of birds was good, and many splendid specimens were exhibited. Mr. Fleming, the very able Secretary, assisted by several members of the Committee, con- ducted the Exhibition well and deserve all praise for their exertions. A beautiful silver cup valued at ±'5 5s., presented by Mr. John Martin of Salford, was won by Mr. Smethnrst, who was also the winner of another cup and a timepiece. Mr. Thackerey and Mr. Athersuch won a cup each. The show of Coppy and Plain Head Canaries were alone worth seeing. The Yorkshire birds — Mules, Goldfinches, Lin- nets, Larks, and other features cf the Exhibition, were very good. Lancashire Covr—Clear YeUoir.—l, J. "WrigleT. Greenacree. 2, E. Wild, Ecchdale. S. T. Smethnrst, Bijsk. vhc. Sbackleton & Schotield. A. Hamer, Barlow & Fieldintr. he, Barlow & Fieldnfr. c, J. Lockwood, Fleming & France. Clear Buff.~\, E. Wild. 2. Barlow & Fielding. 3, T. bmetliurst. vhc, Shackleton and Schotield, Barlow&Fielding.J. Lockwood. /(C, T. Smethnrst. c,fihaukIeton and Schotield. Lancashire Plain Head.— Cl^'ar Ydlori\—\, T. Smethnrst. 2, E. Wild. 3, Shackledon & Schofield. Well field, vhc. Barlow & i-ielding, Bardsley A Blooner. he. Barlow & Fieldinp. E. Wild, c, Barlow k Fielding, a. Hamer, Shackleton and Schnfield, Clear Bvff.—l, E. Wild :', Barlow i Fielding. S, T. Smethnrst. vhc, E. Wild. T. Smethui-st. Shackleton & Schotield, A. Hamer. c, bhackieton and Schofleld. Lancabhiee Cow,— Buff or Yellotc-marked,~l,T. Smeihurst. 2.R.Hawman. S, ShackJeton & Schofield. vhc, E. Wild, Shackleton & Schotield, Fleming and France, he, J. Lord, Barlow & Fielding. Lancashire Plain Head.— ifH# or rf(/oir-T?iar&ed.—l. Shackleton »fe Schofield. 2 and 3, T. Smethnrst. he, Barlow & Fielding, c, E Wild, Bardsley & Bloomer. LlZLnD,~Golden-^pangle(l,—l and 3, S. Bunting. Derby. 2. Bardsley and Bloomer, vhe, G. Ridmg. Silver-spangled.—l and 2, T. Smethnrst. 3, S. Buuting. vhc, T. Smethnrst, Barlow & Fielding, J. Lockwood. he, Shackleton & Schofield, S. BtLDting. c, E. Wild. YohKsaiRK,- Evenli/marhed Yellow.— 1, 2 and 3, .7. Thaekery, Bradford, vhc and he, J. Wrifflev. c, J. Wilkinson, Barlow i Fielding. Evenly marked Bujf.— 1,2 and 3, J. Thickery. r'lf, J. Wriglev. lie, R. eearson. Barlow &Fieldmg. Yorkshire.— Clt-ar Yellow ~\, Bloomer k Baidsley, Oldham. 2, J, Wilkinson, Great Horton. 3. J. Lockwood. vhe, .1. Hart, Nhackleton i- Schofield. he. S. Atkinson, A. Hamer. c, J. Lockwood, Fleming & France. Clear Buff,—\, 2 and 3, J. Thaekery. vhc, Bloomer & Bardsley, J. Lockwood. he, G. Atkinson, Fleming & France. Belgian.— Clear or Ticl-ed rdlotc—l, A. Hamer, Oldham. 2 and 3. E. Wild. he, 3, Hart. CUaror Ticked Buff,— 1, G.Athinson. 2, J.Hart, Stalybridge. Sand vhc, E. Wild. !«;, J. Hart. Norwich.— Clear relloir.-2and 3, J. Athersnch.Coyentry. Clear Buff .—2 and S, J. Athersuch. Norwich. - Evenly -maTked Yelloic.-~2, J. Athersuch.; 3, W. &■ C. Bumiston, Middlesborongh- ?n.Teea. Ni ewich.— Clear or Grey Crested Buff.—i, J. Yallop, Coasey. 2 and 3, W. B. Hovell, Norwich, vhe, W. B. Hovell, J Yallop. Cinnamon.— Fflloic.— 2 and 3. .T. Athersuch. Buff— 5, Barlow & Fielding. MrLE.— Clear or Evenly-marked Goldfinch and Canary. 1 and 3, S. Bunting. 2, T. Smethnrst. vhc, T. Smethnrst, R. dawman. Dark Goldfinch and Canary. —1, T. Smethnrst. 2, S. Bunting 3, J. Athersuch. vhc. G. A. Watson & Holds- worth, J. Lockwood. he, E. Wild, c, Shackleton & Schofield. Linnet and Ca- nary.—i, T. Smethnrst. 2 and 3, W. Lancaster. Any other variety.— 1 and 3. T. Smethnrst. 2, W. Lancaster. Cage of Sex Varieties.— 1. Shackleton & Schofleld. 2, Bardsley & Bloomer, 8, T. Smethnrst. he, A. Earner. Goldfinch.— HoHse-moHlterf.—l, Batchelor & Simpson, Whatelev. 2, E. H. Ebrall, Shrewsbury. 3, dakey & Bamlier, Preston, flic, J. Hart, S. Bunting. he, J. Hart, Barlow & Fielding, c, Barlow & Fiel ;ing. Brown Lihsy.!. —House-vtoulte±—i, Batchelor & Simpson. 2, R. Pearson, "Whitby. 3, W. Carrick. Middlesborongh. vhe, E. Hawman, Batchelor and Simpson, Barlow & Fielding. SKYLARK.—Bouse-moulted.—'],^ and 3, T. Smethnrst. BriLFiNCH.— 1, W. & 0 Bumiston. 2, Oakey & Bamber. 8, Shackleton and Schofield. he. Oakev & Bamber, J. Wrigley. A\T OTHER Variet T.— 1 and 3, W. i C. Bumiston. 2, Barlow & Fielding, flic, E. Pearson, he, J. Wilkinson. PAfBXiTs.— Any other variety of Large, except Grey.—l, S. Bunting. 2, Oakey and Bamber. 3, G. Buckley, Oidham. Selling Class.— 1, J. Athersuch. 2, W. & C. Bumiston. 3, E. Wild, he, J, Thackrey. Judge. — Mr. G. J. Bamesby. Cetst.1I, Palace Poultbt Show. — Mr. BumeU wishes us to state that the second-prize Dorking cockerel at the above show was not bred by him, but by Lord Turnour. East Kent Show. — This is to be of Poultry, Pigeons and Pheasants. There are nine cups besides good money prizes. Entries close on the 30th inst. The Secretary is Mr. H, H. Stickings, Ashford. HARVESTING HONEY— THE EXTRACTOR. No. 1. A LAEGE majority of bee-keepers keep bees for the sole pur- pose of securing a profitable harvest of honey, often in complete ignorance of the best means to pursue to secure their object, and I purpose in this paper to discuss the methods now in prac- tice, and if possible to show how a better course may be pur- sued. Beginning with straw skeps I fear I step at once on dangerous ground, as our friend Mr. Pettigrew will tell me I am decidedly wrong when I say they are a mistake, should be obso- lete, and are fit only for a museum of apiarian antiquities, or for use by those persons who cannot be made to comprehend the meaning of the word " progress," or by those who are t oo nervous or cowardly to handle their bees. To such people it is perfectly immaterial whether they use skeps, boxes, or frame hives; all are sealed books to them. I write now for those who are desirous of learning how to make the most of the thousands of willing labourers who toil for them. Fig. 101. There are three primary things to be considered; firstly to produce honey, secondly to produce it of superior quality, and thirdly to sell it. Few persons are aware of the enormous Fig. lj-2. amount of honey that at times is in the flowers ready to be gathered, and the small proportion of it harvested by the bees 480 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1875. not that they are idle — far from it, but probably two or three days' work has sufficed to fill all the available space in the hive, very likely not much, for it may chance that the stock is prosper- ing under the sway of a young prolific queen whose brood fills many thousand cells. In this case, as fast as a young bee emerges from its cell the latter is immediately taken posscBsion of by the anxious workers, and filled with honey ; the queen wanders disconsolately over the filled combs unable to lay her eggs, and if this state of things continues so long, in about three weeks half the bees have died a natural death, and there being but few young emerging bees to succeed them the stock becomes weak from over-prosperity, and when the next glut of honey comes, with so many home cares the bees are unalile to take advantage of it. Now, the only way to ascertain this state of affairs with straw skeps is to turn them up and examine as far as one can the combs ; but how many bee-keepers will or can do this ? It is not impossible, but not one in a hundred will make the examination. The addition of a super or eke will to a great extent relieve the bees if they use it, which they will not always do. With frame hives the bees, whether they will or no, may be helped in a few minutes to their own and their master's profit ; but I will come back again to this presently. Straw skeps as commonly used (I except Mr. Pettigrew's pattern, of which I have no experience) in a good season will not, I am sure, yield an average of 20 lbs. of honey, both run and super. I am per- fectly aware personal skill and attention will often succeed better than this, but I speak of the returns of fairly intelligent men. If I select labouring men alone, 10 lbs. per hive would be too great an estimate ; with frame hives and proper attention this might be greatly exceeded. It is true that at the late Crystal Palace Show Mr. George Fox of Kingsbridge, Devon, exhibited a glass super of 80 lbs. obtained from a common skep, but this was the only super of note from a similar source ; although bad as the season was frame hives sent many, yet the number of skeps in use greatly exceeds frame hives, as everyone knows. Straw hivists are not the only people I have to call to account for not making the best use of their bees' labour. As exceptional returns from a single straw skep we are amazed at 100 lbs., from a frame hive 150 lbs. ; but what should we say at 500 lbs. ? and yet this has been exceeded in America by the use of the extractor, which is universal with large bee-keepers there. That our Yankee cousins are very cuie nobody can deny, and with them bee-keeping is a trade, the traders all adopting frame hives, Ligurian bees, and extractors. Fig. 101 is an exterior view of the prize extractor " The Rapid." Fig. 102 is the interior mechanism, a is a framework of wrought iron kept together by cross pieces on the top and bottom ; the cross piece on the top has a short spindle working in a bearing on cross bar (e), which also supports the driving wheel (c), and on end of spindle is a pinion (d) which is worked by the driving wheel, by which means the whole is thus made to rotate. On the bottom cross piece of the frame is another short spindle {d), which works in a socket fixed to the bottom of the can, and thus completes the support of the frame. Instead of a level floor the bottom is coned, so that the honey runs clear of the machinery, and is let out by a treacle valve. / are two cages covered with wire net; they work on pins which form hinges. These cages are kept in position by spring clips clasping over f/ and one edge of the cage. The combs with their honey cells uncapped are, with their frames, dropped into the cages ; the frame- work is then revolved, and the honey thrown out from the outer side of the two combs; the clips are now removed, the cages swung round, and being again fastened the honey from the other side of the comb is extracted. 7i Fig. 103 is a horizontal section through the frame "■ and cagfs. The dotted ^'K- l"''' lines show the position of the cages when reversed. h are the pins on which the cage swings. I may conclude by Baying every part is well galvanised. — John Hunter, Eaton Mise, Baling. T ' y a J- [■} OUR LETTER BOX. Hahe Babbits (A Subscriber).— Write to MesBrs. Baily & Son, 113, Monnt Street, Grosvenor Square, LoDdon. Canary Scfpering from Asthma {M. Clarke).— Yonr dii-years-oM Cnnjiry is ID a Had state. Ic is suffering from asthma in anjthin^ but a mild form either, and whica complamt will continue until death, which mont probably will take place before the termination ol winter. Brass-wired cages never meet with our approbation for CanarieB. The wires become corroded when m< isture gets upon them, and if the birds peck at the poiaonous corrosion injury ensues to them. Why thus jeopardise the life of a pet bird? On the other hand, we are not going to say that in the case of your afllicted bird that its illness has been brought about entirtly owing to itH having been kept in the brasB-wired cage. C maiies are liable to asthma even when kept in cages oth( rwise wired. Generally asthma is the result of cold caught when the bird'H blood is in its wurbt state — when moulting. At this eta;^'e they require pKjtection from cold draughts of air. The bird being kt-ptwliere gas is used is warm atone time, and cold and chilly during the night. To endeavour to effect a cure it appears you removed the bird from the elevated situation it was in to tne upon the floor, which is always the coldest part of a room. By 80 doing you certainly encouraged a greater difficulty of breathing, for the bird being ill at the time required warmth and better nursing, liemove the bird into ft position midway betwixt the floor and the ceiling, and keep the cage covered ovtr, except the front, during the day, and entirely during night. To the water fountain add a few drops of sherry; give a bread-and- milk diet, and half a dozen drops of cod-liver oil mixed with a little soaked bread when the water is squeezed from it, which will nouriwh your invalid. In the place of green food at this ungenial season supply linpoed, some scalded rape peed, and a few groats. You may thus prolong life for a short time if you allow the bird to continue in its miserable state. Our cure, il such it may be termed, would be more speedy. We should put the bird oat of its misery and replace it with another, (or at the age of six years it cannot be expected to afford much further pleasure considering the state it is in. American Chuhn ry. Wet. ■Qo Max. Min. Bun. grass Inches. deR deg. deg. deg. deg. deg. In. We. 17 SO 039 415 44 0 w. 44 2 S-S.O 40 2 51.5 30 0 D.070 Th. 18 80146 6».2 60 4 w. 45 6 63 8 43 3 91.8 43.2 0 020 Fri. 19 ■/9e70 55.0 52,9 w. 4iS 56.2 50.2 71.5 45 9 0011 Sat 21 29 995 86 7 33 2 N.N.W. 46.8 483 S5 6 74.8 82 7 — Sun. 21 29 965 86 3 34 8 N. 43 5 44.8 33 3 78 II 3'i.8 — Mo. 52 30.1S9 3^.4 35 6 N.N.W. 43.0 43 1 34 0 7i.2 i9.5 0.0C8 Tu. 23 3l).180 S9 0 88.2 N.N E. 42 0 44.8 35.0 74.2 312 — Means S0.OO5 43.0 41.3 44.5 60.1 88.8 73 9 S5.6 0.109 REMARKS. 17th. — Fine though hazy and cold in the early morning, but followed by a damp disagreeable day; the after part the beet; wind rising at mid- night. 18Lh. — Very fine all day; rather cloudy between 1 and 2r.M. ; but a starlit night. 19th.— Wet and cloudy till the afternoon, slight shower after ; dark very early ; wimly night. 20th. — Very fine all day and all night. 2l8t.— Fiuo all day, but very much older ; shirs at time^ very bright. Siind.— Fine till 2 p.m., then a slight shower, and a damp though not rainy afternoon. 23rd. — Fine all day ; white frost in the moruiDg. A much finer week than we have had for some time. The mean 9 A.m. temperature nearly identical with last week, bat the range much greater — for instance, the aith was 19^ colder than the l9th.— G. J. Symons. OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Note hbek 24. The Maiket is generally in a very dull wtate. Apples, Pears, end Quinces continue to arrive in iranaeuse numbers. French Asparagus is aUo arriving with liberal consignments of salading. Prices remain virtually the same aa last week. d. 8. d. 0to2 0 0 0 0 0 0 (J 20 0 0 Apples t sieve 1 Apricots dozen 0 Cherries lb. 0 0 riiebtnuts bushel 12 0 Carrants J sieve 0 0 Black do. 0 0 0 Fi(?B dozen 0 0 0 Filberts lb. 0 6 0 Coba lb. 0 5 0 Gooseberries quart 0 0 0 GrHpea.hothooBe.... lb. 1 0 5 LfUions ^100 6 0 12 ' Melons each 10 6 Malberriea lb. 0 OtoO Nectarines dozen 0 0 0 OraDRes ^r* 100 8 0 16 Peaches dozen 13 0 ]5 Pears, kitchen.... dozen 0 0 0 dessert dozen 1 0 S PineApples lb. S 0 6 Plums i sifve 10 2 Quinces bushel 2 6 0 Raspberries lb. U 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 Walnuts bushel 4 0 10 ditto ^100 1 C 2 Daeembe r 2, 1876. ] JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 431 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day I Da; I ol I of Month Week. I DECEMBEB 2—8, 1875. Th F S Strs M Tn W Linnean Society at 8 p.m. Geologists' AsRociation at 8 p.m. 2 Sunday in Advent. Victoria Institute at 8 p.m. Society of Arts at 8 p.m. Average Sun Clock Daj Temperature near BiaeB. Sets, Risea. Seta. Ace. London. Day. NiKht. Mean. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. b. Days. ™- ,'r, 47.4 33-7 405 48aJ7 51aiB 61afU 21 at 7 5 10 17 336 47.0 85.8 41.4 49 7 61 3 after. 37 8 6 9 63 837 48.1 36.4 42.2 51) 7 61 3 80 0 64 9 7 9 21 838 49.0 85.2 42.1 52 7 60 3 43 0 12 11 8 9 4 839 48.2 36.7 42.4 63 7 60 3 64 0 morn. D 8 S8 340 48.4 38.5 43.6 64 7 49 8 5 1 31 0 10 8 13 il4l 45.9 83.6 403 55 7 49 3 17 1 51 1 11 7 46 312 81.4». From obaervationa taken near London during forty-three years, the average day tempeiatoie of the week is 47.8°; and ita night temperature NECTAEINES. THE KENOVATION OF OLD TEEES-AN ESTIMATE OF SOETS. ' ECTAE, the fabled drink of the gods : hence Nectarine. The name is certainly as appro- priate as it is suggestive, this fruit being especially notable for its delicious flavour, all the best kinds now in cultivation being more or less excellent in this respect ; it is, however, excellence in degree, for even here we may not claim to have attained to full perfection. Pitmaston Orange is my standard sort for flavour. Taken at its best when fully ripe and with a slight tendency to shrivel it is difficult to find its equal among Nectarines or any other fruit. It was placed first at the great Fruit Show at the Alexandra Palace in September, not because its fruit was finest, but because the Judges very wisely tested it and the larger fruit of Lord Napier for flavour. Before proceeding to discuss the merits of some kinds, I wish to call attention to the renovation of old and exhausted Peach and Nectarine trees. By exhausted trees I mean those which are in such an enfeebled condition as to produce nothing but small undersized fruit. This lamentable state of things is more frequently owing to over- cropping and to injudicious management than to actual old age. There never was a greater mistake made than the modern advocacy of sensational heavy cropping of very young trees. Talk of " floricultural millinery," that is a trifle in comparison to the ridiculous extreme to which pruning, pinching, and cropping by line and rule have been carried. Take a young tree, plant it, stop its first growth at so many eyes or inches, cut off its toes — I beg pardon, roots — prune it, lift it ; in fact, do anything that will prevent a vigorous growth, and cause it to form fruit buds so that you may be able to entertain the delusive fancy that you have a quick return and clear profit upon cash expended, if it be only a farthing the first year and three farthings the second. This is the form which such teaching really takes when put into plain language : if it is followed what is eventually the result ? A crippled weakly growth, incapable of bearing fine fruit ; and in any case the condition of the fi-uit is as unsatisfactory as is that of the tree. Premature decay follows, and the trees are then said to be short-lived ; chmate, soil, and tree being declared at fault rather than the cultivation. If we must have rules let one be that no tree shall bear fruit till the third year after planting. There is no doubt that really old trees are often kept on year after year bearing fruit of inferior size and quality without any attempt at renovation or improvement. The remedy is plain, yet it is not always possible to apply it. One would, of course, like to adopt sweeping measures with such trees, but this is impracticable when it is im- perative that there shall be an annual supply of fruit, no matter how indifferent its condition may be, and so the only plan is to take one or two trees in hand each year till the whole of them are gradually, almost imperceptibly, brought into a better condition. Now, despite all that No. TCe.-Vol,. XXrX., new Sepjbb. has been said about the tenderness and early decay oil Peach and Nectarine trees, it is an indisputable fact that most old trees possess a wonderful amount of vitality, hardiness, and an inherent vigour, which, when the old worn-out branches are removed, bursts forth with such power as to quickly replace them with others of Fuch strength as will rival the growth of the most fturdy newly-planted tree. Is there not a valuable lesson to be learnt here ? It was not long ago that Mr. Wright pointed out most clearly how much the vigour of a Grapo Vine was kept in check by its old knotty spurs, the hardened contracted tissue preventing the quick flow of sap — precisely that prompt and ready action which a brisk growth demands and must have in order to sustain it in full vigour and enable it to bring the crop to ma- turity. Just BO is it with the Peach and Nectarine. When the main branches become bark-bound the action of the sap is so sluggish that the branches cannot put forth shoots of suflicient strength to produce fine fruit. Cut back the whole of those branches to within a foot or two of the bole, see that the roots are in a suitable medium, and in two or three seasons you have a tree re-invigorated, the growth young, vigorous, and fruitful, and the fruit itself of large size and excellent in the highest degree. Mr. Bivers has greatly enriched our collection of varie- ties of Nectarines with his splendid seedlings, which, in addition to great intrinsic merit, have, by the earliucss of some and lateness of. others, materially lengthened the time when ripe fruit can be had. I have planted most of them, but all have not yet fruited. I have great hopes that Albert Victor, which ripens its fruit about the middle of September, wiU prove of much value, and should be glad to know the opinion of others who have fruited it. Pine Apple is the latest kind I have yet fruited ; it proves a great acquisition, succeeding the mid- season kinds, and formed an admirable finish to the past season, which wa& so well begun by Lord Napier. — This is a very fine kind, the branches, foliage, and fruit all being of an extraordinary size, much of the fruit attaining a circumference of 8 to 1) inches. Its colour when ripe is a pale yellow, with light red on the exposed side. The fruit is very handsome, and ol dehcious flavour. It is ripe in August— earlier than any other good kind. Pitmaston Orange. — A distinct sort of the highest excellence. The large oval-pointed fruit is finely coloured — a bright orange, with deep crimson on the sunned side ; the flesh is of a deep orange colour, with a tinge of crimson next the stone. It is very sweet, rich, and juicy, surpassing almost aU other Nectarines in its ex- quisite flavour and fine aroma. The growth of the free is not quite so vigorous as most others, but it is perfectly healthy, and I have no hesitation in giving it the pro- minent and le.tding position of which it is undoubtedly most worthy. Doionton.—h. very fine Nectarine. The fruit, which is produced in great abundance, is very handsome, large, with the skin of a deep crimson hue ; the flesh is melting, rich, and very juicy, with a brisk acidulous flavom- that is most No. Ills.— Vol. LIV., Old Series. 482 JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( December i, 1876. refreshing. The tree is very robust, and it is altogether a first- olaBs kind. I have an impression that this excellent variety has been somewhat neglected. If I am right I would strongly recommend all, who can afford space, to plant it, for it is worthy of a place in the most choice selection. Balgowan. — This is another tine kind ; a note of it in my fruit book for the current year states that it is " a tree of wonderfal vigour, laden with an abundant crop of fine large fruit, beautifully coloured, very sweet, lich, and delicious in flavour. A valuable variety." The growth of the tree is cer- tainly something wonderfal, surpassing all other kinds that were planted at the same date. It is usually described as a very hardy kind, but I have observed a greater tendency to canker in it than in any other Nectarine which I have. Eivcrs' White. — A good and very useful sort, cropping freely. The fruit is of a pale yellow colour, sweet, juicy, and of plea- sant flavour. Especially valuable for its colour. The tree is vigoroua and healthy. Stanwick Elruge. — This is a very prolific variety, but the fruit was decidedly inferior in appearance and flavour to all the foregoing varieties during the past season. It is only fair to add that the crop was a heavy one, which would in some measure account for its deficiency in points of so much im- portance as size and flavour. Pine Apple. — This tplendid variety may very justly be termed a, late Fitmaston Orange, and as such is of the greatest value, for in it we have a most valuable succession to the general crop. The fruit is very handsome in form and colour, and Eurpasses most of the other Nectarines in size and flavour, which is wonderfully full and rich. Unlike Fitmaston Orange, my tree is very vigorous, and promises well for another season. — Edwaed LcCKHnKST. GEAPES NOT COLOURING. I HAVE a vinery glazed with Hartley's patent ribbed glass, and I have been informed that Grapes seldom colour under it. I am at a loss to tell where to blame this failure, whether it is the glass, border, cr the past treatment. The Vines at present are in a fair condition, and have this year borne a heavy crop of uncolonred Grapes. The varieties are Black Hamburgh and Trentham Black. The Trentham Blacks are as well coloured as can be desired, while the Black Hamburghs in the same house are as red as a fox. I intend renewing the border to see if that will remedy the evil. I shall be glad to hear the opinion of some experienced Grape-growers. I may mention that a gentleman near has a vinery glazed with the earue kind of glass. The Vines planted are the Black Hamburgh, and are healthy and vigorous, and were carrying when I saw them a good crop of large, well-formed bunches of badly-coloured Grapes. The complaint there is the same as my own. — E. H. THE ROSE ELECTION— ROSES AND NOSES. I TAKE now the concluding portion of the Rose election for 1875, that of perfume. This is a novel attempt ; I am not certain that it is sncoessful. Electors, not a few, appear to distrust their nasal organs, and others confess to a want of education of these organs as connected with Roses. Although " a Rose by any other name would smell as sweet," yet it would certainly appear that not a few Rose-growers allow her in some degree to " waste her sweetness on the desert air." There is little doubt that Rose-growers for exhibition look at a Rose twenty times before appljing to them that organ for which in the "Eyes versus Nose" of Cowper, "the spectacles" were really intended. Few rosarians can lay claim to such an educated organ as Mr. Curtis, Devon Rosery, Torqiiay ; and if the wise men came from the east, at least it seems to me that the appreoiators of Rose perfume dwell in the west, for Mr. R. W. Beachey and Mr. Curtis are the only electors who appear to have analysed the various perfumes thatour national fl jwer possesses. This, their lists, the only lists of perfume I bIthII print, siiflrcientiy prove. In undertakii;g this election I was prepared for some extra- ordinary results. In my weakness I fancied the old Cabbage Rose must be near the head of the poll; but it is far from that, and I can only imagine that many electors have never had the opportunity of testing the merits of this delicious old Rose. Let me, however, first present the poll — premising that as only twenty electors have ventured to give their opinions on thid i:oint, I have mixed the two classes of electors together, believing that there was nothing to be gained by the separa- A B Total 1 La France 19 1 20 25 '1 BevoDieneis l.S 5 IH 8 MartcLal Kiel .... U 4 15 26,27 4 Claarlts Letebvre . . lU 4 14 6 Louis Van Houtte.. K « 14 28 6 Gloire de Dijon . . . 9 4 13 7,8 1 Alfred Coli.mb 1 Marie Banmann .. 6 H 13 r, H 13 29, RO 9 BesBie Johnson .... (i 6 Vi 10 Abel Graiid tl 6 11 :-il 11 Secateur Vaiepe .. 6 (i U 1^ Camille Bernardin K 4 10 32,33 13 Souveuir d'un Ami 4 fi 10 14 Celine Foreatier — 9 9 34,35 ll 7 1 i 4 8 8 ,17 { Madame Knorr .... 1 Cabbage 86 4 4 8 87 18 Catherine Meimet. . fi 7 lil Pierre Not ting . . .. 4 8 7 88,89 W /Kiehard Wallnce .. H .1 7 to Mad. Victor Verdier 2 5 7 40,41 Mdlle. Marie Kady •i 5 7 23 I Jolee Margottin .. a 5 7 42 24 Madame Furtudo.. 8 8 6 tion, and that one class of nose was just as good as another. The first column of figures, a, denotes the number of times each Rose is named in the first twelve ; the other, B, the votes in the second thirteen ; whilst the last column shows the number of votes each Rose received. A B Tata Ferd. de LesBepB ..24 6 ComteBee Ceciie de Chabrillant 16 6 Frani;oi8 Micbelon 15 6 General Jacquemi- not 8 2 5 (DucbeBB o( Edin- burgh (HP.) ..2 3 6 Old Mobs 23 5 Xavier Olibo 14 5 Rev. J. B. Camm . . 4—4 Sonpert et Notting iMoes) 4 — 4 j Duke ol Edinburgh 13 4 t Madame FUlion 13 4 Madame Willermoz — 4 4 Mad. C. Joigneaux. 3 — 8 (NnrcisBe 21 3 \ Despiez a Flenr \ Jaune 2 1 8 I Dr. Andry 12 3 I Aline Sisley 12 8 John Hopper — 3 3 Here is a table that I feel confident will excite some surpiiee. La France alone nearly achieves a first-claes certificate all round, only one elector giving her a second-class vote. It has not been my custom hitherto to mention these eccentricities of electors ; I have no scruples on this occasion, as that second- class vote was given by the returning officer, and I now con- fess openly that 1 fail utterly to detect in La France the exquisite perfume that most others note. Well, I suppose it is my loss, but I certainly did not calculate that I should be the only person to place that Rose in the second class. By the twenty electors, with only twenty-five Roses named, the Roses named in this election amount to 154. This is start- ling enough; but amongst the twelve best, ninety-two Roses actually find a place. Yet again another curiosity : Oat of the 151 Roses mentioned, no less than seventy-seven — exactly one-half — have only a solitary vote, and of these seventy-seven no less than thirty-four, though named only once, are yet considered by the nominator Al, or amongst the best twelve, showing at least that there is as great a difference in noses as in eyes, having only one vote. All the electors are nominators of Roses. I may here mention the electors who have assisted at this election by sending in lists. They are Sir William Bagge ; Revs. A. Cheales, -J. B. Camm, E. Handli>y; Messrs. Baker, R. W. Beachey, H. Bennet, Blandford, Cooling, Cranston, Curtis, Davis, J. Ellis, Harrison, Hinton, G. Frince, Robson, Scott, Turner, and Wheeler ; and to these gentlemen, and in fact to all who have in any way tended to make these elections either useful or interesting, I tender my sincere thanks. Mr. R. W. Beachey's list and that of Mr. Curtis I append ; they are both very interesting. The Roses in italics are those in the best twelve. — Joseph Hinton, Warminster. P. S.— I have only to mention an error that has crept into the other list of the newer Roses — that is, that the new Moss Soupert et Notting is there called Superb et Notting. I rather think it is superb, but still its name is Sonpert et Netting. —J. H. " It was tbo lime of Hoses, We smelt them as we passed," and I made my notes on them accordingly, but those notes are lost, and being asked to re-write them I feel somewhat like King Nebuchadnezzar, " the thing is gone from me." The loss, however, will be small, for the subject is yet in its iLfancy, and will have to be gone into more thoroughly in summer days to come. The perfume of the Rose in hot weather is so much more powerful, that all throush the blooming season we ought to be taking nutes and storing-up results to send to our kind friend Mr. Hinton for classification and an'angement. I have a beautiful Marcclial Niel now before me gathered in the open air on this 2Gth November, and though very powerfully scented it has quite lost its rich delicate summer scent, and reminds mo of Ihewooi^y flavour of tea when the fine aroma is gone. As perfumed Roses give off the life-feeding element, ozone, and those without perfume do not, how greatly does this important fact enhance their Seoeraber 2, 1878. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 483 value and ueefnlness over the Ecentless beauties of which we have now so many ! In giving tliis short arbitrary list of twenty-four it is pain- ful to have to excluiie so very many of ptrbaps equal merit, especinlly among the Teas and bigh-colonred Ptrpeluala. 1, La France (Hybrid Tea soent).— The most deliciouBly BOented Roee known. It3 fragrance is even more remarkable under glass than out of doortf. 2, MarCchal Niel (Sweet Tea scent).— Very full, rich, and fruity. 3, Devoniensia (Sweet Tea scent). — This and Socrates are, perhaps, the two most powerfully scented Rosea we have, though not strictly speaking the sweetest. 4, Goubault (Sweet Tea scent). — Peculiarly sweet and power- ful. 5, Charles Lpfebvre (Otto Perpetual scent).— Combining an idea of otto of Roses with the old Perpetual. 6, Madame Koorr (Otto Perpetual sceut). — This liko La France is most remarkably sweet under glass. 7, Bessie Johnson (True Hybrid Perpetual scent). — Very fine and delioiously fragrant. 8, Aline Sisley (Fruity Tea scent). — Very striking, resemb- ling the peculiar aroma of Black Currants. 9, Sonpert et Notting, H.P. Moss (Provence Rose scent). — This quite eclipses the old Cabbage scent, uniting with it the richness of thn Moss Rose. 10, CCline Forestier (Sweet Tea scent). — Emphatically so. 11, Madame Furtado (True Hybrid Perpetual scent). — Par- taking somewhat of the otto. 12, William Jesse (True Hybrid Perpetual scent). — Thi's old Rose miy be culled the father of this class of scent. Many Roses with its lilac tinge partake also of its fragrance. 13, Socrates (Fruity Tea scent). — Nectarine-scented, very powerful and distinct. 14, Gloire de Dijon (Fruity Tea scent). — Very sweet and rich. 15, Narcisse (Musk Tea scent).— Reminding one also of Primroses. 16, EngJne Desgachea (Aromatic Tea scent). — This is said to slightly resemble the peculiar odour of Sandalwood. The following varieties have true Hybrid Perpetual scent : — 17, Pi»rr6 Notting ; 18, Comtesse de Chahrillant ; 19, Baronne Louise Uxkull; 20, Alfred Colomb ; 21, Duke of Wellington; 22, Antoine Dacher; 23, Richard Wallace; 24, Madame Victor Verdier. Although not belonging to the above set of large type flowers, I cannot close my list without mentioning two delicious httle early gema — the White Banksia (Violet-scented), and the Double White Scotch, with a peculiar kind of otto scent. They are in bloom out of doors several weeks before the above, thus lengthening our sweet Rose tide. — Heney Cuetis, Torquay. In naming twenty-five Roses for fragrance I suppose the Hybrid Perpetuals and Teas must claim the lion's share of attention, just as they have usurped (and rightly so), the lion's share of our gardens and greenhouses. By the way, did anyone ever enjoy the full fragrance of a Rose who has not caught it under glass just as the first rays of the morning sun are gently warming its petals and tempting it to open its sleepy eye? I fancy not. Certainly I never had such entrancing whiffs from Rose paradise as when I stole a few moments from my quiet half hour before breakfast to take a hasty look round the greenhouse seme bright April morning. After breakfast would have been too late. You mui!t let the sun pull out the cork from your bottle of otto of Roses right under your nose, and then ! I have an idea that the H.P.'s and Teas may be divided into four distinct classes, each one giving a perfume of its own. Of course these might be again subdivided, but four are suffi- cient to mark the main characteristics of each. These, with a class for fragrant Roses other than H.P.'s and Teas, will in- clude all worthy of notice. We will begin with the H.P.'s. These naturally divide themselves into two classes, the first containing the dark crim- son shaded, maroon, and crimson Roses. The frogrance of all these are quite distinct from that of the lighter varieties. There seems to be a richness and body in their perfume which the others lack, while at the same time they are not so sweet as some of the lighter Roses. The second class embraces the lighter H.P.'s, such as La France, Abel Grand, &e. These are sweeter than the former, bot not rich in the peculiar otto fragrance. Is it not strange that so few of the medium-coloured Roses (the true Rose colours and carmines), are highly scented ? I do not know if one that can fairly be culled very sweet with the exception of Madame Derrieux Douville. Edward Morren, Marquise de Cas- tellane, John Hopper, Victor Verditr, and most others of the same shade have hardly any perfume. Can anyone account, for this 7 Then we come to the Teas and Noisettes. These also oih> may divide into two classes : First, the sweet Teas, partaking more of the Tea than of the China perfume; second, the as- tringent Teas, partaking more of the old China scent than of the Tea. These latter are quite peculiar. One can scarcely call them sweet at all, and jet they are refreshing and pleasant, slightly pungent and aromatic. Into the fifth class we will put those good old Roses that scarcely dare now to show their flowers except in cottagers' gardens and old-fashioned places. But we must give them a place here, for who can deny that they are sweet, though homely ? Class I. Maroon, Dark Crimson shaded, and Crimson H.P.'s (Otto-scented). — Louis Van Houtte, best of all ; Ferdinand de Lesseps, Prince Camilla de Rohan, Pierre Notting, Charles Lefebvre, Alfred Colomb, and Camille Bernardin. Class II. Lighter-coloured H P.'s (Sweet-scented). — Madame Derrieux Douville; Madame A'norr, delicious, something like " old Cabbage ;" La France, sweetest of all ; Elie Morel ; Alel Grand and Bessie Jnhnson, same perfume. Class III. Sweet Teas and Noisettes (more Tea than China). — Marechal Niel, richest ; Devoniensis, sweetest ; Gloire de Dijon, Celine Forestier, Madame Margottin, and Souvenir d'un Ami, on the border. Class IV. Astringent Teas (more Obina than Tea). — Gou- banlt, good ; Catherine Mermet, and Socrates. Class V. Roses other than H.P.'s and Teas. — Old Cabbage, Double Scotch, Banksian, and Common Moss. — R. W. Beachet. MERITS OF PEAES. The crop of Pears this season has been remarkably good, and periy is consequently cheap, but my notes refer more particu- larly to dessert Pears, of which we grow a great many varieties. As toils have a great influence on the growth and merits of the Pear, I may state that our soil is light and sandy on a sandy subsoil. The following are the varieties which I have found to suit us the best : — Williams' Bon Chretien, good crops, fair samples, and good flavour, on espalier ; Beurrfe d'Amanlis, espalier, crop very heavy, large, and fine ; on pyramid the crop was also heavy, but fruit not quite so large, and some of them were a little spotted. Fondante d'Automne, pyramid, crop very heavy, and fruit very sweet and juicy. I find it keeps longer if gathered a little before it is quite ripe ; it is not then so liable to go at the core, and is equally as good in flavour. Louise Bonne of Jersey, crop heavy and fruit large and good in flavour, but it only kept about a week after being gathered. It is one of the best Pears of the season, and a sure bearer. Beurre Superfin, crop very good and likewise flavour, but some of the fruit a little spotted. Marie Louise, crop heavy, and the fruit on espaliers ripened a beautiful yellow ; on pyramids not quite so yellow, but the trees were loaded to the ground, but the flavour is indifferent this season, and it did not keep long, nevertheless it is a first-class Pear. Pitmaston Dachess, a most noble-looking Pear, many of the specimens being over 1 lb. each ; the crop is heavy, and it seems a very free bearer on our soil. I should like the opinion of others who have grown this Pear. Beurre Diel is a Pear which succeeds on our soil remarkably well, always producing good crops of beautiful-looking fruit without a blemish ; Triomphe de Jodoigne also suits our soil well, the crop this year being heavy, and the fruit large and tine ; Doyenufi du Cornice, a most delicious Pear, and succeeds best with us as a standard, from which we have the largest and finest fruit ; Kn'ght's Monarch succeeds well with us as a pyramid, producing beauti- ful specimens anc', heavy crops ; it is a first-class late Pear. Zephirin Gregoire, good as a pyramid ; crops this year heavy. Swan's Egg, first-class here as an espaUer, each branch looking like a string of Onions ; but the fruit is not so large as it might have been had we thinned them more. Easter Beurre, good as a standard, crops heavy, and the fruit without a spot ; the trees are also remarkably healthy, iut not so with pyramids and espaliers, for the fiuit has been very much cracked and spotted, and many of the trees are also cankered and stunted 481 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ December 2, 187S, in their growth. I am of opinion that the stock on which this Pear is grafted has a great deal to do with its well-being. Will anjone f^ive their experience on this point ? I am inclined to Fay the Pear stock is the best, and allow the tree to develcpe itself. General Todtleben succeeds well a^ a pyramid, but the largest specimens were on espaUers. Hayehe's Prince of Wales is this season magnificent on efpaliers, good specimens of fruit, and completely covered with very dark russet. Ne Plus Meuris, very prolific as an espalier, fruit rather small, but should have been thinned more freely. Bergamotte Esperen, Srst-claes as a pyramid, being a sure bearer of delicious late fruit. Beurre Ranee, good as an espalier, but the fruit on some of the trees has cracked badly. Is it general this season ? Vicar of Winkfield, heavy cropper as a standard. We have a large standard tree which was left in the old kitchen garden here which is so loaded with fruit most seasons that we are obliged to support the branches with props ; a good stew- ing Pear, and passable for dessert when Pears are not very plentiful. .Josephine de Malines, good here as a standard, but so far it has been poor as an espalier, and the fruit small. Jean de Witte, a good bearer of medium-sized fruit, but many of them spotted this season. Louise Bonne de Printemps, crops pood, fruit medium in size, and free from any spot. Black Worcester succeeds well here on espaliers, producing fine crops of large fruit ; it is a first-class stewing Pear, a sure bearer, and keeps well. The above are a few out cf about sixty varieties that have tbii season carried heavy crops; the others have carried more or lees, but those named have done the best. As I wish to add to my collection I should be obliged for a few notes from any of your correspondents who have a similar soil to mine. Per- haps Mr. Douglas would favour us with a few notes, for I fancy his soil and ours pretty nearly correspond. Pears I find are not keeping well this season; they are soon over when they begin to ripen, and the long. continued rains, with the absence of tun, has impaired the flavour of many of them. — J. A., IliU Grove, Kidderminster. DIAMOND PEACH. Mr. LrcKHnRST does not appear to cultivate this Peach, else he would probably have enumerated it in his list as one worthy to be cultivated by even those who are restricted to two or three varieties. It has three points to recommend it — First, it will set its fruit without protection better than any other variety ; second, it is a moderate grower, devoid of those sappy shoots so com- mon in other varieties ; and lastly, it comes in between Early York and Boval George, and is, therefore, a great desideratum to all who have to keep-up a supply of this luscious fruit from the open air. It is a variety that also comes very early into bearing, my own trees fruiting the third year from the bud, while other favourite varieties were barren. The fruit is of large size, beautifully coloured on the exposed side, and equal in flavour to other well-tried sorts. I believe it is an intro- duction by the Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, and is worthy of more extended cultivation. After marking results here and elsewhere, I cm confidently recommend the following select list for outdoor culture ; — Early Beatrice, Early York, Diamond, Royal George, Grosee Mignonne, and Noblesse. Can anyone recommend a variety later than the above-mentioned which would stand a chance of ripening in the midland counties ? Lord Palmerston will not do so. The soil here is very sandy with sand as a subsoil, therefore not at all suited to either Peach or Plum culture, but by rich mulchings and plentiful supplies of water during the flowering period I invariably secure moderate crops of fruit. — A. W., Ueiijhington, Lincoln. BRIAE STOCKS FROM CUTTINGS. Seeint, recommended in the Journal of Horticulture last autumn (October 1.5th, page 339), Briar stocks put in as cut- tings with a heel, I procured some which were inserted during November, and are now lilted with roots superior to anything I have seen on the Briar previously. Having found the roots so superior to those made on the lifted stock, I venture to note the result, although I have not been so successful in the number struck as Mr. Turtle. Sixty- eight were put in, cat to 3 feet in length. The budding was done in May. Thirty are now planted in prominent places with nice heads, eight budded but have not made heads fit for planting this year, twelve nnworked, and eighteen deaths, mostly owing, I have no doubt, to unripened wood, as the Briars were cut from the middle of thick hedges, not being able to procure them from positions more conducive to ripened wood.— K. C, Castle Gardens, St. Pagans. DOUBLE CLAEKIAS. Claekias are amongst the most effective and useful of oer hardy annuals, and improvements in the colour and form of the flowers are continually being made. Double varieties have long ago been offered to the public, but these at the best have been but semi-double, and the plants generally have proved of loose habit. Examples, however, which were submitted by Mr. Hardy of Bures to the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society on July 7 th, were undoubtedly bona Me Fig. 104.— Doable ClarWss. double flowers, and as such they were awarded first-class cer- tificates. The flowers were also closely arranged on the spikes, giving them a massive appearance quite dissimilar to the ordi- nary type of semi-double varieties, and suggesting their useful- ness for affording cut blooms. The engraving gives a faithful representation of the spikes as then exhibited ; and if the varieties prove constant they must be regarded as great acqui- sitions amongst easily-grown border flowers. Mr. Hardy exhi- bited them in two varieties — Purple King and Salmon Queen, and they have certainly just claim to be considered as reigning monarchs in the Clarkia world. CONCRETING VINE BORDERS. Mr. PEAcn inquires whether the Vine borders at Arkleton and Potholm were concreted. They were not concreted, but they rest on a subsoil of gravel which is better than any con- crete. A foot of drainage was placed in the excavation, and on this turves were placed with their grass sides downward to keep the drainage clear from the soil. At Potholm the bottom of the border before putting in the drainage was excavated in a series of diagonal trenches 4 feet apart, bringing the ridge between each to a sharp apex, and in each trench a row of drain- pipes were laid, having a sharp fall and communicating with a main drain at the extremity of the border. Siainaga Deoember 2, 1876. 1 JOTJBNAL OP HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 485 was therefore provided for in the most effective manner. The bottom of the border when excavated was the exact counter- part of a ridge-and-furrow roof. Now where concrete is necessary there can be no better base for it than these diagonal ridges and pipes laid between them. There cannot then — the falls for the drains being right and the oatfalls clear^be any possibility of the border becoming water-logged. I am of opinion that on a sandy or gravelly subsoil, or also on the sand or limestone formation where the subsoil is porous, that it is not necessary to concrete the bottoms of Vine borders. Provided the water can pass away freely con- crete is not necessary ; but where it cannot pass away — as in a bed of clay, for instance— then I should certainly have a ridge-and-furrow bottom concreted and drained, with an effec- tual outfall for the water which I should apply liberally in the growing season. There is very little doubt but that Vines have suffered greater injury by drought than by water, and that concreting and drying the borders on a porous subsoil in dry districts has in many instances been carried to excess. Where Grapes are prone to shank it is worth while considering whether dryness of the roots is not one of the contributing causes. I am acquainted with a fine vinery which every year produces many shanked berries, but in no year did I see them in a worse condition than in 1868, when the year's rainfall of the district was under 20 inches, whereas in 1872, when the rain- fall was nearly double that amount, shanking was much less inveterate. I do not dispute that shanking is fostered by a water-logged BOil, but I suspect that the effects are not widely different whether the spongioles have rotted by wet or shrivelled by drought. The Vine in its nature is a water-loving subject. Its rapid Buoculent growth, its expansive foliage, and, more than either, its juicy fruit, all cry aloud for water. I have very little doubt that if a Vine in its growing state — roots, wood, leaves, and fruit — were analysed, that 75 per cent, of its bulk would be water. If that is so its wants are clearly foreshadowed, and water it must have ungrudgingly if it is to flourish vigorously. The best proof that that is sound theory is the support which is afforded by actual practice. I have only been able to grow heavy crops of Grapes by heavy waterings in the growing season. But there must be efiioient drainage. It is not pri- marily a question of water but one of drainage, for if the latter is perfect the supply of the former can scarcely be too great. But the mechanical nature of the Boil must be taken into account. Some soils are more retentive of moisture than others, and a weight of 20 inches of rain on one soil may in its effects be represented by 40 inches on another, and vice oersd — that is, the drainage being the same in two instances the Vines in one border will need double the amount of water over those in the other, solely by the difference in the mecha- nical nature of the soil ; and it is here that the intelligence of the gardener must be exercised. We may lay it down as a rule that the Vine is a moisture-loving subject; that it must have water liberally, but the precise meaning of "liberal" must be left to individual interpretation to be governed by the local circumstances of each case. Concreting, I have said, is not necessary on a porous subsoil where water can pass away freely, and injury has often resulted by concreting on such soils. It is all very well to say that we concrete to prevent the roots passing into a poor unnutritious soil, but it must also be remembered that concrete not only prevents the roots descending, but it also prevents the earth moisture ascending. It completely arrests capillary attraction. The summer's sun cannot draw up the winter's rain from the reservoirs of the earth through a concrete roof, and by that cause alone Vines suffer injury in dry districts. The roots of Vines when they pass into an ungenial inert medium are generally driven there ; they are in search of food and moisture, which they cannot find near the surface. There need bo no fear of injury arising to Vines by the descent of their roots into unsuitable soil if what they need is afforded them near the surface. They do not enter the inert soil because they like it, but because they penetrate it in search of the matter which they need, and the more such soil is deficient in the food of which they are in search the further will the roots ramify. The natural preventive is to supply food on or near the surface of the border, and if sufficient moisture acsompanies it to render it soluble, then the roots will not wander into bad soil and receiTe injury in search of what they need. There are cases where concreting is necessary, but not to prevent the roots going out of their proper compost, but as a means of conducting superfluous water into the drains. I could give some instances of the use and abuse of concrete. I have this year seen the concrete of a Vme border laid bare, and on it rested 3 inches of water. The border was nearly on a level, and what drains there were had become choked by sedi- ment. Sediment traps are exceedingly useful, but extremely dangerous. They are not uncommonly placed by the side of the gravel walk, under which the main drain — the Vine- border catchwater — is conducted. The loose gravel is washed through the grating, and is left in the sediment box until it reaches the level of the drain, and is then conducted into it; and thus are Vine borders, by neglect of timely and systematic attention given to the drains, made waterlogged by the very medium that was provided to keep them dry. I have had to take out two Vine borders which had become waterlogged by the simple matter of permitting the drain pipes to become choked with the surface washings of gravel, &c. In both these instances sediment boxes had been provided, but their contents had not been regularly removed, and hence the mischief. I know at this moment a Vine border which has become sour by the same means, and the border will have to be renewed before good Grapes can be obtained. It would have been far better that those borders had not been concreted and drained at all than that the drains should have been neglected. It is with good reason therefore that I say. Look to the drains. I am well acquainted with a splendid range of vineries which had been erected, and borders made regardless of cost. The site was not wet, and the rainfall of the district is exceptionally low, yet these borders were concreted, and I believe they were never watered ; the Grapes as a consequence were poor and unsatisfactory, so much so that the gardener relinquished his charge. A different system was then adopted. The concrete was broken up, and heavier soil incorporated with the border ; heavy surface dressings of manure were given, and water copiously applied in the growing season ; and the same Vines have since produced splendid crops of fruit, which are a source of pride of the owner as they are a credit to the gardener. Some of the finest Grapes that I have seen have been produced by borders which have been attended to by rich dressings of manure with occasionally fresh soil and bones at the top, rather than by a smooth layer of lime, tar, and ashes at the bottom. Yet on the other hand I have known the concreting of Vine borders in conjunction with an effective system of drainage decidedly beneficial. Seven years ago a border site was exca- vated in a soil which approached clay. Drainage was pnt-in — that is, a foot of stones, &a., and the soil made of a suitable compost, yet the Vines did not flourish. The berries shanked and did not colour well, and the foliage was much attacked by insects. The Vines were eventually lifted, and the soil was taken out. A layer of concrete was placed on the drainage, and drains made with sharp falls and clear outfalls ; the border was enriched on the surface, and water given freely ; and for the past two years the crops have been of the very first order of merit. In this case I doubt not that the manure at the top has been of greater benefit than the concrete at the bottom, yet the two in conjunction have proved the practice to have been correct and good. I can quote another instance. A clergyman was most anxious to have good Grapes, but his border site was in a natural hol- low and the soil was clay. An excavation was made and a good border compost put in, but the Grapes were not good. The natural hollow was simply a water trap, and a layer of concrete was placed on the surface of the border — previously taking up the Vines — another border being built entirely above the ground level, and the crops have since been most superior. This border is heavily top-dressed annually, and frequently watered with sewage until it passes through the mass of soil and out by the drains. This record of practice may be useful at a time when Vine borders are in the course of construction and renovation. It tends to prove that concrete is useful where not abused. When it is necessary it should be laid with a sharp gradient and in connection with drains which must be kept in order. If the site is very low and the soil heavy and wet, it is advis- able that the border be made entirely above the ground level. But in many, and I am inclined to think in most, instances concrete is not necessary, and of infinitely greater moment is 486 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTDKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ December 2, 1875. the enriobing of the EiirFace of the border, and keeping it moist iu the eeason of growth. Vino roots are like sheep, thpy will not wander far from a good feeding-gronnd ; bat when the pasture is bare and affords them no support U is difficult to prevent them passing a prescribed boundary. — A Northern Gardener. BOYAL HOETICULTDRAL SOCIETY. December 1st. FlWiT Committee. — Henry Webb, Esq., iu the chair. Mr. Jones, the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, sent three very handsome specimens of Smooth-leaved Ciyenne Pines, each weighing about 8 Ihs., which were award'-d a cultural commendation. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, sent six dishes of Pears, consisting of Jewess, Comte de Flandres, Emile d'Heyst, Broom- park, Dr. Trousseau, and Beurr6 Beauchamp. He also sent a seedling Pear without a name, which was of a good but not superior flavour. Messrs. Kinmont & Kidd, nurserymen, Can- terbury, sent a seedling Apple from Court of Wick crossed with King of the Pippins, but its flavour was not distinct; a seedling from Devonshire Quarrenden, very similar to the parent, but the flavour was inferior; and Swinerd'a Seedling, also a seed- ling from Devonshire Quarrenden, which was not of remarkable flavour. Four seedling Apples vrere received from Mr. Charles Arnold of Paris, Ontario, Canada. They were raised from Northern Spy crossed with mixed pollen of Wagner and Spitzemberg. No. 1 was very acid. No. 3, a firm-fleshed and rather acid Apple. No. 4, tender flesh and slightly sweet, but not good. No. 5 is very tender-fleshed and sweet, but the Committee did not con- sider either of them worthy of a certificate. A letter of thanks was voted to Mr. Arnold for sending the fruit. Mr. J. Charlton of Tonbridge Wells sent a seedling Pear of a Bergamot shape, which had a powerful flavour of Gansel's Bergamot and very gritty flesh. It was thought that it might be better in another season. Thomas Laxton, Esq., of Stamford sent a seedling Apple called The Boy's Delight, a small striped Apple of very tender flesh and rather sweet flavour. Boothby's Seedling No. 4 is also a very tender-fleshed variety, which was thought to be a good cooking Apple. Boothby's Seedling No. 3, a medinm- sized, oblate, yellow Apple of tender flesh and very briskly flavoured, and was thought to be a good Apple for sauce. The Doctor is also a medium-sized Apple but of no character. No. 7, a seedline from Cox's Orange Pippin fertilised by Stamford Pippin. No. 8, a seedling from New Hawthornden crossed with Stamford Pippin. No. 9, very disagreeable. There were others, but they like the preceding were inferior to many others in cultivation. Mr. Trussler of Edmonton sent a small seedling Apple which did not possess any special merit. Floral Committee. — Dr. Denny iu the chair. Only a very few exhibits were brought before the Committee on this the last meeting of the season, the weather being altogether too cold for the safe transit of tender plants. No certificates were awarded — the numbers awarded at previous meetings during the year being ninety. Mr. Clarke, florist, Twickenham, sent a hundred plants of Cyclamens, well-bloomed sturdy plants, with good- shaped flowers in a great variety of colours. Some of the dark colours — crim- son, magenta, and purple — being very rich, and whites pure. This charming class of plants are evidently as valuable for winter as they are for spring decoration. Mr. Clark also ex- hibited a selection of eighteen Cyclamens of vigorous habit, and with exceptionally large flowers, but limited to the lighter colours. For these collections a vote of thanks was deservedly awarded. Messrs. Waterer & Sons, The Nurseries, Bagshot, exhibited plants of Thujopsis borealis aurea variegata. The plants were small but of robust habit, and with their vigour a constant variegation of golden sprays. For this very promising orna- mental lawn Conifer the thanks of the Committee were awarded. Mr. Westcott, The Gardens, Raby Castle, Darlington, exhi- bited a new hybrid Solanum Princess of Wales, a cross between Prince of Wales and Yellow Gem. It is a highly ornamental variety, the pyriform fruits being of the brightest yellow, 2j inches in length and an inch in diameter, the foliage being 5 inches in length by 4 iu breadth. This vigorous hybrid is strikingly effective, and cannot fail to be useful as a winter decorative plant. A vote of thanks was awarded. Improving the Flavour of Frdit. — It ia not a little sur- prising that those who would enjoy the full flavour of Apples and Pears do not pay more regard to the temperature of the fruit when placed on the table. Many, if not all, sorts of Pears are immensely improved by being subjected to a tem- perature of 100° for an hour or two previous to being eaten. To take the best kinds of fruit direct from the fruit-room, which may not be halt a dozen degrees above the freezing point, ia not doing jastice to the frait or, I maat add, to the ' owner. Let anyone test fruits of any good sort of Apples and Fears, some "stinging cold" and others artificially warmed, and note the superiority of the latter, which is to my mind conclusive. — A City Man. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUIT. Delphinium CASHMiRiANnii. iVa^ ord., Ranunoulaceee. Linn., Polyandria Trigynia. — Flowers purple. " About a dozen species of Delphinium inhabit the Himalaya Mountains, of which the present is one of the handsomest. All are found at considerable elevations ; and some of them that come from the loftiest spots, as D. Brnnoniannm, Rotjle, exhale so strong a musky odour that the ignorant mountaineers attribute the odorous secretion of the musk-deer to the animals' feeding on that plant, and of the D. glaciale, which is equally strongly scented. No such odour has been attributable to D. Cash- mirianum, though it too occurs at great heights, ascending from 12,000 to 15 000 feet in the Western Himalaya, where it ranges from the longitude of Kumaon to that of Kashmir, abounding in grassy valleys, &c. The subject of this plate was raised by J. Anderson-Henry, E"q. ,from seed sent from the north part of Kashmir by Dr. Bellew during his journey to Kashgar with Mr. Forsyth, and it flowered well at Hay Lodge, Trinity, in July of the present year." — {Bot. Mag., t. 6189.) Masdevallia Davisii. A'a(. ord., Orchidacese. Ltnn., Gyn- andria Monandria. — Native of Peru. " This fine Masdevallia is remarkable for its size and colour (yellow). It was dis- covered by Mr. W. Davis near Cuzco in Peru, and was flowered by Messrs. Veitch iu August of the present year ; the plant here figured bearing twenty flowers. Singular as the colour is, it is probably very variable. Reichenbaoh describes the perianth-tube as ' whitish yellow, with a blackish-violet great eye-spot on each side;' and the other parts of the flower as ' yellowish white outside and of the deepest splendid orange inside;' colours not at all repeated in our specimen." — (Ibid., t. 6190.) TuLiPA Eichlehi. Nat. ord., LiliaceiB. Linn., Hexandria Monogyuia. — Flowers dark crimson " It belongs to the group SoabriscapsB of Baker, all the species of which are natives of the Mediterranean region, from Italy eastward to the Levant, and of the Caspian region extending to Turkestan. This, indeed, is the principal area inhabited by Tulipa, for very few of the species (nearly fifty are described), reach the ex- treme east of Asia; only one is found in India (T. stellata. Hook.), and that is confined to the North-eastern Himalayas, and one (T. edulis, Baket), in Japan. The T. Eichleri was discovered by the traveller whose name it bears, in the Baker district of Georgia." — {Ibid., t. 6191.) Heteranthera limosa. Nat. ord., Pontederiacese. Linn., Triandria Monogynia. — Flowers violet-blue. " A very pretty water-plant of wide distribution, inhabiting very wet marshes from Virginia to Venezuela and Brazil, and likely to become a favourite for cultivation in tropical aquaria, where it may be grown in pots standing in the water. As far as I am aware, but one species of the genus Heteranthera had hitherto been cultivated in Europe— namely, the H graminea of Vahl, a very insignificant submerged species, a native of North America, which was introduced into the Glasgow Botanical Garden half a century ago along with VaUisneria spiralis, and is well figured in Hooker's ' Exotic Flora,' tab. 94, nnder the generic name of Leptanthns. About a dozen species of the genu? are described, some of which, having spikes of blue flowers, ere no doubt worthy of cultivation. Seeds of H. limosa were sent from Santa Martha, in New Grenada, to the Royal Gardens by M. Endres, which germinated and flowered in the short space of a few weeks. M. Endres states that it grew in brackish pools. It flowers at Kew from May onwards. It is a plant of very wide range, from the warm temperate region of the United States (Illinois and Virginia), to Bahia in Brazil." — (Ibid., t. 6192.) OxALis arenabia. Nat. ord., Oxalidaceie. Linn., Decandria Pentagjnia.— Flowers purplish pink. " The genus Oxalis, once a favourite amongst amateur horticulturists, has of late years experienced the neglect that has overtaken so many interesting classes of herbaceous plants. Upwards of 130 species, chiefly natives of South Africa, have been figured as under cultivation in Europe. By far the larger number of these are contained in the beautiful Monograph of the genus published by the elder Jncquin in 1794, from specimens cultivated in the Im- perial Gardens at Vienna. In 1808 fifty-eight species were in the Kew collection, where there are now only thirty; and no December 2, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTORE AND OOTTAQE GARDENER. 487 Bpecies has been fiptnred in this magazine for a quarter of a century, when (1850), the lovely 0. eleganB of the Andes appeared. Happily a love of the genus liuyers amongst ecien- tifio horticulturists, to cue of whom, G. Munby, Et^q., I owe the opportunity of figuring the present species. Osalis are- naria is a native of CLiili, where it is widely distributed, being found in sandy pastures near Valparaiso, Santiago, and other localities. It has also been gathered on the Andes of Bolivia by Mandon, in the neighbourhood of Sorata, at an elevation of between 8000 and 9000 feet above the sea-level. The speci- men here figured flowered with Mr. Munby in March."— (/fciii., t. 6193.) Cbassula BoLusii. A''a(.or(Z., Crassnlaoea;. irnn., Pentan- dria Monogynia. — Flowers white and crimson. Native of South Africa. " It was discovered by Mr. H. Bolus, near Graafreinet, who sent both living and dried specimens to Kew. As a species it is closely allied to C. Cooperi (' Rpgel Gartenfl.,' 1874, p. 3G, t. 786), a widely distributed Cape species, but differs in the less straggling habit, much longer and narrower radical leaves, and in tlie dark blotches on the foliage. Plants were sent to Kew by Mr. Bolus in 1874, which flowered in the Succulent House in July of the present year." — {Ibid., t. 6194.) Apple — Lane's Prince Albert — " It is a variety which has been well proven in certain districts, and which well deserves to be more widely cultivated. It was raised some years since by Messrs. Lane & Son of Berkhamstead, from the Euseet Nonpareil crossed with Dumelow's Seedling, and is remarkable both for its excellent quality as a culinary Apple and for its prodigious bearing qualities, even the smallest trees being usually densely laden with fruit. The fruit is large, shortly conical or ovate, in the larger samples llj inches in circum- ference, and measuring G inches from eye to stalk, even and regular in outline, with broad ribs round the crown. The skin is smooth, of a fine grass-green, covered with appreciable bloom, changing as it ripens to clear, pale, greenish-yellow, flushed on the exposed side with crimson-red, and also marked with short, deeper, crimson streaks. The eye is closed, with small, pointed, reflex segments, which are set in a deepish, somewhat angular basin. The stalk is about half an inch long, inserted in a deep funnel-shaped cavity. The flesh is tender, juicy, briskly and agreeably acid with a pleasant flavour. In this variety we have a culinary sort which can be safely recommended not only for its bearing and keeping qualities, but also for its general exoeUenoe, in respect to flavour and texture, regarded as a kitchen Apple. The fruits are heavy, and have a solid feel about them." — [Florist and Pomologist, 3 s., viii., 233.) SLAUGHTER OF SMALL BIRDS FOR LADIES' HATS. If on reading the enclosed extract you feel as indignant as we do, will you find epaca for it in the Journal? It is such a horrid fashion that everyone should do what they can to check it : — " The fashion now so prevalent of ornamenting ladies' hats and bonnets with small birds has given such an impetus to the activity of the birdcatchers, both here and in France, as to cause well-grounded fears for the annihilation of our favourite little songsters. This was forcibly pointed out in a case which came before the Dover Bench yesterday, in which two men were charged with trespass. Upon them were found no less than fifty-one dead skylarks and a large number of linnets, thrushes, bullfinches, &c. A gentleman connected with the Cuetomg at Dover stated that it was well known that a large premium was paid to men like the prisoners for those birds, and that it was within his cognizance that during the past fortnight no less than two thousand of the brightest-plumage birds from Normandy passed through Dover on their way to a firm of milliners in London, their destination evidently being to ornament the hats and bonnets of Belgravian ladies. The Bench stated their determination to punish severely all future offenders, and ordered their clerk to make a representation on the subject to the Home Secretary. " We must try and stop the demand. We must grapple with the cause of the evil, which is to be traced to the present fashion of affixing the bodies of skylarks, thrushes, linnets, cfeo., to ladies' hats by way of ornament — a fashion which is in- artistic, nnclassical, and vulgar, and which displays a vitiated t aste." — M. G. [No words would be too strong to condemn the fashion held up to scorn by the writer of the above letter. The fashion is one of those masculine changes condemned by good taste. We have noticed in country towns, as well as in London, that birds are worn by those who at other times wear in their hats huge flowers, bunches of Grapes, and clusters of Cherries, all of the largest size and deepest colours. All this is most vulgar, yet we should not feel that such error is within our province to condemn ; but the slaughter of email birds justi- fies us in remonstrating and asking our readers to aid in sup- pressing it. Those small birds are some of the gardeners' and farmers' best friends. The goldfinch, the linnet, the hedge sparrow, the lark, and others live upon the seeds of weeds and insects, and of all of them we have seen hundreds of skins lying in the windows of ladies' hat-makers. Let every head of a family forbid their use, and let every girl adopt exclusively that utterance of true taste — ■ —Eds.] "Flowers and ribbons small and fair Are round m; bat and iu m; hair." NOVELTIES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. Flowering in the Succulent house at the cold end we find a member of the elegant genus Bomarea, which, with a query attached, is named B. Jacquesiana. It resembles in some degree the very handsome B. choutaleneis, introduced about four years ago by Mr. Wm. Bull, having similar rose-coloured outer segments with a few black spots. It is, however, quite distinct, the flower being almost half as long again and of less globular outline. The leaves of this are very bold and fine- looking — far more so than those of B. Caldasi, of which there is a plant on the opposite side of the door. They are growing against the end of the house, and form a good covering for the glass, which without some kind of greenery would look painfully bare. Both are planted out, and do remarkably well with but trilling attention. The Bomareas are rare in culti- vation, although they are pretty well known as handsome twiners. One species, B. edulis of St. Domingo, supplies the Tapinambours blancs : these are the tuberous ends of the roots, which after being boiled are eaten as Potatoes. In this house a plant of the Clivia Gardeni is beautifully in flower, and coming in regularly at this season it seems to be worth attention. The leaves are much like Imantophyllum miniatum, to which it is nearly allied, but with flowers more like Cyrtanthus. They are produced in large umbels, and are of an orange-red colour with green tips. The cultivation for Imantophyllum suits it exactly. Aloe ciliaris deserves a pass- ing notice. It is a slender-growing species, which may be trained as a climber. Spikes of flowers come on every branch ; they are not too large, and having the fiery colour of Tritoma at once strike the attention. It is the most brilliant-flowered of all the Aloes. Olea fragrans is flowering in the Economic house, and pos- sesses a perfume of the most delicious description. The flowers are small and of a pale yellow colour, but grow many together in numerous clusters. They are used in China for scenting teas. That called pekoe is a green tea much prized for the scent imparted to it by these flowers. The species is well worth growing in conservatories for its perfume. It is easily grown and succeeds on its own roots, but is perhaps hardier grafted on Privet. A plant so grafted has withstood the last two or three winters against a wall. In the Orchid house we find a good pan of Pleione lagenaria, perhaps the most beautiful of the ludian Crocuses. About twenty flowers are fully expanded. P. maculata is also in bloom. Cirrhopetalum Medusie is extremely curious, and of similar character it would be difficult to find anything else. The flowers are numerous on short spikes, and the sepals are lengthened into long threads, hanging down like coarse hair. Pachystoma Wightii is a pretty plant from India. The leaves are grassy, accompanied in this case by a single yellow flower the size of a Primrose, borne on a stem about a foot high. We have before drawn attention to Eulophia guineensis; it is again in flower, and without doubt is a valuable terrestrial Orchid, the flowers lasting long in perfection, and being of distinct colour and form. They are produced on erect stems about 2 feet in height. It is a native of West Tropical Africa, and requires warm treatment. Among Cypripediums are C. Stonei, the rare C. pardinum, C. coucolor, C. Koezli, C. Sa- deni, and of the commoner C. insigue some good masses are well in flower. Angrseoum pellucidum is always attractive from its beautiful glossy foliage. Its beauty is now further 488 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1875. enhanced by many pendnlons spikes abont a foot long, bearing a large number of white tranBlnoent flowers. It is well adapted for growing in baskets. A yellow-flowered form, more rare than this, is sometimes met with. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. The Oxfoeb Botanic Gaeden we do not consider too small if it were differently arranged. Certainly it wonld do violence to the feelings of everyone who knows its history to have it abolished and another established elsewhere. Such a change is not needed. We regret to have to announce the death of M. Al- PH0N6E Mas of Bonrg-en-Bresse, at the age of fifty-nine. M. Mas devoted almost the whole of his life to the study of pomology. In his garden at Bonrg were collected almost every variety of hardy fruits he could procure, and there he made his obser- vations which formed the groundwork of Le Verger. We are especially saddened at the occurrence of this event. It was only in September last that the writer of this met his old friend at the meeting of the Soci6t6 Pomologique of France, which was held this year at Ghent, and where he as President of the Society performed all the duties of hie cflice. M. Mas was a man of gentle and amiable ditposition and a sincere friend, and his loss will be much regretted by a large circle, among whom he was well known and esteemed. The Flowee Mission has been very successful among the patients of the metropolitan hospitals and the poor in the east of London. It is worked from depots where the flowers are sent, and they are arranged in neat little bouquet-holders of paper, with a text of Scripture written on them, and dis- tributed in hospitals, workhouses, and to the sick poor in their homes. Two central depots were opened in March at Mildmay Park and Spitalfields, and in the flower season the average number of bouquets sent out from them was from 3000 to 4000. The movement has attracted much attention among ladies, and no doubt its action will be widely spread when the spring flowers come in. In support of the funds of this Mission a bazaar, under the patronage of the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Teck, was opened at the Hall, Gloucester Road, Kew, and attracted a large number of visitors. At the Birmingham Cattle Show Messrs. Carter & Co. have a stand of ageicdltubal and hoeticcltdral peoddcts, all very fine, grown from seed raised by them and contributed by the growers. Among the horticultural specimens there are some extraordinary Carrots, Parsnips, Potatoes, &c., in endless variety and of the finest shapes and quality. Onions, too, are in abundance, and the form and size of some of them would have astonished gardeners of no very remote period. HEATING WITH PEAT. In answer to your correspondent " W. W." (page 432), I may state that my experience of peat or turf for heating hot- water boilers has been very unsatisfactory. Of course much depends on the quality ; spongy turf cut from the surface of the bog is all but useless except wood or coke is used with it, and even then I have found a great difficulty in keeping up a regular temperature in frosty weather. There is a hard black peat, generally the lower spits of a turf bank, and where all vegetable matter has been long decomposed, which suits much better, and for a small house might maintain a pretty fair temperature without much trouble. — A. McIntosh, Gortmore. OUR BORDER FLOWERS— SISTRINCHIUMS. These are hardy and half-hardy plants of great beauty, and are well adapted for spring-garden and border culture. They are widely distributed, and are found in many parts of the world. The hardy kinds stand through our winters without injury. They succeed well in a well-drained situation, extreme moisture being fatal to their well-doing. If the soil is of a strong heavy nature it should be removed altogether, and be replaced with the following compost — good sandy loam and sandy peat in equal quantities, with a httle well-decomposed leaf mould and a sprinkling of charcoal dust and sand mixed well together. The soil should be made a little firm before planting. The plants are easily increased by division of the roots after they have matured their growth. The half-hardy kinds must be protected through the winter in a dry cold pit or greenhouse where they can be kept from frost, and they may be planted out in the summer, but should be taken in before the frosts set in. Their splendid diversity of colour and graceful habit well repays any labour bestowed upon them. Among the hardy kinds none are more beautiful than Sisy- rinchium grandiflorum, its colour being crimson purple. It is an early bloomer and grows about a foot high, and when well established it produces a charming effect. S. grandiflorum album is equally attractive, its lovely white blooms contrasted with the foregoing being beautlfal indeed. S. striatum is one of the tallest of the family, not so bright in colour as some of the species, but is still a very desirable border plant and continues long in flower. S. convolutum is one of the hand- somest of the whole family ; when well established its large yellow flowers tell us at once that it is worthy to stand high in our estimation ; it should be in all collections of herbaceous plants. S. odoratissimum should have a place on account of its delicious perfume ; it is of dwarf habit and is rather tender, and should be protected through the winter. S. auceps is the commonest and the dwarfest of the tribe. I have seen it very beautiful in early spring used as an edging plant. It soon establishes itself, for it seeds freely and iu some places becomes troublesome as a weed. I have sometimes known the early blooms destroyed by our spring frosts, which should be guarded against iu our unsettled climate. A few hoops of small wire made with prongs to run into the ground in the form of a bee hive covered with coarse canvas is a good protection for these plants, and the covers are easily removed when not required. It is not my intention to enumerate the family, or I might name many more kinds worthy of the cultivator's notice. — Veritas. Cartee's Geeeu Gage Tomato. — I have this season grown the above Tomato along with three others, and I find it quite an acquisition. The other three varieties were Large Red, Excelsior, and Arlington. It ripens under the same treat- ment quite as early as Large Red, and those who have tasted it here consider it superior in flavour to that variety. I like- wise consider it more productive than either of the other varieties, although the fruit is smaller. These notes refer to the culture in pots and grown under glass. I have it planted- out along with the other varieties, but the season has been so unfavourable for outdoor Tomatoes that I cannot speak de- cidedly on its merits outdoors. — J. Anderson, Hill Grove, Kidderminster. PLANTS FOR CUT FLOWERS AND SPRAYS. No. 7. A1J.1UM. — This is a genus of very valuable plants. A. fra- grans, white striped with green, is delightfully fragrant. A. magicum, white, is also sweet-scented. They flower during June, and are quite hardy, doing well in ordinary soil, but best in sandy loam enriched with leaf soil and well drained, planting the bulbs about 3 inches deep. The flowers keep we>l in water, continuing a long time in bloom. A. ciliatum, white, and A. azureum, blue, are very pretty; A. moly, canary yellow, is also very free and fine; A. triquetrum, white, drooping, is very desirable and earlier than most of the species. These showy plants ought to have a place in every garden, ScHizosriLis cocciNEA. — This is a Gladiolus-like plant, and has deep scarlet flowers. I had plants this season with flowers in July ; the plants were moved to a greenhouse in the middle of October, and will flower as in previous years — all through the winter. It is, however, quite hardy, but if its flowers are wanted in winter a light airy position in a greenhouse must be given. The plants are placed outdoors in May, potted in June, and duly supplied with water. They flourish best if under rather than over-potted. Good turfy loam three parts and one part of leaf soil is a suitable compost, but I add a little peat and silver sand, finding that all Irids are improved by peat. For growing outdoors a sheltered position is desir- able, and a sandy well-drained soil. It ought to be grown by everyone wishing flowers to cut in late summer and autumn, also during the winter in a greenhouse. Ornithogalums. — These flower in spring or early summer, and are useful ; they are best treated as cool greenhouse plants. 0. thyrsoides, yellow ; 0. arabicum, white with dark centre, and sweet ; and 0. Bergi, white and green, will be eui£- December 2, 1875. ] joubnaij of hortioulture and cottage qardenbb. 489 cient for pots. O. pyramidale and 0. umbellatum are suitable for borders. LiRht fibroiia loam, with the compost named for Schizoetylis, will bo suitable for Oruithofialuma. Free water- ing during growth is necessary, keeping the soil just moist when the plants aro at rest. Leuco.ium. — L. veruam, which blooms in spring (March) has the soeut of a Wallflower, and is very beautiful from its pearly whiteness and tips of clear yellowish green. L. iBstivum is also white tipped with green, and flowers in Juno or earlier. L. autumnali.? has bell-shaped flowers, white tinted with rose, and flowers in September. Like monster Snowdrops the Snow- flakes are very valuable for cutting from, and should be grown extensively. They will grow freely in any ordinary garden soil, and delight in moisture. Plant 3 inches deep in an open situation. Er.YTHRONiuMs. — Theso have very beautifully-spotted loaves, which aro useful and forco readily ; the flowers are also useful, and comein in March or April. These plants will grow almost anywhere, doing best, however, in light loamy soil with leaf soil and peat. Gbiffinias. — G. Elumenavia has delicate rose-striped flowers, and G. hyacinthina has white flowers striped with sky blue. Than these there aro no finer autumn-flowering Amaryllids, having large clusters of beautiful large Lily-like drooping flowers, produced successionally for from six to ten weeks. They are stove piauts which ought to be extensively grown. The plants require a light position throughout the year, and should be potted in spring. They should be copiously watered during growth, and not at any time the leaves allowed to flag, for they are evergreen, and the plants ought never to be dried- off so as to lose the foliage. AiiApANTHos uMBELLATus. — This is a fiuo old plant, and with A. umbellatus albus flowers in spring (April) in a greenhouse, and if the piauts are wintered iu a cool house and subse- quently placed outdoors they flower in August. The flowers are very useful for cutting purposes. Water very freely during growth, and keep dry in winter, but let it be that sort of dry- ness which will keep the foliage fresh, for they are evergreens. Pot in spring or after flowering. Three parts fibrous loam, and a part each leaf soil and fibroiis peat, will grow them well. Antholyza lExnioncA is a desirable plant, and requires the same treatment as Schizostylis. Triteleia unifloba is also useful for affording out flowers, and is as easily cultivated as the Crocus. TRiLLiujt 0RANDIFL0BU5I (Wood Lily) is a fine plant for moist ground, and if potted in the autumn and brought for- ward in gentle heat flowers early iu spring, and is beautiful. PoLiANTUES TUBEHosA (Tuborose) . — This well-known favourite produces its flowers in tall spikes, and having soft stems tbey are good for cutting, for the buds will open successively to the last, whilst for bouquets, or the hair, every pip is available. The single variety may be said to have gone out of cultiva- tion, but it will make its appearance occasionally amongst the Double White Italians. These are good, but the Americans are decidedly more vigorous and more floriferous, and are in every way superior. The variety, if I mistake not of Ameri- can origin, named The Pearl, is of dwarf habit, not growing more than two-thirds the height of the old sorts ; it has also finer flowers, and when it is more moderate in price it will drive its taller brethren out of the field. The tubers are not to be had until December, and an early bloom being desired they should be potted at once, removing the offsets and taking out all the buds except the centra! one, and then pot them iu 6-inch pots moderately drained, and covering the tuber with soil, leaving only the apex clear of it, surrounding the tubers with silver sand, using a compost of light fibrous loam three parts, one part each of leaf soil, old cow dung or well-rotted manure, and silver sand well mixed. The pots may then be plunged in a hotbed of 70 ' to 75'. The top heat for at least a month ought uot to exceed (iS" by artificial means, nor should it be less than rjiv. No water should be given until the foliage appears, and then commence to bring the soil into a moist state by watering around the inside of the pot ; the top heat after this must be maintained at 60° to 65° at night, and 70° to 75° by day, with the usual fluctuation of 10° to 15° or more with sun heat, giving abundance of air. When the piauts have made a good start they should be gradually withdrawn from the hotbed, or its heat should be allowed to decline, so that the plants will not receive a sudden check. In any light airy house with the temperature above-named they will, if placed near the glass, succeed admirably. The plants ought — when the pots aro filled with roots, and before they are curled and twisted into a mat— to be shifted into 7 or 8-inch pots, watering moderately for a time, and when the pots are filled with roots water twice a-week with weak liquid manure. Syringe the plants two or three times a-day to prevent Iho appearance of red spider, and if tho syringing be not enough take two sponges wet with a solution of soft soap 2 ozs. to the gallon, and one in each hand commence at the base of each leaf and draw up- wards, the leaf being between the sponges. A batch should bo started every three weeks up to April ; tho first will flower in May, and some of the latter being placed in a greenhouse when in good foUage after being started in heat they will flower in August if warm, or September if cool, whilst the others of the April batch will, grown in heat, bloom late in .July or early in August, and a later lot potted in April but not started until May, and when growth commences forwarding iu a greenhouse will produce blooms in October. In all cases I prefer to pot in a moderate-sized pot, and to shift, before tho stem rises, into pots that will admit of at least 1 or 1\ inch of fresh compost all around, draining well at the last potting, as the watering must be copious — not soddening, nor on the other hand allow- ing the foliage to flag. Edcuaeis amazonica. — This is essentially a lady's flower, both for hair and dress, combining purity of colour with delicate fragrance. Some can scarcely command a bloom of this plant at all, others flower their plants twice a-year, and some four times, which moans never-out-of-bloom. Some forco them into flower with bottom heat, and others starve them — that is, they rest them in a pit or greenhouse, and flower them in a stove. When there is such a diversity of opinion how is anyone to decide correctly ? There are at least two if not more varieties of E. amazonica, or the species are confounded. There is a kind which com- mences growing iu December or .January, and this has very much stouter petioles aud very much shorter, with considerably broader and thicker leaves, deeper in colour, and has larger heads of bloom, and more numerous blooms than a variety which commences growing or flowering in May, and which is remarkable for its long leaf petioles, its thiuner-textured, smaller and paler-coloured leaves, and smaller flowers with a paucity of them. Is not the former E. grandiflora syn. ama- zonica, and the other E. Candida ? I think so. In .January the bulbs are to be shook-out of the soil or the soil removed, and four or five of the largest potted in a 10 or 11-inoh pot, aud draining well, using a compost of three parts turfy loam and one part each of well-rotted cow dung and fibrous peat, and pot so as to just cover the bulbs. Three bulbs may also be placed in an 8 or 9-inch, aud one in a 6 or 7-inch pot. Place in a warm stove 60° to 65° at night, 70 to 75° by day, and keep very moist, and in March or April they should flower, aud for blooming they may be placed in a cooler house, and afterwards be returned to the stove, when the plants not unfreciuently flower again iu .July. It is better, however, to rest the plants for a time after flowering, say six or eight weeks, in a cool stove or a cold pit after May, which by judicious air-giving is a stove, watering only to prevent tho leaves flagging, and introducing to heat again, when the plants will flower in August or September. Plants may be had iu bloom at almost any time by growing them iu brisk heat aud affording abundant air-moisture and water, and when the growth ceases rest them near the glass in a warm greenhouse (55-50° min.) with water only to keep the foliage from flag- ging, and with a syringing overhead once a-day they will scarcely need water until reijuired for starting. The rest should uot be less than six weeks. Another mode of culture is not to diy the plants at all, but after flowering, or when the growth is complete, to place them in a house of about 10° less heat than that in which they are grown, but lig'it and airy and by no means so dry as to affect the foliage, and with ten weeks of this cool treatment to return them to heat, giving plenty of it, for they enjoy strong moist heat and liberal watering during growth, and after flowering and completion of growth rest in a cooler house. — G. Abbey. TOPIARY WORK. On page 221) wo inserted notes and an illustration of the topiary work for ornament at Elvaston Castle, and we now add another example of the useful topiary work at the same residence — in other words, of the clipped evergreen hedges in its garden. No one who has not tried the experiment by the aid of a thermometer can duly estimate the superior protection afforded 490 JOURNAL OF HOETICDLTOBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ December 2. 1875. by an evergreen hedge compared with that afforded by a de- oidnous hedge. We have repeatedly found on the leeward Bide of a Lanrel hedge, and of a Yew hedge, the thermometer Bhowed 10 of higher temperature than on the leeward side of a Blackthorn hedge, and a Hawthorn hedge. A Holly hedge would probably be as good a preventive of cold, but we have not had an opportunity to test it. If the evergreen heclgea are curved as at Elvaaton they are more sheltering from winds, and consequently more preserva- tive of temperature, than if in straight lines. Saoh hedges should not be less than 2 feet thick and !i feet high. Hedges as mediums of shelter might in exposed districts be more advantageously employed than is the case at present. Many are the gardens, especially those recently made, which are quite destitute of provision against high and cold winds, and also^for this is important — against the overpowering effect of the sun in summer. None, except those having the management of gardens entirely exposed, can appreciate how earnest and, too often, how hopeless is the longing for a shaded " north border." A garden without this necessary adjunct, and, of course, its corollary the " warm " south border," is iu- complete, as lacking the invaluable means of accelerating and retarding many important crops. Where walls are not pro- vided (in many places they are inadmissible), a great use may and ought to be made of evergreen hedges. Their utility and value is appreciated in nurseries where they are employed to a much greater extent than in private gardens, and we may be assured that this would not be unless they answered important protective purposes against cold on the one hand and heat on the other. This is, perhaps, even more apparent in continental than in EngUsh nurseries. There can be no doubt whatever that to judiciously intersect Fig. 105. — TOPIAKY WORK AT ELVASTON CASTLE. exposed gardens with neatly-kept evergreen hedges would be to increase the usefulness and profit of the ground to a very con- Biderable extent, and at the same time would add to the ap- pearance of such unbroken flats, and render the gardens more diversified and attractive. We have frequently been envied the aid of a fine Yew hedge running east and west with its sloping warm border on the south side, and still more so perhaps the cool border on the north. As a space in wliich to plnnge pot plants in summer a shaded border is indispensable, and not in a less degree is it valuable for purposes of propagation. A hedge will afford all that is necessary for shelter and shade, and would also be ornamental where a wall would be totally out of place. Frame and forcing grounds should invariably be protected by walls or hedges. The consumption — really waste — of heat- ing material in forcing Seakale and Ehubarb is enormous when the site is exposed ; while on the southern side of a thick hedge the work is easy, and the shelter is almost worth half the manure. In connection with this subject may also be mentioned the formation of the ground. In making new garden a great ex- penditure of labour is frequently indulged in in levelling the ground — that is, the ground for the kitchen garden, when the very undulations which are removed at such great expense might by judicious treatment be made of the greatest value. We are intimately acquainted with a garden which is simply a series of hills and dales ; and on the ridges, following their conformation, are neat Tew hedges, the borders sloping to the walks and facing almost every point of the compass. In this garden there is no wall, yet the district does not produce earlier and better Peas and Potatoes, and afterwards Oacum- bers and Vegetable Marrows, than come from its sheltered borders ; and on the shady slopes salads and Strawberries are prolonged to a period when they could not be had on perfectly level ground. To dig up the hedges and level the undulations of that garden would be to rob it at the same time of a great measure of its usefulness as well as its attractive features. As the results o much experience and observation we are convinced that the usefulness of evergreen hedges as aids to the gardener are not fully appreciated, and there are thousands of bleak gardens that would be greatly improved by such divisional evergreen lines tastefully disposed. But we know what is the great bugbear — their impoverishment of the soil. Yet this is not so formidable as it seems. When once a h'-dpe has attained the desired size regular clippings prevent it making much growth afterwards, and when the top growth is restricted so also is the extension of the roots ; and the sup- port that such a hedge requires is really very little, and it is much more than compensated for by the assistance it affords to the crops in spring, summer, an! winter. Pcccmlier 3, 1876. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 491 Tew, Holly, Iiaurels, Arbor-Vita^ Evergreen Oak, Phillyrea, &e., are all adapted for Bcreens, but the Yew is perhaps the most tractable, the nasieet kppt iu order, and long-lastinf;. The engraviDf,' aii'ords a striking example of what may be effected with hedges as a means of affording shelter, and pre- sents an idea that mny be carried out iu any mode that may be required whoro Bimilar scroens are needed, and where walls are not provided or would be inappropriate. THE NUTMEG. Of immense eommeroial importance is the Nutmeg tree, Myristica moschata, syn. M. aromatica. It is also ornamental by its clusters of berries or fruit. The plant is not commonly met with in this country, and it is seldom grown except in botanical or officinal collections. Its cultivation, however, is not difficult. It thrives in a Bandy loam and brisk heat, and cuttings strike freely inserted iu sand and placed in heat under a bellglass. Of the Nutmeg tree Dr. Hogg has written as follows in his " Vegetable King- dom:"— "It is a native of the Moluccas and neigh- bouring islands, but is now cultivated in Java, Suma- tra, Penang, the Isle of Bourbon, Mauritius, and other parts of the East, and in Cayenne, Martinique, and some of the West India islands. It attains the height of 30 feet, with a straight stem and a branch- ing head. The leaves are oblong-oval, glossy on the upper surface and whitish beneath, and with an aro- matic taste. The flowers are male and female on dif- ferent trees, insignificant, and of a yellowish colour. The fruit is round or oval, about the size of a small Peach, with a smooth sur- face, green at first, but becoming yellow when ripe. The external cover- ing, which may be called a husk, is thick and fleshy containing an austere as- tringent juice; becoming dry by maturity, it opens in two valves, and discovers the nut covered with its aril, or mace, which is of a beautiful blood-red colour ; beneath the mace is a brown shining shell containing the kernel or Nutmeg. " A plantation of Nutmeg trees is alwa.ys made from seed, and it is not till the eighth or ninth year that the trees pro- duce flowers. The sexes being on different trees, after the plants are two years old they are all headed down and grafted with scions taken from the female tree, reserving only one male stock for fecundation. The natives of the Moluccas gather the fruit by hand, strip off and reject the pulpy husk, detach the mace carefully, and expose it to the sun, which soon changes its beautiful blood-red colour to a light brown ; it is then sprinkled with sea water to render it flexible and preserve it. The nuts are first sun-dried and then smoked, until the kernels rattle against the shell. This shell being removed, the kernels are dipped twice or thrice in lime water, laid in heaps for two or three days, wiped, and packed in bales or barrels. The unripe fruit of the Nutmeg is frequently pre- served in sugar in the East ; and before doing so it is necessary to deprive it of its acrid properties by soaking it in spirits." black bunches hanging beneath a canopy of foliage striped and mottled with the deepest crimson. In an ordinary way the leaves change to a golden yellow colour. Can the nnusua 1 colour be iu consequence of the heavy rains, or through some chemical action of the soil ? — A. W. Have any of your readers noticed the beautiful tints in the foliage of the Alicante Vines :' It is a sight to behold the jet A VISIT TO GAESTON. Having had for a long time a desire to see Garston, an oppor - tunity offered itself in the month of August. Wo left the Exchange, Liverpool, by omnibus for Garston, which we reached after an hour's pleasant ride. The route was by Sefton New Park ; having secured an outside seat we were enabled to note objects by the way. Sefton New Park has been recently formed by the Corporation of Liverpool. It is tastefully laid-out, and trees and shrubs are growing freely. It con- tains a good sheet of water, and by a judicious formation of the grounds, rockwork and waterfalls are introduced at suitable points. We next pass through Aigburth Vale, a richly wooded valley, the eye occasionally catching a glimpse of some gen- tleman's mansion and grounds lighted up with bright flowers. The desti- nation of the omnibus was near four cross reads, and we were somewhat puzzled , not knowing which tuin to take, there being no trust- worthy butcher's boy at hand. However, by turn- ing to the right over the railway bridge we saw the Vineyard on the left. Garston is not new to fame, but for some years past has been a noted place for Grape-growing, the name of Meredith being familiar to many readers; but some months ago this great Grape-growing esta- blishment changed hands, and has now become the property of the Cowan- Patent's Company. Their system of heating is sim- ply a miniature lime kiln with hot-water apparatus combined, the hot-water apparatus being built in the upper part of the lime kiln, so that the heat from the burning of the lime also heats the hot-water apparatus. It appears that the old saddle form of boiler seems well adapted for the purpose. At the time of our visit to ( iarston this new system of heating horticultural buildings was being rapidly pushed on by connecting the whole of the extensive vineries and other houf es ; preparations were also being made for the manufacture of gas for the lighting of the establishment. The working-out of the system at Garston is on an extensive scale, and when complete promises to be a great centre of attraction. The whole of the extensive glass structures are to be heated on the lime-kiln principle. The old boilers which have done duty for heating the different ranges are for the present to remain where they are, but connected with the main system, yet shut-oft' by valves, so that in case of any accident to the kilns these boilers can be made to do duty independent of each other. This new system of heating is said to be satis- factory wherever it has been carried out, and the Company have received many flattering testimonials in favour of the system. We are told that these kilns only require attendance in feeding once in ten or twelve hours, so that the labour of stoking is reduced to a minimum, and night labour abolished. This will be a great boon to under-gardeners and others who have such duties to attend to. Those who have been in the ■MVRISTICA AROMATICA. 492 JODKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GA3DENER. I December 2, 1875. habit of seeing the orJinary lime kilu at work may, perhaps, fancy that large volumes of Bmoke will issue from the top of these kilns, but this is not the case, for the top is all cased-in like an ordinary hot-water apparatus, and the smoke carried away in flues and ultimately discharged from a tall chimney. I have a balance-sheet before me sent to the Chairman of the Cowan-Patent's Company by the Earl of Cawdor, where the system has been tried for twelve months, showing that the heating has been efficiently carried out, and a balance of £10 4*. id. is shown in favour of the system. I have since my visit been informed that the heating at Garston is in full working order, and that there has recently been a gathering to inspect the working of the new system. In order to show the heating power required for this establish- ment I will here give the dimensions of the glass structures. No. 1, span-roofed house, 200 feet long by ii wide. This house is divided, one-half being devoted to growing pot Vines, the other half for Pines. No. 2, span Camellia house, 144 by 26 with a winding walk through the centre. This may be called a sort of winter garden, Marfchal Niel Roses being trained up the roof after the fashion of Vines. No. 3, span, 144 by 20 (Muscat Grapes). No. 4, span, 42 by 21 (stove). No. 5, lean-to, .S6 by 10 (nursery stock). The above are laid to one kiln apparatus, heating 5800 feet of 4-inoh piping. No. 6, span, 6.5 by 24 (Muscat Grapes). No. 7, lean-to, -55 feet by 16 (vinery). This house is planted with Gros Guillaume, one Vine only planted and grown on the extension system. This was a sight well worth seeing, showing that the system is well suited to that fine Grape, which had good foliage, good bunches, and good berries, showing that Garston still main- tains its high reputation as a Grape-growiug establishment. No. 8, lean-to, 2.j feet by 11 (fernery). No. 0, span, 64 by 23 (early vinery). No. 10, ditto, 55 by :-il (show house). No. 11, four ditto pits, average 48 feet by 12 (nursery stock). No. 12, pit, 40 feet by 6 (nursery stock). The above are laid to the kiln which also makes the gas for the establishment. This kiln heats 4000 feet of 4-inch piping. No. 13, span, 23 feet by 23 (Cucumbers and Tomatoe.s). No. 14, lean-to, 37 feet by li; (viueo'). No. 15, ditto, 112 feet by 15 (ditto). No. 16, lean-to, 116 feet by I'.t, north aspect. This house is planted with late-keeping Grapes, such as Lady Downe's, Gros Guil- laume, &c. Tliey were just colouring, but the latter looking very unhappy, and certainly out of its element in a late house with a north aspect. No. 17, two span houses, 62 feet by 13 (Vine eyes planted out). No. 18, ditto, 57 feet by 17 (stove). No. l!l, two span pits, 57 feet by 10 (propagating). No. 20, ditto ditto house-i, 62 feet by 13 (stoves). No. 21, span, 78 feet by 11 (fornery). No. 22, lean-to, 38 feet by 16 (vinery), Madresfield Court Muscat. This, like the Gros Guillaume, is growm on the extension system. This fine Grape, both in bunch and berry, was remarkably good, being well finished, the berries being as black as sloes and carrying a beautiful bloom. It seems a pity that this fine Grape is not a late keeper. The above are laid to one kiln, and healing 5800 feet of 4-inch piping. All the kilns are connected by mains, so that one only or all may be set in operation as may be required, the whole com- bined power being equal to heating 20,000 feet of 4-inch piping. The kiln which heats 4000 feet of 4-inch piping also makes sufficient gas for two hundred burners. All the kilns are said to be doing their work well, and as the time is yet young in working out the system, the Company have not yet been able to strike a balance-sheet, but sanguine hopes are entertained that the undertaking will ultimately prove a success. Garston is about six miles from Liverpool, and can be reached by rail from the central station. — G. E. Allis. NOTES ox VILLA .vnd SUBURBAN GARDENING. The cold jiit or frame to the amateur is quite as important as a convenience for storing plants as it is to the general gardener. These structures are often the only means whereby a few plants can be secured or others raised for the supply of the garden during summer. Let us, therefore, look at some of the principal points to be attended to in order to save a few plants over the winter. If there is a greenhouse it should bo stocked with the tenderest plants or any plants of doubtful health. The pit or frame should be filled with such as are a few degrees hardier. In many nursery gardens a great portion of the stock of Heaths, Aazleas, Hydrangeas, Myrtles, Fuchsias, &c., are preserved in brick pits the whole of the winter. The principal management consists in carefully covering them at nights and during frosty days, and carefully ventilating them in fine weather. There must be no mistake about this matter ; the object should be to try and have the foliage dry over every day if possible, and keep everything about the plants clean ; all dead leaves to be kept cleared away, and the matter of watering be carefully performed. Among bedding plants particularly the utmost care is needed. They should be examined every day if the weather will allow, because it might happen that a period of frost or bad weather might seal the plants against examination for several days, or even weeks, together, and it is important that this contingency be provided for. If not clean and clear of decay before being closed tender plants would damp-off, such as variegated Gera- niums for instance. I have more than once been called upon to give an opinion as to the cause of bedding plants going off, and when I have visited the frame the plants have been almost covered with dead leaves in a rotten state ; this is sufficient to cause the death of almost any succulent kind of plant. The frames should stand in the driest spot to be found and on a bottom well drained, and the pots if not placed on a stage clear from the ground should at least be placed on a layer of dry ashes. Pits built of bricks with their walls tolerably thick, and covered with lights of the best glass well put in, will keep out several degrees of frost if covered up with mats. But during severe frost it is safest to protect the sides i^f the pit. or frame with litter of some kind ; or, as is done in nurseries, their eidts are banked up with rotten dung aud other rubbish. This work is doue about this time of the year aud cleared away in the spring after all danger from frost is over, and seldom, if ever, does the frost penetrate through the whole. By a constant system of covering up the glass becomes dirty; this must bo washed occasionally in order to afford the plants the most light possible during the dull winter months. Whenever the plauts are cleaned let each pot be taken out aud the soil stiried up on the surface, and if wet apply a little dry silver sand, and even if thrown over the foliage it will absorb the moisture and assist to dry both soil aud plants. Turn the plants frequently, and at times examine the drainage to see that nothiug is in the way to prevent the free escape of the water.— Thomas Recobd. DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT "WEEK. KITCHEN G.1RDEN. When but little else can be done in consequence of unfavour- able weather, manure aud vegetable-mould heaps may be turned over. Where farmyard manure cannot be obtained in eufiicient quantity for the use of the garden, a heap where all the trim- luiuga of vegetables, plants from the flower garden when they have served their purpose, Hollyhock and Dahlia stalks — indeed, all succulent vegetable matter thrown together, is a sine qua nun. Of course such a heap must be at a suflicient distance from any dwelling-house, as the smell from it is offensive. When the material has sufficiently decayed it may be dng into tho ground the same as manure, and it is well adapted for any crops. We knew a gardener who used to grow most excellent crops of vegetables, and his main supply of them used to be grown entirely by the aid of manure from the vegetable-mould heap. Not a leaf of any kind was wasted, and the young gar- deners were sent as time could be spared to gather leaves in the park. It was no part of the gardener's duty to collect the leaves, but their value as manure was an ample equivalent for the labour of collecting them. In the course of a season an immense heap was formed, half of it beiug composed of the sweepings from the park. The drainage of the farmyard, which in many places is allowed to run to waste, was collected in a large tank, and as occasion offered a quantity of it was carted to the place and thrown over the heap. Now here was a large garden of four or five acres kepi in good condition by double-digging and trenching, and almost without the aid of farmyard manure, as the spent Mushroom and Melon beds were required for the use of the flower garden almost exclusively. If a gentleman takes any interest in Uis garden he will not allow his gardener to be put to such shifts ; on the other hand, when but little interest is taken in the garden by the ovfuer, the gardener still wishes to do all he can in the way of keeping up a supply for his own credit. We pay considerable attention to all crops of Kalade and Cauliflowers under glass Irames or lights. Decaying leaves mould on the stem are removed at once, and it is of much benefit to the plants to stir the ground amongst them. CUCUMBEB house. In many families the supply of Cucumbers is a most import- ant one, and at this time it is difficult to obtain a full supply them. Under the best conditions, with good management how- ever, winter Cucumbers may be produced with a tolerable degree of certainty. I'or winter the best form of house is the half- span, and perhaps this form is as good as any other for all seasons. The plan pursued at Loxford Hall is to have a move- able trellis which is as close to the glass in winter as it possibly December 2, 1876. ] JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 493 can be without cansmg the leaves to come in contact with the glass. It is also arranged in such a manner, that as the season advances and the son's rays become more powerfal the trellis can be lowered without in any way interfering with the plants, which are simply lowered with it. At midsummer the leaves are at the farthest distance that the arrangement of the trellis will allow. In previous numbers the details of management have been given; little can be added, except to iosist on a moderately moist condition of the roots and of the atmosphere. Steaming the pipes has been tried, but it does not benefit the plants, and may even do harm. By steaming is meant wetting the pipes with water from a syringe or fine rose until the house is densely filled with vapour. riNE HOUSES. In the fruiting house the largest proportion of plants are now throwing up fruits. For the next two months the average minimum temperature will be CO'^, the maximum temperature will not rise higher than an average of 65^. The evaporating troughs are not used in any of the houses during winter, damp- ing the walls and paths about once daily is suflioient for atmo- Bpherio moisture. But very little water is required to the roots of the plants; perhaps twice during the same period will be sufficient. The fruits will ripen in May and up to the middle of June. Other plants in the same house will not throw up until the temperature is increased early in February. Such plants will not be watered at all until that time. It will thus be seen that while one set of plants are swelling their fruits another Bet of them are at rest, and a compromise has to be made in the winter treatment. Succession houses do not have quite so high a temperature : 55° is the best minimum, and lower than that is not desirable, if indeed it would not be positively injurious to the plants ; and instead of well-shaped fruit, badly-formed worthless examples would be obtained. It is many years since I had charge of a very fine lot of Pines. The plants had been grown under my own care, and so fine were they that the greatest expectations were formed as to the results of their fruiting. Unfortunately the plants had to be removed to a house where the temperature in severe weather could not be raised to 55° at night, and it would oftener be 50°, sometimes as low as 45°. When the fruit showed in the spring it was to me a great disappointment to find the largest proportion of them were miserable abortions. Admit air on all favourable occasions ; unless the weather is Tery cold, air ought to be admitted every day. PLANT STOVE AND OBCHID HOUSES. We are trying a lower temperature in this department this winter ; 65° has usually been our minimum temperature, but for at least two months from this date 00° will be the minimum instead of (55°. The only plants that would be likely to suffer from the lower temperature would be PhaL-enopsis grandiflora and P. amabilis, also the Pitcher-plants, such as P. Rafflesiana. Some extended remarks were made in a previous number about the Orchids and other plants in flower, and such as are useful for decorative purposes from the beauty of the foliage alone. To them may be added Poinsettia puloherrima. The plants are now in great beauty, and the lower leaves which add 80 much to the effect have been retained more bo than usual. How often does one see this fine plant almost denuded of leaves, the floral bracts stunted and dropping off prematurely ! What is the reason of this ? may be asked. The reason in most cases is this, that the plants are grown-on during summer in an over- high temperature and in hungry soil. The Poinsettia delights in rich substantial turfy loam, and our plants have been watered with guano water almost as strong and quite as frequently as it has been applied to Chrysanthemums. During the summer months the plants were placed in a sheltered position out of doors, and were removed to the stove or Pine houses in Septem- ber. Many stove plants are greatly benefited by being placed out of doors ; and if, as is too often the case, mealy bug is present on them, it will not thrive in the free air and frequently chilly nights of August and September. Gardenia florida is very greatly benefited by this exposure, and we had, perhaps, the best bloom from Dendrobium nobile when it was placed out in front of a south wall freely exposed to the summer's sun. Considerable care is requisite in watering at this season. It is always best if rest can be given to any plants during such dull weather as we have at present. FLOWEK GAKDEN AND PLEASDIU: GBODNDS. Preparations must now be made for the flower beds next season. Sticks and pegs are made ready during inclement weather. Where there are plantations and an undergrowth of brushwood plenty of material can be obtained for either purpose. The sticks may be cut into convenient lengths and tied-up in bundles. When the sticks are being trimmed pegs may be made of the spray, and the different sizes of each should be bept together. We take the first favourable opportunity to mulch the Rose beds, also round the roots of isolated specimens, with short rotted manure. The best time to do this is when the ground is hard with frost. Very few need be told that all wheeling with barrows is best done in hard weather, when the barrow wheel runs over the ground as it would along a smooth plank. In fine weather sweep and roll the walks and lawn, and much may be done by looking over the shrubbery, cutting out all dead or decaying wood, and cutting back branches that have grown out of place. Even Coniferous trees are much improved by having any side branches that have taken the lead cut back; this encourages a more even growth. Mulching over the roots of such trees, as also Rhododendron beds, is very beneficial. The savants have given notice of a severe winter, but even with- out any warning it is best to be prepared by having a thick mulching over all tender subjects and protecting material at hand to be used in case of an emergency. — J. Douglas. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Books [A Subtcriber). — We do not know Newton'a pamphlet. Removinq Roseb (Briar Cuttin/j). — If the shoota are hard and well ripened you may safely remove the plants now, pruning closely in March, but all that are weakly ahould remain in the cutting btds another year. Gas Lime for Debtrqyino Slugs (flf. E. II.).— It may be safely sprinkled thinly ou the Rose beds and also round Carnations, but must not be in con- tact with the plants. Planting Strawberries {Caution). — The land would be better trenched two spits deep, half the manure being placed between the top and bottom spits, and the other half upon the surface. Ploughing 7 or 8 inches deep, however, would answer, giving the amount of town manure yon proitose before ploughing, doing the work at once, so as to give the land the b3ue(it of a winter's frost. C juch grass, dock, dandelion, plantain, and other deep- rooted weeds should be thoroughly cleared, as these coming up in the Straw- berry plantations are eitremely troublesome. Plant in rows 2 feet G in jhes apart, and the plants 2 feet asunder in the rows. You may cilcula'e upon a pound weight of fruit per plant in a good season, but an allowance of at least half should be made for loss from adversity of seasons. Planting in March you will not have any fruit worth mentioning the first season, bat a full crop the season following. AZALEAS Losing their Leaves (A Subscriber). — It is usual for them at this time of year to lose some leaves, but not to the extent yours are doing. It may be due from the plants after the buds are set being kept in too dry and warm an atmosphere, with probably insufficient watering and exposure to too strong light, or by the plants having been kept moist, shaded, and in strong heat, for the formation of wood and buds. Without, however, having particulars of treatment we can only conjecture the cause of an undue falling of foliage. Seed for Sowing a Quarter of an Acre {Anxious). — Long Carrots (the best being Altrincham or Long Surrey, the latter best for house use, or if the soil be shallow. Red Intermediate), 2 lbs. of seed; Parsnip (Hollow- crowded is best), l^lb ; Flat Poll Cabbage, which we presume is the Largo Drumhead, i lb. if transplanted, or if drUled, J lb. Early Potatoes (Idim). — The best early kidney Potato for market pur- poses is Myatt's Prolific Ashleaf, and the best very early round is E*rly Coldstream. A better cropper but later is Early Oxford. Do not plant until March, being careful not to remove the first sprouts, and if they have sprouts when planted half to three-quarters of an inch long all the better, planting the third week in March, if without sprouts about three weeks earlier. LoMiElA orBBA UNHEALTHY (J. S.).— We do uot think the plant would suffer in so short a time from imperfect drainage. A more likely cause is injury to the fronds from too drying an atmosphere or an attack of insects, probably thrips, which you could have enabled us to determine had part of a dead frond been enclosed to ns. We should not cut away more than the dead part of the fronds, and beyond rectifying the drainage and any sodden and sour soil, replacing with fresh, we should not interfere with the roots; keep the plant in a rather close and moderately moist atmosphere, affording a temperature of 5(F by day, and night 45^ to 40^ during the winter months from fire heat, which will, of course, be higher iu mild weather from natural agency. When the plant commences throwing-up fresh fronds repot, cutting away the old fronds, and encourage growth by a rather higher, closer, and moister atmosphere. Evergreens for a S S.W. and E.S.E. Wall (C. T.). — The galvanised wire trellis ought not to he fixed 1^ to 2 inches from the wall, but three- quarters of an inch. 'The following would succeed on either aspect : — Ceanothua azureus, C. floribundus, C. Lobbii, C. integerrimos, Edwardsia microphylia, Embothrium oocomeum, Esoallonia macrontha, E. montevidensis, Garrya elliptica, Ligustrum japonicum. Magnolia grandiflora (Exmouth variety), M. grandiflora floribunda, and Buddlea globosa. Suitable climbers would be Lardizabala bitemata. Jasminnm officinale grandiflonim, Passtflora ca^rulea, Capnfcilium odoratissimum, C. sempervirens floribundum, Berberiiopsia corallina, Bignonia grandiflora, Glycine sinensis, and G. frutescens magnifica, Cydonia japonica, and C. japonica princeps ; but some of these are not ever- green, and are not so good for giving an evergreen clothing to a wall as the first-named. Inclining the Surface of Terraces {J. P. of I'ori).— We have two terraces, each about 21 feet wide, with an incline on the flat part of a foot each outward t3 the slope, and no one can tell that the surface is at all in- clining. We should not hesitate to give an 18-feet terrace an incline outward of 9 inches, and the other of 27 feet an incline of 12 to 15 iuches, but be care- ful to have the surface regular, and the slopes of the same height at the euda and throughout their length. An incline in a terrace is the most noticeable and objectionable when it is inwards, but a slight incline outward— i c, from the eye at an elevation, is if anything an improvement, as a.terrace quite level always appears as if inclining inwards. We do not know whether the land- scape gardener you name is still practising. Stellaria graminba aurea. — "Onwards" asks if the Golden Feather is to be superseded by this Stellaria. Will some of our friends state their experience ? Hot-water Pipes Improperly Varnished {TV. B.).—The fames given off by the pipes when heated causing the leaves of Geraniums to shrivel and fall, will continue to be given off for a long time, especially when highly heated. It would be the most preferable plan to remove the tar varnish with caustic 494 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1875. potaf^h. DiBSoIve the potash in vater, mixing with freshly- slaked Hme, and afier the mixture has s&ttled pour oft the clear liquid for u^e, keepiug the pipes wet with the liquid, and removing the varnieh with a coarse cloth ; but A Btil) better plan Ih to remove th epipeH,andmaking-upa wood fire burn-' fi the tar vanish. The beet paint for hot-water pipes iamade of lamp black mixed to ih'i pruper cousibteuce with linseed oil, and applied to the pipes whilst hot. Cltcdmber Leaves Shrivelling {A. B. C.).— The plants are probably affected with diuca^e, the symptoms yoa describe being attributable to it. There is no known remf dy, bat it is moBt prevalent when the soil is rich and with too much moigtnre in the atmosphere, and a high night temperature, with a defective arrangemeut for bottom heat, it being too low. BoiLEB lE. T. B.). — There is practically very little difTerence between the boilers named, both are good. Either would suit you. Your present boilsr is a ),!ood one, and must be of too small a size for the work it has to do. By raisiijg the boiler you wonld lose heat, as ihe size of the furnace would be incieasea without incrensius the f-urfaces of the boiler for the abt-truction of heat. A great waste of fuel is the result of a large furnace with a small amount comparatively of boiler surface exposed to the direct action of the fire. Hollow grate-bars do not prevent clinkering, as anyone having the Btoking of them can testify. No boiltr with the return pipes at the lowest pait of the builer, and the flow at the upper part, can possibly have the water in the return pipes bolter than in the flow pipes without the circulation of the water heiug obstructed, and this is what we think is the matter with your apparatus — improper arrangement. The fire actiug on the boiler, the heated water should rite by the flow dislodging the cold, which from its greater prftvity will sink to the lowest point, and the return pipes are consequently the coolest until euch time as the whole volume of water becomes heated. Any result different to this is indicative of defective Eirrangemeut. Stubmer Pippin a Keeping Apple (jB. F.). — Tour fruit-room mast be in fault.. It is one of the lon^^est keeping. In 1857, July 26tb, we had on the table Eiirly Harvest Apples of the same year, and Sturmer Pippins of 1856. Sowing Seeds op Shrubs and Trees (C. E,). — All the trees and f^hrubs nnmed in your list would succeed except Nob. 1, 9, 12, 13, and 1-4. We do not know the Honeysui kie you describe. Of Lupressua you may add Lambeitiana; of Pinus, Cembra and Laricio; of Juniperus, chinensia, ooumunie, and drupacea. Pent eaith shrubs would not succeed in the seedling Btate uLlefrs you were to give them fiom 4 to 6 inches of soil of thi»t descrip- tioD, and at no time wnuld they do well in a soil euch as yours appears to be. Tlie best variety of hiirdy Daphne for pots is D. Caeorum. Ibon Pillars for Roseb (i?. I. S.). — Yoa can have iron stakes of inch- round bur iron, which should have four prongs, each of about 18 inches in length, for securing in the ground, or you may have the iron rods leaded into stone. We should not. however, have solid iron, but procure lengths of wrought-iron piping l^-inch bore, and let the socket end into stone 6 inches arid run w th 1< ad. Ihe stoneB should be about 15 inches square and covered about 4 inches deep. The pipes should have lour coats of red-lesd paint. To keep water from the pipe a screw cap or plug may be employed. Any h-onmoDger would supply the pir«B, and any mason wonld fix them in the stobts. A wire from each pillar would do more harm than good, as they are in a curved line, unless you were to have a stay to each and on the inside of the carve. Mushrooms Failing (An Anxious One). — Our Muehroom beds have ptone Bhelves for bottom?, and answer admirably ; they are at^out the same depth as tie detcrii-tion given of yours. We are not surprised at the failure when you inform us that " pieces of sjawn were thri)wn in at the time of making- up." We give a brief summary of our practice, from which you may pro- bably gleau the information that will secure success in future efforts. Fresh horse droppings are collected with a portion, about a fourth, of short litter, and laid thinly in a dry airy place, and nnt so thiuk as to heat. When a Biifficient quantity ie had to make a bed of 15 inches to 18 inches in depth — which we can obtaiu in about three weeks by shaking out the long litter, freeing the short of as much of straw as may he done with a fork, and plaeiug it in a ridge-like heap on one side until the whole has been shook out — we take the short litter, which will have been well mixed, the fresh being placed at the bottom and the heated at top; and though we have tried the ire^h droppintjs not allowed to heat, and the litter shook out of the manure beap not older than three weeks, we failed to notice any difference iu the reEUlt. The dung is placed in the bed 2 inches thick, and beaten very firm with a wotden mallet about 6 inches square, and with a short wood haudle. Lajer after layer is put ou the bed, and each laver is beaten as firm as the first, and the whole is made to have an even surface and of equal depth — not less than 15 inches, nor exceeding 18 inches. The heat will have declined to a suitable spawniDg temperature in about ten days. Not until the tempe- rature has fallen to 90^, and before it falls to 75", the spawn must be inserted. The temperature at which to spawn is that of the bed 4 inches deep. The epawn ifret-h is best, which, if it be good, will smell very strongly of Muah- roomsi is broken up iiito pieces about 2 inches square, and in-erted so as to be covered about 2 inches deep, and after spawning a light beating is given the bed so as to firm the dung over and about the jiieces of spawn. In a Week or ten days after spawnim; the bed is earthed 2 inches thick with rich turfy loam chopped-ap r ither fiL.e, and in a condition as regaids moisture that it may be beaten very firm without forming a muddy maas, and yet be a close, compact, hard surlace. In six w«eks the bed will have Mushrooms appfar ng on its surface, or soon afterwards, and should be li^jhtly watered, and after this be kept moist, but avoid making the soil very wet— just moist is hufficient. The floor and walls as well as the bed should be sprinkled with wal«r and kept moist, for the Mushroom is impatient of a dry atmosphere. The house must be dark, and the temperature 55" to 65". The sample of epawn was good. Colour-Wash for Garden Wall (Lady C). — A solution of carbolic powder with «attr and thickened %^ith lime to the proper consieteuo, would be a good mixture to apply to the old wall. We should add soot buflicjent to tone down to a dull grey or very tight lead colour as may be most agreeable. By mixing a small quantity, and applying it to the wall, letting it become thoroughly dry, more or less soot can be added to make the wall lighter ur darkt^r as dehired. Wash the vail at once, choosing dry weather; a brush would be preferable to a syringe to apply the solution, which should be thoroughly brushed into the seams and crevices. Names OP Fhuits I IT. Dnir&fri. — 1, Gloria Mundi; 2. not known; 8, Loan's Ptarmain; 4, Bull's Goldeu Keinttte; 5, Herefordshire Pearmain; 6,NoLesuch Park. iF. F.\. — Van Mons Leon Leclerc. [J. P., H ighgate ).~^etBiie Je&u. (Coimfivght Sv-bscribcrj. — 1, Crasanne ; 2, Beurr^ Diel ; iJ, not known. (Lady C). — Neither of the Apples is the old Golden Pippin. No. 1 is Franklin's Golden Pippin, and No. 2 the Stone Pippin. {W. A. K.).—l, Beurre Diel; 2. Beurre Bose ; 8, Benrr6 Ranee. (F. Jellico), — The Apple is Gloria Mondi, and the Pear Doyenne Boussoch. Names of Plants (Miss M. May). — The specimen is very imperfi'ct. Ik appears to be Trachelium cferuleum. {M. I. jB.i. — 1, Nephrodiara fet'gerum; 2, Pteris arguta; 3. Adiantum cuneatum; 4, Polypodium appeodicmatum; 6, AMpleuium lucidum ; 6, Aspidium (Cyrtomium) falcatum. {J. B.i. — Den- drochilura fiufurme; very healthy and vigorous. {Zenas). — Euonjmua enro- pceus, the Spindle Tree or Prickwood. POULTEY, BEE, AND PiaEON CHEONIOLE. BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. Once more we are ia Bingley Hall. The great Show has come round a^ain, and with it " cattle-show weather," as they call it in Birmingham — if., a mixture of frost, fog, and sleet; but this matters little iu Bingley Hall, where we are too much interested in the yearly contest in many a class to think of the temperature outside. The poultry, alas ! save Geese and Turkeys, are not in Bingley Hall proper, but in the same annex as before — a draughty place, its sides overhung with galleries, which cause many pens to be seen to great disadvantage. We used to look upon the Birmingham Show as an institution venerable from its antiquity, and like many such institutions somewhat out of date and needing internal reform. The reforms, however, come tardily indeed, but they do come at last. We observed several innovations last year, among them the displacement of Dorkings from their old position in favour of Brahmas, which, by-the-by, we do not consider an improvement, and this year we see more. Pigeons are shown singly ; the objectionable water dishes on the floors of the pens have been replaced by zinc vessels hung up, and we have watched officials distributing chaff in the pens. There are many more practical reforms which occur to us as desirable ; The awards might be posted up in some more sys- tematic way instead of being written indiscriminately over three or four cards ; green food might be given to the birds, and more barley meal, or better still, Spratt's food and barleymeal mixed. But these improvemerts we trust to see another year, and rejoice at what we have. The numbers (1950 pens of poultry and 541 of Pigeons) have, we believe, been exceeded in other years; but 280 more than last year, and few classes are not well filled, and any reduction iu entries arises, we fancy, from the rise of stan- dards and the consequent inutility of sending rubbish. Dark Brahmas head the list. We should not be at all surprised, after what we have heard and seen lately, to see this popular variety fall off somewhat in estimation ; they do not fetch the price they did, and the wheel of popularity seems returning again, as it always muet, to the most valuable of English fowls — the Dorking. Bkahma, DaWc, cocks are a good class with thirty-seven entries. As a rule they are well through the moult and in guod condi- tion. First as usual is Mr. Lingwood. We only hope that his well-merited successes will not drive other fanciers to abandon the breed. The first and second prize birds happened to be opposite each other, and we had a good opportunity of com- paring them. We thought the awards good, the first beiug the broader bird and best in the rise of back towards the tail, and the most heavily feathered on leg. We preferred, however, the deeper stripes on the hackle of Mr. Ansdell's bird. Third is a slightly hocked bird, well-shaped but too long in tail. We did not much admire the fourth. His comb is too high behind and inclined to a peak. Among the highly commendeds is a bird of Lady Gwydyr'a with splendid foot-feathering, a nicely shaped hocked bird of Mr. E.G. Peake's, and a strikingly large one of Mr. Lingwood's. Cockerels.— First is a cockerel almost faultless in fize and points, though we have seen better combs. Second a beautifully shaped bird apparently young, for his spurs have hardly appeared. He has a neat Brahma head ; his hackle- markings are light. Third is a very dark bird, small, and higher in back ihan we like. His foot-featheriug is prodigious, but does not extend well up the leg. We should have put the fourth third ; he is a little deficient iu breadth of back towards the tail. Fifth a narrow bird, but he has a good black breast and beautiful orange- coloured legs. Hens. — The first winners are we think well known. One of them not very good in leg-feathering; but they are grand hens, evenly pencilled all over. Second are a little brown, good in shape and size ; third are fair in pencilling, heavily feathered on legs, still a trifle brown, and one not so sprightly as her companion ; fourth fine in shape, with pencil- ling like that of Mr. L. Wright's strain. Pullets, — Certainly the Crystal Palace does show off all birds to advantage, though the superior birds are chiefly the same as those we saw there; they do at Birmingham look strangely different. To the first pair of Dark pullets was awarded the twenty-guinea cup for the best pen of Brahmas in the Show. An exquisitely-pencilled pair they are, just the type of birds which last year were bred by Mr. Peake — not very large or heavily-feathered, but with the fine truly Brahma head; of a beautiful ground colour, and crisply and uniformly pencilled all over. Second did not look to us like Mr. Lingwood's best; their wing and back marking ' is beautiful, but they are a trifle light on breast. Third a light- Beeember 2, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 495 coloured pair, evenly pencilled all over, bat very poor in leg- feathering. Fourth Bomewhat indistinct on the breast for a prize pair. In the fifth-prize pen one pullet was better than the other. Mr. Birch's highly commended pen (140) contained one euormoua bird, we almost think a hen sent by mistake. Mrs. Baillie Hamilton showed a singularly well grown pair, highly commended. Light Brahnias almost equal their Dark cousins in aggregate numbers. The pullet class of the variety is peculiarly strong, and a highly commended is no barren honour there. Cocks. — The first prize goes justly to Mr. Horsfall's beautiful Palace winner, and the cup too. He certainly looks small here among giants, but he deserves his honour. We described him in our Palace report. Second and third are fine birds, with little to choose between them ; they are both larger by far than the cup bird, but do not show his marvellous style. Fourth is rather loose in wing, and spoilt by a huge comb. "We think the four prize birds well placed. Cocikerels. — Mr. Horsfall repeats his double first in cocks, as at the Palace. If his cockerel had a prettier comb it would be an admirable bird. Second not a large bird, but ueat all round and fine in foot-feathering. He fe'ched twelve guineas at the auction. Third another of Mr. Wtjile's bird.i, deficient in neck-hackle, but good in shape and very white. Fourth a fine bird in shape and size; we should have put him second. Fifth rather narrow. Several nice birds, among others Mr. Tedd's (192), would have been higher but for a yellow tinge. We admired one of Mr. Dean's highly com- mended birds, but he has not enough neck hackle. Hens. — The cup went to a magnificent pair, not a good match, however. The best of them is the first Palace bird, a marvel in shape and size, but not looking happy at Birmingham. We hope she will not be overshown. Second again are not well matched. Ooe of them is superb in shape, and would thus match Mrs. Tindal's best bird, but is deficient in hackle. Third a nice healthy-looking pair of hens, well hackled, but without the massive look of the first and second winners. Pullets number sixty-eight pairs. The average quality is very high, and they must have given much trouble to the Judge. The first are a large pair, clear in hackle and ground colour, and must make magi- ificent hens, for they look hardly full grown. Second again an excellent pair, splendid in foot- feathering. Third a square and well. featht red pair. Fourth well grown, one better marked in hackle than the other. Fifth one of the best-shaped pairs in the class, but light in tail. Thirteen high commendations and seven commendations testify to the excellence of this class. The shortnef s of the days has not given us time to look over the Brahma Selling classes carefully. They seem a success, as bringing good and cheap birds into the market. The three first pairs of hens sold respectively for £6, £.5, and £6. Mr. Teebay judged all the Brahmas, and must have been well employed on Saturday. Dorkings. — The Dark variety certainly do not muster the number of entries which we remember at Birmingham eight or ten years ago, but the quality is very good, and in most cases their colour too; indeed, we are afraid there is a growing tendency to regard them too much as birds of feather. Cocks. — Here Mrs. Arkrt'right is in her old position, and takes second prize as well as first cup. The first cock is square and massive, a little shaky on his legs ; he is light in colour and splashed on breast, but has a good black tail well moulted-out — a merit, and one often overlooked. The second is a very similar bird in colour, though not so square in make, and carries his tail too far back. Third a very tall and dark bird with excellent white feet, a little wanting in breast. Mr. Darby's highly-commended bird and Mr. Bartium's unnoticed one are both grand cocks, but not in their best plumage or condition. Cockerels. — Mr. Burnell is first with a gigantic young bird, which we commented on when second at the Palace. Second a large and long cockerel, but we do not much admire him ; he is white in earlobes, and one of his middle toes twisted. Third a squirrel-tailed bird, good in feet and comb. Fourth a large bird, good in legs and feet, very brown on the wings. Fifth strong in limb, of a good dark colour. As a whole the cockerels were certainly not in such strong force as we have seen them, at the same time there were very few really bad birds. Hens. — The three winning pens are all excellent and well placed. The cup birds are fairly a-head, and a magnificent pair. Mr. Bartrum's second pair are rich in colour, and one of them a grand bird, being superior in form and comb to the other. Third are very large, but dusky in feet. Pullets.— In this class sooty feet prevail ; it seems next to im- possible to get white feet with the very dark colour now required. Here again Mr. Burn- 11 heads the list. The first and second prize pairs are nearly equal. First are a well-known pair, second and third at the Palace, their only fault being dark feet. Se- cond a deep-bodied rich-coloured pair, white in feet; they come from Inchmarline. Mrs. Arbuthnol's mantle seems to have fallen on her auccessor ! Third well placed, one specially good. A nice pair of Mrs. Arkwiight's are unnoticed, we suppose as being too in-kneed. An almost Black pair of Mr. Drewry's are highly commended. Silver-Greys are improving in numbers ; among the winners are birds that would well do battle against the Dark variety. The cup cock is very good all round, and easily first. Secoud has a bad overlapping comb; he is generally inferior to Mr. Ruttlidge's unnoticed bird, which we conclude was put out by a little white in thigh. Cockerels. — We are glad to see Lord and Lady Bagot again exhibiting here. First is good all round, not very deep-bodied. Second a nice silvery little bird, second at the Palace if we forget not. Third very poor, dark in neck- hackle and shoulders. A large and good bird of Mr. Howard's highly commended. The light in Birmingham is very unpro- pitiouB for judging silvery birds, and many t)f this class look yellow which at the Palace would make a good appearance. Hens. — The two winning pens are old acquaintances, both from Mr. CresbWell's yards. The first pair marvellously long in body, and large ; the second not quite their match, but very square and thorough Dorkings. Pullets. — A fine pair carry off the cup, one of them such a pullet as we have seldom seen. Second are also a good pair, but we dislike their breast colour. In our opinion the breast of a Silver-Grey hen should be either robin- coloured or salmon coloured, but these and many other good birds now have breasts of two shades of cinnamon. W)iUes continue to improve, and many grand birds are to be found in the fonr classes. Combs are the failing in this breed. Mr. Cresswell rf.'peated his Palace victories, and secured both cups. The cup cock is very broad, and by far the truest Dorking in the class. Second is a very nice bird and massive, but he has not the style of the cup bird. In cockerels Mrs. Hayne is first with a very white bird. We think we saw him in the prize list at Oxford and the Palace. He has had his tail broken since then. Second is a fsir bird, not very striking. There are many good birds among the unnoticed in this class. Hens. — One hen in the first-prize pen is large and good, the other smaller and with twisted hackle. She wan third at the Palace. Second a fine pair but with wry combs. Highly commended a very white pair, one of them the cup heu at the Palace. Pullets. — The cup went to a pretty pair but not so good, we think, aa their owner's highly commended pair, which were in a bad light and seen to disadvantage in a corner pen. Second a good match and in their right place. In the Selling class the first-prize Dorking cockerel is a good bird all round and worthy of the open class. The hens are poor. Mr. Baily judged all the Dorkings, and we heard few com- plaints about his awards, which is something to say at Birming- ham, where for various reasons it is difficult to make satisfac- tory decisions. Cochins.— It is unfortunate that the Buff Cochins are ranged round the annex under the galleries. Their delicate colours require a strong and even light to show them to advantage. The old Buff cocks are not, as a rule, in good feather and con- dition. First-and-cup is Mr. Burnell's famous bird which needs no comment. Second a bird in poor condition, and not well recovered from the moult. Third one not sufficiently feathered on the shanks, but in better condition. Fourth a nice bird which we should have placed second, rather black in tail, but good in colour and well feathered. Cockerels. — Here we could not understand the first award. The bird is certainly well shaped but mealy on the wing, and his black tail does not seem to suit his canary-coloured hackles. Second an evenly- coloured bird and well shaped. We thought him the best in the class. Third a nice bird, a little cloudy in hackle and not equal to the marvels which sometimes come from Stoke Park. Fourth good, not dark enough in wing to match his fluff colour. We much admired Mr. W. A. Taylor's very highly commended bird, the old-fashioned type of Cochin. Among the highly com- mendeds we saw Mrs. Tindal's champion Palace cockerel. He has, indeed, made a mighty descent ; others do not so well deserve their high commendeds. H^ns. — Mr. Procter's cup pair are magnificent, though not a perfect match. The lighter one is singularly sound in colour. Second a good and well- matched pair of beautiful shape. Third are smaller but very good in shape. The fourth pen contains one magnificent hen. Pullets. — First are a very perfect match and even in colour, on© of them is too much feathered inside the legs. Second are a pair which will make even larger hens. They are rather darker in colour, especially one of them, which is the best bird. They are not so short on the legs as Mrs. Tindal's birds, and have not such profuse down. Third a smaller pair and nnmistakeably hocked, but very even in colour. The class is a super-excellent one, and twenty-nine pens are noticed. Partridge Cochin cocks. — The cup bird is nearly faultless all round, splendid in shape and excellent in condition. S'-cond a very large bird with fine leg-featherings, Viut too round in hack, and slightly slipped in wing. Third rich in colour, not very gainly, but, barring some white in his tail, better, we thought, than the second. Mr. Tudmau's very highly commended bird is good, a little too darkly striped in hackle. The cockeiela were in a dreadful light, and no judge or critic could do justice to them there. Mrs. Tindal's first cockerel is very near perfec- tion, and will make a larger cook than the cup bird. He does 496 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE, [ December 2, 1875. not carry his tail quite to our fancy. Second a pretty bird, not heavily enongh feathered on shank, and his legs are too near together. Third very good, but less than his owner's other bird. We much admired the shape of Mr. Bennett's very highly commended bird; and Mr. Percival'B highly commended bird \>onld be a wiener in most shows. Hens. — Breeders of this variety seem to stick to it. Mr. Stretch is a veteran exhibitor, and is not behind the times. His cup hens are magnificent in size and form, and more Grouse-like than most winners of late. Sfcond fine in pencilling, good in form, and fairly large. Third cricp in pencilling, but not a match; the smaller one is good in shape but has a bad comb. Pullets. — We are glad to see that "Brown" is not merely a name in schedules and catalogues now, but that many darker birds are not only shown but win. The first pullets are excellent, one in particular ; they are well marked on breast and wings, especially considering that they are of the darker colour. Second are not so big a pair, but well matched, and their pencilling is like that of good Dark Brahmas. Third in Cimmerian darkness appeared to us good and of a rich brown colour. White Cochins. — The cocks are a magnificent class, and in better feather than most old birds. We fancy this may result from the breed being so much kept indoors. The cup bird is spotlessly white, and perfection in leg-feathering. His back does not rise quite enough towards the tail to please us, but this may only be the result of the discomfort of a pen. Second a little hocked, with a well-shaped comb, a bird which we think does not show himself to advantage in a pen. We preferred the third ; he is very white and finely feathered. Mrs. Acton Tindal's very highly commended bird, though small, is stylish, and jist the form we admire. Cockerels.— No. 1 is low on leg, magnificent in thigh, fluff, and leg feathering; 2 a big bird, which should be a better cock than cockerel ; 3 a nice short- backed bird, rather yellow. We like an nnnoticed bird of Mr. Tomlinson's ; heavy feathering inside the legs mast have pulled him down. Hens. — The cup pair are very grand. We have not seen such since the days when Mr. Woodgate gained a series of victories with two renowned hens. Second are smaller but very white, and we thought one in shape the most perfect model we have ever seen. Third were far from the first and second, possibly scurfy on the legs, but one of them good in shape. Pallets — The first are much a-head; the same type of birds as Mrs. Acton Tindal's hens. Second a good pair, large and apparently young, a little yellow. Third a pretty pair, rather set in figure, and one yellowish. Black Cochins are making great strides. In cocks Mr. Darby has it all his own way. First is a very pretty bird ; he is better and more gainly in shape than most birds of the coloured varie- ties. The better Blacks certainly have much of the shapely form of the early-imported Cochins. Second is a little too high in comb, and does not rise quite so well in back towards the tail ; his legs are yellower. Hena. — The first-prize pair are large, but we do not think them the best in the clnss. One has a high, twisted, white comb, and the white extends on to the side of the head; her beak too is very crooked. Mr. Hargreave's pen (913) were too late for competition, or they must have won. One of them is a true Cochin in form. Second are a well-formed pair of pallets, one of them somewhat under-feathered. Two pens received very highly commended cards, which testifies to the improvement in the breed, for not long ago it was difiicalt to find pens fit for prize cards. Mr. Hewitt judged the Cochins and Malays. Malays have some faithful admirers, but they never can be- come a popular breed. The first cock is an enormous very dark bird with willow-coloured legs, which struck us as a blemish* Second a less bird of bright colour ; a nice White is highly com- mended. The class for cockerels is good. First a magnificent bird. Second, too, will make a fine cock. The cup hen is good and moderately dark. Second very dark ; a light cinnamon one receives a very highly commended. The first pullet is very hard in feather and clean made. The second took oar fancy — an immense bird of a rich dark brown colour. Creves have but two classes. They have been beaten by their Houdan cousins — a breed more suited to our climate. The first cock is not very large bat in spruce condition, glossy and black in tuft with a splendid beard. Second a large bird with little beard and very irregular tuft. Third looks old and done- up, though large; he has the most enormous taft we ever saw. Mr. R. Fowler's highly commended bird appeared to us a per- fect model Cruve in form, though a little undersized. Hens. — The cap pair well deserve their honour; they are grand birds and black in tuft. Second good also, though not so large. Third a little brown but well placed. HonDANS must certainly be most hardy birds, the old cocks look so well-moulted and sprightly, and this too in the most draughty part of that most draughty building. We are glad to see that the Judges are not now going in solely for the very dark birds ; the winners are for the most part evenly speckled and moderate in darkness. The first-and-cnp cock is a noble bird in form, but shows an inoliuatiou to colour in neck-hackle and wings. Second, an evenly-marked bird, handsome in tuft and head and bright in condition. Mr. Dring has a good dark bird unnoticed. Cockerels. — The Judge must easily have " spotted " the first; he is inclined to be dark, with a splendid beard. Second is a splendid bird, which we liked much. These classes must be difficult to judge ; we know no birds which look so different at different times in a pen as Houdans do. Hens. — Mr. Vallance's first hens are magnificent, very evenly speckled ; their combs are singularly globular for Houdans, and their beads large. Second are much the same in colour, but less. 1082 (Qaibell), highly commended, good. Pullets. — Houdans must be a variety which grow lato, for there is much difference in the size of hens and pullets. First pair are not very remarkable, one of them has already some scale on feet ; second have fine tufts, but one appeared to us wry-tailed; third we liked as well as any in the class. Mr. Baily judged all the French classes. Spanish. — Decrepitude seems too much the normal state of Spanish cocks. In this class Mr. Jones takes both prizes and the cup. His birds are very smooth in face ; the wattles of the second are very open — an eyesore, in our opinion. Cockerels. — We much like the form of the first. His tail feathers are well formed and grown — a minor point certainly, but still not to be forgotten when so many rotten-tailed birds are shown ; his face is large and not abnormally developed. Second has a well- serrated comb, a nice face and indifferent carriage. Third a smaller face, but he is a pretty bird in good condition. Hens. — The cup hens are fresh-looking, with good round face. Second another excellent pair in blooming condition. Mrs. Allsopp'a birds do credit to her feeder. Pullets. — Both prize pairs are good in head and condition, the first slightly the largest. Mr. Baily judged the Spanish classes. Hamisurohs. — Black H»mbarghs are fortunate in having two cups offered them, but the birds shown well merit them. The variety now seems a popular and a thoroughly-established one. The first cock is perfection in comb, col mr, and style. Second not quite so stylish, but very good. Third one of the brightest- coloured birds we have ever seen ; his sickles are fine, and hia comb as nature made it. There are many other excellent birds in the class. Hens. — The cap pairs are beautiful in form, gloss, and comb. Second well placed; their combs are even and pretty. Third are not quite so perfectly matched. We fear Mr. Serjeantson must be giving up the breed, his birds are priced so low. Golden pencilled cocks. — The cup goes to Mr. Walker's beauti- ful bird, which we have noticed in a former report Second carries bis tail too much up, his comb is natural, his neck-hackle dark. Third somewhat too coppery in tail, and with a flaw in comb ; he is an old bird. We like Messrs. Duckworth's highly- commended bird. Silver cocks are few, and not very good. First has a pretty comb and fine sickles, fairly edged. Second shows a little brown in tail. Third is yotinger, and a pretty little bird. Golden pencilled hens. — Here the Judge has gone in for the smaller and finer barring. The first pair are both well-barred, one better than the other ; their ground colour is rich. Second a pretty pair, better marked on breast than one often sees them. Third not well-barred in tail. Good birds with the coarser bar- ring are shown by the Duke of Sutherland, Messrs. Duckworth, and Mr. Davison. Silver hens.— The cup pair are singularly clean in neck-hackles, and well-barred all over. Second and third fair average birds. Golden-spangled cocks. — The cup bird has one of the best combs we ever saw on a spangled bird. He is marked " sold." Second is not so heavily spangled, and has not such a good comb. We preferred the third, a very large bird. Silver cocks. — We do hope that combs are now less trimmed in these classes than formerly. First is a noble bird with grand carriage, fine comb, and round spangling. Second too heavy in comb, well marked. Third not perfect in comb, but we like his round spanglings. Hens. — The cup is awarded to the first Golden pair; they are beau tif ally marked, but certainly the hena of this variety do not equal the Silvers in form. Second are in better condition than most birds in the class. Third with small very round spangling. Silver hens. — First are very pretty, their spangling moderately heavy. Second much the same, but not BO well marked on wing. Third have smaller but very even spangling. All the class are remarkable for good condition. Mr, Dixon judged the Hambarghs. We must defer our criticism on the remaining poultry classaa till next week, so many are they, and require careful inspection from the closeness of competition. We may remark as a post- script that since we wrote the earlier part of our report green food has been given daily to all the birds. We thank the authorities gratefully for this attention. Mr. James Walker's first-prize White gander and Goose weigh 58 lbs. 9 ozs. ; Mr. J. K. Fowler's second-prize White gander and Goose, 52 lbs. 4 ozs. Mr. James Walker's first-prize Gray gander and Goose weigh 51 lbs. 9 ozs.; Mr. F. E. Richardson's second prize, 39 lbs. 6 ozs. Mr. Edward Arnold's first-prize Turkey December 2, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTIOTJLTURB AND OOTTAQE GARDENER. 497 cock weighs 33 lbs. 12 ozs. ; and Mr. W. Wykes' eecond-prise Turkey cock, 34 It s. 3 ozs. Mr. H.J. Gannell's first-prize Turkey cock, hatched in 1875, and seven months old, weighs 29 lbs. ; and Mr. W. Wykes' second-prize Turkey cock, six and half months old, weighs 24 lbs. 10 oza. Mr. George Daft's first-prize pair (if Turkey hens weigh 60 lbs.; and Mr. E. Kendrick|s second-prize pair, 40 lbs. 8 ozs. Mr. W. Wykes' first-prize pair of Turkey hens, six and half months old, weigh .32 lbs. 3 ozs. ; and Mr. B. Arnold's Becond-prize pair, 31 lbs. 12 ozs. Mr. James Walker's first-prize Aylesbury Duck and drake weigh 21 lbs. 9 czs. ; and Mr. J. K. Fowler's second-prize Duck and drake, 20 lbs. Mr. James Walker's first-prize Bouen Duck and drake weigh 20 lbs. 6 ozs. ; and Mr. Robertson Gladstone's second-prize Duck and drake, 19 lbs. 10 ozs. PIGEONS. In this department of the Bingley Hall Exhibition we have this year one or two innovations, the chief of which is the intro- duction of the single-bird system throughout the whole of the classes instead of confining it as formerly to the adult Carriers and the Pouters. To this, combined with the abolition of the guinea subscription, another subscription instead of an entry fee of 5s. per pen, is no doubt to be attributed the increase in the number of entries from 375 last year to 541 on the present occa- sion. The general quality of the specimens has, to our thinking, also increased in equal ratio, for the very fact of exhibitors having to show a pair of good birds instead of only a single specimen no doubt often kept many celebrities in their owners' lofts, or caused them to be sent to other places where the single- bird system was adopted, simply on account of the immense difficulty of obtaining suitable matches. In the pair system accuracy in matching is the chief element of success, and often pulls off the prize in favour of inferior birds in regard to general properties over competitors of higher quality on the whole, but lacking in this one respect. To win in the show pen a pair must be a pair in every sense of the word : hence the improved quality of the Show generally on the present occasion. Another innovation, and one which we do not think is very acceptable to exhibitors, is the reduction in the amount of the first prize from £2 to 30s. The care of the birds while in the Exhibition is again placed in the hands of Mr. J. W. Edge, an old and ex- perienced f mcier, and his exertions for the welfare of his pro- tegfs will no doubt be duly appreciated by their owners, and this is a point which might be copied with advantage by the managers of many other exhibitions, who too frequently com- mit to the care of persons utterly unqualified for the task the care of collections of birds worth, peihaps, thousands of pounds. The birds were shown In the usual tiers of peus three deep round the gallery of the poultry bay; but the arrangement of the different varieties was very badly managed. The numbers Beemed to run up and down the pens in a very indiscriminate manner, and the Carriers and other varieties which should have been placed high to be seen to advantage were relegated to the bottom tier, and vice versa. Having had our say in regard to the general arrangements, we now pass on to a few remarks in regard to the birds. First on the list stood the Black Carrier cocks, twelve in all, and a very fair collection they are ; but the best bird in the class, belonging to Mr. Fulton, was passed over by the Judge on account of having some white feathers underneath. The same thing, at the hands of the same Judge, occurred to this bird at Bingley Hall last year, which gave rise to the controversy in a contemporary as to whether the white crutch and vent is a disqualification in a Carrier. This, however, is not the place nor time to re-open the discussion. As it was, the first-prize cock was deficient in neck and leg, with a good eye and beak-wattle, but somewhat crowded. 'The second honours went to Mr. Yardley's well-known old Black cock, looking, if anything, better than ever. Third a long stylish bird, but much younger than his more successful competitors. Other birds in this class call for some notice, particularly the highly commended pen of Mr. Maynard's (1950), particularly good in beak and wattle, and alto- gether a most useful Pigeon ; also the highly-commended pen 195G (Gordin), a bird possessing good eye and wattle properties, and evidently shown in a natural state. Black bens mustered nine good birds, Mr. Heritage's first- prize hen being of very high character and wonderfully developed for her age (eighteen months), having thrown-up eye and wattle sufficient for a bird double her age. She was one of the birds in the winning pair which Mr. Heritage showed at Bingley Hall last year. Second (Maynard) a very stout bird with a good eye, but hollow in front of the wattle. Third (Fulton) a good bird, but of a much finer stamp than the second. The class for Dun cocks brought seven competitors into the arena, Mr. Fulton carrying off the whole of the honours in this class, together with the cup for the best adult Carrier, with the bird with which Mr. Maynard won at the Alexandra Palace Show, where he was claimed by Mr. Fulton at, we believe, i'iO. He is a very fine Pigeon, and both he and the second-prize bird bid fair to make winners for some time to come. The second bird was a little pale in colour and rather down-faced, but capital la eye and wattle. Pen 1976 (Maynard) ' very good, particularly well made-up in wattle. 1972 (White- house) also a good Pigeon, but "tell it Bot in Gath," very white on the thigh, and highly commended instead of a disqualification as in Black cocks. Dun hens (ten entries), all of very high character; in fact, the Duns, both cocks and hens, this year carry off the palm for superiority over the Blacks. First (May- nard) a very stylish hen, good in eye, but deficient in beak- wattle. She was, we believe, the winning hen at B ristol, second at the Alexandra, and third at the Crystal Palace Shows, and being a young bird will no doubt improve much yet. Second a meri- torious bird, her faults being shortness of neck, and beak-wattle too long for our taste. Third we thought a grand Pigeon, cer- taitily rather short in neck, but beautiful in the properties of beak-wattle, colour, and eye, and altogether to our taste a better hen than the first, belonging to the same owner. 1978 (Fulton) unnoticed, an excellent bird in beak and wattle, but no doubt passed over by the Judge, who gave great weight to style throughout, a point where she was deficient. The Any other colour class were an iiidifferent lot, only three out of the five entered putting in an appearance for the three prizes. Carriers hatched In 1875. — Amongst the Blacks eleven entries, among them many birds which will no doubt be beard of here- after. We cannot say that we were very much taken with Mr. Maynard's cup bird. He promises well in the future as regards making-up plenty of wattle and eye, and is a good colour, but he possesses one very great fault in our opinion in being very throaty. 'The second-prize bird of the same owner is the first- prize young hen at the late Palace Show, and is very stout in beak and wattle for a young hen. Third (Heritage) a very stylish bird, but rather short in face. Pen 1992 (Fulton) a rare- necked Pigeon, and one which shows itself to advantage; ex- cepting a little holIownesB in beak-wattle, a capital bird. In young Duns Mr. Maynard again comes to the fore with one of his Alexandra Palace winners, the bird which was the winntr at that show being passed over here unnoticed, perhaps on account of being so well developed. Second a good bird, but rather coarse. The Any other colour class does not caU for any particular notice. Pouter cocks, Red or Yellow, had only three entries, Mr. Fulton taking first with a good Red, as he did also with a good hen of the same colour in the next class. The class for Blue Pouter cocks brought six excellent birds, as may be inferred by five out of them being noticed by the Judge. The cup for the four classes of Pouter hens was gained by a fine Blue belonging to Mr. Fulton, which, however, was run hard for it by the Red of the same owner. In White Pouter cocks the Judge evidently gave the preference to the smaller-girthed birds, Mr. Pratt winning first with a tall, graceful, narrow-girthed specimen, but small in crop, Mr. Fulton's second-prize bird being larger in crop, but of stouter build. In White hens Mrs. Ladd was first with a bird of like description as the first White cock ; in fact, the points which seemed to have weighed most with the Judga throughout the whole of the Pouter awards seemed to have been principally girth, length, and carriage. In Pouter cocks, any other colour, there were only two birds to compete for the three prizes, but Mr. Pratt's well-known Black being first, and also wresting another cup to his owner from the cocks in the other classes. Pouter hens, any other colour, were not very praise- worthy. Almond Tumblers had eight entries, cocks and hens compet- ing together. Mr. Yardley carried off the cup with an excellent bird, rich in his ground colour, very handsomely spangled, and good in head properties, Mr. Fulton's second-prize bird being too dark about the neck, with a good flight and tail, and not nicely broken on the shoulder; his third-prize, a hen, being good in colour, but very inferior in head points, being long and nar- row. Mr. Ford and Mr. Yardley showed two capital hens, the former being a little out of condition, and that of the latter waa about one of the best-headed birds in the class, having other good properties to match. In Short-faced Tumblers Mr. Yardley was agaiu first with the well-known Yellow Agate cock which won first at the Crystal Palace, Mr. Fulton being second and third with a pretty Black Mottle and a poor Kite, the latter out of condition. Mr. Woodhouse's little Blue Baldhead cock won the cup for the Short-faced Tumblers ; Mr. South being second also with a Blue, but of a much stronger character than his more successful rival. A neat Red was third. In Beards an excellent coloured Black belonging to Mr. South was first, Mr. Woodhouse following with a Blue. Long-faced Tumblers, Long-mnffed, and Clean-legged mustered very strongly, being largely supported by varieties peculiar to the neighbourhood of Birmingham. In the former class the winners were Black Mottles and Black Saddles respec- tively ; while in the latter class two pens were left ont in the cold on account of being entered in the wrong class, their proper place being amongst the Short-faces. One a rich Yellow Mottle would undoubtedly have received at least a mention had it been in its proper place ; as it was, the prizes went to a handsome Bed and a Yellow Mottle in the order mentioned. In Barbs, an excellent Red rather out of condition won the 498 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. cnp in competition with the Trumpeters, Blacks being second and third. Mr. Stanley was succesEful in carrying off first and eecoi d honours for BHibs hatched in 1875 with two promifiiug EJacltp, the third being a Yellow rather doubtful as to age. llr. Fulton won first with a foreign Black Trumpeter, Mr. Sbaw thkiDg the seccnd and third hononrfi with a Mottle and a capital While. A Fcore specimens competed for the prizes for Red or Yellow Jacfhivs, firEt going to a very cloee-hoodtd Yellow of Mr. Fnlloii'e, Mr, South being eecdud and third, the second bird being a g* od but large Bed. The Any other colour class does not show any very marked signs of progress, the only merit of the winning birds being that they were email and their co!our8 undoubtedly good, but the properties of botd and chain, eo much coveted in the Jacobin, were very indifferent, and it seemed as as if the Judge, having none of the other properties of the Jack to woik on, was thrown en colour as his criterion in making his awaids. Dragoons mustered ptrongly in all the colours. Bines having the preponderance, and in this class we find a new exhibitor carrying off the cup fur the best bird in the Show in the face of all the well-known veterans in the fancy; we congratulate him on his encouraging commencement. Mr. Woods was first and second with beautiful Yellows in the next class, the third being a good bird, but lather too heavy fc-r our taste. The first and second Silvers were also heavy, but were aged specimens. The Any other colour prizes went first and second to Whites, and third a very handsome Grizzle. The classes for Short-faced Aniwerps in Birmingham, the home of the variety, as was to be expected, comprised la creme de la crtme^ all the known breeders being represented, and the competition was, of course, proportionately severe. Mr. Bradley won the cup with a very fine Silver Dun, shown in excellent condition. The Blues, as usual, were the most inferior as to quality, the best bird in the class being passed over on account of having a stiff wing. In Red Chequers Mr. Gamon's cele- brated old cock was first. In Blue Chequers Mr. Ludlow was as usual unapproachable. In the Hcmitig class the birds were not flown. A spirited- looking Red Chequer was first, but to this variety the old adage, " handhome is as handsome does," very appropriately applies. In Rviits only the three prizewinners reached 2i lbs., the others were all considerably under that weight. Fantails were of fair quality, many of the specimens being too large. The cup for the Runts, Fantaile, and Archangels went to the latter for one of the best specimens that has been seen for some -time. We understand that the Judge censured the whole class of Nuns on account of trimming. There were some good coloured birds among the «Swai/o«.'5, but the markings were not eo good as we have seen them. Mag- pies seemed rather coarse. In Turhits, Red or Yellow, an extraordinary good frilled bird was firfit, and a good Black won in the Any other colour class, both ppecimens being the property of Mr. Cresswell. The Foreign Owls were all Whites, and the winners in the English vaiieties all Blues. This class was well filled, but the general quality indifferent. The Aby new variety class is always an interesting feature iu these Shows, duplicate piizes as usual being always awarded. On the preeent occasion there are forty entries, and the Judge affixing a note to his awards styling them a superb collection, which indeed they are. The two first prizes go to a beautiful Satinette belonging to Mr, Ludlow and Mr. Yardley's handsome Blondinette respeciively ; the two seconds a Fire Pigeon and a Red Priest ; and the two thirds to a Dark Grey Frillback and a novelty, which we think is a cross between a Burmese and a Scandaroon. The rest of the class is made up of Ruman Runts, Monks, Turbiteens in all colours, peaked and plain-headed Ice Pigeons, Pigmy Pouters, and Brunswicka, forming altogether a class of great variety and interest. Brahma Pi^nxEAB (Dark)— Cocfc — 1, Horace Linprwood, Greeting. 2, T. F. Acpdell Cowley Moant, tt. Helens. 3, E. Kendrick. jua., Liclifield. 4, E. Eydet. Hyde, MancheBter. he, Lddy Gwjdyr, II. Laoy, .1. H. Jones, T. F. Anedell, R. P. Percivai, K. C Peake. Horace Lintrwood. e, F. .T e'otlerell. Brabua Pootha (Dirk).— Coc/:fr«/«,— Cup and 4. Horace Jiinpwood. 2, Hon. Mrn A B. BamilUin, Kid^mout, Woburo. a.J.F. ;-mith. 6, T. Pye. he, Lady Gwyriyr, J, ( lirhann, H. J. stnrf-r, Hun. Mrs. A. B Hamilton, .1. Lyon, R B. Wood, K, Prifchard. G. K. Whitehouee. c, Hon. Miaa L). Pennant, Hon. Mrs A. R. HMmiltun, J. F. Smith. W. Birch, J. Mitchell, J. H. Nicholla. Brahma Pmi.tras (nt.rk).— //fH3.— 1. T. F. Anbdtll. 2, J. F. Mnitb, Sheffield. 8, H B. Morrell. Cae Mawr. 4, Newnham it Manby. Wolverhampton, viic, H. Lacy, T F. Ansd^ll. he, Bon. Misa D. tennant, G. Maplen, jnu., L.Wright. E. Pritthard. c, H. B. Morrell, Rev. A. Van fjtraubtnzee, J. Rock, a. B. Gwynn. Bkaiiha PnoTRAs CD&ri) —Pullets— Cup and 4, R. P. Percival. 2, Horace LinKWood. 8. T Pye 5 Newnham & Maiiby. /ic, Hon. Mru. A B Hamilton (S). E. Pntchard (2). J K. Fowler. E. Kendnck. jun., W. Birch (:i), F. Bennett, r , K. P Percival, F. Kendnck. jun. (2), Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamiitou, Lady liwjdyr, E. Pritcbard, Rev A. Van Straiibenzee. Brahma Pootkas (LiRbt).— C'ocA'S.— Cup, R. E. HorBfall, 2, R. P. Percival. 8, Horace Liuawood. 4. J. Bloodworth. he. Mrs. W. 0. Drummond, J. T. HinokB, R Bird, S H. Lloyd, c. T. A. Dean, P. Haineis. Brabma Pootras (Light).— CO'- kerf l8.~\, R. E. Horsfall. 2 and 3, H. C. "While. 4, Horace Lingwuod. 5, J. Wiadowson. he, W. Tedd (2), H. C. While, T. Webb, T. A. Dean (id), F. J. CotterUI. [ December 2, 1875, ' Bbihma Pootbas (L\Khi]—IIeTW,—CaT?, Mra. A. TindaL 2, F. J. Cotterill. 3, W. H. Haaelor kc, H. P fereival c, Mrs. J. T. Ho.mea. Rrahma PooTRAa iLight) -Putfeis— l.t'. Hainea. 2 and4, Ho'aceLingwood. 3. H. E Horbfall 5, H. Srephens. he, Mrs. Davison, H. O. While (i), C- H, Wakeneld Hon.H. B. HamiU..u, J WiidowHon, Mrs. Holmes, Mra. H. Ffoalkes' C. U. W.ilff, J. Birch, jun., W Tedd. G. W. Petfer. H. Chawner, Jan. e, J. Turner. W. H. Haaeler. X. Webb, a. C. WhUo, W. Thorn, J. Bentun, C. H. Wakeneid. j StLLiNo Class (Brahma Pootra, Licht or Dark).— (7ocA-s.— ], G. F. White- houae. 2, E. Pritthar.!. 3. M. Leno. he. R. Hhutt, Mra. A. liud-n l'2), E. J. Draper, W. A. BurntU. c, C. Blood- worth, A. Bamford, Mr-. H. Sbmt. Cochin-chinas (Cinnamon unU BuS)—Bejis.—Cup,G. H. Procter, Durham. 2, A. Dari.y. 3, H. Tumlinson. 4, W. A. Taylur. Vie, W. A. Taylor, S. B. HarriB. he, R. P. Percival, W. P. Ryland, Mrs. H. Shatt, J. Cattell, S. B, Gwynu. c, J. Rock, W. H. Crabtree (i), Miaa Wig^'in, H. Tomlinson. CocniN-CniNAS (Cinnimou and BnSl.-Pulkts.-l, Mra. A. Tindal, Aylesbury. 2, W. A. Burnell. S, G. H. iTuctor. 4, R. P. Percival. 5, Henry Lingwoud. r'lc. W. P. r.yland, H. Tomlinaon, Rev. G. F Hod«on. he, W. A. Barneil. Mra. A. liudaJ, "A. D." care of W. Swann, H. Tomiinaon, Lady Gwvdyr. G. U. Procter, Mrd. H. Shutt, W. A. Bumell. E. J. Draper. W. P. Ryland. Mra. AllBopp, A Darby, W. H. Crablree, A. J. E. Swindell. W. P. Ryland. c, W. H. crabtree, D Gibson. A, J. E. Swindell, J. Cattell, J. Y. Madeley. Cochin-chinas (Brown and P^rtridgp-I'eatheren).— (.'oc^-. — Cnp, H Lacy, Hebdvn Briot'e. 2, Mrs A. Timlal. 3, H. Lacy. I'hc E. Tudmon, \V. A. Taylor. he Lady Gwvdyr. W. A. 'iaylur, E. TudmMn. c T. Stretch. 1 HJociiiN-CniNA (Blown and i artridge-Ieathered) — C'ocfcerc/jr. -1 and 3, Mrs, A. Tiudal. -i, Mrs E. Tudmau. vhc, f. Bennett, he, G. Lamb, C. Sidgwick, R. P. Percival, J. H. J nes. J. J. Waller, c, iVIrs. A. Trndal, W. A. Taylor. Oochin-China (Brown and Partridge-feathered). — fl^f/w. — 1 and Cup, T. Stretch, Ormakirk. , Mrs. A. Tmdal he, T. Aapden, Mrs. J. Betta, W. A. Taylor (J) R. P. Percival. c, H. Lacy, H. Yardley, E Tudman. CucniN-t'HiNA (Brown at) d Pa iridge-featber--dj.-Pu//f(5.— 1, R. P Pereiral. 2, Mra. A Tiuoal. 3, G Lamb, Compton. vhc, J. N. C. Pope, he, J. J. Waller, J, H. Jones, VV. A. Taylor, J. K. Fowler, c. Lady Gwydyr, T. Stretch, E. Tud* man (2i, d. Tomlinaon. COCHIN-CHINA (Wnie).— Cocfc.— Cup, G, H. Proiitor. 2. W. A. Borne 1. 3, Capt, G. A. Talbot. Vhc, Mrs A Tiudil. he, J. K. Fowler, H. W. Xomliutson, J. H. Nicholla. c. R- P. Percival. OoCHiN-CniNA {Vi biidl—Coekerel.-l, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, J. H. Nicholls. 3, Lady Gwydyr. vhe, K. A. Bi-isaier. he, G. H. Proctor, G. Lamb, H. Tomlmaou. c, E. T. P ctimere. W. A. Burnell. Coohin-China (White).— //'JW.— Cup, G. A.Talbot. ?, Mrs. A. Tindall. S, J. Bloodworth. vhc, W. Whitwouh. jun. he, G. U. Proctor, Capt. G. A. Talbot, R. A. Boisaier, R. * 'haae. c, R t base, CoOHIn-China {'Whvo}.-PuUets.-l, Mra. A. Tindal. 2. Lady Gwydyr, S, R, Chftt-e. vhc, Mra. a. Tiudil. he. .J. K, Fowler. W. A. Burnell, G. Lamb, W. Whitwortb, E. T. Pijkmere. H. W. Tomlinaon, S. K. Harris, c, W. Whitwurih, jnn., J. Turner. Mrs. J. T. Hoimea. cochin-Chiva (Biackj. Cockx.-l and 2, A. Darby, ftc. Miss A. Brooke, W, Whit -orih, W. Ba^iger. c. Ltdy Gwydyr, W. Badger, J. Turner. CuceiN-t;Hi>A (B &ch).—Utnii or Pullets.— 1. T. Aspden. 2, E. Kendrick, jun, vhc, Mrs. F.J.Cotterell, Ladj Gwydyr. he, Mrs. J. lietts, G. W. Hibberl. c, J. Turner. celling Class (Cochin-China, any colour).— Cocfcs.-l, R. P. Perciva'. 2. W. H. Crabtree. 8, W. A. burnell he, W. A.Tavl-tr. C. Sid/wick, T. Mr^tch, J. J, Waller. J. Catiell, A. D., H. C. Chnaty. c, W. Whitwonh, W. A. BnrneP. SiiLLi.>o Class (CooUin-Cuma- 1. — ift!/t3 or PuUt:tii.—l,W. A. Taylor. 2, E. Tudman. 3, A. Darbv. vh , D. Young, W. A, Buroell. hc.U. Tomlinson, C. Bloodworth. T. wtretch. H Yardiev. J. J. Waller. J. Caitell, R. P. PercivaL c, H. Fowler. W. A Taylor Mtb. J. BeUs. E. J. Draper. Malay.— C'ocfc.—i, h. Hawkins, Seaham. 2, W. H. Sabio, Moseley. he, Miss A. Broolte, T. Crupper. Malay.— C'octere/. — Cun, Rev. H. Fairlie, Kirkraichael Man^e, Ayrshire. 2. Miss A. Broolie. he, Eev. N. J. Ridley, Rev. H. Fail lie, J. Heape, W. B. Pavne. Malay.— Hens— Cup. W E Payne, Shrewsbury. 2, R Hawkins, v/ic, W. B. Payne. W. H. Sabin. he. G F,. .Merelith G. Burnell. e, J. F. Walton. MALAV.-Pi(/ir^(s —1, Kev. H. Fairlie. 2, W- B. Payne, ho, W, Lor*., Rev. H. Fairlie, Miss A. Brooka, G. Burneil. CRKVE-CtEDH.- Cocf.— 1, W. H. iirabtree, Levenshalmo. 2 and 3, W. Cutlack, Jan., Liitleport tic, C. M. Saunders, R. R. Fowler. F. Bennett, J. J. Maiden, e, J. J. Maiden, W. Diing. CREVfi-CcEUB.— H«ns or Pulkts.—l and Cap, W. Dring, Faversham. 2, H Deoember 3, 187S. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE QABDENEB. 499 Stephens. Tiinbridge Wells. S, J. K. Fowler, he, Mrs. Davison, W. DriDK. W. Cntlack. c, W H. trabtree, J. J. Malrlcn. HouwN (roeksl.— 1 nod I'up. R. B Woi'd, Utloitter. 2. W. O. Qoibell, New- ark he. ('. Morris, Cheoter ; Mrs. Vallniicc. W. O Quihe 1. H. i'B»v (CocKereD.-l, W. O. Quibell. 2, W. UriuK. 3, W. A. Peel, Watford, fte. W. Whitworth. c C. Morris. , ,„ « rii.i D«N-7/rM— 1, Mrs. ViiUaace, Siltingboarnc. 2, W. Dring. he.W.O. Ouibeli W. PriiiH' _ „ Urn DAN ^PiiUels —1. D. T ane, Hardwiok. 2, W. O. Quibell. 8, E. K. Penson. 7jc. W u. Qmbeli. Mrs. Vttllance. , .,. „ Sp»ni»u.— CocA-.— 1 and 2, K. Jones, Clillon. he, J. T. Parker, e. Miss E. Spanish.— CocfterfJ.—l, E. Jackson, Finehfleld. 2, S. H. Hyde, Bristol. 3, Mrn. AljBopp Jic, Mi68 E. Browne, S. H. Hyde. Spam»u.— JlfM.-Cup, E. Jaekson. 2, Mrs. Allsopp. e, J. T. Parker, A. "pA^Nisa.-Puilf^j.— I, Mrs. AUsopp. 2, E. Jackson, he, J. T. Parker, E. Hamborob (Block).- Coctoi —Cop, J. T. Simpson, Hollingwood. 2, Duke of Suttierlaiid 8, Rev. W. Serjeantson, Acton Bornell Roclory. vhr. R«v. W. Seritantson. N. Marlor. H. Ri.binton. ;ic. Rev. W. Kerjeantson, J. M. Kilvert, J. E. binsoD, J. LoDC. T. V. Catver, J. FieliiinR. H. MBUK.iH(liUck).-7.,ii or PulW —Cup. H. Robinson, Boildon .?, N. Marlor, Denton. 3. Rev. W. SetjeantBon. r^ic, H. Beldon. J. T Simpson, /tc. S. Shaw. Rev. W. Serjeantson, T. Cropper, W. Birch, C. Bidgwick, J. M. Kilvert, Rev. W. Serjeantson, 0 F. Copomau , „ ,,_ Bambceoiib (GoldfD pcooilled).— CocJrs- Cup, J Walker. 2, Dnka ol Suther- land, s. H. Beldon. /(c. J. T. Simpson. G. & J. Duckworth, J. Robinson Hawiuhghs (Silver-peocilled) — Cocfrs —1, H. Beldon. 2, Duke of Suther- lanil. .1. H. Pickles, c, J. Webster. J. Robin«on Hambu ous (Gol'ien-i enci led).— Hfna or i'iti/*-/ji,— 1 and 3, J. Walker, 2, H. BeldoD. he, Duke of Sutherland, G. & J. Duckworth. Haubdrohs (silver-peocilled).— Hen* or PitlUt^.—Cup, H, PickleB. 2, H. Beldon. 3, Duke of Sutherland, he. J. Preston. Hambi'hohs (Golden-spanpled).- Cocts.-Cup, n. Beldon. 2. T. Benlton. 3, G. A .1 Duckworth, vhe, J.Forsyth, he, T. Boultoa, N. Marlor (2), Duke of Sutherland. J. Freston Hamburohs (Silver-spanRledl.— Cocte -I, Duke of Sutherland. 2, J. Carr. 3. J. Preston. }ie, H. Pickles, H. Robinson. J. Robinson, H. Beldon, Miss E. Brown.'. J. Fielding. H'UBURons (Go.den-sransled).- Hfn5 or PiilZcfs.- Cup, H. Beldon. 2, Duke of Snthpfland. 8. -I. Bucklev. hc.T Dean. T Houlton. Hambl'rohs fSilver-spangledl —Hens or Pu'lrts —1, Miss E. Browne. 2. H. Beld.n. 3. J. Fielding, lie. T. D.an, Dnkc of Sutherland, G. C. Holt, H. Robin- son. AshtOK Si Booth, H. Piekles, Miss E Browne. Polish (Black, with While Crests) —Cook.- 1, A. Darby, Little Ness. 2 and he, S. .--haw. Staioland. Polish I Black, with White Crests).— Hens 01 PuUeti —1. s. Shaw. 2. A. Darby, Polish (Gol len).— Coct.-l. A. & W. H. Silvester, Sheffield. 2, H. Beldon, Goitetocit, Bingley. he. T. Webb. P Lisn iGolden).— Hfus or Pullets— \, 'Rev. 0. W. Shepherd, Maiiistone. 2, A. 4 W. H. Silvester. ii)ic. T. Dean. Polish iSilver).- Coclt.- 1 and Cup. H Beldon. 2. C. Eloodworth, Chelten- ham, v'lr, G, C.Adki"B (2). /(C. G. 0. Adkins (2). C. M. Saunders P.JLISH (silver).— Hens or Pullets— I, Cup, and ii/ic, G, C. Adkins, Birming- ham 2. B. Beldon. Any cthkr Varii^tt. - 1. Miss Arnold, Acton (.^ndalusian). 2, M. Leno, Markyate stre.t. Dunstable (Jungle Fowl). 3. S. K Harris, 4, Mrs, Bayard. ?ic. S. Shaw (White Sultans), Rev. N.J Ridl. y(l.a Fleche), c, Hir Majesty the Queen (Ro^e-eombed Dominique), Miss ,\rnold (Andalusian), T. Astden (Cuckoo Cochiti), R. R, Fowler. liAME (Rlacibreasted Reds).— Coci-s.-Cup, S. Matthew. 2, D. Barley. 3. W. J.Pope. J, G. Newd'Bste. /ic, J. Forsyth, J. Mason, S. Matthew, c, H. Horton, C. W. Brierlev. VV. J. Pope, ^ ^ Gamf (iilaek-b-easted Peds).—Cocl:erels.—^. S. Matthew. 2, R. Y. Ardagh. 8. I. Frith. 4. G. Locjs, Tli:, C. Chaloner, R. K Millington, G. Lucas, c, H. C. Parkea, D. Harley. Game ( Black-breasted Reds) —Hens.—l. Duke of ^ utherland. 2, S. Matthew. Stowmarket. he, .1. Cork. T. P. Lvon. R K Millington. G. I ucas. Game (Black-treaet»d Rtds).- 7>u!fffa.— 1. 2. and 4. W. .1. Pope, Biggleswade. 3, S. .Matthew. 5, G. Newdieate. Motnev Cros^. he, G. Newdigate, J. Halsall, G. H. Fitz-Herbeit. J. H. Biadwell. C,F, Barrett c, J. Goodwin. G*siE (Brown and oth-^r Reds, except Black-breasted).- CocA's — 1. J. Cock. 2, T, Mason, S. C. W. Brierley. 4, G. F. Ward. Ue, D. Harley (2), C. W. Brierley. e, J. Fletcher. Game (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).— Cocfrcre7s.— Cup and Eit'a, T. Burgess. 2. S. Matthew. 3. C, H, Wolff. 4, H, Browne. 5, H. E. Martin, lie, W. Milner. J Cock, T. Burgess 12). c. W Perrin. Game (Brown and other Beds, except Hlack-brensted) —Hens —1, T. Rureess. 2, C. W. Brierley. 3. W Perrin, 4, S. Matltew. /ic, r. vtaton c. G. F Ward. G'M- (Brown and other Reds, except Blaek-breasted) — Piine/8.— Cup. H. Browne. 2 and 6. C. W. Brierley, ,s. R. Garnet. 4 w. c. Philhps. (ic, J. Hal- sail. S. Matthew. O, H. WofT, W. Perrin. c, C. W. Brierley, T. Burges". Game (Duck^^ings and ottier Gr.-ys and Bines),— roefc.—l and <:up, D. Harley 2, J. Cock. Worcester. 3. s. Matthew, he, H. Browne, c. W. Mili^er. Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Bines) —CocAercf.—l, H. E. Martin, FakeLham. 2. J. Coolt. 3, S. Matthew, /ic, J. Fletcher, J. H. Payne, T.Mason, H. C. & W. J. Mason. Game iS.lver Duckwing),— Coffc.— 1, J. H. Payne, Tylbing, Worcester. 2, J. Cock. 3, R Y. Ardagh. Worcester, c, W. 0. I^hilips. Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Rluesi.- Hen.— land ('np. S. Matthew. 2, D. Harlev. 3. G. Prentice, E wen. fcc, J. Cock. F Sales, J. Fletcher. Game (Duckwings and other GreTs and blues).— 1, R. Y. Ardagh. 2 and S, D. W. J. Thomas, Brecon. )ic, J. Maton, J. Fletcher, J. Lane, .D. W.J. Thomas. Game (Black and Brassy-winged, except Grey).— Cocfc.— 1 and 2, C. F. Montresor. Slough. G,iME (Black and Brassy-winged, except Greys).- Sens or Pullets.— I.CW. Brierlev, Frestwieh, 2 E Ken iriek, Jan. he, i . F. Mi>ntresor, Game (While and Piles).— C'ocfrs.—l and ' no, J, F. Walton. Rawtenetall. 2, H. C. i W. J, Mason, Birstall he. R Walker. C. w. Rr erley. W. Sannders. Game (White and Piles) - hemor PitlUt^ —\ and Cup, R, Walker, Gomersall. 2, H. C. & W. .1 Mason, he. J. Palmer. L. Pilkington. Game (Undnbbedl.-Coctereiji— 1. S Matthew. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 8,J. Cock. v'tc. J. F. Walton, he, J, R. Fletcher. Bantams (Gold or ti'ver-laced).— Cup and 2. M. Leno. he. Rev. G.F. Hodson, E. eritchard. Rev. J. Hill, e. Rev. J. Hill, Mrs. J. Bet's. Baniams (White. Clean-leeged) — 1. T. Cropyer, Baeup. ;2, H. Draycott, Leicester, he, H. Dravcott E. l.'ainbridge. Bantaub (Blaek.Cbsn-legged).—!. J. Ciarkson. Birmingham. 2. E. Cambridge, Hoi tied, Brist' 1. vlie..l Pr.fUt.m, he, H, Draycutt, Mrs J..Bttt-, M. Kidgway, T. P. Carver, c, M. Ridgw^y. Mi-s F. Browne. Bantams (Any other variety, except Game).— 1 and 2. J. T. Finck8,'Hamber- stone. )ic. Mrs. .1. Beits. R. A. Boissier, Mrs W. C. Drummond. Game Bantams (Black-breasted Reds).- 1, G. Hall. Kendai. 2. B.Walker, Gomersall. 3. E. Wslion, Rawtenstall. 4, R. Brownlie, Kirkcaldy, he, J. R. Fletcher, G, Hall. c. J. Smith. Game Bantams (Rrownend other Reds, except Black-breasted).— Cup, J. E. Fletcher. 2, E. Walton, c, G. Hall. Game Bantams lAny other variety).— 1, R. Brownlie. 2, J. Smith, Southwell. 3, Shuniaeh \ Daft, Southwell e. J. Stamps. Gaue BanTaMs (Black-breasted and other Rede).— Cup, E. Walton. 2, G. Hall. 3, E. Y, Ardagh. 4, E. lirovrnlie. c, Shumach 4 Daft. Game Bantams (Any other variety).- Coc An.— 1, J. R. Fletcher. 2, B. Brownlis . 8, J. Smith, „ , T, v., , L SELi.iNO Class (Bantams).-!, G. Hall. 2. J. Anderson. 3, J. B.Flelcher. Dues (White Aylesbury). -Cup and 4, J. Walker. 2 and 3, J. K. Fowler, he Lord Su.lelev, J. K. Fowler. „„„,,„ ,j , , Ducks (Rouen). Cop, J. Walker. 2, E. Gladstone, 8, T. WaVefleld. 4, J. Heape. 0. P. Unsworth. t>he, T. Stattor, J. N. C. Rope, S. Shaw. T. «\ akefleld, S. Liin-'. he, Lieut.-Colunel J. Hurrieon. K. R. Fowler. T. Wakefield. Ddoks (Black Kast Innianl.-Cnp and 8, G, S. Sainsbury. 2 J. Walker, he, Eev. W. Strjeantson. H, Bum, G. S Sainsbury. c. E. Kendri.k. Dicks or Ornamental Water Fowl (Mandarin),— Cop, M. Leno. 2, J. Dicks or Ornamental Water Fowl (Carolina).— 1, Mrs. Arkwright. 2,8. Burn, he, M. Leno „ «, , . « «r ti •, Ducks or Ornamental Water Fowl (Call).-l, R. Gladstone. 2, Mrs. Bailey. Ducks or Ornamental Wateb Fowl (Anv other variety).— 1, E. Gladstone. 2,J. Walker, he, M. Leno. U. Yardloy. A. i W B. Silvester. „ ,,, t SELiiNO Class (Ducks, any variety).-!, S. Burn. 2, J. K Fowler 3 Msa J. Milward. vhe, P. Unaworlh, E. Kendrick. he, E. Kendrick, F. G. S. Rawson J Walker 'geese (White),- Cup, J. Walker. 2, R. R. Fowler. 3, E. Gladstone. Geese (Grey and Mottled), -1, J. Walker. 2. F. E. Riehardson 3 Hon. Mrs. Colvile. uhc. Hon Mrs. Colvilc, Mrs. Bailey, T. Watson, he, G. U. 1 itzherbert, °Tn'»KEVB!-'co"cA»,-\ E. Arnold. 2,W. Wykes, 3, F. Lythall. rlic,E. Ken- drick. iun, E.G. S. Rawson, he. Mrs. G, Gray, F. E. Rieharrtson, Mrs. J.NuU, Rev. N. J. Ridley. Hon. Mrs. Colvile, Mrs. Line, Mrs. J. W. Lawrence, W. Marioribanka, E. Kendriek. jun., K. Armdd, i -- , Turkeys.- rouni? C'oiAn.-l, U.J, Guonell. 2 and 3, W. Wykes. uhc. Mra.J. W. Lawrence, E. liendrick, jun. he, Lady O. Vernon, F. LjthuU, F. E. Richard- '"TuKKEYS^-Hens-l.G.Daft. 2, E. Kendrick. ion. 8 Rev. N.J. Ridley, vhe, W. Wjkes, O. Daft, he, Miaa L. Qodlrey, J. Coion, E. Kendrick, jon., Mrs. Turkeys -Yeuixg Hens.—!, W. Wykes. 2. E, Arnold. 8, E. Kendrick, jun. vhe, Mrs. J. W. Lawrence, he, H. Bradburue, F. Ljthall, W. Wjkes, E. Kendrick.jun. pjgEONS. Cup to the winner of the largest number of points in the Pigeon classea, R. Folton, Brocklev, London. „ ,. ,, » t, .> «« .» Carrifes Bliick) -Coeks -1, B. Fulton. 2. H. Yardley. 8, H. M. Maynard. he, H.M. Mavnard.G. Gordin, G-F. WhitehouBe. „ „ i. „ IJARRIEKS (■Blacl„„ Tumblers (Long-mu£f-d) -1, W. B. MsPP'eheck.juu., siilihuih 2, R. Onston, jun . Rirmingham. 3. W. B Mapplebcck, jon. he W. B. Mapp ebeck, H. Catiwrisht W. iedd, C, E. Chavasse. e, E, D. Careless, H. Mapplebeck, W. ■'BA'Ln^-?."ho™fredl-(yuo?w'-Woodhou«. 2, G. South. 3. Mrs. Wood- ^TrlJl\^i!£^:c.^T.-T,0%'S^U. 2 and he, W, Woodhou.e, 3. W. B. "tumrS o'iy other variety). 1, W. B, Mapplebeck jtin SoUhuU. 2, J. Ford Monkwell St. London 3, H Yardley. he, PoweU & Crane, c. J. M. Bott. R mlton. W. B. Mapiilebeek. jun. „ „ „ , Barbs, -1 and he. R. Fulton -2 and 3. H M Maynsrd BA.BS-rouni;-! and 2, J.Stanley, "alford. B ackford. 3, E. Fntton. Trumpetees.-"! and he, R. Futon. 2 and 3, S. Shaw. Stainland. Halifax. Rni»"s.-1, H. Stephens, Tunbr.dge Welle. 2, H. Yardley. 3, J. S. Price. ^FanSls (White),-1, J, F. Loversidge. Newark. 2. H, M. Maynard. S, J. Walker Newark, 'le. H. Simpson, c. ReV. W. Serjeantson. FantIiis (Anv other colour)-!, H. Yardley. 2, H C. Bowman, Higher Broughton, Manchester. 3, H. W. Webb, Lower Sydenham, he, H. Yardley "^^AocHlNOELs.-lfF's'iedle 2. R Wilkinson. 3, W. H. Denison. he.H.W Webb. c. J. M. Rodg^rs. S. Ampblett. „ , „l i. r, -e, NuNS.-l, J. B. Bowdon, Blackburn. 2, Miss A. Brooke, Shrewsbury. S, F. ®'Iw!llow8.-1 and 3. H. Cartwright. 2, Miss F. Seanor. Jic, W. H. Denison, W Tedd. c. J. W. Ludlow. „ „ , . ,^ _ Magpies -1 J B. Bow.ion. 2, E. Fulton. 3, Miss F. Seanor, Leeds, vhe,}. B. Bnwiion'. he. J. T, Herbert, e. Miss F. Seanor. Jacobins (Red or Yellow) -1 and vhe, E Fulton. 2 and3, G. South, he, H. ''5;:'c''B?;sMLy"oUier- Jo"otS):-l,H. Heritage, Mortlake, Surrey. 2, E. Fulton ''ToBBfT"' (Red or Yellow).-!, O. E. Cresswell. 2, Miss F. Seanor, 8, R. ^f^^J^'i^nyt£er■ c^doS?" !, O. E. CressweU. 2, S. Shaw. 3. K. Woods. * OwL,^"For?i'gn)'-l','J' j'.°Sparrow, Grosvenor Mews. London. 2 and he, R. ^0WL°8 (Inglish^-twar'd & Rhodes, Otley, 2, R. Hatfield. Sou.hwelL 3 R.H. Dnsworth, Manchester, vhe. Mrs. W. Binns. he, J. Thresh, Mrs. W. Brnns. ^•DR"io''oN8!Rlue,''-Cup"A! Bingham. 2 W Smith. 3. Pn-ell *Crane he,Q. South F Graham, B. Woods. W. .-mith, G. PrenUce. e, C. E. Chavasse. DEAOOONS (Red 'or Y-Hnwi.-l and 2 R. Wooes. 3. G. South, he, Q. H. Gregory, F. Graham, H. Woods, e, R Woods. R Fulton. „ „ to „j, DEAOoNSI-iilver) -I.W.Smith. Walton-onthc-BiU, Liverpool. 2, E. Woods, Mansfield' Notts. 3. A, Btnuliam, Manchester, he, F. Graham (2). e, B. Woods. H. Yardley. W.Smith. j„„™ a Dbaqoons (Any other colour).— 1 and 2, R Woods, head. e. P, Graham. R. Fulton. , „ „ r,- ■ ., o t ntnio. ANTWEHPS (Silver Dun).-Cup, J. J. Bradley, Birnim»ham, 2, T Clnleo, Birmingham. 3, J. W. Ludlow, Birmingham, he. C. Gamon, J. Wnght. B. '^ANTWEBPS (Blue).-!. C. Gamon. 2. T. W. Ludlow. 3, J. J. Bradley, he, 1 ' Kendrick. joD. c. Ward 4 Rhodes. J. J. Bradley. , F. Graham. Birken- 500 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1B75. ANTWBBP9 (Red Cheqnered).— J, C. Gamon. 2, J. W. Ludlow. 3, H. D Gongh. Wolverhampton. Antwerps (Bine Cheqnered).—! and 2, J W. Ludlow, Birmingham. 3, H. Cartwright. EdKbastr>n. he. C. fiamnn. c, R. Brierley. ANTWEBPa (Homing) —1, W. EHia, Idle, Leeds. 2, G.Garraway, Lower Swains- wick. Bath. 3, C. Gamon, Chester. Any other New oa Distinct Vaeiett.— 1. J. W. Lndlow, H. Yardlev. 2, J. W. Ludlow. B. Fulton. 8, H W. Webb, R. Fulton, rhtf, H. Maprlebeck, R. Fulton. he, W. C. DawBon, J. Thompson, J. W. Ludlow (4j. c, VisoounteBS Qalway, W. Tedd, W. B. Mapplebeck, jun., J. W. Lndlow. GALSTON POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. DBn'iNG soathward on the Gth nit. along the old London road from Kilmarnock, we came in course to the village of Galston, and while passing through the main street were attracted by one of those irreeiBtible placards, " Poultry and Pigeon Show." We at once made oar way to the " Victoria Hall," and there found one of the most tastefully-arranged shows we ever witnessed. On inquiry we found that the members of this Society consist mostly of miners and weavers, who receive some pecuniary assistance from the gentry in the neighbourhood, and most notably that of the Right Hon. the Earl of Loudoun. Uis lordship also occasion- ally exhibits specimens of game should he happen to be at home during the time of the Show. Two sides of the Hall were fitted up with commodious pens for poultry, and five long tables con- taining two rows each of the Scotch bee-hive pens containing the Pigeons. The imposing Pouter range opposite the door at once stamped this Show as one of a superior class, and a minute inspection of the other specimens of both poultry and Pigeons only tended to confirm our first impression, from the fact that the Show was made up by almost entirely local fanciers. No one who did not visit it would have believed that such birds were to be found in the neighbourhood, and it is pleasing to think that our mining and weaving friends have taken up such a refined pastime which cannot but be improving in many respects. We learned that there was another society in Galston, that their show had lately passed off, and that now there was a prospect of the two societies joining. We would strongly recommend this junction, as it would not only strengthen the hands of both Committees, bat at once make their united show much more prominent, and, of course, more successful. Time permitted us to have only a short survey of the Show. The comments on the pens are unavoidably postponed. Spanish.— 1 and Special, W. Wallace. 2, J. Eiiear. Kilmarnock. 8, W. Cook. DoBKiNGS— 1 and 2. A. & F. Mutter. S. A. Kuberteon. he, W. Wallace. Scotch Greys.— 1,T. M'Murtrle. 2, J. Fulton. 3. .1. Torrance. ft(r, A. Holbura. Game.— 1. J. Gilmour. 2. A Strachan. 3. J.& O. Sneddon, he, J. Baton. Hamburghs.- GoI"N.; Long, 0^8' 0" W.; Altitnde. Ill feet. PIGMY POUTERS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. " Wiltshire Rector " in hia criticism upon the Pigmy Pouter at the Crystal Palace, remarks '* that the second-prize pen contained two cocks, which should not have been," As the exhibitor of this pen of birds allow me to distinctly deny that they were two cocks, as I have bred from the bird shown there this year, and, therefore, am as sure it is a hen bird, and that they were a pair of birds, cook and hen, as I am of to-morrow's sun rising. I must, however, acknowledge that they were not properly mated, bat yet I know this hen bird when in a pen singly will show herself off to perfection, and I believe her to be the most showy Pigmy hen yet exhibited, and from her good pouting qualities I doubt not that "Wiltshire Rector " mis- took her for a cock bird. — Geo. Holloway, jon,, Stroud. [In answer to Mr. Holloway, I will observe that I carefoUy watched his two Pigmy Pouters, and from their attitudes and manner of fighting I concluded they were two cocks, and had I been judge should have disqualified them accordingly. I then wrote my account of them as quoted by Mr. Holloway. The Bate. 9 A.M. Is TBB DlY. 1876. Barome- ter at B2» and Sea Level. Hyfprome- ter. P Shade Tern, peratore. Radiation Temperature. 1 Not. Dry. Wet. Max. Min. In Bnn. On grass We. 24 Th. 25 Fri. 2C Sat 27 Siin.28 Mo. 29 Ta. SO Inches. 80.181 SO IjS5 89.9a7 29 995 SO 144 29.982 29.861 deg S8 4 116.8 SS.O 34 7 S6 1 84.5 32 2 deR S7 3 83 4 82.4 33 9 84 4 32.2 81.7 N.E. N.N.W. N. N. NE. NE. N.E. deg. 42.3 418 40-6 39,8 38 1 89.8 88.6 deg. 40.5 86-9 86.6 S8.1 Sfi.6 36 4 82.7 deg. 87.1 84 1 59.3 29 1 33 0 831 29.0 deg. 62.9 51.2 45.4 47.2 37.4 39.2 82.1 deg. 36 0 82.2 26 7 25 6 29.8 31.9 25,6 In. 0.018 0.010 0.008 0.024 Means 80.023 S4.8 33.6 40 0 86 8 32.1 43 6 29.7 0.000 24th.- 25th.- REMARK8. -Fine morning, rather dull in the after part of the day, a little sleet about noon. -Snowing nearly all the forenoon, but not to make the ground white ; afternoon and evening fair. a v * 26th.— White frost in the morning; the whole day cloudy, dull, and cola, bat dry. 27th.— White frost early, but the day dark, damp, and cold. 28th.— Very dark early ; sleet at times all the day, which was damp and cola. 29th. — Fair all day, but dull and cold. 30lh.— Cloudy till near noon, then sleet began to fall, and fell at intervals ftll day, rendering the roade quite white and eUppery.— G, J. Svmons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET,— November 80. The market has been heavily supplied during the past week with all clasBes of goods, and Tith trade doll clearanoeB have only been effeot«d at lower prices. December 9, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. noi WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day I Day of I ol Klonth Week. DECEMBER 9—15, 1875. 9 Th 10 F 11 8 12 Sdh 13 M U To 15 W Kojal Society at 8.30 p.m. Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 p m. 8 Sunday in Advent. Eoyal Geograpbioal Society at 8 30 p m- Royal lledicnl and Cliirurgical Society at S.30 p.m. Society of Arts at 8 p.:u. iverage Snn Clock Eay Temperature near London. Riaea. Sets. Rises. Seta. Ate. after Sun. ye»r. Dar. NiKht. Mean. m. h. m. b ra. b. Days. m. a. 46.7 84.9 40.8 56al7 49af» 81 af 1 16at 3 12 7 19 843 47 0 32.8 89.9 68 7 49 S 50 1 47 4 13 6 52 314 46.5 32.6 89.5 59 7 49 8 17 2 22 fi 14 6 24 345 4.S.0 87.0 42.5 59 7 49 3 59 2 65 7 • 5 66 846 47,5 36.5 42.0 U 8 49 3 0 4 17 9 16 6 28 847 46.9 31.3 40.6 1 8 49 3 21 6 17 10 17 4 69 848 47.0 83.6 40.3 2 8 49 3 52 6 56 10 18 4 30 319 84.8'. From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43 and its night temperature COVERING OUTSIDE VINE BORDEKS. FT as tliis .subject has been bronglit before the gardening world, it has always been under such circumstances as elicited some fresh idea, if not new fact, bearing on its utihty or otherwise ; but it cannot be de- nied that even now it is one of those sub- jects on winch divers opinions still exist, and most hkcly all wiU never be brought to one mind upon it. As every fresh experi- ment in the case adds something new on the matter, some little digest may, perhaps, not be with- out its advantages, the more especially at a time when there is a hope that the discussion raised upon it may receive some confirmation or the reverse by the time the covering is likely to be removed. The experience of past years ought to assist us all in coming to some conclusion on the matter, for it has nothing new about it — in fact it would not be easy to trace backward how long it has been adopted ; but the diversity of opinions on its utihty leaves much doubt on the mind of the amateur — now-a-days a very important class of Grape-growers — how to act in the matter, especially when one writer strenu- ously advocates its adoption, and another in language equally strong condemns it. That there may be a little truth in the assertions of both it is easy to believe, and that both may be right under their respective circum- stances is also possible, and very likely to be the case. As has been stated above, the covering-up of Vine borders has nothing new about it ; as readers of garden- ing periodicals will remember the subject having been prominently brought before the world at various times since Loudon administered what I may call horticultural law through his many publications, and coverings of one kind or another have been more or less urged at various times, possibly most so some twenty or twenty-five years ago, when the covering-up of Vine borders by some water- proof covering, as galvanised iron, wooden shutters, or glass, was so much insisted upon, in some cases quite one-half the original cost of the Grape house was in- curred in protecting the border from the autumn rains and winter frosts. Then again followed a reaction : those who had ridden the hobby too hard found to their cost that they had run to the other extreme, and covering-up was condemned, to be revived somewhere else and in another form. 'WhUe at the present day it would not be saying too much if we aflirmed that it had as many advocates now as at any former time, but they are of another class, and do not quite follow out the hobby in its entirety as did then- predecessors ; while not a few that do cover-up then- borders do it for quite another purpose altogether to what it was done in years gone by, as will be shown. There are two distinct purposes for which Vine borders are covered, and which have little or no connection with each other — the one being with an object to protect the border containing the roots of Vines intended to be forced as early as possible, and the other to enable the crop of No. 767.— Vol. XXIX., New Series. Grapes that may be banging in a ripened condition in the autumn to remain as long as possible without dete-. rioration or decay in any way. The wide difference be-- tween these cases is such as necessarily to call for a wide difference in their treatment, and consequently we shali treat them as distinct. Beginning with those intended to- produce early Grapes first, we need hardly say at the outset that there is even here much difference of opinion on the utility of a covering, and not a few eminent Grape-growers too condemn it. We nevertheless, to a certain extent, recommend it where circumstances like those we now adduce render the production of early Grapes ri matter of importance. Whatever improvement may have taken place in Grape- growing as a whole — and most certainly marvellous feats - have been accomplished — there seems less anxiety to pro- duce early Grapes at the present day than there was twenty or thu-ty years ago, the direction of growers of late years has been to preserve those that do ripen in the autumn to a later period in the winter and spring in a good condition rather than have fresh fruit ripe at that time. This is so far commendable, as really good old Grapes are no doubt better than new Grapes : hence hard forcing is on the whole less practised than of yore ; the late Grapes being often supplemented, or rather suc- ceeded, by those grown in pots, the convenience of most places whore there is much glass allowing this to be done, and what is of more importance, better crops from those grown in the ordinary way is the result. Perhaps it may be asked, What has this to do with covering-up Vine borders outside '? Well, it has a great deal to do with it .• , for there is an immense difference between urging on a house of Grapes to have them ripe by the middle of April and having to accomplish that object a month later. In the former case all the assistance possible inside and out . will be required to accomplish the object, and many sacri- fices made, while the other will be a much easier affair, and most likely the produce superior. In the former case the Vines, I need hardly say, ought all to be grown inside the house where they are more immediately under command ; in the latter they may be partly in and partly out, and yet a fair share of success may be expected with- out any covering-up. But suppose there are cases (and I know there are many such) where early Grapes are wanted as soon as it is possible to obtain them, and the space inside the house is a very limited one for the roots to occupy, and in fact the bulk of these roots are in the outside border, it can hardly be said that to expo.^e that border to the severities of a hard winter can be beneficial to those Vines whose roots ramify in all directions through it, and in some cases as near the surface as to be within reach of the frost ; but this latter event is not of often occun-ence, as in a usual way the Vine roots lie deeper than to be directly frozen from the top in ordinary years. However, it cannot be denied but that the frost and melted enow must lower the temperature of the soil so as to be quite unfit for the roots of the Vine, whose tops are enjoying a temperature some 30° or 40° higher, the result most likely being that if the roots occupying the No. 1119.— Vol. LIV., Old Seeies. 502 JOtJBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. ( Decembet' 9, 1876. Email border inside are not sufficient to maintain the top in a becoming way, the plant pushes out roots from its stem and BO feeds on the atmosphere, deriving a kind of spurious nourishment therefrom that fails it later on in the season when that moisture is withheld. Now this all points to the propriety of an outer covering, and we may now consider what that covering should be. Before entering on this subject I may say that I am no advocate for costly appliances if simple and inexpensive modes can be found to effect the same object, and in the matter of Vine-border covering I do not know that I would make any great sacrifice in the way of appearance so called, because they have usually to be put in use where external tidiness is of less importance than in summer. Nevertheless, to those to whom the looks of a thing is of much consequence, and who do not object to expense, a waterproof covering of some kind that can be removed when necessary will no doubt be found the best for such a purpose ; and galvanised iron, wooden shutters, zinc or asphalt frames, or glass lights have all and each their claims to notice, the great thing being to shut off the bulk of the autumn rains and keep out the frost and snow, and, in fact, to retain as' much of the heat that may be in the soU in September as can be until as late a period as possible. We have been for several years in the habit of covering-up the border of our earliest-forced vinery with dry leaves when we could obtain them, and generally we have endeavoured to do so early in October before the heavy autumn rains had wetted it to any depth, and as we have made it a point to try and get the leaves dry and the job finished before any great amount of rain fell, the result has in our opinion been satis- factory. We have usually heaped the leaves on for nearly 3 feet high, treading them well, and finished oft by coating the whole with a covering of turf, and as the leaves are mostly Beech or Sweet Chestnut, they give off and retain a little warmth all winter. But it is only fair to state here that although the border may be covered when it is in a nice dry mellow state, and the leaves themselves as dry as leaves can well be outdoors, yet when the covering is taken off in April the ground is invariably found wet and soddened, and no doubt would be in a worse condition as a seed bed than one that had encountered all the changes of the winter. I mention this as, notwithstanding the gentle warmth the mass of leaves may have imparted to the ground below them, I am far from certain that the fertile power of the ground is not impaired by its being denied the benefit of the winter's frost and con- stant contact with the air; but whether the Grapes inside would be quite so early or not is a question on which I have no hesitation in answering in the negative, and must therefore leave for others to say how much they are willing to sacrifice to attain such a result by adopting the more costly covering of glass, or something approaching it, and a more gradual ex- posure to the atmosphere in early spring. In our case we seldom take the leaves off until the first or second week in April, and invariably let the ground dry a day or two before it is slightly dug, and we expect the sun will supply the heat at that time which the leaves had been doing through the winter. Having said so much on covering-up the borders of Grape houses intended for early fruit, I fear I must curtail what ought to be said on covers for those who endeavour to keep them late. I am the more anxious in this to hear the opinions of others, as I confess at once of never having practised it ; but it is possibly the more important of the two, only in this case I should say that a perfect shulting-off the rain was nacessary, and furthermore that coveriug-up with dry leaves, fern, straw, and such things are not sufficient here, as the present autumn has given some lessons that way which I daresay many readers have learned to thfir cost. But in my case I may say that I never knew Black Hamburgh Grapes keep so badly as they have done this autumn ; they ripened well, wore fleshy, coloured well, and not at all thin-skinned, and certainly not watery. Well, we all know that September was on the whole a fine month, and the rain not remarkable until after the middle of October, long before which the Grapes had been duly ripened ; but being required to hang, it soon became per- ceptible that the moisture the border was receiving was com- municated through the system to the fruit, which swelled I believe, and the juice was forced through the skin and decay set in. Such is my opinion, and if it has been noticed by others possibly some inference may be drawn that may be useful another time. The season, I need hardly say, has been a moist one, but not more so than some others in which our Grapes have kept tolerably well, and the time decay set in was sooner than it has been customary for us to cut them and put them in bottles ; but I attribute their defective keeping to the lack of water I imagine they sufi'ered from in July and August : hence a sort of premature ripening, or rather a ripening-ofit, before they had attained the full size they might have done if moisture had been more plentifully supplied to their roots ; this, unfortunately, we had not the means of giving at the time, and the recent experience of those producing remarkably fine Grapes point to the conclusion that water if of the suit- able kind can hardly be given in too large quantities at that time if the border be properly made. But I do not remember of ever noticing Grapes in so promising a condition go off so rapidly from the causes stated above or some other of a likely kind. Whether this could have been averted by an outside covering or not is a matter open to opinion, my own being that it could ; but of this I would like to have that of others, more especially of those who have lost Grapes by the late damp weather, and if anyone has had experience of the beneficial effects of an outer covering as tending to preserve their fruit well, then so much the better ; as amongst the opinions then given something useful will most likely be forthcoming, and the more likely to be so if those having been unfortunate would record their misfortune as freely as they do their suc- cesses, the one affording as much instruction as the other, and in many instances more. — J. Boeson. CARNATIONS IN "WINTER. Theee has been already much written on the subject of growing winter-flowering Carnations ; but as I have been toler- ably successful in their culture for several years, and as my practice differs in some of its details from that of your other correspondents, I may be permitted to say a few words on the subject. There is an idea in many minds that Perpetual Carnations are difficult to propagate, and that when propagated they are difficult to grow, and that after all they only supply a few odd flowers for cutting. This is not in accordance with my expe- rience. Managed rightly they strike as freely as Verbenas, grow luxuriantly, and produce plants in nine months such as might be called specimens. The only secret in their cultiva- tion is that they must never receive a check so as to be at all stunted. From the time they are put in as cuttings tUl they are in full flower they must be kept steadily moving. Let them stand about in small pots for three or four months, and they will never afterwards be worth their room. February is the best time to strike them if they are intended for large plants, but they may with advantage be struck later if only small plants are wanted. There are numerous little side-shoots formed all the way up the flower-stem ; these when they are IJ or 2 inches in length should be pulled away from the stem with the finger and thumb ; generally it will be necessary to puU the leaf at their base off with them, as they can be split away better by doing so. Sometimes they will be fit for inserting without using the knife at all ; but if the bottom of the slip is at all ragged it should be cut even and then inserted firmly into light loamy soil. Those who prefer to use sand may do so at this stage; it will do no harm, but it is not necessary. Water heavily so as to settle the soil very firmly about the cuttings, and then cover with glass. The glass should not be removed even for a minute till the cut- tings are rooted, which in an average temperature of 60' will take about a fortnight. They must then be very gradually hardened by leaving at first a very small opening while there is no air on the house, shutting up closely when the house is ventilated. In about three weeks or a month from the time of inserting, the glass may be removed altogether. The simplest kind of propagating-box I know, and which I use extensively, is like those used by many people for grow- ing Geraniums but deeper, and is covered by laying a pane of glass on the top. As soon as the cuttings have fairly com- menced to grow they should be potted singly in 4-inch pots and kept in warmth for a few days till they recover, when they may bo placed in a close cold frame or one with a slight bottom heat, and gradually hardened till by the middle of May, when they will do without any more protection. As soon as possible after this time they should be potted in their flowering pots, the fast-growing kinds into 10 or 12-inch, and others of less robust habit into pots of 8 inches diameter. The soil used is simply a light fibry loam and charcoal. No manure either liquid or solid is ever given them. I do not think they like it. By the end of September they will have Deeember 9, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 503 grown into large plants and be well furnished with flower- budci. It will be necassary to house them before the least frost tonches them, for they are not at all hardy. A light airy house is the place for them, with a temperature through winter not lower than 50". They will do in a much higher temperature and the flowers will then open quicker, but the colours will not be so good and the plants will not last in condition so long. For supporting the flowers I stick birch twigs amongst and around the plants when growing ; these keep them up well and do not look so stiff and formal as stakes. I only keep the plants one season, as they never look so fresh and healthy afterwards. The kind which I have found to be the most useful is a bright red one called Belle Hose. It produces its flowers abundantly all through the winter. Purity is the best white I know, and it is highly scented. A good red-and-white-.striped kind is Beauty ; and Miss Jolliffe is a beautiful pink, very free- flowering, and vei-y sweetly scented. This last differs in habit from other Perpetual Carnations. It grows more like a Pink, and an 8-inch pot is large enough for it. Green fly is the greatest enemy winter Carnations have, and a sharp look-out should be kept for it ; for if it once gains a footing it has such a chance of hiding itself from fumi- gating and washing that it is extremely difficult to eradicate. — WrLHAM Taylok. NOTES BY THE WAY. CROYDON. One is sometimes reminded by a trivial circumstance of the lapse of time ; and when the other day I shared the hospitality of my friend the Vicar of Croydon, I could hardly believe what on comparing notes I found must be true, that it was twenty years since last I had done so. How many thoughts crowded upon our mind, and what eventful years they had been in our own personal history and in that of our nation. How much, too, had taken place in that little world of horti- culture in which we were both interested, and how much there ■was to talk about on matters connected with some of its special subjects. It was not a time very suggestive of pleasant thoughts in relation to gardening. Heavy floods, cold winds, and the promise of a sharp frost are not kindly reminders of the joys that horticulturists delight in, yet at all times one can tind something to talk aboxit and something to see ; and it may interest some of our friends to read a few notes on what I saw that dull November day in the semi-urban and semi-rural town of Croydon. The VicAEiGE. — Situated as it is just outside the town on the Waddon side, and protected by fields which Mr. Hodgson has in his own hands, from being outbuilt, one finds in the surroundings of my good friend a veritable multum in parvo. Time was when he was celebrated for his breed of Cochins, but his love for the garden has overcome that for the poultry yard ; and although he still keeps fowls, yet clearly they have given way to the flowers and fruits ; and anyone who wishes to see what can be done in a small place by one who has a willing heart could find no better place to gain a lesson than this vicarage garden. There is for the size of it a pretty con- siderable quantity of glass, and the structures are used for all purposes. Thus, there is a small stove, on the roof of which AUamandas and Passiflora quadrangularis were giving even then their briUiant and curious blooms ; while beneath were plants of various families — Ferns, Gloxinias, &c., which are useful for house decoration, and are in themselves beautiful and interesting. Then there is an orchard house, in which Peaches and Nectarines had afforded a fine supply of good fruits ; vineries, where the Grapes had indeed been gathered, but where the Vines — and many of them the newer and rarer sorts — gave evidence of health and vigour. And then there was the nattiest little fruit house that can possibly be imagined, the one thing about the place which made me in danger of brealdng the tenth commandment. The garden itself showed the same taste for all things worth having. Strawberries were very fine, and Dr. Hogg was looked upon as about the best. Magnificent fruit is gathered from it every year, and the beds looked most healthy and promising. Eoses, too, were fine, and here as elsewhere I found the seedUng Briar highly spoken of, and it seems likely to become a very popular and useful stock. The Pear and Apple, pyramids and bushes, were in excellent order. Fine samples of that grand November Pear Doyenne du Cornice were in excellent eating order, and the fruit room displayed a goodly number of Pears and Apples gathered from these trees ready for future use. Lilies, too, came in for their share of attention, and seemed from the flower stalks I saw to have done very well. Then Mr. Hodgson is a devoted lover of the Gladiolus. He has been an exhibitor and exhibited well and successfully, and it was a pleasant thing to talk over the flowers we had grown and compare our notes together. I fear that while, like many, he has to deplore the disease amongst his bulbs, he does not believe in the degenerating theory. There are some kinds more diflioult to keep free from disease than others, but they are not those which are higher bred than many which we can keep free from it, while also it makes its appearance immediately on seedlings which have never bloomed. A new site has been selected for the beds this year, and I should imagine that they will be likely to do well. Waedon House. — The name of Mr. Philip Crowley is well known amongst the horticulturists of the metropolis ; and those who have known him will not be furprised, I imagine, to hear that his place is brimfuU of valuable and rare plants. It is one of those old manor houses which were at one time so abundant in the neighbourhood of our great city, but which are being gradually improved off the face of the earth. I could see that the place itself with its well-kept lawn and good shrubberies would be worth seeing. As it was, I had to con- tent myself with going through the houses. Adjoining the mansion is a very handsome conservatory, over the roof of which rambled in wild profusion the lovely Tacsouia Van- Volxemi, for ever blooming, and then full of its beautiful crimson parachutes hanging down all over the house — the very perfection of conservatory climbers. The conservatory is ter- minated by a fernery, the floor of which slants so as to give the idea of a natural cavern, and is composed of large flat stones, such as one might expect to see on the Devonshire coast. It is heated ; and the Ferns, with here and there a Begonia intermixed, seemed to luxuriate in their abode. The range of glass is extensive, and both in stove and greenhouse were to be seen many of the plants which have been introduced of late years, all of them seeming to be well cared for and ia fine health. An orchard house was in course of erection, while the Vines were evidently in sound health. I regretted that Mr. Crowley himself was absent and that my time was so hurried, or I might have been able to glean something more worthy of notice ; but if any of the readers of the Journal should, during the course of next year, be visiting Croydon and be really interested in horticulture, they would find in both of these places a good deal to interest them, and I am sure would meet with a kindly reception from both Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Crowley. There is no greater pleasure in horticulture than to go over one's garden with anyone who thoroughly loves the pursuit, while those who only come to pass away the time are a great bore and may easily be bowed out after a short visit. — D., Deal. PEACHES AND NECTAEINES. Diamond (more properly Dymoud) was raised by Messrs. Veitch of Exeter. I do not possess it. " A. W." (page 484) asks if anyone can recommend a later Peach than Noblesse that will ripen in the midland counties. I recommend for that purpose Barrington and Rivers' Necta- rine Peach. Mine is a very cold and exposed garden, and they will ripen hero. Lord Palmerston and the Princess of Wales require to be gathered and placed a few days under glass; then pare them, slice them, and eat them with sugar. So used they are good. A good selection of Peaches would be Early Louise, Early York or Early Alfred, Dr. Hogg, Early Ascot, Grosse Mignonne, Royal George, Noblesse, Bellegarde, Barrington, and Nectarine Peach. A good selection of Nectarines would be Lord Napier, Eh-uge,. Downton, Violette Hiitive, Rivers' White, Emmerton's White (later than the previous one). Rivers' Orange, Pitmaston Orange, and Pine Apple to finish with it. If "A. W." would put some chalk or lime into his soU it would greatly improve it. Stone fruit like chalk and Ume. — W. F. Radclyffe, Okeford Fitzpaine. Stellakia r.KAMiNEA AUKEA. — In reply to " Onwaeds " I have grown Stellaria graminea aurea this season for the first time, and am highly pleased with it as a carpet bedding plant, and for that purpose it will undoubtedly supersede the Golden oOt JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTrRE AXD COTTAGE GAIU)ENEB. [ Daeembei 9, 1813. Fekther. It is escellent lor mating the ground colour of carpet beds. It is easHv propagated, grows freely, and is quite hardy. But I would preier Golden Feather where is has to be csed along wi;h Geraniums. Verbenas, oirj., in ordinary flower beds and fcorders.^B. Ixglis. PLAXTS FOB CUT FLOWEES AND SPRATS. Cyci-iiisns. — The beautiful and varied colours of these flowers and their delicate perfume enlides them to a place amongst the choicest of cut flowers. They keep fresh in water as long as any other flower, and are very suitable for button- hole bouquets. Well-grown plants are also admirable for dinner-table decoration. These may be regarded as everyday decorative plants of the first order of merit. The Cyclamen season may be said to commence with C. enro- panm album, white and sweet, which flowers in September or earlier, the variety rubrum being a pale rosy pink with richly marbled foliage, and is probably the species enropsum. C. hedersfoUum, rosy pink, flowers in September, with its white variety . alburn^ is very beautiful. The bulbs of these are Tery large. I have seen naturalised roots nearly a foot across and producing over two hundred floirers each, and these are followed by the leaves, which are usually about half as nume- rous as the flowers, and are beautiful all through the winter. C. grtecum is certainly very much akin to C. hedersefoliom, the flowers rose and white, and the foliage grand. C. africanum, blush or flesh purple tips, is also of near kinship with C. hederte- folium, but larger in all its parts. C. nobile is of the same class with C. hedeisefolium, they all flowering in antumn, and have splendid leaves. Except perhaps the two last all are hardy, and succeed in light rich loam enriched with leaf soil, doing well in well-drained borders, the ledges of rockwork, and in woods, where they are quite charming in autumn from their flowers, and in winter and spring by their leaves. The corms are most vigour when covered by decaying leaves, in the debris of which the plants appear to luxuriate, doing equally well in the moat shaded as in the open parts. I doubt not bat they "wonld thrive in a light well-drained soil in most parts of this country, and what a charm they would give to the wood- lands and rural walks when the trees are assuming autumn tints. C. neapolitanum, red, flowers in early November and before the leaves, and is followed by C. conm. deep purplish red, whic'i I have had blooming on rockwork early in December : also C. coum vemum, which usually flowers in February, and diJers only in that and in having variegated foliage. C. Atkinsi or ibericnm with the varieties album, white with purple centre, roseum, rosy red, and rubrum purpureum, deep purple red, also flower early in winter, or on the first return of spring, and areaU hardy, doing well on the ledges of rockwork ; but to have their flowers during the winter months they require to be grown in pots or pans, placing their corms about their diameter apart, and covering them wiUi soil about an inch deep. They do well in a light position in a house from which frost is excluded. Outdoors they require rather shady positions, and ■appear to thrive best on the limestone formation. C. coum and C. ibericam (Atkinsi) flower with the leaves. Alter flowering under glass the plants may be placed in a cold frame, and in summer be kept in a slightly shaded position. Eieh loam, with some leaf soil, and a little sandy peat with some pieces of chalk or old mortar rubbish, three parts loam to one part each the last three, with good drainage, will grow them well. They like watering overhead when in free growth. C. ficariffifolium or repandum is a bright shaded deep rose colour, but varying, and flowers during early April. It also likes limestone, and to be shaded not densely in summer, and to be well drained. AU the hardy Cyclamens are impatient of dry cutting winds, and should therefore have the shelter of a projecting rock in rockwork or other shelter of a wind-breaking character. C. persicum is now pretty numerous in variety, and many have finely variegated or marbled leaves, which render them very enecsive for decorative purposes. They are easily raised from seed ; plants so raised and grown-on in heat flowering within the twelvemonth from sowing. Grown in a warm greenhouse and starting early in August plants may be had in bloom by December, and to bloom well during the early winter months they require a temperature of -50' from fire heat, and ordinarily in a greenhouse the flowering will commence in February and be continued up to May. Their treatment has been eo frequently given in tlus Journal, and is treated of in the " Greenhouse Manual," so that I need not give any lengthened cultural hints. ScnxA. — S. bifolia is the first to bloom, followed by S. sibe- rica, both bright blue, and both do well in pots, potted in Sep- tember, and brought forward in a cool house in an airy position after Ot'tober. In a greenhouse they will flower by January. Of S. bifolia there in white i^alba), carnea (red), and rosea (rose) varieties, all pretty. S. amcvna is a purplish blue, and follows S. siberica. S. campanulata is light blue, and has white (alba) and rose (carnea) varieties, which flower in May or earlier, and grown in pots and forwarded as Hyacinths they flower in March or early in April. Their tall spikes of pendant bell-shaped flowers are very useful and eflective. S. autumnalis, purplish blue, flowers in August or early September. Green- house or cool-house kinds are S. peruviana, with its corymb cl blue flowers with yellow stamens. Its white andyeUow varieties, with S. ciliaris (mauve), S. Corsica (white), and S. Hughi (light blue) are all in the style oi S. peruviana, and flower in early summer, whilst S. japonica, white with rosy purple, flowers in August or early September. SqtLills in pots require Ught airy positions, a Iree sandy fibrous loam, with a third of leaf eoU and a little sandy peat, the btilbs to be covered, and the pots to be weU drained ; have I the diameter of the bulbs between each, and half their diameter I from the sides of the pots ; but some have large bulbs, as S. Corsica, and they may be grown singly in pots twice the 1 diameter of the bulbs. Outdoors the hardy kinds may be planted 3 inches deep in sandy soil well drained. Begosias. — The bulbous kinds flower from May throughout the summer ; they are grown in the stove, greenhouse, and I outdoors, in which latter case they require to be started in ' gentle heat and planted-out after the middle of June. The old B. Evansiana (discolor) may be mentioned as a good window plant with pinkish flowers, and is tisefol for omr pur- pose, as its flowers have fragrance. B. weltoniensis, pink flowers of a waxy texture, the bright shining shaded green of its leaves and its crimson stems render it a fine window plant, and Cut along with its leaves or as sprays is very useful for bouquets, Jre. It is very accommodating, blooming con- tinuously in a stove, and it does well as a greenhouse plant when kept dry in winter, and outdoors in summer it is,very eSective. B. Veitchi has large flowers of a vivid vermilion cinnabar red, 2 to 2J inches across, and is sweet-scented. It is equally accommodating as C. weltoniensis ; stove, greenhouse, window, or outdoors suits it. B. Pearcei has yellow flowers, with leaves of a dark velvety green with lighter veins, and is very elegant, and of this there is some eflective seedlings. I have no experience of it beyond a cool stove. B. intermedia, vermilion red, flourishing in a greenhouse ; also E. rosffflofa, large flowers, carmine red ; and B. Eichardsi- ana, with elegantly cut leaves and white flowers like B. Dregei, which last is very tiselul for cutting and does in a gre^ihouse, blooming in a stove all the year, it and B. weltoniensis being most useful. B. chelsoni has large salmony orange flowers, drooping, and flowers grandly during the winter in a cool stove. B. Martiana (diversifolia) is a fine subject for winter-flowering in a cool stove, and does well in a greenhouse ; the flowers are rich rosy cerise, very abundantly produced. B. boliviensis, glossy red, and its several varieties, which as cool-stove plants flower in early summer ; and kept cool and dry up to April, and then started in gentle heat, do in a green- house, or may be planted-out in June in a warm sheltered position outdoors, and they will flower freely. B. semperflorens, white or blush flowers, is very dwarf and very free-flowering, with shining green leaves ; it is desirable as a table plant. It flowers in a cool stove from January to May. The tuberotis-rooted Begonias, of which there are many fine varieties, are especially suited for greenhouse culture when the summer occupants are outdoors, requiring only to be started in heat and removed to the house in Jtme, and of late years in stmny positions outdoors they have been used with good effect. Planted on rockwork it is likely that many kinds will prove hardy. They require to be fresh potted when start- ing or required starting into growth, to be moderately watered until in free growth, then freely, but never soddened, and when the flowering is past reduce the water, withholding altogether when the plants die down, and store away in the pots in any dry place safe from frost. A compost of three parts turfy loam, one part leaf soil, hall a part each old cow dung and silver D«c«mber 9, 1873. ] JODBNAL OF IIOETICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GAEDEKEB. 505 Band, with good drainage will grow them finely. Moderate pot room only is required. Though the flowers of Begonias are not very durable, and are of the worst for travelling, they are very effective whilst they last in a cut state ; and those with bright green leaves, as weltoniensis and Dregei, superb when used as sprays, which are desirable even without the flowers. — G. Abbey. APPLYING CAP.RION TO VINE B0RDEP.3. With reference to what has appeared in your pages lately regarding carrion, &:., as applied lo Vine borders. All who have given an opinion on the subject are agreed that carrion or blood in a fresh state acts injuriously on the constitution of the Tine to which it is applied. There is not the slightest doubt, however, that the Tine is a very gross feeder, and when furnished with plenty of sound fibry roots it would be difficult to err in the matter of strong feeding, as an evidence of which I will record the case of two vineries in one of the northern counties of England. One of these vineries (when I knew them) was a Muscat, the other a Black Hamburgh house. The Muscat house was the admiration of all who saw it, the bunches being of immense size, well finished, and carried oft first honours invariably wherever they were exhibited. The Hamburgh house gave good fruit of fair average size and quality, but certainly not to be compared to the other, which was a little remarkable seeing that both houses received the same treatment, the borders were made up of the same mate- rial, and so far as the casual observer could discern both houses were on an equal footing. Such, however, was not the case, as was afterwards discovered. The main sewer from the mansion was carried down by where the vineries stood. It went straight along the front of the Muscat house border, but diverged off before touching on the Black Hamburgh border. After the lapse of years the sewage from the mansion would not pass away, when it was determined to start at the hall, open up the sewer (which was built of brick and stone cover), and follow on until they found out where the stoppage was. They reached the Muscat vinery. Here was found out the secret of the stoppage. The Tine roots had found their way through the brickwork, and the sewer was fairly choke full of clean, healthy Tine roots wal- lowing in the sewage accumulation of years. Herein, then, lay the secret of the almost unexampled success that had attended the cultivation of what is considered the most diffi- cult class of Grapes to grow and finish properly ; and I am pretty confident before this oeenrrenee that the cause of their very superior well-being was unknown even to those in charge. From such circumstances as these it is apparent that to grow Grapes of the very highest excellence the Tines must be UberaUy supplied with strong food. Other Tines also I have in my mind's eye, that have been a good deal heard about, are annually treated to a top-dressing of something akin to the sewer in question — namely, carcases of dead animals decom- posed and mixed with other ingredients in the form of soil, charcoal, &c., and there is not a doubt that such stimulants in one form or other play a very important part in the pro- duction of the enormous bunches that have been produced of late ; but before attempting to use such strong stimulants it is necessary to have a well-drained and prepared border. Tines in vigorous health, which of course means good root-action, will be greatly benefited by such applications, but certainly not by burying carrion in huik in a raw state. — J. B. S. OUR BOEDER FLOWEP.S— HYDRANGEAS. If we cannot class Hydrangeas among our herbaceous plants we can afford them space in our beds and borders. They can be turned to good account both for in and out-door decora- tion. There was a time when many experiments were tried to produce blue Hydrangeas, but I can only entertain the idea that it is one of those nnaccountable freaks that Dame Nature treats ns to sometimes. I am not aware that there is any fixed law as to the sport remaining permanent ; but, be that as it may, blue Hydrangeas are very desirable when they can be had. Hydrangeas will live through the winter in favoured localities. More than thirty years ago I remember seeing in Dr. Herbert's garden at Spofiorth a plant of Hy- drangea hortcnsis 3 feet high and as much through, that had been planted out many years ; this plant had a framework of wood placed round it, the branches drawn together, the frame- work being filled with dry leaves, and all thatched over with clean straw ; and the plant was worthy of that protective care, for to see it loaded with its huge bundles of beautiful pink flowers during the autumn was worth going a day's journey to see. Hydrangeas grow well in good sandy loam, peat, a httle wcll- rotted dung, a sprinkling of chopped bones and lime rubbish mixed well together. It is a long time since Hydrangea Hor- tensia found its home among us, and plants of it are still highly prized among many of our rural famiUes, and in some instances are looked upon as heirlooms. They are easily increased by cuttings from half-ripened shoots cut at a joint and inserted in sandy eoU in heat, and also by division when they are beginning to make young growth. The variegated kind I find to be a useful plant for edging large beds with, and equally useful for indoor work. It is a pity that we have not a golden sport to vie with the one we have. The plants can be lifted from the ground in the autumn, and stored in boxes with BufBcient soil to keep them alive through the winter. In the spring they may be divided and potted if required. I am inclined to think that there might be prizes given at cottagers' shows for encouraging the growth of these effective window and border plants, for they are not cultivated nearly to the extent they ought to be. — Vzettas. GERANIUMS FOE WINTER FLOVTEEING. j I EEG leave to call the attention of those of your gardening readers who may not be aware of the great usefulness of Geraniums for autumn and early winter flowering to the above 1 fact. The conservatory here has 'oeen moderately bright and ' cheerful-looking up to the present time, and we hope will be so for some time to come, with a small collection of these. We have used them for two or three seasons past, and have been fortunate in having Geranium trusses more or less to cut at any time during the winter season. The dark-coloured varieties we have found the most useful in all respects, the colours being deeper at this season, the flowers standing better and being more appreciated by the ladies than the light varie- ties. 11 we were restricted to one particular sort our choice would fall on Diana, a dark crimson free-flowering variety, which ought to be pretty weU known by this time. I have ' seen and had to do with most of Dr. Denny's seedlings, and like this one best of all ; nor have we ever come across anyone who did not take to it directly. It should be grown in quantity wherever there are flowering plants grown. Jessica, another of Dr. Denny's raising, is also very fine just now, and is decidedlv an improvement on 'Wellington for flowering at this Eea=on. ' As a rule the above strain of Geraniums are to be depended on for winter blooming. Fred George, a splendid ' sort when it does do well, is in fine order just now, only it is not to be depended on as a rule ; but for summer flowering it deserves to be more cultivated. Don Giovanni seems hkely to excel as a winter-flowering sort. There U a dash of purple in it that deepens in shade considerably at this season, making it aU the more effective. Princess of Wales, a rosy scarlet flower, is also promising welL H. M. Stanley, an exceedingly floriferous variety considering the size of the trusses, and crimson in colour, is first-rate. Henry King, Jean Sisley, Tesuvius, are also to be depended on in the scarlet-flowered section. I had almost forgot to mention Excellent, which is well worth growing for the above purpose. Of pinks there are none to beat Master Christine : as a rule I have always found it a perpetual bloomer, and it is in all respects one of the ; most useful sorU in cultivation for pot culture. We find ' Metcalf do very weU at this season, and it deserves growing in quantity. Blue BeU U finer-flowered at this season than at anv other, the blue being more distinct— a trait of aU sorts in which a shade of blue is apparent. The newer varieties with large flower-trusses are not so useful for late work as fte smaller-truEsed sorts ; but by having the flowers developed by the beginning to the middle of September, these can be k^t in presentable order for ten weeks or more. PoUy King is the best of the sorts with a shade of salmon in the flower that we have tried • it is fairlv floriferous, and well worth growing. For summer flowering 'it stands as one of the best. President Thiers, an attractive self-salmon flower, was fine up to the end of October, but does not seem adapted for a winter flowerer. Amongst whites we like the old 'Wnite Perfection as well as anv Vhite CUpper is, if not identical with the last, very much like it. Florence Fraser is a very pure free-flowering varietv, the purest white we have, but does not do so well at this season as the first-named. 'VTe have a number of other 506 JOUENiL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Peoember 9, 1875. sorts, bnt these are the ones which have sncceeded best. All others we have tried do well np to the end of October ; bat the bnds never open after that time, consequently they are worth- leas for winter. With regard to the best means of preparing the plants to flower now, were we to commence with a set of young plants we should prefer autumn-struck cuttings, kept growing gently during the winter in 3-inch pots, transferred in spring into others not exceeding G inches in diameter, using a sandy loam and potting very firmly. As soon as possible the plants should be placed out of doors; and when under glass, so long as they are kept moving, the hardier they are kept the better. We had ours half-plunged in a south border this summer. Beyond keeping supplied with water, the flower-trusses being picked off, and any rank-growing shoots stopped, with a little stimulant occasionally, nothing more is necessary. They should be kept out as late as possible, so long as the flowers are not destroyed by rain or frost ; the longer they can be kept out the better. When they are staged in the conservatory the one great point is to keep them free from the effects of damp. We are quite as careful with them in this respect as we are with late-keeping Grapes. If the weather is dull, cold, or rainy a gentle heat should be kept up in the pipes or flue. Just now we have a small fire burning constantly. So long as other plants are not unduly excited it does such things as Cyclamens and Chinese Primroses good, whilst a few Fuchsias may be kept blooming well into winter. Indeed, when a supply of flowers has to be kept continually in these structures it is impossible to do so satisfactorily at this season without the aid of artificial heat pretty constantly being called in. It does not do to keep the plants too dry — they do not require so much water in comparison as they do when growing — but when a certain stage of dryness at root is passed and no water given the plants suffer and the flowers wither. Summer-flowering plants if well treated do quite well for winter flowering. Last year we had them in flower in the conservatory up to the end of August, when they were required there no longer, and had the same plants full of bloom at the beginning of November. Plants may be also transferred to mixed borders during the summer, and lifted in autumn when there is a good set of flower buds, potting into the smallest-sized pot possible. As a rule, however, we like one-year-old plants in small pots. — R. P. B. (in The Gardener). PEAB BESI VAET. I THINK it desirable to call especial attention to a Pear that is a stranger to many fruit-growers, and also because some of those who are acquainted with it have an erroneous impres- sion that it will not ripen in this country. Ample proof of how little it is known or valued is lying beside me as I write, in the form of fifteen fruit catalogues received from as many different nurserymen, and it is found in only two of them. A flourishing young tree of it, a pyramid on the Quince, had some fine fruit this year which was gathered and stored in the fruit room October 12th. Knowing that its fruit was thought worthless, or at any rate only suitable for stewing, by some of those who had given it a trial, I was induced to put one or two upon a shelf near the office fire, and upon tasting one on November 18th I found it to be perfectly delicious — • sweet, juicy, and rich, with a slight yet most agreeable acidity, somewhat resembling the Chaumontel, but decidedly superior even to Jersey-grown fruit of that variety ; and I have no hesitation in strongly recommending it as a dessert fruit of the highest excellence. I need hardly add that as soon as I became aware of its great value the whole of the fruit was taken into the same genial temperature in which the first fruit was ripened, and which is about equal to that of an ordinary dwelling-room. — Edwabd Luckhubst. EOSE CLOTH OP GOLD. It may interest those of your readers who are Eose-growers to know that there is a Cloth of Gold Rose at The Firs, Bud- leigh Salterton, the seaside villa of Dr. Cromptou of Man- chester, covering a south wall 65 feet in length and 12 feet high. The girth of the wood where it is grafted is 7 inches. Last spring more than four hundred flowers were counted on it at one time. The ehoots run along a cob wall thatched so as to prevent drip. The situation is sheltered, at the bottom of a sloping garden. The soil is a black loam, the subsoil gravelly boulders. The plant has been manured with bullock's blood. It was planted about twenty-seven years ago. — William Paul, Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross. POTATOES AT THE BIRMINGHAM CATTLE SHOW. Last year there were 153 dishes staged, and that was con- sidered a very satisfactory show. This year there were 320 dishes, which constituted a much more satisfactory show, for not only is it numerically greater than previously, but the sorts exhibited are better, and, as we shall show further on, they yield informa- tion of greater value to planters. Class IG is a repetition with variations of a last year's prize. Mr. George Wise, a member of the Council, who has always shown a most lively interest in the welfare of the Society, and in a variety of ways has done the utmost in bis power to encourage a sensible cultivation of Potatoes, offered a silver cup value j£5 5s. for twelve tubers of each of the following eight varieties — viz., Ashleaf, Bresee's Peerless, Dalmahoy, Fluke, Red Regent, Hundredfold Fluke, Paterson's Victoria, and Scotch Blue. He stipulated that unless there were five competitors the cup should not be awarded except on the special recommen- dation of the Judges. There were only four entries, and one of these was not staged, consequently only three competed. These are all fairly good, and one— that of Messrs. G. & J. Perry, Acton Pigott, Condover, Salop — was so good (with perhaps, the exception of Scotch Blue, which the exhibitors call Lyall's Scotch Blue — certainly not in any way resembling Scotch Blue as shown by the donor of the prize or like any other specimen of Scotch Blue in the Exhibition), that the Judges recommended the cup should be awarded to those gentlemen. We have not heard whether Mr. Wise has given his consent, and of course, under the circumstances, it cannot be awarded without. In Class 17 a silver cup value £5 5s. was offered by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, the Queen's seedsmen. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading, for the best six varieties, of which two must be the New Hundredfold Fluke and the Red-skinned Flourball — two excellent varieties introduced by that enter- prising firm, and which from the prominence they justly take in this show, if from no other reason, they may be justly proud, for they are shown by many exhibitors not only in this class but in others, and by nearly all satisfactorily. The Judges report that the exhibits in this class were exceptionally good. There were six exhibitors. The winner of the prize (a handsome cup) is Mr. P. MoKinlay, Woodbine House, Beckingham, Kent, who, in addition to the stipulated kinds, showed Early Dimmick, Non- such, Snowflake, and Salmon Kidney— a very satisfactory and weU-grown collection. In Cltss 18 Messrs. James Carter & Co., the Queen's seedsmen, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, offered a silver cup value .i'5 5s. for the best collection of eight varieties, four to be English and four American, one of the latter to be the new American variety Breadfruit. The cup was awarded to Mr. Peter McKinlay, who staged the following :— Yorkshire Hero, Hundredfold Fluke, Main Crop, Excelsior Kidney (large, flue, and handsome), Late Rose, Vermont Beauty, Snowflake, and Carter's Breadfruit. In the same class Mr. James Betteridge was so close to the winner of the cup that the Judges, having no second prize to award, gave the unusual distinction of "very highly commended." Class 19 commences the Society's prizes. It is for twelve tubers of Ashleaf Kidneys, or any variety of that type of Potatoes. To outsiders it may seem strange to so state a class, but those who are familiar with Potato names know that there are majiy so-called varieties known by all sorts of names which are nothing but Ashleaf Kidneys. There were eight exhibitors in this class, the following being the sorts exhibited :— Lee's Hammersmith Kidney, Myatt's Prolific (two dishes), Harry (early), Ashleaf, Gloucestershire Kidney, Captain White's Early, and Rivers' Royal Ashleaf. His Grace the Duke of Portland, Clipstone Park, Mansfield, Notts, wins the first prize; Mr. Thomas P. Taylor, Lymm, Warrington, the second ; and Mr. James Bet- teridge the third. Class 20 includes all Potatoes of the Lapstone Kidney type. Here again the named sorts are many, but all resolvable to the recognised type. Sir F. Smythe, Bart., Acton Burnell, near Shrewsbury, was first with a fine sample of Lapstone pure and simple ; Mr. William Finlay, The Gardens, Wroxton Abbey, Banbury, second with a duplicate exhibit ; and Mr. James Bet- teridge third. The other varieties exhibited in this class were Flukes and King of Flukes. In the next class. No. 21, Rector of Woodstock, a new variety of great excellence but of recent introduction, only one exhibit was staged by Mr. Peter McKinlay, to whom the first prize was awarded. Class 22, for Regents or Dalmahoys. Here the prizemen were T. L. M. Cartwright, Esq., Melville House, Lady Bank, Fife, first for White Regents ; and the Duke of Portland second for Dunbar Regents, and third for Red Regents. December 9, 1875. ] JOUKNAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. 507 Class 23, for Paterson's Victoria. Here Mr. Thomas P. Taylor, Lymm, Warrington, was lirst and second; and Mr. Samuel C. Pilgrim, The Outwooda, Hinckley, third. I [Class 24, for Vermont Beauty or Browuell's Beauty. The first prize was won by Mr. McKinlay, and the second by Mr. Betteridge. Class 25, Snowflake, or any other white-skinned American variety. Mr. McKiulay was first, and Messrs. Cooks Brothers Beoond ; Mr. James Betteridge's collection was highly com- mended. The varieties shown in this class were Snowflake, Bresee's Peerless, Bresee's Prolific, and Early Goodrich, the two first taking the honours. Class 26, other white-skinned varieties, drew together Waterloo Kidney, Finslaud's Early, King of Potatoes, Webb's Surprise, Sutton's Berkshire Kidney, Edgcote Kidney, and Red Bogs. The Duke of Portland won both prizes ; the first with Webb's Surprise and the second with King of Potatoes. Class 27, for other coloured-skinned varieties. Sir Frederick Smythe, Bart., Acton Buruell, near Shrewsbury, was first, and the Duke of Portland second, with Red Flukes. The other kinds shown in this class were Red-skinned Flourball, Extra Early Vermont, Salmon Kidney, Late Rose, and Bexton Hero. Class 28, for three distinct varieties. The Duke of Portland was first with American Rose, Wood's Scarlet ProUfic, and Bre- see's Prolific ; Mr. James Betteridge second with Red Fluke, Bresee's Prolific, and Bell & Thorpe's Model ; and Mr. T. P. Taylor third with Flukes, Regents, and Red Bogs (auery, Dal- mahoys by another name ?) In Class 29, for six distinct varieties, the first and second prizes were won by the Duke of Portland with Bresee's Prolific, Waterloo, Red Regents, Snowflake, King of Potatoes, and Red Flukes in one collection, and with Red-skinned Flourball, Cli- max, Waterloo, Main Crop, Hundredfold Fluke, and Bresee's Prolific in the other. Messrs. Cocks Brothers won third prize with Peerless, Snowflake, Brownell's Beauty, Bresee's Prolific, Climax, and an unnamed dish, probably American Early Rose. Class 30, twelve distinct varieties. 'The Judges report that it was an extra good class. The prizes were awarded as under : — First and extra prize (silver cup value i'o 5s. given by George Wise, Esq.), won by Messrs. G. & J. Perry for a very grand lot, including Red Regents, Carter's Ashleaf Fluke, Bell and Thorpe's Model, Harrison's Red Fluke, Wood's Scarlet Prolific, Snowflake, Sutton's Red-skinned Flourball, Bresee's Prolific, Sutton's American Pink Eye Rusty Coats, Wheeler's Milky White, Perry's New Seedling, and Browuell's Beauty. Mr. McKinlay won the second prize with a high-class collection of medium-sized tubers, the sorts being Scotch Blue, Model, John- son's Seedhng, Early Gem, Late Rose, Snowflake, Early Dim- mick, Salmon Kidney, Vermont Beauty, American Breadfruit, King of Potatoes, and Red Emperor. The third prize was won by the Duke ot VoTt\a,ndL.— {Midland Counties Herald.) GKOS COLMAN GRAPE. Mb. DonoLAs has alluded to the flavour of this Grape as being esteemed by many. I shall be glad to know if this is really the case, for I am compelled to say that I have never been able to pronounce it otherwise than of unpleasant flavour, and I have never heard anyone say that it is in any degree good. I have had the opportunity of testing it on exhibition tables, and have also tasted it off the Vine in several vineries in which I have seen it growing, but never yet have I con- sidered it, except for its noble appearance, worthy of being placed on the dessert table. It is possible, however, that in certain soils and on some stocks that the flavour may be good, and if so it is very important that the conditions be made known, for in appearance it is the finest of all black Grapes. The Vine has also a vigorous constitution, and is a free bearer and good keeper. Mr. Rivers has described it as possessing a " peculiar fla- yonr," and as ripening its fruit in a cool vinery. I agree that its flavour is " peculiar," but I think it is a mistake to re- commend any late Grape for a cool vinery. I have grown it in a cool vinery, but the fruit was positively nasty, and I have never found it even fairly good except when grown under Muscat treatment. Dr. Hogg in the new edition of the " Fruit Manual," de- scribes it as a magnificent Grape, the fruit being as large as some Plums, of a dark purple colour, but states that the flavour cannot be called either " rich or agreeable," and adds that it requires a " considerable amount of heat to ripen it." That is precisely my experience, as it is also that of many growers with whom I have discussed the merits of the variety. As a considerable amount of experience has now been had with this splendid-looking Grape (for I find that it is fruiting in many vineries), it would be of great value if that experience could be placed on record, and especially if the conditions could be stated by which it was esteemed by its flavour as a desirable addition to our present late Grapes. If it can really be produced ot good quality it should find its way into aU Grape-growing establishments. — Ex-Exhibitob. THE EOSE ELECTION. Since the publication of the perfume poll I have received the following post card addressed to me — " Florist," an addi- tion to my name to which I have not the slightest claim. " I share your surprise about La France. Has not Franc.'oia Lacharme, most fragrant of Roses, been accidentally omitted from the list ? It is far more deUciously scented than most of those named. — A Rose Devotee." In reply to this, I may state that Frangois Lacharme received only two votes. I share " A Rose Devotee's" surprise at the low position of this deliciously scented Rose ; of the two votes one from the Blandford Nursery placing it Al, the other, my own, placing it in the second category. But as our good friend Mr. Curtis says, the matter is in its infancy ; and if in a year a future returning officer for Roses should try a Perfume Election, I fancy the results will be somewhat different. — Joseph Hinton, Warminster. THE EOOT-PKODUCING POWER OF SAWDUST. In the cultivation of nearly all tender plants in common flower-pots, gardeners have frequently to deal with subjects that have got into bad health and decline, solely because the soil in which they have been potted has become what is gene- rally termed "soured." It would be about as reasonable to expect a human being to thrive with his blood surcharged with bile as to expect a plant to thrive in a potf ul of soured soil ; and some curative measures are always necessary if the plant is to live and thrive. The derangement is often caused by in- sufficient drainage, overpotting, and overwatering ; and in the case of Pine Apple plants often from an unobserved continuous dripping of moisture into the pot. The practice of restoring plants that are so deranged is to shake all the soil from the roots, wash them clean, prune away all decaying portions, and repot into a small pot in rather sandy and fresh soil, and when they attain good health shift them on in the usual way. This season we have experimented on some plants — a good many of which did not absolutely, and some which very much did, require restorative measures. The plants were shaken out and potted — not into very small pots for the sizes ot plants — in pure fresh sawdust, and the rapidity with which in all cases the roots multiplied and gained strength has been such as we never witnessed in a long experience. Pine Apple plants produced such a mass of twiggy white rootlets as we never saw attached to a Pine plant before. The same may be said of Dracenae, Anthurium Scherzerianum, and other plants ; and we shall certainly continue to use saw- dust as a root-restorative for any plant that gets into bad con- dition at the root. They produce as many new roots in a few weeks in it as they do in soil in as many months ; and when the roots are produced it is only necessary to shake them out of the sawdust cleanly, and pot into the soil which suits them. Wo should like our readers and correspondents to try this means with plants in bad condition at the roots, and report their experience. The sawdust we use is from a mill where all sorts of home-grown timber are sawn. We shook out a small Smooth Cayenne Pine a few days ago that had been allowed to remain for two months in the sawdust, and such was the network of roots that it was not possible to rid them of the sawdust without breaking up the ball. It had been allowed to remain too long in the sawdust for the object for which it is recommended. On the Continent some nurserymen propagate largely in sawdust, and strike extra-sized cuttings far quicker than by any other means. — (The Gardener.) Tbees in Towns. — The Corporation of Birmingham have made a commencement in tree-planting in their busy streets. The spot selected for the initiatory step is Stephenson Place in front of New Street Railway Station. Councillors Parry and Barker, the Town Clerk, the Borough Surveyor, Mr. B. W. Badger, and Mr. E. H. Vertegans who supplied the trees, with a few casual passers-by, were the only persons present. Two fine Occidental Planes were planted, and some hundreds of 508 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 9, 1875. similar trees will as Bpeedily as poBsible be placed in various parts of the town. Long may they live and flourish. AURICULA CULTURE AT SHEFFIELD. The richest and healthiest collection of Auriculas that I know of among Sheffield growers is that of Mr. Simonite. They are grown in alow span-roof house. The only protection against the sooty air is that the ventilation is at the side and not overhead ; and such a marvellous amount of dirt falls on the roof glass as to render much shading from the sun quite unnecessary. It is such smoked glass that the sun looks only like a great moon through it. My friend cleans his Auriculas from insects as I do with a small brush, and this is the only cleaning the foliage gets unless we have a plant much infested, and then it is dipped overhead in soft-soap water. The plants I speak of at Sheffield are in grand health and wonderfully clean, but of course not bo bright in the white meal and clear in the green as those are which have the benefit of Bweet country air. — F. D. 'Rorser, Kirkhy Malzcard,Ripon. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. An extraordinary abnormal specimen of the common Poly- roDY (Polypodium vulgare), has been submitted tons by the Hon. and Eev. J. T. Boscawen. The fronds were gathered from a plant growing in a garden at Lauuceston. One of them had the pinna; partly of the normal shape, the remainder being curiously crested and divided, but the other frond was totally dissimilar, and was in fact perfectly distinct from any example we have seen of this genus. So finely was it divided, so feathery, and apparently bo perfect, that it resembled the HymenophyUums rather than the Polypodiums. No Fern, either native or tropical, could be more charmingly elegant than this remarkable example, and if the form should prove conBtant it cannot fail to be a valuable addition to our hardy Ferns. Mrs. Evans of The Ferns, Eynesbury, writes to Bay that she regrets not seeing the Cheshunt Hyreid Rose named among the fragrant varieties, as she thinks that for delicacy of perfume it stands unrivalled, and also adds for beauty of colour and continuance of bloom. Messes. Sutton ct Go's stand at the Birmingham Club Cattle Show was very superior. The collections of seeds and roots were some of the finest ever exhibited. Occupy- ing a conspicuous position in the Show was a magnificent dis- play of forty handsome silver cups upwards of two hundred guineas in value. These, with medals and other valuable prizes, amounting in all to five hundred guineas, will be pre- sented by Messrs. Sutton & Sons to various agricultural and horticultural societies during next year for the best specimens produced from their seeds. Messes. Caktee & Co.'s Stand at the Agricultural Hall is as good as it was at the Birmingham Show. The Auricul.1 (says " Nature ") is said to be the only Alpine plant which has come into general cultivation in the gardens of the rest of Europe. In a pamphlet entitled "Die Geschichte der Aurikel," Professor Kerner traces the history of the discovery and cultivation of this plant from the time of L'Escluse (Clusius), who first transplanted this species and the hybrid P. pubescens, Jacq., in 1582, from the Tyrolese Alps to Belgium. The latter species, and not the true P. Auricula, L., which quickly disappeared from cultivation, is believed by Professor Kerner to be the real ancestor of the cultivated Auriculas of our gardens. The two were known at the time of Clusius under the names of " Auricula-ursi I." and " Auricula-ursi II.," from the supposed resemblance in the shape of the leaves to that of the ear of a bear. The hybrid P. pubescens, which had been lost from the German and Austrian Alps for nearly three centuries, was rediscovered by Professor Kerner in 18G7 in a single locality in the Tyrol. According to the " Journal of the Chemical Society," a German chemist, Herr Haberlandt, has published elaborate tables, showing the minimum and maximum degrees of tempo rature at wbiob various seeds wiU germinate. Wheat, Barley, Eye, Oats, Buckwheat, Sugar Beets, Linseed, Poppy, Clove, Lu- cerne, Peas, Rape, Mustard, and others have their minimum be- low 4.75' cent. (40.5'Fah.) The minimum for Saintfoin, Pimper- nel, Carrot, Cumin, Sunflower, Cafs-tail Grass, Sorghum sac- oharum, Sorghum vulgare, and Maize, is between 4.75' and 10.5' cent. (40° and 51° Fah.) The maximum limit for Cori- ander and Marjoram is between 25° and 31.25° cent. (77° and 88.2' Fah.) ; for Wheat, Eye, Barley, EngUsh Ray Grass, Vetches, Horse Beans, Peas, Chick Peas, Mustard, Red Cab- bage, late Kohl Rabi, Turnips, Eadishes, Madder, Fennel, Carrots, Parsley, Linseed, Poppy, Tobacco, and Aniseed, be- tween 31.25' and 37.5= cent. (88 2° and 'J'.K', Fah.) ; for Beans, Clover, Lucerne, Early Kohl Eabi, Buckwheat, Chicory, Sun- flowers, Spurge, and some sorts of Cabbages, between 37.5° and 43.75° cent. (99.5° and 108.7° Fah.) ; and finally, for Maize, Sorghum vulgare, Turnip Eadishes, Hemp, Teasel, Gourds, and Sweet Melons, between 41.2° and 50° cent. (100° and 122" Fah.) Other tables are appended showing the per-centage of seeds germinating at different temperatures, the number of hours elapsing before the rootlets reached a length of two millimC-tres (6-100 inch), and the average growth of the rootlets in two days of different temperatures. In all cases there is increased root-growth from 18.75° cent. (64' to 77 Fah.), and in nearly all a decrease from 31.25° to 87.5° cent. (88= and 99° Fah.). POBTKAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, .\nd FRUIT. PaoTEiNOPnALLra RiviEEi. A'^a(. orrf., Aroidea;. LiHn.,Mon- ceoia Polyandria. — Native of Cochiu-China. Flower dark green and reddish purple. — {Bot. Mag., t. 6195.) Ferula (Euryanc.icm) SniiEUL. Nat. onl., Umbelliferas. Linn., Pentandria Digynia. — " The plant is a native of Turke- stan, where it inhabits mountains east of Samarkand at an elevation of 3000 to 4000 feet. It was there discovered by the celebrated traveller Fedschenko in 1869, who sent roots to Moscow in 1871. According to Fliickiger and Ilanbury's admirable work the Sumbul plant here described — which is remarkable for the fetid, musky, and milky juice of its root — was introduced into Russia in 1835 as a substitute for musk and a remedy for cholera ; thence it reached Germany in 1840 and England in 1850, where it was admitted into the pharma- copceia in 1867. In commerce the root is imported in trans- verse sUces 1 to 5 inches in diameter, with a dry papery bark, resinous inner surface, and spongy farinaceous central por- tion, which has a musky odour and bitter aromatic taste." — (Ibid., t. 619G.) Ceocus vELucHENSis. Nat. ord., Indsicevs. LiHn., Triandria Monogynia. — " It was discovered by Signor Yrioni whilst col- lecting for the late Dean Herbert on Mount Veluchi (Tym- phrestus), near the northern border of Greece (not the Morea, as inadvertently stated by Herbert in his final monograph oS the genus in the Journal of the Horticultural Society), and has since been found on the Parnassus range, and in the mountains of Thessaly, Thrace, and Transylvania. The abrupt white tip to the otherwise purple perianth- segments shown in the plant drawn in the " Botanical Register " is no4 a specific character. We have lately received from Col. Trevor Clarke a flower of C. vernus with perfectly similar coloration. C. veluchensis is still a very rare plant in cultivation." — —{Ibid., t. 6197.) Caeica CANDA3IAECENSIS. Nat. otd., Passiflorere. Linn., Di- oicia Decandria. — " The graceful Uttle tree was raised from seeds sent from the Ecuadorian Andes by the late Professor Jameson of Quito to the late Mr. Hanbury, with whom it flowered in an open border at Clapham in 1874. A specimen received from him again both flowered and fruited abundantly at Kew during the past summer and autumn, in the open air, where it was stood out after being brought into bud in a greenhouse. According to Mr. Haubury this is the species mentioned by Mr. Spruce in his and M. de Mello's very learned and interesting paper on the Papayaccii?, published in the Journal of the Linnean Society quoted above, as the Cham- biiru, or common Carica, of the Ecuadorian Andes, where it is cultivated up to an elevation of 9000 feet for the sake of its edible fruit. Mr. Spruce adds that when he visited the moun- tain of Tungnragua in February, 1858, the ground was strewed with its ripe and rotting fruits, which were smaller and sweeter than that of the common Papaw, and were the favourite food of the bears that infest the forests of that mountain." — (Ibid., t. 6198.) Dendrobium AMiJiNuii. A'rtt. or(J., Orchidaccic. LinH., Gyn- andria Monandria. — Flowers white tipped with purple. Na- tive of Nepanl and Sikkim. " Flowered by Mr. Bull, who received it from the Himalaya (probably Sikkim), where it was found at an elevation of 5000 feet. It flowered in June, 1874, in his nursery."— (Tlid., t. 6199.) Plum — Prince of ]i'ales.—" It appears to have been raised December 9, 1876. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. S09 from tha Orleans Bome forty-five years ago by Mr. Chapman, a market gardener of Syon near Brentford, and on account of its bearing qualitiea it has in the interval become very widely distribated amongst the market-gardening community. The frait is rather above the medium size and of roundish form inclining to oval, and having a distinct suture. The skin is a bright reddish purple or purplish pink dotted with yellow dots and covered thickly with an azure bloom, which produces a tint very dilBcult to reproduce in artiUcial colours, and of which our figure perhaps shows too little of the bloom. The tlesh is rather coarse-grained, separating freely from the stone, yellowish in colour, with a sweet juice and brisk flavour. The fruit ripens at the end of August or the early part of Sep- tember. The Princa of Wales is one of the best culinary Plums grown, and is besides regarded by Dr. Hogg as a second-rate dessert variety. Thompson says it may be used like the Orleans both for dessert and kitchen purposes. The tree is of vigorous growth ; the young shoots long and covered with a smooth bark, in which respect it differs from the Orleans ; and the leaves are oval with a crenated margin and smooth upper surface. " The tree is very hardy in character and a most profuse bearer even while young, which is perhaps partly owing to the large foliage acting as a protection to the blossoms. The fruit usually hangs thickly all up the branches, which at an early age are well furnished with fruit-bearing spurs. Of late years the trees in the market gardens about Loudon have suffered nonsiderably from the dying-off of large branches, but the cause of this malady has not been ascertained. It may possibly be due to exhaustion owing to the excessive crops it produces." — [Florist and Pomologist, 3 a. viii., 253.) PEACH FORCING.— No. 5. Fertilising the Blossom. — Shortly after the flowers are fully expanded the anthers will be carrying ripe yellow pollen, and the stigmas will be viscid. It is necessary that the pollen come in contact with the stigma of each flower, and its effect be complete upon the ovary. This primary cause of the fruit arriving at maturity is of paramount importance, for unless the seed be formed, and not only formed but perfected, it will not in the case of a Peach or Nectarine ripen; and though we may not ascertain how many pollen grains are needful for im- pregnating, we do know that by some agency or other the pollen must be made to act upon the stigma. Naturally insects, those with nectar-sipping pollen-gathering proclivities, the dis- turbance of the atmosphere by the wind, oven gentle rains or dew, may aud naturally do cause the distribution of the pollen, some of which perforce must be disposed upon the stigmas, and fecundation thereby be effected. Natural agents, however, but little avail the Peach-forcer. Insects are drowsy in winter, and a hive of beea in a Peach house, valuable as the bees may be in February and onward, are little good in December or January, whilst light syringing converts the pollen into paste and destroys the viscidity of the stigmas. Lightly aud sharply tapping the branches with the hand (tor a stick bruises, whilst the hand does not), the treUis or stems of the trees will cause the pollen to be cast as so much golden dust, and this practised every day after the pollen is yellow until the petals drop in the middle of the fore- noon, or after air has been admitted, will in most instances be effective. Instances, however, of non-setting occur after re- course has been had to the distribution of the pollen by the shaking process, which may arise from the flower, though perfect in every other manner, being defective in the anthers — sterile of pollen. It is difficult to account for a deficiency of the pollen substance, but I have noticed the deficiency to pre- vail most in those kinds having large flowers, as Early York, Early Grosse Mignonne, Grosse Mignonne, Noblesse, Early Alfred, Early Rivers, itc, whilst those with small flowers, as Royal George, Bellegarde, Violet Hdtive, Early Louise, Elruge, and Violet Hdtive Nectarine, are very productive of impreg- nating matter. It is well to note carefully the trees at the time of blossoming, and any defective in quality of pollen may be fertilised with the superabundancy collected from other trees. The best aids to impregnation are a clear sky, a dry atmo- sphere, and a light breeze as will be generated by free air- giving consequent upon the sun's heat expanding the mercury, and this with lightly shaking the trees already mentioned is often sufficient (care being taken to prevent, by a Uttle air left on at night, the atmosphere from becoming close and stagnant) to secure a good set. The chances of having bright weather at the time of the blossoming are about evenly balanced, and should the weather be dull and wet or foggy, the necessity for artificial impregnation may arise, and in case of a deficiency of pollen is absolutely necessary. So convinced am I of its utility, that I always resort to the disposition of the pollen by a oamel's-hair brush. It is best done with a rather loose and spreading one than one with the hair closely set, and bringing the brush crosswise the anthers the act of disturbing them will cause the pollen to be dispersed, some of which will bo caught by the brush soon becoming coated beyond its power of re- tention with the golden dust, and as we draw the brush across the anthers the stigmas must hold some of the pollen. The blossoms do not all attain full expansion at once, aud the fitness for impregnation varies in different individuals; therefore, the trees should be gone over frequently, and only those having ripe poUen should have the brush drawn across them. Any trees with deficient pollen may be gone over with the brush after using it upon those with abundance of pollen, and whilst those are being done a sheet of white paper held in the left hand whilst the brush is employed with the right, and beneath where operating enough pollen will fall from a treo well furnished therewith sufficient to impregnate the trees de- ficient thereof. To go over the trees every other day whilst in blossom is not a very serious affair, and may make all the difference in the crop. Care should be exercised in the appli- cation of the bruah, fur if used roughly and heavily the style of the pistil may be injured or the viscidity of the stigma re- moved ; but done with a light hand and at the right time it is desirable, it is certain to be beneficial, and is a process which I should not feel easy in omitting when the trees are in blossom at tha dullest period of the year. In the fertilisation of the blossom notice will be made of some with two pistils, notably Noblesse, Grosse Mignonne, Early York, and the Peaches and Nectarines with large flowers, and these give twin fruit, not one in twenty of which do other than fall alter setting, rarely passing stoning. They should be removed, and this may as well be done at blossoming as any other time. The adventitious or twice-flowering or more of some fruits has been noted, but I do not remember the Peach and Nec- tarine being included. About four years ago an Early Y'ork had several blossoms late in September, and set the fruit well, swelling to about the sizo of Peas, and again this year a Nec- tarine we had for Elruge, but it is the Roman, of which Par- kinson wrote in 1029, " It has a large or groat purplish blossom like unto a Peach ; " and Dr. Hogg says, " la one of the oldest if not the oldest Nectarine in cultivation," which had in the middle of November a fruit the size of a pea. This adventitious flowering I have found when prevaihng to only a small extent a good augury of future prospects. I will now allude to the advancement by stages of the fruit of the Peach and Nectarine. Tha first stage is that immedi- ately following setting. Many fruit after setting swell to the Diza of peas and become stationary, swelling very little for near a fortnight; some fruits swell rapidly, aud with others the footstalk shrivels and the fruit falls. If cut through these fruits are found to be imperfect. I was under the impression that this dropping of the young fruit was duo to over-sotting — too many fruit for the trees to support ; but acting upon it by reducing the fruit after setting convinced me of my error, for some fell just the same, whilst others swelled. Inspection of tha flowers prior to impregnation led to its being attributed to the defectiveness of the female organ on the one hand and of the inertness of the pollen on the other, but in most instances the former. I allude to this because it has been advised in cases of a prepoaderauce of flowers to thin them, resolving itself into a question of which may and which flowers may not be removed. It is easy in tho case of Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, to tell the flowera by their want ot ovary aud smallness as non-setters, and the large blossoms, with largo ovaries and stouter footstalks, as the setters ; but in the nato of the Peach and Nectarine the large flower showing the ovary very clearly at the base set only to drop when tho size of a pea ; whilst the medium-sized flower upon weaker wood, with the ovary prominent, sete and retains its hold with a tenacity exceeding that of tha larger flowers on strong wood, whilst small flowers with no apparent nectary almost invariably drop with the petals. It is clear that the flowers to be thiuned are the weakest, but in what way their removal can contribute to the setting of those retained is, to say the least, (juestionable and uncertain. The only good I think that a removal of super- fluity of blossom can effect is the diversion of matter from 510 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 9, 1875. expenditure on nselesa bloom to improving and invigorating the growing parts, and acting in that way, if it does, must contribate immensely to the after-support of the fruit and vitality of the tree itself. The next stage to which I will allude is the commencing of the stoning process, and the advantage is here in favour of the moderately vigorous tree and the weak, for the vigorous tree oasts its fruit to an alarming extent. If the fruit be cut we find a kernel of watery matter, or the dried empty skin of the seed, or hollow cavity, the footstalk of the fruit dried up, and the fruit itself shrivelling. There is a cause for this no doubt, yet what that may be I could never ascertain. It is clearly not an effect of treatment nor of overcropping, but, contrary- wise, luxuriance of growth. Can it be that the growth being gross the ascending sap is imperfectly elaborated in the fruit, and the descending juice or cambium is diminished in propor- tion from the great loss consequent on the excessive exhalation from the leaves and fruit surfaces of gross trees as compared with the moderately vigorous? This I think is the case, for, first, the fruit invariably shrinks ; and second, if a ligature be placed on the branch or shoot bearing fruit below the fruit so tight as to compress the sap vessels, the fruit seldom drops. I contend, therefore, that as the trees at this stage grow but slowly, that the process is being undergone in respect of the fruit similar to that occurring later on in respect of the wood — viz., its ripening. The ascending sap being excessive, growth and unfruitfulness ensue ; but the ascending sap being mode- rate, the descending is greater correspondingly from the lesser exhalation taking place by the leaves and fruit, and the parts are more fruitful. The casting of the fruit at this stage is analogous to that described in the " Science and Practice of Gardening," page 330, summed up in the following terms : — " A similar defective fertility occurs if the female parent in animals is over-stimulated and fat." The third stage is the stoning one, and this is certainly, in respect of the fruit, similar to the ripening of the wood. The seed is with the completion of the stone perfect, as with the ripening of the wood the buds are rendered fertile or otherwise abortive. The two last stages are dependant upon the condi- tion of the parent. It is not a result of imperfect impregna- tion, but of grossness of growth, or its opposite, weakness, and resultant from overcropping. If the growth of the trees be gross, and much wood is made during the stoning, few fruit will pass it safely ; and in the case of a weak tree, from the ill supply of nutriment, the fruit, if at all abundant, does not stone, a number of fruit dropping, but not to such an extent as in the gross subject ; whUst the moderately vigorous tree, with stout short-jointed wood, not overcropped, and its growth stationary or nearly so during the stoning period, passes the stage with the loss of few, if any, fruit, and what do fall are the small and iiaperfeot. The importance, then, of the ripening of the wood or the deposition of cambium is essential to the fruit passing the first stage, also the second and third, and points to our avoiding the extreme of moisture and over-stimulating food during those periods or those immediately preceding, " inasmuch as an abundant supply of these increases excessively the develop- ment of the succulent parts of the fruit, and yet the vessels from this to the seed often wither and render it abortive." — Science and Practice of Gardening, page 330.— G. Abbey. CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS. No. 4. Though it is but a word of three letters, I consider the word " fly " to be one of the broadest words in the English language, since it serves in its popular asceptation to cover such a mul- titude of insects. Besides flies proper we have no end of flies improper rejoicing in this appellation. Many species of the Hjmenopterous order are flies with most folk ; so are the dragon flies, the May flies, and other Neuroptera. The Hemi- pterous aphis and sundry relatives rejoice in this epithet, and so do the caddis flies. More than that, the name touches the unlikely order of the beetles, for allaltica is a Turnip fly; and day-flying species amongst the gaudy tribe of the Lepidoptera are butterflies, or even simply flies. In fact it might not be diflficult to establish the theory that originally English folks called every insect that could fly a fly ; though, on the other hand, there is no evidence that people called insects which did not fly a " creep " or a " crawl," yet it would have been quite as appropriately vague. Flies, however, to speak scientifically, constitute the important order of the Diptera or Two-winged insects, placed by some writers on entomology at one end of the insect class, and by some writers at the other end. As we work from the lower to the higher the consideration of it comes here. To most persons the name at once suggests annoyance or loss, and visions come up of the house fly, the bluebottle, the gnat, the mosquito, the gadfly, and less-known species of a like evil repute, while the horticulturist has his special reasons for disliking the Diptera ; and yet these insects render important services to mankind at large, and some ser- vices worth mentioning to the flower, kitchen, and fruit garden. Pre-eminently are the scavengers of the insect race represented amongst the flies ; and their labours in decomposing and de- vouring substances which would otherwise be noxious or at least useless, were recognised long centuries ago by the men who in old Greece and Italy groped eagerly and painfully after the truths of natural science. So far as numbers are concerned flies take the lead amongst insects, though in point of size many of the species occupy only a low place. Flies have not inappropriately been termed the pioneers of the insect host, for it has been observed that on barren lands which have been brought under cultivation, and where insect life was previously lacking, the first species that present themselves are these two-winged insects. I dare- say a look of disgust steals over the face of many a gardener as he contemplates the " insects of the sunshine," about which the poets have gone into rhapsodies, and most of which belong to the Dipterous order, and wishes they would take their aiirial excursions anywhere else but in his domains. Yet really I, for my part, would venture on the assertion that on the whole we have more reason to view the Diptera with friendliness than with disfavour, though I know there are some who would maintain the opposite. It is certain that of the multitude of flies one sees about the garden or the conservatory the majority are only intent upon imbibing the honey of flowers and have no sinister designs, and a proportion of them are directly or indirectly beneficial to us. Of course there remains yet a pro- portion that are injurious either in the fly state, or, more frequently, while in the larval or maggot condition. Mean- while I would urge the reader to keep in mind these four facts, which I put as curtly as possible lest he should say emphati- cally in the words of a popular refrain, "Bother the flies!" First, then, various larva) of flies do service as scavengers in preparing decomposing matter for the enrichment of the ground ; secondly, many flies as images and larvse prey upon other insects, and also on other flies ; thirdly, the fertilisation of flowers is frequently brought about by the passage of flies from one blossom to another ; and fourthly, flies supply an important element of food to numerous birds which would otherwise attack vegetation. It is well known that when much damage is done to the buds in spring the birds who have been concerned in the matter have had difficulty in obtaining suffi- cient insects for their requirements, and so they fall upon the tender leaf buds. Of course I grant that sometimes the birds open buds for the sake of the insects they contain. The particulars which need to be noted to enable us readily to distinguish the bulk of true flies are brief and simple. The two wings are clear and are never folded, while in place of the hind wings found in other orders we have a pair of balancers or poisers ending in a small knob. The mouth is best known by its proboscis or sucker, rendered still more ellective in some species by an accompanying array of lancets, represent- ing what amongst the biters of the insect tribes we call the mandibles and maxillfe. The pupa of a fly is always inactive, nor does its shape give any clue to the insect enclosed. The famihar maggot or larva is legless and most usually simple in form, though a few species with aquatic habits are curiously decorated with appendages having to do with the breathing or swimming apparatus like that of the common gnat. The eyes are large, sometimes seeming to absorb the whole of the head. In the structure of the legs we notice that the tarsus (which represents what we call the calf in the human subject) has five joints, the feet being clawed and provided with flat hairy pads, generally two in number, occasionally wanting. These pads enable flies to perform those feats, so astonishing to the eye, in the way of walking head downwards on substances which offer no grip ; and even when the structure of the fly is examined there is stOl some difficulty in comprehending " how it's done." Flies, however, are not the only insects thus skilled in gymnastics, though they have been spoken of as if they were singularly clever in this mode of progression. The very small division of the flies called the Eprobosoidea only require a few words, as they do not concern gardeners, December 9, 1875. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 511 since the fliea in their mature condition are parasites on the bodies of animals, and a few species aie without wings. The forest fly is a famihar example of the winged type of the division, and the sheep tick, so called, of the wingless. In this group wo have the most peculiar circumstance of the female insect producing but one individual, and that either an adult larva or a pupa. The bulk of the llics form the Pro- boBcidea; again divided into the Nemociri, slim creatures mostly, with longish threadlike antcnmi) and long lege, and the Brachycera with rather stumpy antenmc displaying a fine bristle at the base, though a few have these longer, but not jointed as in the Nemocera. Though the majority of the species in the order belong to the latter group, we notice the former group about us quite as much, from the habit they have in many instances of cougregatiug in parties — gnats and j midges for instance. But without venturing on a close calcu- lation, I compute that the gardeners' enemies of the Dipterous race preponderate amongst the Nemocera. It is not always easy, however, to distinguish friend from foe, not only in the case of flies but with various other insects, because a vege- tarian in one stage will be predacious afterwards, and vice versa ; so that the benefit may be more than a set-o£f against the injury received. Some entomologists, again, have endea- voured to break up the Nemocera into two natural divisions of Blood-sucking Flies and Flower-lovers, not very successfully as yet. We may take it, on Mr. Walker's plan, as dividing itself into ten families, the rather obscure family of the Myceto- philidffi coming first, although its representatives are small in size but excessively active, seeming to skip almost as frequently as they fly : in popular phrase they would be called tiny gnats, though they have shorter Ifgs. The larva; feed on fungi, also on decaying vegetable matter, or perhaps sometimes on decom- posing animal substances, and they can hardly be said tc affect horticulture either favourably or unfavourably. I am not aware of any authentic instances where they have done mischief to the edible fungi cultivated in our gardens. Far more important is the next family of the Cecidomyrid.T, em- bracing the myriads of the gall gnats, many species of which must be counted amongst the gardener's foes, though the result of their operations is a disfigurement and not the death of the plant attacked, nor an arrest of its fructification. Few species of Cecidomyia trouble the orchard or the kitchen garden ; still there are exceptions : thus in 187 1 C. nigra, at first suspected to be a different insect, destroyed a good many Pears. It is the habit of the species, as we conclude, to deposit eggs on the Pear bloom, and the young larva; or grubs, eating in, bring the fiuit to the ground at an early period immediately after they are knit. No one, as a rule, takes any heed of these email windfalls, especially when a certain proportion remain behind, and so the insects are suffered to increase and mul- tiply. As Mr. Newman observes, tuch abortive Pears should be carefully picked up and burnt to insure the destruction of a part of the images, though no man can secure himself from these winged visitants if they chance to come from his neigh- bours' orchards. Some years ago a Cecidomyia was very active in disfiguring the leaves of the Aeh in gardens and plantations, and there is a well-known species that attacks the Raspberry canes, causing swellings which are seldom attributed to the insect that really is the germ of the mischief. Everywhere, in the garden and the wild, do Cecidomyrid.'e occur, the mal- formations they develope in leaves and flowers being some- times of very singular shape. The woody galls, however, are generally produced by Hymenoptera, though the gall gnats frequent certain of the galls of that sort, not as parasites but as visitants, living amicably with the rightful tenant, as is supposed. It is a question, though, whether intruders into a gall do not under some circumstances starve out the gall- maker, lu the case of several flowers the larva; of these flies bring about abnormal growths ; thus, in those of the Tansy, when it is attacked, the stamens and style have been observed to disappear, while the corolla was unnaturally shortened. On the Ground Ivy the larva; of a species of Cecidomyia feed in small case-like dwellings which are readily detached from the plant, reminding one of the tent-abodes of the caterpillars of numerous small moths of the Coleophora tribe, in shape re- sembling a cigar. Small as are these larva;, many of them journey from the plant to the earth, into which they enter to become pupa; ; and a correspondent of a scientific journal asked curiously, " What is the fate of the Cecidomyia larv.T that have completed their term of larval life on the boughs of Willows and Osiers overhanging water, since, if they followed their usual habit and descended they must tumble in and be drowned '.'" To which a rather exteuBivo observer of galls has replied that the insects will seldom be found occupying such situations, the parent flies instinctively avoiding these branches. Seme of the gall gnats make silken cocoons. Agriculturists have reason to consider the word Cecidomyia a name of terror, since serious damage is committed by C. tritici, the Wheat fly. This autumn I noticed the species swarmed in some fields in the North Kent districts, and it is most difficult to deal with. In dismissing the Cecidomyrida; I gladly give them a favour- able note at parting', and therefore state that some of them assist the Coccinelhe and the Syrphi in thinning the numbers of the aphides. Apparently they "do good by stealth" if they do not " blush to find it fame." Indeed, one discovers that the aphides have far more insect enemies than was once thought ; and it is a fortunate fact, otherwise through their vast fertility we should suffer from them still more severely, since all aphides seem born with good constitutions, and in weather that is most tiying to humanity they can be " awfully jolly."-C. NOBKIS GREEN, THE SEAT OF J. P. nEYWOOD, ESQ. Mk. Heywood's name is well known as a chief banker of Liverpool. Norris Green is situated at West Derby, about six miles from Liverpool. My visit was not marked with the most propitious weather, for the rain fell thick and fast from early dawn to 1 p.m. ; this was in the month of August, and the day of my visit was said to be the wettest day of the season, yet I was determined on seeing Norris Green despite the rain. At the entrance gates is a substantial lodge of red sand- stone, passing which a good broad sweep of well-kept carriage drive brought me to the rtansion. On each side the drive is a thriving belt of shrubs. Hollies in particular seem to thrive better in this locality than they are generally met with in the more south and easterly counties. The mansion is a plain substantial-built residence, pleasantly situated. In a north-easterly direction the eye looks upon a richly wooded landscape stretching some miles away. From this point is obtained a bird's-eye view of Knowsley, the noble mansion of the Earl of Derby, and from the same standpoint a view is obtained of Croxteth Park, the seat of the Earl of Sefton. The western side of the mansion is shut in by tall trees and belts of shrubs, for the purpose of shelter and shutting out the public highway which runs close by. To the left of the mansion is a good sweep of well-kept lawn, next comes a group of fine old Beeches, &c. ; this is called The Rookery. Beyond this a belt of large trees extend- ing far in a gentle sweep to the north-east ; this gives a back- ground as well as shelter. A walk extends through this wood. Retracing our steps we now come to the winter garden and conservatory. It is a sunk or panel garden, and is luO yards long by 36 wide. Formerly it was the flower garden proper, but owing to the family being away during the summer months the enclosure is now converted into a winter and spring gar- den. It is planted with choice kinds of flowering shrubs, such as Ghent Azaleas, choice kinds of Rhododendrons, Mediter- ranean Heaths, Pernettyas, Kalmias, Andromeda floribunda. Daphne cneorum, etc. The shrubs planted by the sides of the walks are Golden Yew, Taxus aurea, Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis, and C. fusifera. A few beds are left for bulbs and summer-flowering plants. By a judicious arrangement of three sets of bulbs these beds are kept gay a considerable time, first set being Crocuses, second Hyacinths, third Tulips. They are all planted at one time, in new soU, early in the autumn, about 2 inches deep. By this system a succession of bloom is obtained, one set closely following the other, leaving no blanks in any part. After flowering the bulbs are taken up and after- wards used for border purposes, fresh bulbs being planted every year. These are followed by ordinary bedding plants. The vases round this garden are filled with low-growing plants, such as Sedums, Ac, with Ivy growing round the pedestals. The conservatory is at the end of the garden. Beyond is a walk 150 yards long by 10 feet wide, planted on each side with Conifers — Picea Nordmanniana, P. nobUis, and P. insignis; Deodaras, Wellingionias, Araucaria imbricata, and Arbor- Vita?. These on each side are sheltered by large forest trees ; but Conifers do not seem to thrive well after they attain a certain height, for strong westerly winds are powerful here, and the dense volume of smoke and fog which passes over this locality has its baneful effects on some kinds of shrubs. For such 512 JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. t December 9, 187S. localities the dwarfer kinds of Conifers are better suited, where they can be sheltered by large-growing trees. The conservatory is 71 feet long by 40 wide, and is built on the ridge-and-furrow principle, and has four entrances. A walk 4 feet wide runs round the sides, the central walks being 5 feet wide ; these are edged with stone and covered with a light-coloured shingly gravel. A stage is round the sides of the house 2i feet wide for small plants. As will be under- stood by the arrangement of the walks, this leaves four com- partments. In these compartments are planted Camellias, each plant being separated from the others by a single-brick partition wall. No doubt this is a wise provision in the event cf any one )>lant requiring to bo removed, so that it would not in any way interfere with the adjoining. Each division con- tains about a dozen exceedingly fine plants. They are grown as pyramids, in a soil about two-thirds of loam and one of peat, with a little silver sand; in the spring and summer months they are watered with farmyard liquid manure diluted with rain water. They were bristling with bloom buds, which have been judiciously thinned, so that good blooms may be looked for. The following are the dimensions of a few of the plants : — Camellia Chandelerii is 8 feet high by 5 through ; imbricata alba, 8 feet by G feet; Chelsonii, 8 feet by 5 feet; elegans, 10 feet by .5 feet; Waltoniensis, 7 feet by 5 feet; Aitonii, 7 feet by 5 feet; franeifurtensis, 6 feet by 4 feet; Lady Hume's Blush, 0 feet by 6 feet ; imbricata rubra, 9 feet by 6 feet; reticulata, 8 feet by 4 feet— this is grown as a standard, and is rather a difficult one to grow well; Saceoi Nova, 10 feet by 8 feet. At the corners of these divisions is a plant of Azalea indica alba, 6 feet by 5 feet. The roof of the conservatory is supported by eight iron columns, braced together by girders. On these are trained Gloire de Dijon and Fig. 1U7.— NOHKIS OriEES. Marfichal Niel Eosea, Tacsonia Van-Volxemi, Acacias, and other choice climbers. These were growing in unconfined profusion, thus having a more natural and pleasing appear- ance than when trimly trained. This house is efficiently heated by two saddle boilers. The kitchen garden and forcing department is a walled-in enclosure. The first house wo enter is a span-roofed stove 40 feet long by 20 wide, with a stage round the sides and a pit in the centre. In this pit is a hot-water tank, over which is placed the plants. Noticeable was a fine plant of Dracfena lincata 10 feet high, a good plant of Allamanda Sohottii finely in bloom, also some very fine plants of Euchriris amazonica, choice Orchids and Ferns. Next comes a half-span Cucumber and Melon house 54 feet by 17 feet. The Melons grown were Royal Ascot, Green-fleshed, and Cox's Golden Gem, which are hi'^hly spoken of. Next in order is a range 150 feet long by 19 feet wide, divided into four compartments, a central com- partment being for plants, which contained a good collection of Azaleas, Ac, of convenient sizes, which have when in flower to do duty in the conservatory. The other compart- ments are for early and late-keeping Grapes. Lady Downe'a Seedling and Black Alicante are the best sorts for late keep- ing, but preference is given to Lady Downe's Seedling, which Mr. Child told me keeps in good condition until May. For early Grapes the Black Hamburgh is grown. The forcing of the early house is begun at the end of October, and ripe Grapes are cut in April ; and as the late kinds are kept until May this gives a succession the year round. One house had been recently planted with Muscat of Alexandria, which had covered a rafter 22 feet long, the wood being well ripened and short-jointed. We next enter a span-roofed house 40 feet by 20 wide, with a pit in the centre and a stage round the sides. The centre pit is filled with soil and planted with choice kinds of Tea Boses, which are trained over iron trelliswork ; they are also trained up the rafters. On the side stages were some nice young plants of tree Mignonette, growiug-on for conservatory decoration, besides many other plants for the same purpose. This house furnishes a good supply of cut blooms during the spring months. In addition to this house a choice selection of about two hundred plants are forced for decorative purposes. The next house is a lean-to vinery 45 feet by 18 feet, which is planted with a double set of young Vines (Hamburghs), the permanent Vines being planted in an outside border while the temporary Vines are planted inside for earlier forcing. This is done with a view to cropping the temporary canes only until the permanent Vines are thoroughly established. My attention was next directed to a epan-roofed house 45 feet by 15 feet, with a walk down the ee>itre and a pit on either side also planted with Vines; this is a late house, the December 9, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 613 sorts being Lady Downe's Seedling and Alicante. This was not originally intended for a vinery, but merely for a temporary purpose. Sentence of death had been passed on these Vines, but in consequence of their continuing to bear crops of such excellence the sentence has been withdrawn during Mr. Child's pleasure, a decision I quite agree with. Next is a lean-to range about 240 feet long by 12 wide and 12 high in four compartments, planted with Peaches and Nec- tarines. The fruit from the first houses had been gathered some time ; in the second houses I noticed good fruit of Belle- garde Peach and Acton Soott Nectarines, the whole having produced average crops of good fruit ; a late house contained some fine fruit of Pitmastou Orange Nectarines. At each end of this range is a gable or span entrance ; on the front side these entrances are planted with Figs. These with the usual cold pits aud frames cumplete the glass structures. Large quantities of Chrjsauthemums were growing-on for decorative purposes. The large-flowering kinds are grown on single stems, which at the time of my visit were from 4 to 5 feet high ; the Pompones are trained on low flat trelUseg. The larger-growing kinds when in bloom are placed between the Camellias, which help to light up the more sombre-looking foliage of the latter. It is no light task to keep this large conservatory gay through the dull months of autumn, winter, and spring. To show the extent of the forcing required for such a purpose, I may mention that five hundred Boman Hyacinths, and about the same quantity of various colours are employed, besides a thousand Tulips, eight hundred Cro- cuses, one hundred and fifty Narcissuses, two hundred Lilies of the Yalley, one hundred aud fifty Spirasa japonicas, supple- mented by Primulas and Justicia speciosa, of each about a hundred plants, spring-struck ; Cyclamens, Celosias, and Cocks- combs. Begonia weltonensis and parviflora are found very useful, also large quantities of flowering shrubs, such as Ghent Azaleas, Bhododendrons, Lilacs, and a host of other plants too numerous to mention. A wide border in front of the principal range of houses is planted with ordinary spring flowers, such as Daisies, Violas, Polyanthus, Myosotis, &o. A short distance from this border is an ItaUan garden, which is filled with three sets of bulbs the same as previously described. At the back of the prin- cipal range are the young men's bothies, potting sheds, &o. It is worthy of remark that their comforts here are studied more than they are in many places. The apartments were clean and healthy, and consist of kitchen or mess-room, which contains a good cooking range and separate bedrooms, the foreman having a room to himself; there ia also a woman attendant. The kitchen garden contains the usual assortment of fruit trees, &a., except Peaches and Nectarines, which are grown under glass. Noticeable on a west wall was a fine crop of Morello Cherries. About twelve hundred Strawberry plants are prepared annually for forcing ; Due de Malakoff, Vicomtesse HCrioart de Thury, Sir .J. Paxton, and President are forced in the order named. The greater part of the vegetables are grown a little distance away, the ground devoted to their cul- ture being about four acres in extent. Leaving the kitchen garden by a short cut we arrived at two semi-detached cottages with neat gardens and abounding with sweet-smelUng flowers ; these cottages are occupied by Mr. Child and the coachman. I must not omit to mention that in addition to the comfortable housing of Mr. ChUd and his young men the labourers are not neglected, for near at hand is a row of comfortable cottages. This is a worthy example ou the part of Mr. Heywood, and would be better for both employer and employed if the example was more generally carried out ; it would tend to cement master and man more closely together, and the advintages of such a plan cannot be over-estimated. It is toocften the case that men have long distances to walk morninK and evening, and it must beo'ovious that a man having throe or four miles to walk cannot be so fresh for his daily labour as one who is close to his work. Mr. Child's staff consists of thirteen men — viz., nine labourers and four journeyman gardeners, the whole of which are em- ployed in the houses on wet days. — G. E. Allis. NOTES OxV VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Winter having set in severely and somewhat suddenly has very much altered the sort of work to be done ; for what would have been a busy time for plantiu? and ground work should now be devoted to such work as will forward operations when the weather proves favourable. On the Srd (Friday) there were 4° of frost after a heavy downfall of snow ; but this morning (Saturday) the thermometer registered 13° of frost, but this did not come on till the morning, and by eleven o'clock the glass stood again at the freezing point. Now it is hoped that the previous advice given about the preparation of protecting ma- terials has not been neglected, for they will now be wanted in real earnest. The wet eeason we have bad, which in so many districts has caused a temporary flooding of the soil, has caused many plants in the kitchen garden to be more sappy or tender than a finer autumn would have brought about, consequently that one circumstance will, if the frost last long, cause a greater destruction by it. In many gardens about here the crop of Celery is poor : in order to save as much of it as possible the most of it should be protected by litter or straw, or even branches of evergreens. Again a whole row may be taken up, leaving as much root as possible, and take the plants to a shed or cellar, and lay the roots in dry earth. If the frost should penetrate the earth so as to reach the plant I am afraid that much of it will suddenly rot when a thaw takes place. That is my reason for stating that much of it should be taken up. The heads turning in of Snow's Winter BroccoU have been cut, and as the plants remaining of this and other sorts are covered with a thick coating of snow it will be well to let them alone, as snow, if it comes before frost in sufficient quantity, is a great protector. But where Broccoli suffers considerably is when a sudden thaw comes on so as to melt the snow off the plant and then suddenly freezing again, the plants after that are liable to go off at the most tender part — just under the heads. Watch carefully the heat in outdoor beds of Seakale and Asparagus. If the heat is at present sufficient it will be best not to do more than add an extra covering of dry material to keep the heat in as much as possible. In former times when these plants were more frequently forced outdoors it was no small trouble for gardeners to keep up the heat ; thatched hurdles were often called into use to stand round the beds and keep in a lining of dry straw between these and the heated dung. Whether the plants are in a frame or a dung bed these protectors should always be prepared, for they are excellent aids and applied in a few minutes, and as easily taken away when not wanted. Whoever may be collecting fresh manure for an early Cucumber bed should, it possible, put it under an open shed, or if that is not convenient it should be protected from frost and snow outdoors, both of which hinder the process of fermentation and render the bed dangerous from rank steam when put up. Leaves from trees are useful to add to the manure. In the fruit garden I am afraid if frost comes on too severely that some of the tender sorts of fruit trees will suffer; for I see the wood of Peach and Nectarine trees ia very imperfectly ripened, and of the late sorts many of the leaves are still hang- ing green upon them. Now a temporary protection of evergreen boughs stuck among them would do no harm, but probably prevent much injury, and these any amateur can obtain and they are quickly applied. Fig trees on walls may be treated in a similar way. In such early winters as this the plan of thatch- ing the trees in upon the wall is not a bad one ; it saves the young wood if not the fruit; it would, however, be a long job with large old trees whose branches have been allowed to grow too much out of bounds. Young wood may be gathered up into a comparatively small space and tied together, and protection made easy. Though gardeners in large places have much of this sort of protection to resort to, it is necessary to success and applies with the same importance to the amateur though in a much smaller way. Now the opportunity is come do not neglect to have plenty of labels made of different size'J both for kitchen-garden crops and indoor plants, also flower-garden pegs made, flower stakes made, aud old wall nails cleaned, shreds cut, and everything arranged for convenience at a more busy time. The store of fruit should be looked over, and take care that the temperature does not fall too low ; it ought to be kept at about 50' Fahr. The same may be said with Potatoes, which ought not to be helow 40". In the greenhouse watch that the heat mav be also kept very regular and by no means too high — say about 40°, which will keep most plants in a proper state at present. A hot dry heat when the weather is too severe to admit of ventilating the house is one of the most injurious plans of treatment, and should he guarded against in every possible way. — Thomas Record. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. HAHnY FRUIT GARDEN. Winter has come upon us rather suddenly this season, and those are fortunate who have their trees planted out and a thick mulching of short manure placed over the roots. Should packages of trees arrive in severe weather, or at a time when the ground is not in a condition for them to be planted, they 514 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( December 9, 1876. must be laid-in carefully, aucl not be planted when the ground IB frozen, or if it is saturated with wet. We look over all trees in the open borders at this time, and prune where it is required. The eyetem of summer-pruning has a tendency to overcrowd the branches, and if this is the case the fruit is not sufEciently exposed to the iufjuence of sun and air; nor will fruit buds be formed in the thickest parts of the trees at all. The pruning knife thould be used freely in the way of thinning-out the wood ; there is little danger of overdoing it. Gooseberry pruning will also be done as soon as it is con- venient. It may be as well in this also to remark on the nature of the bushes to become crowded with young wood. This must he cut quite close back to the main stems, except so much of it as may be required to extend the tree or to fill up spaces. The points of the shoots only ought to be cut off. Any suckers or young growths from the base of the main stem should be wrenched out without leaving any buds from which growths may start the next season. If the bushes were infested with the caterpillar it will be necessary to remove the soil under- neath the bushes to a depth of 3 inches or more, and wheel it on to a space of ground where it may be trenched-in to a con- siderable depth. Some fresh rich mould from the same ground will be required to replace what has been removed. This pest may also be destroyed by placing some fresh tan under the trees where the eggs of the caterpillar have been deposited. The Gooseberry season is very much prolonged either by plant- ing a few bushes of the latest sorts on a border on the north side of a wall, or the trees may be trained to the wall itself. One of the best sorts for this position is the Ked Warrington. Red and White Currants are pruned much in the same manner as the above. The young wood is spurred back closely to the stems, the leading growths being cut back to three parts or half their length, or even closer, just as the bushes have grown to the full size or otherwise. The leading growths should always be cut to an outside bud, which will cause the leading growth next season to grow outward instead of into the centre. Black Currants require but little pruning — only to have the branches cut out where crowded, or to get the bushes into shape. They have also a tendency to throw out from the base, but none of them ought to have more than one stem. Bushes can be obtained at such a cheap rate that it is hardly worth while for an amateur or gardener to propagate their own, unless it is desirable to perpetuate some favoiuite variety. The strongest yonng wood should be chosen for cuttings, and it should be removed from the bush with a heel. To prevent suckers from springing up all the buds must be removed with a sharp knife that are under- ground when the cutting is planted. They must also be cut out 4 inches above ground, leaving only about from three to five eyes at the top. We would again urge the importance of annual, or at least biennial renewal of Strawberry beds. We noticed a man the other day digging between the rows of a Strawberry bed. He had fir.st to set a line, and cut down the side of one, and then measure the distance between the next row, as all traces of the original plants were lost in a confusion of runners. Now we have often grown Strawberries in this way, but have never been able to obtain more than half the quantity from the rows that could be obtained from one-year-old plants, and the quality from the young plants has always been of the best. FRCIT AND FORCING HOUSES. Vineries. — We are preparing some fermenting material for the earliest house. A thick coating sufficient to cause a gentle heat is placed upon the outside border after it has been watered with tepid water, and to retain the heat shutters are laid over the manure. Equal proportions of stable dung and leaves cause the best heat, and retain it longest. When the thickness is not more than a foot or 18 inches, in six weeks the heat will have gone out of the covering, when it may be renewed by removing some of the most decayed portion and shaking the rougher part up with fresh material. If it is necessary to apply water this can be done at the same time. The Vines always start most strongly when there is a bed of the same material inside the house. As soon as the heat becomes ex- cessive the material may be turned over ; indeed, this may be done every day with advantage to the Vines. It is not necessary to syringe in the house much when a bed is made up in it. It is necessary to look over the bunches about twice a week to cut cut decaying berries. Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat has kept very badly ; the berries decay in the centre of the bunches, and it is not easy to remove them without injuring the outside berries. Bunches of Gros Guillaume quite as large and compact as those of Mrs. Pince have not had any berries decay. Lady Downe's Seedling keeps very well, and looks quite as fresh as they did in September. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Early-flowering Tulips and Hyacinths that have been plunged out of doors should be removed to shelves near'the glass ; the crowns will have started an inch or more, and the pots will be quite full of roots. A email pot should be placed over the crowns for a few days to gradually inure them to the light. A few pots may be placed in the forcing house or early \inery; hut the heat at night ought not to be too high at the first — ij- will be sufficient. If the pots can be plunged in a little bottom heat it will cause a more rapid growth. Eoses may now be started in the same temperature. They ought to be pruned six weeks at least before starting ; if they are pruned just before they are apt to bleed. Deutzia gracilis is very easily forced, and is one of the most useful of our deco- rative plants. It is not necessary to go into details of culture, as all these early-forcing flowers require very similar treatment. They are all better to be started gently at first, and, then, with increasing heat, and the plants kept as near the glacs as possible, they will flower freely at any time during the winter months. All are the better of a little bottom heat. Hardwooded plants, such as Cape Heaths, Azaleas, and other New Holland plants, do not require very much attention at this season, but what they do require must be done at the proper time. They must have as much air admitted by the ventilators as possible ; but during such weather as we have at present, with a keen frosty air and a thick fog through which the sun's rays cannot pierce at noonday, it has not been possible to open them all. Of course had we houses that could be spared for each class of plants the night temperature for nearly all this class would not be so high, and air would be admitted by day on occasions when it cannot be done at present owing to the house containing more tender-flowering plants. Cape Heaths are very much subject to the attacks of mildew, and when it first seizes hold of the plant it cannot be discerned without minute search, so that those who are not aware of its insidious progress are often taken by surprise. Dusting with flowers of sulphur is a sure remedy, and when applying it the plant should be laid down on its side to prevent the sulphur from falling into the pot, as it is very injurious to the roots. Azaleas have been trained into their proper shape, and some of them have been placed in heat for early flowering. The plants that still remain in the greenhouse require looking over occasion- ally to remove decaying leaves. They are free from thrips and red spider. Both these pests hang about the leaves in winter, and where they are now on the plants the house should be fumigated with tobacco smoke, as no better period could be chosen than this to destroy them. The smoke will not kill the eggs ; when these are hatched another application will be necessary. One seldom sees the Clianthus puniceus in a healthy condition, and with it may be named Pimelea spectabilis. They are both very difficult subjects to deal with, but they need not be so if the plants were watched for the attacks of spider. In nine cases out of every ten this is what causes the leaves to drop off pre- maturely. Another mistake that is sometimes committed not only with these but other hardwooded plants is this, the mould in the pots is allowed to become too dry. The plants do not suffer so much at this season from that cause as they would when they are making their young wood, but they do suffer, consequently it is better not to allow them to become overdry. It is not possible to describe exactly the state of dryness that the roots ought to be in before they are watered, but it should not be to the extent of the ball parting from the sides of the pot, and when water is applied the whole mass of roots should be saturated. Lapageria rosea and the variety L. alba are now in flower. The last-named sort that had pure white flowers in September is now producing them tinged with delicate pink ; but what a useful plant this is for producing flowers at a time when fine flowers are scarce ! The plant has seldom been without them for more than a quarter of a year. Some persons complain that it is not easily managed, but with the right treatment, either planted out or grown in pots, no plant can do better. It docs not succeed in clayey loam, and many persons both plant it out and pot it in that material. It gi-ows most luxuriantly in turfy peat, with the addition of a little sand if necessary to keep the material open. The roots should always be kept in a moist state, as the plant never seems to be at rest. Strong succulent growths are thrown-up either at midsummer or midwinter. The Filmy Ferns, which are usually grown in a glass frame in a shady part of the greenhouse, require a little attention at this season, as the fronds sometimes decay and spread contagion to those that are healthy. Todea superba and T. Fraserii, with the Hymenophyllums for a groundwork, are well adapted for this system of culture. They are not only remarkably beautiful, but all this class of plants are instructive to the intelligent cul- tivator. We pot all of them in a compost of three parts turfy peat to one of turfy loam. The case must be kept a little moist in winter, and in fine days the inmates may be gently dewed overhead. Very little water is required at the roots at present. —J. Douglas. HOBTICULTUBAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige us by Informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Helbnsbukoh (Eoses). July 12th ODil IStb, 1876. Mr. J. Mitchell, Sec. Dacomber 0, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 515 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. The Lawsou Seed it Nursery Compauy, 1, George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh, and CA, Bishopsgate Street Within, London. — Cata- logue of Forest Trees, Shrubs, tOc. William Chater, The Nursery, Saffron W Men,— Catalog ue of Holbjhucks and Moses. Thomas Sampson, Yeovil, Somerset. — Catalogue of Gladioli. James Dickson &: Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester. — Cata- logue of Fruit and Forest Trees and Evergreen Shrubs. Kelway & Son, The Royal Nurseries, Langport, Somerset. — Catalogue of Gladioli. Francis & Arthur Dickson and Sons, The " Upton " Nurseries, Chester. — Catalogue of Forest and Ornamental Trees, d-c. DesfossO.Thuilliersitfils, a Orleaue. — Price Current of Fruit Trees, lioses, and Ornamental Plants. Cbarles Verdier, fils, 28, Rue Baudricourt, Paris. — Catalogues of Roses, Fruit Trees, Gladioli, Herbaceous Plants, <0c. Robertson & Galloway, The Nurseries, Helensburgh. — Cata- lofjue of Liliunis and Gladioli. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to " The Editors," or to "The Publisher." Letters addressed to I^r. Johnson or Dr. flogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Coloured Plates of Fruits [E. Richardson). — The fiuest work is Decai8De's "Jardiu Fruitier du Musoam," bab it is very expeaaive. Vaa Houtte's " Pomona " is much more reaaonabla in prioej and cuutaiDS very excellent portraits of the leading kinds of Pears. Moving Aucubas and Euosymds ( ). — Aa soon as the snow is gone and the grouDd ia sufficiently dry to enable you to work it properly, Aucubaa and Kuonymua may be moved with safety. Introducing Ca:\iellia to Heat for Flowebing (A Subscriber). — You may place the plant in a day temperature ot (50 and night 50"' for to expand the flowtrs if you require the plant to flower at an earlier period than it would do iu a lower temperature; but if the buds were aet early it would flower readily at this season in the lower tempei-ature named. Camelhas and OraoRes might be kept in a house in which Cucumbera are started in March until they have completed their growth, aud should then be removed to a cooler and au-ier house, the former having shade from bright aun. Euphorbia splendens Losing its Leaves (Idem). — The removal of the plant from a warm house, and undergoing a journey of some distance, is euflicient to account for the leavts falliug; they, however, generally fall at this period if, as should be, the plant is kept dry up to February, after which water being given it will flower iu April, and continue to do so for several weeka. Oxalis Cultdre {H. O. M.].~Ol the easiest culture, we are surprised you cannot induce them to flower, and gi-owing luxuriantly. It appears you give thom too liberal treatment, and keep in the shade at some distance from the glass in a shaded and moist position. Grow them on shelves near the glass, potting when they aie beginning to grow in a mixture of three parts light fibrous loam, one part leaf soil, aod two parts sandy peat, with a part of silver sand, watering moderately until in free growth, increasing the supply with the growth, and after flowering, or the growth is complete, diminish the i supply, ceasing watering when the leaves become yellow, and keeping dry until the plants again start into growth. They do well in a hght airy position in a greenhouse. Their great bane is too much water and shade. Heating Power of Duplex Stove (Idein). — You mistake as to the heat- ing power, or alleged heating power, of " the porlable greenhouse stove." It is not presumed that it will keep frost out of a house 20 feet square, contain- ing as it does -iiJO square feet, and your house will have 198 square feet, the heating power of the stove being such as to exclude frost from a house of at least a quarter the size of yours, such as many amateurs have, and dtrive great pieasm-e from if only they can safely winter the plants they have reared in summer, which the aid offered by these inventions enables them to accomplish. To exclude frost from your house would retjuire two ^inch hot-water pipes all around, equal to a heated surface of 58 feet (superlicial) at a temperature of 200° to be safe in severe weather, and for that you will require a stove boiler with 2-inch hot-water pipes. Dividing Agapanthes {J. N.). — The best time to do this is in May or when commencing growth, the flowering being past, aud thia you may do by remuviug the soil, and, disentangling the I'oots, part into as many divisions as you wish plants, taking care to have a crown to each division with its roots. A compost id three parts fibrous loam, and a half part eacli leaf soil, Bandy peat, and well rotted manure. Good drainage and very free watering during growth is necessary, with sprinklings overhead frequently until the plants are established, and a rather closer and moistor atmosphere with slight shade from bright sun, afterwards expose fully. Protecting Hardv Ferns [A. F.).— The Ferns being hardy will not require any protection except in a bleak position, and then some sort of shelter to break the force of cutting wind is all that would be required branches of evergreens answering well. Manuring Ground for Potatoes (Idrin).~lt is quite right to manure the Potato ground at this time of yea*, throwing-up the ground rou^'tily for the winter, especially as the soil is clayey ; and the first open weather in or after Fobruary, in dry weather only, turn the ground withafnrk, throwing level, and apply when the work is complete a dressing uf qiiicklimo at the rate of a bushel per rod (30^ square yards), and before planting point-in with a fork. The ground, unless it has been cropped with Potatoes every year without chauge, would grow Potatoes without invariably failing from disease. Plant kinds that mature by July or early August, and jou will have a Lainimum of disease. Orchid Treatment (E. J. T.).— Cypripedium splendena ia a variety of C caudatum, aud is synonymous with C. caudatum superbum, and requires the soil and treatment of the other kinds requiring stove treatment. We have Hocm it iu fine flower in September and March. Cilanthe vestita octilata flowera at thi^ Heawou. aud requires to be kept rather dry, having a dry stove, for if moist the flowers spot. Iu spring it comraoucas growth, and should bo repotted, using lumpy brown peat, with a fourth very libroas li;?ht loam, a fifth of old dry cow dung, and a sixth each of lumpy charcoal and silver sand. Plenty of moisture wbou growing, and dry wlien at rest. BolbJ- phyllum speciosum ia probably CLelogyne spectosa, which flowers in late sum- mer, for which cultural hints are given in the *' Orchid Manual." Climder for Stove (Idcm).—Va.ssitioTa, kermesiua has bright red or crimson flowers, aud would succeed in a temperature of 50" to 03^ WUliams's " Select Stove aud Greenhouse Flowering Piauti" and " Oraaaaeatal-foliage, Plants " may suit you. Select CHRYSANTHEJiuHy (L.). — Large-jiowercd : Empraaa of India, Golden Beverley, Lord Derby, Mrs. 0. Bundle, Laurinda, and Venua. Pont- pone: James Forsyth, Rose Trevenna, Model of Perfection, Siiat Michael Aurore Boreale, aud Mrs. Hutt. CoJiPOST FOR Roses in Pots (Z(/l»i).— The compost for these on the Briar and Manetti stock requires to be rather stronger than for those on their own roots, but being Teas the soil should bo rather lighter than for Hybrid Per* petuals on those stocks, as the scion exerts considerable iufluence on the stock. Three parts turfy medium-textured loam, and one part each old manure and leaf soil, will grow them perfectly. Peaches from Wall Uneataule {A Subscriber). — The host thing to do would be to root out the tree, removing at the same time six barrowloads of the soil that is near the base of the tree, then add the same quantity of turfy loam, or aay fresh soil if this caunot be obtaiued. Plant a Royal George ia the place of the tree that you remove. Treatment of Espaliers (Holhj Ba;ifc).— Five feet ia a good height to make them, the wirea to be 9 inches apart. The borders may be of any wiJth, as the roots will soon extend many feet. Pruning Fruit Trees [St. Vini:etit).—lt they were not summer-pruned they must be pruned now, as the young wood, if left on, would branch out next summer and spoil the appearance vt the trees. Wo have always recom- mended summer pruning, especially if the trees have a tendency to make much young wood. Selection of Vines {R. S.).— Madresfleld Court Muaoat and Muscat Ham burgh are both well adapted for a cool vinery. Venn's Muscat has not been sufficiently proved yet, except in the hands of the raiser. It is said to ripea at the same time aud with the same treatment as Black Hamburgh. Peaches in Pots (J. T. 5.).— 1, They may bo grown in pots for man years with annual surface-dressing or repotting, li. Early Beatrice, Early York, Royal George, Bellegardo, aud Bairington; these are the best Peachea for you. Nectarines — Lord Napier, Murray, Pine Apple, Elruge, Violette Hiitive, aud Vicloria. Place them in a temperature of &U- early in January. If you do not want lato sorts omit the two last named of each. Vines for Cool Vinery (H. T. if.). — Duke of Bacclouch, Foster's White Seedling, Buckland Sweetwater, and White Frontignau (as you wish for Muscat flavour) would bs suitable white kinds ; and B ack may be MadresQeld Court, Veun's Black Muscat, Black Prinse, and Treutham Black. They would all succeed with a little lire heat when coming into flower and when ripeniag. The distance is rather close. We should adviau your only having seven instead of eight Vines. Two rows of 4-inch piping along the front would be sufficient for a house of not more than 13 feet in width ; but for a house of 15 feet three rows of 4-iuch pipes would be ruquired, it beiog better to have too many rather than too few pipes, as the heat is best given o^ at a low than high temperature. Ranunculuses (Sussex).^XhQy liko a deep rather moist soil, well and deeply dug, wed maum-ed now, and the ground th'n-oughly e:fposed to the wea'iber. The Persians are the most beautiful, having finely-formed flowers. The Scotch have fine spotted flowers ; and the Turbans have PiBony-formed flowers, laager and earlier than the Persians. Have a bed of each; or if you can have but one, take the Persians in the named varieties. Poinsettia Treatment after Flowering (Poinse((ia).— Keep dry, not allowing the wood to shrivel, and cut down in Mai-ch, putting in what cuttings are required, selecting the firm rip3 wood, and strike iu biist bottom heat,. The temperature after flowering should be 50' from lire heat, and 5^ higher by day from the same means. Water moderately after the plants are start9d iuto giifwth, sprinkling overhead twice daily, which will be suthcleut moisture to canst: them to start into growth, and repot when the plants have ^boota ;in inch long. A moist atm-tsphore, with careful watermg at the roots, taking care not tu over-water nor to allow the plants to flag, keeping near the glaes. and well veutilated, so as to induce a sturdy growth, aud a tempe- rature 55^ to 6U from fire heat, and 10^ to 15 ' or 33 rise from sun, keeping ji-'wer and drier after early August. Piping foPl Conservatory (Elm Lod(jr),—Yonv piping must be single, or you would have were it double— (.*f., a flow aud return pipe, 60 feet of 4-inch, and 40 feet of 3-inch piping, sufficient to give you a tempcratoa'a from fire heat of 50'^ to 55^; but we should have them all 4-inch, and a flow and return alou? the ends, the half of one side, and the whole of the other, as shown, and this would give you 100 feet uf 4-iach pipes, enabling you to have the temperature required without heating the pipes to a high temperatui-e. Insects Destroying Cyclamens ( ).— The grubs which have cat through the roots of your Cyclamens are the larv© of the destructive weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus. The earth ought to be carefully aifted aud the grubs destroyed. The beetles which are produced from these giubs are nocturnal, and must be sought for after dark with a light. — W. Names of Fruit (T. E. Cobb).~The fruit is Duchess6d'Angoalt:me, in a state in which it is often met with in unfavourable seasons like the past. You have not numbered the other sorts. The large one is Doyenue du Cornice, the second largest Napobon, and the small one we are not certain about. (E. T.). — The brown-rufiseted Pear is Btiurrc Bosc, and the green one is Lton Leclerc do Laval; the latter is a stewing Pear. (Penge). — 2, Besi Gau- bault ; 4, Crasanne; 5, Knight's Monarch ; 6, Colmar; 7, Huyahe's Victoria. (J. O. W.).— Apples : 1, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Golden Noble. Pears: 1, Red Doyenne ; 2, Comtede Lamy ; 3, Aihan. {Albert ]Vithi7igtO)i).^l,not'knovm; 2 aod 3, Comte de Lamy ; 4, not known ; 5 and ti. Golden Winter Pearmain ; 7, Herefordshire Pearmain ; 8, Dumelow'a Seedling. Names of Plants (J^. ficcd). — 1, Pinus exc6lsa(?); tree shonld be aeon to be certain ; 2, Cryptomeriajaponica; ;J,Picea pinsapo (Lobbii is its synonym) ; 4, P. cephalonica ; 5, Cedrus Libani (perhaps Deodara) ; 0, Cupressus macro* bie JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 9, 1875. carpa (or Goveneana— tree should be eeen); 7, Pinus cembra ; 8, Juniperag chinenBia masoola; 9, Abiea Smithiana (Mormda its fijnonym) ; and 11 can- not be determined unless from good specimens from the tops of the trees. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE. LES BASSES-COURS DE L'ANGLETERRE. Chapter VI.— PENSHURST. We climbed up one of those beautiful hills bo peculiar to Kent, where the wild flowers nestling among the dark green shade of the ferns lined the banks. It was called Smart's Hill, and smart truly it was in the clothing of August flowers. When we reached the top we looked down upon the valley beneath and on the distant hills beyond, and took our till of one of those pano- ramas of beauty that this part of Kent is so rich in. It was worth while coming to see the view alone. There was Penshurst Place lying below among the fine trees, and on the hills beyond near a score of village churches could be counted among the distant woods ; while here at the top, close to where we were standing, was Mr. Boissier's poultry establishment. This yard has only been started about four years, but the owner's name is gradually working its way into the various prize lists. Rome was not built in a day ; and those fanciers, if they are worthy of the name, who buy the best birds of the season and show them to death, or let them fall all to pieces, are as lueteors in the paths of the i)oultry world. Weariness, despair, disgust fall upon them and their reigns are short, for their names disappear as quickly as they came. Not so, however, with Mr. Boissier : he has bought good birds from good yards, and, satisfied with reasonable returns, is now beginning to reap the reward. It is just as much pleasure to us to visit the rising establishments as those of veteran fanciers, and so in our peri- grinations after les basses-cours we like to look up everybody. The establishment we are writing about is one of those where small moveable houses with small changeable runs are chiefly used. Mr. Boissier has given up a fair-sized field to his birds, and all over the place we find these runs dotted about. Each little house will hold four or five birds. They are built upon a plan of their owner's, and in many ways resemble those of the Messrs. Crook's; but Mr. Boissier has exercised his own inge- nuity and turned out really capital little houses for the kind. Each house is on wheels or can be moved with handles, and each has a small moveable wire run attac'aed to it. These little places are moved in a circle, and being moved every two or three days the birds are always on fresh grass. By this means the whole of the field is gradually worked over, while between each movement the grass has time to get fresh and to grow again. The chickens are loose in the field, and many of the hens when not breeding ; but the cocks cannot be allowed to have their liberty, as the pens are only made of ordinary wire netting, and they would consequently fight with each other. Old bags or coarse canvas can be laid over these little wire runs in the sunny time of day, so that the birds can always have plenty of shade. We really were quite taken with the methodical way this department was worked and with the general healthy appearance of all the birds. There were other fixed houses in blocks, which, though quite roughly made and built at no great outlay, still the birds looked well in them ; and our ideas were once more strengthened that birds well fed and attended to do better in cheaply made service- able houses than ever they do in those wonderful erections that we sometimes see with coloured glass windows and elaborately constructed roofs. We must not forget to mention a capital arrangement for sitting hens. It was like a long row of rabbit hutches, all moveable, with a strong well-eaved roof. In each compartment was a floor of grass, and there the birds could incu- bate without any fear of disturbance, while, standing as they did in the open air, the nests are always fresh and without offensive odours. There was also a small block of houses and runs, built in the shade, for single cocks, which we should say would answer the purpose well, though, had we been the architect, we should have made them rather larger. The part, however, which struck us the most were the moveable houses and runs, and the systematic way in which they seemed to be arranged. We had often heard of these pens being so used, but never saw such a group of them before in such thorough working order. Now we must turn to the inmates of the pens. We find them many and various. Croves, Houdans, White Cochins, Black Hamburghs, Light Brahmas, and Booted Bantams we saw, many of them really splendid specimens and mostly in wonder- fully robust health and condition. Mr. Boissier in forming his yards looked out for fanciers who were retiring from some espe- cial breed, and then bought all their stock. In many cases this was successful, for we find his chickens a very creditable lot. Still we do not advocate this plan, for the new purchaser, having no knowledge of the peculiarities of some of the birds, must mate them with a certain amount of risk. If going in for a new variety ourselves of which we had no paiticular knowledge or experience, we should prefer leaving the selection of a good pen for breeding purposes to some honest and straightforward breeder. Among Mr. Boissier's birds we were much taken with the French. The Creves especially were a very fine lot of birds, being remarkable for crests and good combs. We believe they were principally of Mr. Feast's strains, and the success of this gentleman's Creve cock for three years in succession at the Palace, though now no longer in his own possession, speaks well for the strain. One or two hens we admired immensely, but all were good in colour. The Houdans we found in a moulting state, many of them, but their frames and shape betokened their quality, and Mr. Boissier has been successful this season with their chickens both in his own name and others. The Black Hamburghs were a fair lot, but the chickens' combs lacked the north- country shape. We do not wonder exhibition Hamburghs are few and far between in the south, for their combs are awk- ward things to breed good naturally. These three breeds were in a large block of fixed pens on one side of the poultry field, with trees shading them in the rear. In the single-cock pens we found some nice White Cochins and a good Creve cock or two, but these were also in process of changing their plumage. In another block of fixed houses and runs were the Light Brahmas. The hens were especially good ; the one which took the cup last January at Portsmouth was moulting nicely. The produce of these birds, too, were certainly above the average, and many have realised good prices, for Mr. Boissier is always ready to take a fair price for his birds. One cockerel we then thought highly of we saw a few weeks afterwards weU to the front at Edeubridge, from whence he speedily went to a new home, we hear. In the moveable pens, all over the field, were the White Cochins and White Bantams, and they really looked very strik- ing. We saw two good old cocks which, we are sorry to learn, have since met untimely deaths, but the hens were the best, and very nice birds many were. Some of the chickens, too, were very promising and have since come to the front as we expected they would. All the intervening space between the runb, and all over a shrubbery and small farmyard, were the younger chickens, which will be in their turn penned in the moveable runs when they come to the years of discretion. We must not forget to mention the Booted Bantams. There was a very nice little stud of them, and we have watched Mr. Boissier's successes with them with much pleasure. We spent so much time over the little pens and their inmates that the afternoon had almost waned before we left the chickens' field, but we were obliged to have a peep at the Rabbits, for they looked so clean and healthy in their admirably constructed hutches. There were Himalayaus and Silver-Greys, the former really extremely good in all points, and their owner told us he had been very fortunate with them. After this a hasty peep round a very pretty garden arranged with the utmost taste, where the colours in the beds, too, blended most beautifully, and then we passed once more on to the high road and descended Smart's Hill. As we went down we thought over the yards we had left, and came to the conclusion that Mr. Boissier had too many irons in his poultry fire. It is all very well for those who keep a manager, or those who go into the fancy for the sake of the profits, to keep a great number of breeds ; but for a gentle- man who simply keeps them for a hobby and gives personal supervision to them we are quite convinced two, or at the most three, breeds are sufiicient. We are glad, then, to see Mr. Boissier has himself realised this; for from the weekly King Street advertisement we learn that Mr. Stevens had authority to sell without reserve, on the 7th inst. last, all the Cruves, Light Brahmas, and Black Hamburghs from the Penshurst yards. Valuable though the specimens mostly were, still we do not think Mr. Boissier will regret this step, and we wish him much success with his reserved forces, for he will now be able to bring them to much greater perfection, and to spend more time in producing chickens worthy of the breeding stock he has at Penshurst. — W. BRISTOL POULTRY SHOW. The tenth great Bristol Exhibition of poultry and Pigeons will be held on the last day of this year and the first and third days in next. On the first page of the little book we find the sub- scription list, and the total amount comes to about £60. This is not a large sum, and considering Mr. Cambridge so nobly caters for his poultry friends single-handed, we feel sure all will do their best to support him and prevent his venture being a losing one. The entry fees are as usual, and the last day of entry is December 7th. Admission to the Show will not be allowed to anyone until the awards are made, and in making this rule we know Mr. Cambridge means to keep to it. Double baskets will be allowed, and will, we are sure, bring many extra entries. The prize birds will be offered by auction on the first day of the Show at 2 P.M. An especial rule tells us that no telegrams relating to prizes won will I?e answered on the day of judging. The Judges are announced — viz., for poultry Messrs. Hewitt, Teebay, and Dixon, and for Pigeons Messrs. P. H. Jones and December 9, 187S. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENBB. 517 Charlton. There are twenty-two silver onps to be awarded in the poultry classes ; of them one, value ±10 10.9., will be given to the best pen in the Show, in addition to any other cup. The rest of the cups are chiefly t'.5 in value. The classes are well grouped. There are four divisions for nearly every variety, two being for adults and two for chickens. We are glad to see Black Cochins have classes. Brown Leghorns, Malays, Minorcas, and Polish have two classes each. Wo think the latter variety could have been more subdivided to the advantage of the funds. Bantams are well cared for, but it always seems to us so carious that the Variety Bautams have no class even here. We cannot conceive why they should be so shut out, for if one of the other classes was merged into a variety class — say that for clean-legged Whites, we are convinced it would be more satisfactory to all. Waterfowl are well provided for with many classes and sub- stantial prizes. The Pigeons are well looked after, having thirty-four classes, eight cups, and two point caps. We find Carriers have six classes, Pouters four, and Barbs three. The other Pigeon classes are much as usnal. We imagine the point cups will bring oat many good teams of birds and make the large exhibitors enter well, having friendly rivalry one with another to see who shall win these silver trophies. We know many object to these point cups, but we never could see how they injured the small ama- teurs; for the latter class never enter the specimens of their own specialities with these cups in view, and so the disappoint- ment is not for them, and they have all the same as much chance of winning with their entries whether point cups are in use or not ; for even if birds are borrowed for the occasion — not that we advocate the system of borrowing — it cannot hurt the amateur whether they appear in the names of Mr. A or Mr. B. Let all come to the front and try to make the Show of this winter as good a one aa we found in the Drill Hall on the last occasion. P.S. — Through the length of our Birmingham report and other pressing matters last week we regret that the above had to be omitted ; but we feel sure Mr. Cambridge will still accept the entries of those exhibitors who had been waiting for our usual notice of the schedule if they will now enter by return of post.— W. WHITE-SKINNED SILKIES. These are fine fowls, and will no doubt become popular. They are quite different in some respects from their black-skinned relatives, and much superior on the table, in appearance at least. At three months old they make very delicious broilers of a nice size. Their appearance is odd; crested, bearded, and with feathered legs, red combs, and wattles, we think them handsomer than the purple-visaged birds, besides having the advantage of more size. They have some traits which should make them rivals to Bantau . They lay well, hatch splendidly, are excellent mothers, while as chicks they are very hardy, mature quickly, and forage well. A four-foot picket fence will restrain them within bounds, while they wiU thrive and look happy in less space than any breed yet known, Bantams being almost wild compared to them. We believe there are as yet but one or two flocks of this variety of fowls in this country, and none in England. Those here are mostly, we think, the descendants of two cocks and four hens, imported from .Japan in 1871 by Mr. George H. Carey of New York. Three of the original birds are still living and vigorous. There is no doubt that the white skins of this import- ation make them a valuable addition to our yoxdtty.— {American Pet Stock Bulletin.) THE YOKKSHIKE SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION OF POULTRY, &c. This was held in the Cattle Market, York, November 30th and December 1st and 2nd. The Judges were for Poultry Mr. E. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston ; Pigeons, Mr. H. Brown, Walkley, SheiSeld; Rabbits, Mr. M. Millington, Colliergate, and Mr. A. Hudson, Paragon Street, Hull. The foUowing were their awards of the prizes : — DoEKisGs.— I, W. Harvey, Sheffield. 2, J. Newall, York. 3, J. White, Warlaby. i, Lady Mjddleton, York. Spanish.— 1, Burch & Boulter. SheflBeld. 2, J. Thresh, Bradford. Chickens. —1, J. T. HinRstoD, Clifton, York. 2, J. Thresh. Cochin-chinas.— Ft'i/oit' or £■((#.— l.W. J. Frank. Sherburo, Sonth Milford. 2, T. H. Stretch. Ormskirk. S, W. Harvey. 4. Simpson & Doflds, Bedale. Any other colour.— \, J. Cass. Hoyinpham. 2, W. J. Frank. 3, E. Williama & Son, Sharow, Ripon. 4, Miss Thompson, York. BBAHMAfl.— 1, E. Ryder, Hyde. Manchester. 2 and 4, Dr. Holmea, Whitecotea, Chesterfield. 3, W. R. tramer, Dyke, Bourne. Game.— Birtcfr-?)rtfisfcti or ot/ieV Bed?.— 1, J. Newall. 2, J. Cass. Ducktoings. —1, W. & H. Adams. Beverley. 2, F. Stamford, Norwood, Beverley. Any other variety.— U G. S. Thompson, Moorlands, York. 2, W. Smith, jtin.. Easthorpe, Notts. Any variety.— Chickens,— \, W. Ormerod, AYalsden, Todmorden. 2, G. S. Thompson. Hambubghs.— GoWen-pencifltfd.— 1, T. & G. Kidaon, Norby, Thirsk. 2 and 3, J. Anderton, Gilstead, Eingley. Silver-pencilled.— \, F. W. Sleynell. Derby. 2. H. Pickles, Earby. Leeds. 3, T. Hanson, Thwaites Bank, Keiphlev. Golden- 8patioled.—l, J. Walker. Birstwith, Ripley. 2, H. Pickles. 3, G. Garbutt, Sinnington, Pickering. Silver-spangkd.—}, H. Pickles. 2, G. FentrisB, Marlon. Kirbjmoorside. 3, J. Walker. Polish.— 1, W. Harvey. 2, G. W. Boolhby, Loath. Bantams.— Game.— 1, A. S. Sunden. Swiiik-y. cleckheaton. 2. J. Wricht, Townend. Bradford. 8, T. Franklin, Castle Howard, /.iietif.-l, T. P. Carver, Lan(;thorpe, BorouRhbridfip. 2, W. Richardson, York. Any other variety. — 1, W. Harvey. 2, Wells & Sherwin. Ripon. Anv othke Varietv.— 1, J. Walker. 2, Rev. J. G. B. Kniglit, Bimwith VicarnRc, Hipley. Cross.- 1, J. Cass. 2, G. Edson, Malton. Tlirkets.- 1, Mrs. Kirk, Givendale, Hipon. 2. J. Moorey, MuUwitli, Ripon, Poulli.—i, T. Parker, Thirsk. 2, H. R. W. Hart, York. Geese. -1, Capt. L. AnyoD, Gorae Hall, Chorley. 2, W. Bramlcy, Willitoft, Howden. DvcKH.— Aylesbury.— I. E. Snell, Barrowden. Stamford. 9, C. Holt, rochda'e. Ttouen.—i, Ladv Middleton. York. 2, J. Bricham. Sliugsby, York. Any other variety.— I, J. Walker. 2, E. Sherwood. SkelderRate, York. Selling Class.— 1, J. Smith, Gilstead, Bingley. 2, Mrs. LasceUea, York. 8, Wellait Shernin. PIGEONS. Carriers.— Cocfc.—l, J. Severs, jun , Lsverthorpe. York. 2, E. Homer, Hare- wood. Leeda. Hen.—l, J. Stanley, Blackburn. 2. W. Harvey, ShefQeld. Pouters —Cocfc.—l and Cup, Of. Hairsinc, Hull. 2, R- H. Blacklock, Sunder- land. Hen.- 1, J. Hairsine, 2, J. W. Robinson, Yo'k. Ti'MiiLERS.- .^Jmoiiii.— 1, W. & H. Adams. 2, E. Horner. Any other variety, Sliort-faced.-l.Vi. & H. Adams. 2. E.Horner. Fantails — 1, J. F. LoversidRe, Newark. 2, J. Walker. Newark. Trumi'Eters.- Forci£7n.— 1 and 2, W. Harvey. English.— 1, W. Harvey. 2 E. A Thornton, Hull. Barhs.— 1 and Cup, E. Horner. 2, H. Yardley. Birminchaul. Jacobins.— 1, E. Horner. 2. J. Skilbeck, Coulton, HovioRham. Turbits.— 1, E. Horner. 2, C. W. Washlioume, Gloucester. OivLS.- Forci{j7i.— 1. E. Horner. 2, G. Alderson, West Hartlepool. English, — 1. A. Smith, York. 2, A. Simpson, Rochdale. NONS.— 1. E. Horner. 2. T. P. Carver. Dragoons.— 1, J. Stanley. 2, H. Yardley. Antwebps.— 1, C. Gamon, Chester. 2, J. Stanley. Any other Variety.— 1 and 2, E. Horner. Selling Cla8s.—J,E. Horner. 2, J. Hope, Great Driffield, 8, A. P. Byfor*. Ipswich. RABBITS. hop.EKRTTi.-Self-colonred, taking all Properties.— Buck or Doe.— I and Plate, T. Schoheld. jun., Cheelham, Manchester. 2, T. Ward, Bolton Percy. 3, W. B. B.xien, West Hartlepool. hov-E\RZD.—Yellow-and-uhrte, taking all Properties.— Buck or Doe.—l, Mrs H. Pickworth, Moulton Marab, Spalding. 2, C. G. Cave, Spalding. 3, C. King St. John's Wood, London. l.op.EkRED.— Tortniseshell.—Buck or Doe.—\, A. Robaon, Morton-on-Swale. 2, C. H. Blanchard, Pocklington. 8, T. Schoflcld, jun. Li>i'.EiR¥.D.—Blaek-and-u-hite.—Buck or Doe.—l, E. Pepper, Hinckley. 2, J. Murray, Newcastle-on-Tync. 3, C. King. L .p-EARED —Grey-and white or Bluc-and-whitc—Buck or Doe.—l and 2, C. Kiln;. 3, J. Kilpateric, Whitby. Himalayas.— BucS: or Doe.—l, 0. G. Uason, Rochdale. 2, W. Hey, Rochdale. 3, .S. Ball. Bradford. Angora.— Biicfe or Doc— 1 and Plate, H. Swetnam, Fultord, York. 2, R. H. Swain, Heywood. S. J. Hallas, Hudderetield. Dutch.— BucS: or Doe —1 and 2, Mrs. H. Pickworth. 3, W. Richardson, York. Silver-Ghey.— Buck or Doe.—l, T. schoUeld, jun. 2, J. HaUas. 3, Hadwea and Almond, Dewabury. Any other Variety.— Bi/cfc or Doe.—l, B. Greaves, Cleethorpea, Grimsby. 2, J. Hallas. 8, G Lintoot, York, Selling Cl.A3B,—l, J. Graham, Hull. 2, H. Swetnam. 3, J, Heppell, York. RUTLAND SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This was held at Oakham on November L!4th and 2jth, when the following prizes were awarded by the Judges. D(iRRiN-G3.— Cup, G. H. Finch, Barley, Oakham. Citoas-BRED.—CJiicfct'Jis.— Egg-stand and 2, J. WeUington, Oakham. 3, E. Snell, BaiTowden. I>i_cK9 —Cross-bred or Common.— I, E. Snell. 2, J. Fisher, Aahwell. DuRKiNGs. — Effg-atand, C. Speed, Exton, Oakham. 2, M. Kew, Market Overton, Oakham. ('.1CHIN3.— 1, M. Kew. 2, E. Snell. BttAHMA PooTRAS.— 1, E. Snell. 2, C. Speed. Si'iNisH.— 1, M. Kew. French.— 1, Hon. and Rev. A, G. Stuart, Cottesmere Rectory, Oakham. 3, Ladv Aveland, Normanton Park. Hamburghs.— 1, E. Snell. 2. Miss J. Wingfield, Market Overton. Ga:me.— ], A. Peake, Somerby, Oaknam. 2, Countess of Londsdale, Barley- tborpi? , Oakham. Bantams.— 1,M. Kew. 2, E. Snell. I>ucKs.— 1, Miss E. Winpfield, Market Overton. 2. E. Snell. UoRKiiiGa— Coloured -Cock.— 1, J. Walker, Rochdale. 2, T. C. BarneU, Micheldever. 3, E. Barker, Stokesley. Hefts or PuUtts.-Cnp.O. E. Cresswell, Earlv Wood, Bagshot. 2, Simpson & Dodda, Bedale. .^, G. H. Finch. DoRKi^GS.-Silver-Grey.-Hens or Pulht-i.-l, O. E. Cresswell. 2, .T. Walker. I>i)RKiNG3.— TF^t^e.— Cocfc.— 1, Rev. F. Tearle. Gazeley Vicarage, Newmarket. 2. 0. Speed. Hens or PulleU.—l, A, Darby, Little Ness, Shi*ew3bQry. 2, O. E. Cresawell. Spanish.— B/acA-.-l, J. F. Dixon, Cotgrave, Nottingham. 2, S. W. Hallam, Whitwick. Leicester. 3, M. Brown, Ab-Kettleby. Cliickcns.— Cup, J. Boolton, Bristol. 2, W. Nottage, Northampton. 3. J. F. Dixon. Cochins.— Cmnfl7?)on, Buf, or Fartridge.—Coek.—Cnp, J. Walker. 2. H, Tomlinson. Gravelly Hill, Birmingham. Hen or Pullet. -1, J. Walker. 2, R. P. Percival, Northenden. Cocniss.— Black.— Cock.— \. A. Darby. 2, W. Badger, Little Nesa, Baschurch. HfH.-l, J. Walker. 2, R. B. Wood, Utioxeter. Cochins.- ir/iife.—Cycfc.—l, H. Tomlinson. 2, W. Hughes, Oakham. Ben, —1, H. Tomlinson. 2, R. P. Percival. Brahma Pootras— Darfc.— C'ocfc.— 1. T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount. St. Helen's. 2, R. P. Percival. Heti or Pullet.— 1^ Countess of Lonsdale. 2, Rev. J. D. Peake, Laleham Vicarage. Chertsey. , „ „ ,. . , Bbahma PootRi.s.—Lii}ht—Cock.—l, R. P. Percival. Hcn.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, J. Long, Ravenscroft, Bamet. HocDANS.— 1, W. Dring. Faversham. 2. R. B. Wood CREVE-CtETJRS.- Cup, J. W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport. 2, W. Dring. Uambvrghb.— Silver-spangled.— 1, G. C. Holt, L.awton. 2, J. Lnug. Silver- pencilled —1, H. Pickles, Earby. Leeds. 2, J. Robinson, Garstang. Gold- spangled— 1. T. E. Jon<'s, Wolverhampton. 2, J. Robinson. OaldpenciUed, —Cup, W. K. Tickner, Ipswich. 2, H. Pickles. Black.— 1, H, Pickles. 2, J. Robinson. GA5IK —Black or Brown Reds.— Cock.— Cap. B. Painter, jun., Burley, Oakham. 2, S. W. Hallam, Whitwick, Leicester. S, E. Wmwood, Worcester. Hen or Pullet.~l, E. Winwood. 2, J. Kichardaon, Loughborough. 8, G. Morling, Peterlporough. Game. — DMcftirinps, Greys, Blues, or other Light Colours. — Cock. — 1, E. Winwond. 2, H. E. Martin. Sculthorpe. Fakenham. 3, H. Challand, Farnafield, Southwell. Hen or Pullet.— 1, H. Feast, Pontyffynnan, Swansea. 2 and 3, E. Winwood. Bantams.— TF/tifc, Clean Legs,-!, H. Draycott, Leicester. 2, Rev. F. Tearle 518 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( December 9, 1875. Black, Clean Legs. — 1, R. H. Ashton.l Mottram, 2, J. Staley, CoUmgham, Newark. Gold or Stlver-laeed.— Cap and 2. M. Leno. Markyate Street, Dun- stable. Any other distinct variety.— I, Mrs. J, Lunge, Ipswicb. 2, R. BoisBier, Penehuret. Game Bantams.— Cocfc.— Cap, W. Adams, Ipswich. 2,W. B. Jeffries, Ipswich. 3, W. M. Griffin, Leicester. Hens or Pulkts.—l, A. Darby, 2, G. Evans, Worcester. 3, R. Smith, Edingley, Southwell, PoLANDs .— L G. W. Boothby. Louth. 2, H. Pickles. Any other Distinct Variety.— J. Rev. N. J. Kidley, HoUington House, New- bury. 2, S. Cliffe, Spittletrate, Grantham. TDBKEY.—Cocfc.-2.W.Wykea,Wolvey, Hinckley. Cnp, H.J. Gunnell, Milton, Hen.— l, E. Kendrick, Jan.. Lichfield. 2, W. Wvkes. Young Cock.— I, W. Wykes. 2, H. J. Gunneli. Youwj Hen— I, W. Wykes. 2, J. Walker. DvcKS.— White Aykiibury.—2, J. Hedges, Aylesbury. Cup, J. Walker. Rouen. — 1, J. Walker. 2, W. Hupbes, Oakham. East India, Mandarin, Carolina, Wild, or any other distinct breed.— -1, J. Walker. 2, M. Leno. Gef.se.— White.— 1. J. Walker. 2, E. SneU. Grey —2, M. Kew. Cup. W. E. Burrows, Derby. Goslings.— 1, W. E. Burrows. 2, Mrs. M. Palmer. Oakham. Selling CLAsa.-Cock or Cockerel.— 1. J. F. Dixon. 2, G. B. L. Breeze, Eas- neye. Ware. 3,W. Hughes, Oakham. Hens or Fullets.—2,y7. HoKhes. 3,C. Speed. Cup, H. Yardk-y, Birmingham. MiscELLANEors SELLING CLASS.— 1, T. M. Derry, Gedney. 2 and 8, M. Kew. PIGEONS. TuMBLEES.-l and 2, H. Yardley. Carrieb.—Coc/c.—1, J, Walker. 2, E. Walker, Leicester. Ifcn.—l, J. Walker. 2, E. Walker.-loHnp.-l, C. G. Cave, Spalding. 2, C. H. Clarke, Old Sneinton. Pouters.— 2 and top, H.Pratt, Hampton-in-Arden, Birmingham. Jacobins.—], C. Martin, Alfred Street, Kettering. 2, S. Lawson, f ullwood. Fantailb.— 1, J. Walker. Newark. 2, J. F. Loversidge, Newark. Teumpetees.— 1, W. Gamble, Melton. 2, H. Yardley. Nuns.- 1, J. Cargill, York. 2, M. Brown, Ab-Ketteleby. TuBBiTS.— 1. O. Creswell. 2. H. Yardley. Rdnts.- 1, T. D. Green, Saffron Walden. 2, H. Yardley. Dragoons.— 1, Dr. E. Waller, Peterborough. Magpies.— 1, H. Jacob, Humberstone, Leicester. 2, F. P. Baily, Magdalen College, 0.xford. Any OTHER New or Distinct Variety.- 1 and 2, H. Yardley. Selling Class.— 1, M. Leno.J (2, W. Smart, Walsall. RABBITS. Lop-ear.— jB»cfc or Doe.—l, E. Pepper, Hinckley, 2, C, G. Cave. 3, H. Holme- shaw, Falsgrave, Scarborough. Heaviest.— £«(■/;; or Doe.—l, J. Brown, Boston. 2, J. T. Codling, Whaplode, Spalding. 3, W. Hasehline, Melton. Any other Varxetv.- iJucfc or Doe.—l, J. E. Pilgrim, The Outwoods, Hinck- ley. 2, E, Pepper. 8, W. Walton, Eurghley Park, Stamford. BROUGHTY FERRY POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. This Exhibition was held on the 3rd and 4th inst. in the Templar's Hall, Bronghty Ferry, a place well Buited to the pur- pose. The entries numbered between three and four hundred, and the quality in most instances was very good. Dorliing cocks headed the list, and were strong in numbers as well as quality, as was attested by the numerous notices given by the Judge. First went to a massive dark bird; while second, a fine Silver-Grey, certainly merited its position. Hens were a small class, only the winners good. Cochins were large classes. In cocks first went to a good young cockerel ; but second, a really splendid bird, we liked much better. First in hens went to a large Buff ; "White second ; third a fine Buff hen. Brahnias were fairly represented, the first in cocks going to an exceedingly large bird; the others very moderate. A good and large well- pencilled hen was first in her class ; while second was good colour and clear in marking, but not remarkable other- wise. Game cocks were a large class, mostly Brown Reds, the winners being all that colour and all fine stylish birds. In Game hens first was unmistakeably a grand Brown Eed. Sam- hurghs were numerous and very good, the winners being well placed. Spanish a small class, and only fair to middling. The Variety class was well filled. First grand Groves ; second good Brown Leghorns; third a fine pen of Golden Polish. Ducks were a good class; first fine young Rouens, second large Aylesburys. Game Bantams were a really grand class, as may be imagined when Mr. Brownlie could just manage to win and no more. First was a fine Pile ; while second and third were splendid Black Reds. A nice Pile of Mr. Brownlie's unnoticed; while Nos. 134 (J. D. Donald), 130 (J. Grieve), and lU (J. Scott), were good. In Game Bantam hens first was a good Pile, second Black Red, third Duckwing; while the highly commended birds were not far behind. In Any other variety Bantams first and second were stylish Blacks ; third Silver Sebrights. Pigeons were in a separate room, and shown in single rows in bee-hive pens. Pouters had nineteen entries in three classes ; several good birds amongst them, still the standard was not up to last year's. The special in this class was won by a nice Black cock, but wanting in crop. Carriers were few but first- rate, the winner a hen. Barbs, first a fine Black; second Yellow, and also good. Short- faced Tumblers, first a nice Almond cock; second Agates; third, a Red, we thought a mistake, as an Agate next it was far better. Trumpeters, first and special went to a fine Black, new style; second and third good Mottles of the same. Fantails were an extra fine class. First and second were undoubtedly good ; but third might have given place to half a dozen others in the class. Jacobins were well judged; first a good Yellow. Turbits or Owls, first a grand foreign White; second good English; third a Red Turbit. Any other variety, first one of the best Swallows ever seen; second a poor Black Nun ; third a Silver Dragoon. The last two awards we did not agree with, as a Yellow Magpie and an Ice were both preferable. In common Tumblers the prizes went to Almond, whole-coloxired Red and Black Beard. Mr. Leno judged the poultry, and Mr. A. Frame the Pigeons, and gave general satisfaction. Dorking. — Coc/c. — I and special, G. S. Robb, Leslie. 2, G. Westwood, Broughty Ferry. 8, Miss A. Sinclair, Balmackern. lie. Admiral Maitland Dougall.P. Synion, J. Conacher, K. Nicoll. Mrs. J. Suiait. c,Mi8s L. S. Sande- man, D. Goodall, J. Conacher, K. Craig, Mrs. A. Henrey. Hen.—\, G. S. Robb. 2, Mrs. J. Smart, Baldovan. 3 and he. Admiral Dougall, Scotscraig, Tayport. Cochin.— Cocfc.—l, 2 and epecial, Mrs. A. G. Duncan, Broughty Ferry. 3, J. Dargie, Montrose, vhc, F. C. Parker, lie, Mrs. J- Davidson, W. Smith. W. Mitchell. He7i.—1, J. Dargie. 2, W. Smith, East Newport. 3, u/ic, and fee, Mrs. A, G.Duncan. BRAHMi.— Cocfc.— 1, A. Burnett, Montrose. 2, T, F. Ainsdell, Cowley Mount, St. Helens. 3, W. G. Duncan, Dundee. Hen.—l and special. W. G. Duncan. 2, T. F. Ansdell. S, Mies G- Morison. he, J. Sandc-man, H. White. Game.— C'ocfc.— 1 and epecial, J. tSalmond, Morpeth. 2, J. Smith, Broughty Ferry. 3, W. Nicoll, Forfar, he, W. Bailie, W. Webster, R. Stewart, c, J. Henderson, J. Mackintosh. Hen.—\, W. Webster, Denburn. 2, R. Stewart, Blair Adam. 3. W. Robertson, Forfar, he, T. W. Mitchell, W. Webaler, R. b;,^wart. c, A. Brown, D. Forbes. W. Nicoll. Hamburgh s.—.S'iKt/iffieJ.—l and 2. R. Hartley, Nelson. Sandftc, J. M. Camp- bell, Bonnykelly. c, W. L. Blyth, J. Ireland, W. Low, C. Campsie, T. Gilroy. Hambcrghs.— Pe/tciifeti.- 1, 2 and special, R. Hartley. 3, J. Strachan. c, Miss J. R. Caithness Bantams.— Game. — Cocfc. — l and special, R. Brownlee, Townseud. 2, A. Walker. Monifielh. 3, D. F. Stuart, Summerbank. he, J. Paterson. c, J. Grant. J. Strachan, Miss R. M. Frew. Hens. — 1 and 2, R. Brownlie. 3, A. Frew, SinclairtowD, Kirkcaldy, he, J. Grieve, J. D. Donald, J. Shield, J. Strachan. Any other.~l, K. H. Ashton, Mottram, Manchester. 2, R. Hartley. 3, Mias E. Frew, Sinclairtown, Kirkcaldy, he, J. Smart, J. D. Donald, Miss B. Frew, c, J.Taylor. Spanish.— 1 and special, J. Mackie, Lunan. 2, J. Dargie. 8, J. Suuter, Car- noustie, he, P. Symon. c, G. Wilson. Ant other Variety.— 1, P. Macdonald, Montrose. 2, A. Scott, Monifleth. 3, J. Taylor, Montrose, vhc, J. Smart, he, J. Sandeman, J. Findlay, R. Hartley. c, R. Frew. Ducks— 1, Admiral Dongall. 2, A. Burnett. S, A. Mackie. /:c, W. Henderson, A. Mackie. Selling Clash.— 1, Mrs. A. G. Duncan. 2, Mrs. C. B. Taylor, Montrose. S, W. Smith, vhc, P. Macdonald. he, 3. Murdoch, R. Craig, W. Baillie. c, Miss G. Morison, D. Urquhart, A, Walker, A. Simson, Mrs. A. G. Duncan. PIGEONS. Pouter.— Cocfc.— I, 2, 3 and special, J. C. Lyell, Monifieth. he, R. W. Bryce. Hen.—l, J. C. Lyell. 2, R. W. Bryce, Edinburgh. 3, W- Hendry, Aberdeen. Young.— 1,R.'W. Bryce. 2, J. C. Lyell. 3, L. T. Spence, Seaheld, Broughty Ferry, he, W. Hendry, Major Thompson. Carriers.— 1 and special, 2 and 3, A. Smith. Barbs —1, R. W. Bryce. 2, L. T. Spence. 3. J. Shield, Broughty Ferry. TLvyiBL.ER9.— Short-faced.— 1 and 2, R. W. Bryce. 3. J. Glenday, Broughty Ferry. CommoH.— I and 2, J. Cowe, Aberdeen. 3, D. Baton, Broughty Ferry. he, A. Mildune. Trumpeter.— 1 and Bpecial,L.T. Spence. 2 and 3, G. Ure, Camphill Lodget Broughty Ferry. Fantails.— 1 and special, G. Ure. 2, L. T. Spence. 3, J. Gait, Kilvime. vhc, L. T. Spence. Jacobin.— 1, K. W. Bryce. 2 and S, W. & R. Davidson, Montrose, fee, J, Matthew, c, G. A. Lindsay. Tdrbit or Owl.— I and special, R. W. Bryce. 2, W. & R. Davidson. 3, Mrs. A. G. Duncan. Any other Variety.- 1, J. Cairns, Galashiels. 2, Mrs. Brown, Aberoairney. 3, T. L. Johnston, Montrose. SWINDON AND NORTH WILTS POULTRY SHOW. We found ourselves at New Swindon on Thursday last in the Drill Hall, and the Show delighted us. The poultry comprised 453 pens, IPigeona 302, and et-ceteras with dogs pulled up the numbers to 1185. When we consider that the Society is in a state of babyhood — that the Birmingham Show was also going on, which of course attracted birds and breeders — we felt sure the Swindon people must last year have gained the confidence of the public to do so very well on this occasion. The quality was good throughout, and the arrangements also capital. Mr. Martin judged the poultry and Rabbits, and did his work in a thoroughly efficient manner, while Mr. P. H. Jones as success- fully adjudicated on the Pigeons. The pens were those of Turner's, and they were kept clean and well covered with coarsely cut chaff. The attendants were courteous, and looked well to the welfare of the birds in every way. Dorkings were very good. The cup for the best pen in the Show was awarded to the first-prize pen, which was a just and good award. The birds were rich in colour and large. Second and third contained good pens of adult Coloured. Cochins were very good. The first Buffs a splendid pair of chickens and well first ; second and third were, however, good pens and well placed. In the other Cochin class all the prizes went to Whites, the first being very good, the hen especially splendid in fluff and shape. Second and third good pens of old birds, the cooks being better than the hens. Brahmas were good, the Lights the largest class. In Darks a beautiful cockerel with a splendid hen was first, the latter being really good iu shape and fluff. In Lights the best-shaped cockerel was in the cottagers' pen, but his hackle was so yellow from some cause or other that the Judge could not place him in the open prize list. The noticed birds were all good, and winning was not easy. Spanish were capital, the winners nice chickens ; second going to old birds. French made large classes, the winning Houdans good in comb and even in colour. CrOves preponderated in the next class, adults coming to the front, being shown in good feather. Game were a very smart lot, the Brown Reds a very nice collection. In Black Reds the winners were well chosen. In the Variety Game class Duckwings of very fair quality were first and second, and the third was awarded to a nice pen of Piles. We saw a pen of Whites but they were heavy and coarse, and did not get December 9, 1876. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 519 even a highly commendecl. Samhiirf/hs were atlmirahle : all the clasaea were well represented and the qaality good. Mr. Long sent a good team of birds, but many of them were adults, and they wanted more time to show off well. It seems to have been a very slow and bad moulting season. Perhaps the Asiatics have come out the best, but we have seen but few birds that would not even now have been better for three or four weeks longer. Silver-pencilled Hamhurghs was the weakest class, but the winners were well up to the average. The secoud-prize Silver-spangled hen was poor in markings, her mate must have pulled her through. In Blacks the hens and pullets were better than the cocks. The latter seemed to lack colour rather, and be a shade coarse. Afa/nj/s made a small class, as they have done generally this season. Mr. Hinton walked off three prizes with three good lots of birds. The noticed pens were also good. In the Minorca, Leghorn, or Andalusian class splendid specimens of the former variety won all three prizes. The winners were very good, the first-prize hen a beauty all round. Bantams were many in number.'!, and the quality was good, especially in the Variety class, where capital Blacks were first, and Gold and Silver-laced second and third. In the Any other Variety class Silver Polands of good quality were first, and second and third neat Black Poles, the hen in this pen being especially nice in crest. The highly commended birds were good, and comprised Silkies, Sultans, Geese, Turkeys, &c. The Sale classes were very fair, the two first-prize pens of Dorkings certainly the best. Watrrfoiel very nice; the first Aylesburies good, ditto Rouens, and the winning Black Ducks certainly very lustrous and small; second to fancy, and third to same exhibitor's other pens. Highly commended good Call and Wild Ducks. Pigeons. — The classes were very large and the quality generally good. Mr. Hammock brought down an immensely good team of birds, and committed great depredation among the prizes. His Blue Carriers were grand, perfect iu wattles and fine in shape. Tumblers also and Pouters were good, and Mr. Ham- mock once more was an easy victor, though the third White of the latter breed closely pressed on him. Dragoons had two classes, and the quality was capital ; Mr. Gregory's Blue was a nice bird, and cheap at catalogue price of 40s. Owls very good in every way, and many pens came in for the Jiidge's cards. Turbits quite beautiful. Mr. Salter won again with his young Black, a good bird in every way ; second to the same gentleman's neat Silver, which had a very good head. Jacobins good ; Red, YeUow, and a Red won in the order named, the first being ad- mirable in colour. Fantails made a very interesting class ; the winners were all Whites, and their places good. Magpies were again a nice collection, and one exhibitor cleared oii all the three prizes with three good exhibits. Antwerps were a large lot — half a hundred or more ; the class was even in quality, and winning precarious. The Variety class was very varied and very pretty ; a grand Black Trumpeter won of the Russian type, good in every way. The Sale class was very nice, and we saw one or two cheap pens of birds. We furnish full awards below. Dorkings.— 1 and Cup. T. C. Burnell, Micheldever. 2, E. BarDett, North Petheiton. S, Mrs. H. Vivian, he, A. Whale. CocniKs.—Buff or Cinnamon—} and Cnp, Rev. G. F. Hodson. 2 and 3, W. E. Smith. Cheltenham, he. H. Feast, C. Bloodworth. c, A. M. Mnrpliy. Anjj other varifti/.—l, E. S. S. Woodeate, Pembnry. 2. J. W. Whitehead, Bridy. water. 3, Mrs. J. T. Holmes, Bath, he, W. E. Smith, T. A. Dean, c, C. Blood- worth. BRAintiS.—Dark.—i, J. Long, Bamet. 2, J. D. Peake. Chertsey. 3. E. Ayre, Headington. he, Miss E. C. T. Burd, W. Phillips, e, Bridgwater & Yoxall, H. Feast, E. Ayre. Li Endive dozen 10 2 0 Fennel bunch ii 8 0 0 Garlic lb. 0 G 0 0 Herbs bunch n 3 0 0 Horseradish bundle 4 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. , d. Leeks banch Lettuce dozen French Cabb.ige Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress punnet Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley.... doz. bunches Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes.", doz. bancbes Salsafy bundle Scorzouera bundle Seakale baski-t Shallots 111. Spinach bashel Tomatoes dozen Turnips bunch a. d. 0 4 too 1 1 3 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 d 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 December 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QABDENER. 525 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of Day ol DECEMBEB 16—22, 1876. Average Temperature near Strn Sim Seta. Moon Rises. Moon Moon's Clock after Day of Month Week. London. Sun. Year. Day. Niftht. Mean. m. h. m h. m. h ' m. h. m. B. 16 Th Eoyal Society at 8.30 p.m. 46,5 3'2 9 89.7 3 at 8 49 af S 22af8 22a(U 19 4 1 850 17 P Philip MUler died, 1771. 45 9 31.0 89 9 4 8 49 3 47 9 40 11 20 3 31 851 18 s 45 8 83.7 39.7 4 8 49 8 7 U 51 11 21 3 1 852 19 Sdn i Sunday in Advent. 454 82.5 89 5 5 8 60 3 morn. after. < 2 32 353 20 M 4J.1 83.6 38 9 6 8 50 3 •a 0 I 15 0 23 2 2 354 21 Td Shortest day. 44.1 310 39 0 6 8 5t 8 36 1 25 0 24 1 31 855 22 W Society of Arts at 8 P.M. 43.0 82.5 38.7 7 8 51 3 49 2 !i7 0 25 1 1 356 From obserrationB taken near London daring forty-three yeorS) the average day temperature of the week is 45.2'=' : and its night temperatnre 3S.3». 1 COVERING AND PEOTECTION. 0^^J MONO ST the most important of tlic gar- ^ ' '^' dencr's duties i.s tbe protection of the crops and plants -which are under his care. He must protect from extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter ; at the one season he must repel the heat, at the other invite and conserve it. The latter needs only now to be noticed. Many crops which are ordinarily considered to be hardy need some protective care during the inclement season of winter — not, perhaps, that such crops would be otherwise killed, but yet if left to the full exposure of the weather would be deprived of a great measure of their usefulness. Too often the very hardihood of a plant or crop is the chief element which leads to its destruction, or at any rate prevents it being substantially useful. Ordinarily the w nter may not be sufficiently severe to kill outright such common crops as Parsley, Cabbages, Celery, Lettuces, Spinach, and autumn-sown annuals ; they are considered as " hardy " crops, and are left to " take their chance." They may not be killed, but yet if unprotected may receive such injury as to render them practically useless, and the cost of their production may be wasted for the want of the little protection which might be given, but which is commonly omitted. The crops named are very common crops, but they are very useful ; they are, indeed, indispensable, for if destroyed or become so injured as to be virtually useless they can- not be replaced. I speak after a quarter of a century's experience when I say that by neglect of protective care at this period of the year of these simple " hardy " crops, that the gi-eatest inconveniences are iucun-ed in many gardens during the spring months. Take the matter of Parsley ; it is a common crop, it is true, and not much valued when it can be cut by the barrowful, but to trudge in February five miles for a handful, as I and many others have done, teaches us to appreciate the value of oven this common herb, and urges on us the necessity of affording it some protection before it is yet too late. If a portion is in square beds, as it ought to be, it is easily protected by placing over it spare lights ; and if there are no lights, it is not dilBcult to make a few straw hurdles, which are invaluable sheltering aids which can be profitably turned to account in many gardens. If it is in single rows, as it commonly is, there is no reason why it should be lost when by the simple process of placing a board on its edge affixed by stakes driven into the ground, the board to slant over the row from the north or east side, it can be so serviceably protected. Even stakes "laced with evergreens or straight straw, or, what is better, hexagon netting bowed over and similarly laced, may make all the difTerence between plenty and poverty of the supply of an article which often causes more unpleasant- ness than do crops which are usually assessed at greater value. I say therefore, whUe there is yet time — protect the Parsley. Have any — but I know they have — had their August No. 768.— Vol. XXIX., New Seeies. and September-sown Lettuces killed, and when in the bright days of April and May salads have been called for and longed for — even stormed for — there have been none to give ? Then how ardently the gardener wishes he had protected, instead of which, with all the nursing and sheltering, even potlicg, he cannot have the spring-sown Lettuce in perfection until July. Protect, I urge, with hurdles of straw or evergreens, if nothing else better is at hand, and by a little extra work and discomfort now there will be the reward of comfort in the spring, and credit and pleasantness. I say once again — Protect the Lettuce. Cabbages. If this crop is killed what have we in its stead? We have nothing that will fill its place. The Winter Green.') are gone and the Cauliflowers have not come in (even if the plants were not killed), and Asparagus and Peas can never stand iu the stead of Cabbages. " But we cannot insure the preservation of this crop," some may suggest. Perhaps not always, but do we do all we can? Do we plant in deep drills, as we ought to do, so that the soil is easily placed up fo the hearts ? Cabbages so planted are seldom killed, and if they are not so planted and advantage is taken when the ground is open to throw up a miniature bank at the cold side of each row, the plants will invariably escape destruction. I know what a northern climate is, and have been tanned with the winds off the North Sea, but I did not lose my Cabbages last winter v/hen the thermometer was down to zero. I say therefore. Protect the Cabbages, for this is a vital crop without a substitute. Spinach. This is another '• ticklish " crop ever in de- maud, and is always worth some protective care. It is injured by wet as well as frost, and is especially tender in light rich soils. It should be grown in an exposed place on dry and not rich soil for the winter supply, and if sheltered with thatched hurdles it is generally there when it is wanted. I have had the pleasure of sending occasional dishes twenty miles as the greatest favour that I could bestow on a friend ; and I know a gardener at the present time who would be glad to pay carriage for a parcel twice a-week for the next ten weeks tc go twice that distance. If at one time this vegetable is re- garded as a weed, at another time it is very precious ; and even if tolerably plentiful now, it may be unpleasantly scarce two months hence if not protected. Cauliflowers I need not say much about. They are more tender than the crops previously named, and con- sequently have protection given them — some more than they need — and become first "drawn" and then "but- tons;" they need protection, or the crop may be lost. The same may be said of hardy annuals ; with a httle preparation and a very small amount of protection they are seldom or never destroyed, but if this little is not afforded them they rarely pass the winter safely. Celery also needs some protection, and we should hear less of the complaints in spring of " My Celery wo'n't keep." It " wo'n't keep " in spring if it is frozen iu winter ; but litter, or stubble, or evergreens will mostly make it safe. It is not commonly that these useful crops are killed by No. Ii20.— Vol. LIV,, Old Seeteb. 526 JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1875. the first frost of winter — by that frost they are injured — but it IB the locg cold feim Bucceeding which completee the rnin if shelter is net afforded to encourage tlieir spring growth. Protection also serves another important purpose by sheltering from the enn and insuring a gradual thawing of the frozen plants or crops, a matter which is of the utmost consequence, and should never be disregarded. It is surprising how (ffectual is even a little protection. There are few who have not noticed that when a few sticks — it may be a loose bundle of pea rods or a handful of thorns — have been casually left on a plot of grass or weeds during the winter that the vegetation under even that skeletonised form of shelter has in spring — say in February — perhaps grown 2 or 3 inches, and is fresh and green whilu the unprotecttd surface is totally destitute of verdancy. If a similar covering is placed over a Radish bed, or any other low crop, the effect of such trifling shelter is equally manifest, and suggests how beneficial even a little shelter may be during the season when every additional degree of heat is valuable and every degree of cold is dangerous. Asparagus tops without the seeds, pea haulm, evergreen boughs, a few leaves, and a little litter where it can be used, are all sheltering aids which are not to be despised ; and those who use such aids freely, yet intelligently, are generally the most successful in providing a supply of these requirements which sustain their own credit and win their employers' satisfaction. But there are plants of a different nature than the above which are individually more valuable, and if destroyed cannot qnickly be replaced, which need protection against the exces- sive severity of the frost. Eoses are frequently endangered, and newly-buddfd and choice sorts should have some pro- tection afforded them. In protecting newly-budded Briars, or Roses that have not large heads, nothing is better, more neat and effectual, and more easily applied than to wrap a hayband round the stccks — for these are as susceptible of injury as the heads — and to envelope the heads in the old straw-bottle enve- lopes which have been sent from the wine merchant's. These are generally well and closely made, and will last for several years if taken care cf. I have collected them for several years until quite a store has accumulated, and it is not too much to Bay that by their aid I have preserved hundreds of Eoses from being killed ; the proof being the destruction of many old sorts or plants not greatly valued which have not been covered, and which have succumbed to the intense frost, while those which have had the protection have passed through the winters in safety. When the Eoses are thus encased they have a snug comfort Society be told that if they did not agree to the plan of the Council the Society would be swamped ? Why, what could happen if even that occurred ? Why, even if the Society was swamped it would be no worse than it was at the present time [hear, heir]. With respect to the differences of the Society, he and the other members had kept an absolute neutrality [hear, hear] . His friends and his supporters thought, and he believed they would always think, that by the proposi- tions of the Fellows they were hardly dealt with [hear, hear]. The local Fellows, he thought, were hardly dealt with. What he stated distinctly and unreservedly was that the gardens of South Kensington could not and would not, being one of the lungs of the metropolis, be closed to its people [cheers]. In fine, his comments amounted to this, and to this only, that he thought if the proposals of the Council were carried out they would bring upon the Society a worse position than it occupied before [hear and cheers]. In conclusion, Lord Bury expressed his opinion that his noble friend in the chair had really the interest of the Society at heart, and said he felt certain that hia noble friend would not be a party to any scheme which he did not think was calculated to promote the interests of horticul- ture and of the Society which took its name from that of the science [cheers]. At any rate, by the aid of the local Fellows the Society would not have the slightest difficulty in keeping the gardens as being one of the lungs of the metropohs [cheers]. He thought that if the propositions of the Council were carried out they would place the Society in a worse position than that in which it at present stood [cries of "no"]. In conclusion, Lord Bury entreated the Fellows to revert to the proposals put forward by the Council of which he had been the last president [cheers]. Sir Peter Pole said, amid a good deal of laughter, My Lord, four subscribers told me that if these propositions are carried by the meeting they will have their names scratched out of the books of the Society [great laughter]. The President — Have you anything else to say on the pait of these four subscribers ? Sir Peter Pole. — No, my Lord; that is my only objection [laughter]. The President. — It is one I am certain the Council and the meeting will take into very serious account [great laughter]. What we really have to do to-day you all know is a most serious business. The fate of the Horticultural Society hangs upon it, and I am certain that there is not a gentleman in tliis room who has not at heart the real welfare, the renewed and permanent prosperity, of the Royal Horticultural Society [cheers]. Deoembei IG, 1S7S. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICUIiTUaS AND COTTAGE GAIiDENER. 33?- Mr. GuED.\LLA said he wished to observe that the increase of Bnbscribers could be only brought about by increased attracfious [loud cries of " hear "J The great success of the Chiswick Gar- dens was brought by the splendid breakfasts [great laughter]. Oh, yes, he repeated that it was the breakfasts made the whole thing a success [renewed laughter]. Well, if gentlemen laughed he should like to ask how the Botanical Gardens were made a success? Was it not by the lirne light [laughter], yes, and other very great attractions '? [hear, henr]. Well, now, they were threatened with an aquarium and other attractions which suited all modern requirements and all the wants of the present very-much-changed state of society [laughter]. Well, then, what should the Royal Horticultural Society do ? Should it not, as was generally said and accepted, do if it went into Rome as Rome does? [hear, and dissent]. Now, one of the plans spoken of frequently to the Fellows of the Society was the establishment of a skating rink [cheers]. Well, Irom what he had heard he had to take rather a melancholy view of the sub- ject [a laugh]. He knew very well that the establishment of a skating rink would be a source of greatly-increased revenue to the Society. Well, had the shows increased ? If they had it was on the scale of an Irish increase — an increase the other way [laughter]. Respecting the privileges of the Fellows, no doubt: there were many, and, as far as they went, valuable ones, but there could be no doubt that there was a very considerable difference of opinion with respect to the new resolutions which the Council had proposed [cheers, and cries of "no"]. The chief thing spoken of by the noble lord in the chair was the abuse of entrance fees, or rather the abuse of trans- ferable tickets, and he (Mr. Guedalla) did not believe that a curtailment of this privilege would bring about a decrease of the abase if it existed [hear, hear]. His own experience was that with respect to this matter he had not used orders at all. Indeed he had carefully avoided making use of the privilege [hear, hear]. In conclusion of his speech Mr. Guedalla asked the members to be united — to act with one aim and object — the promotion of horticulture and the continued and improved ex- istence of the Royal Horticultural Society, and he emphatically stated that if this were done petty and miserable jealousies and differences would sink, and the Society become, what it was not now, a great national institution [loud cheers]. Lord AiFBED Churchill said he felt very much indebted to his noble friend in the chair for the observations he had made, but he wished to say he did not think the Council would be able to raise by their scheme the income of the Society, and neither did he think that the proposals of the Council were applicable to the great majority of the Fellows. He did not go with the Coun- cil that there had been an abuse in the transfer of tickets [loud cries of "hear," and counter cries of "yes"]. If the Council would not treat the Society in a liberal manner, by all means let the Fellows pay for what they got, but let the Fellows at the same time maintain their privileges, and have the power to transfer tickets to friends whom they think proper to have ad- mitted to the gardens [cheers]. He felt certain that unless the Society gave greater facilities and privileges to members they could not by any means raise their income to i'10,000 a-year. Of course the Society could increase their receipts by diminish- ing their expenditure [a laugh]. But then the question was, Did any means exist by which the expenditure could be reduced ? [hear, hear]. The cost of the gardens had gone on increasing, and it should be borne in mind that the cost of their mainte- nance was not taken into account [hear, hear]. Indeed, as most of the Fellows knew, it was not taken into account at all. And after all it was the great cost resulting from the management of the gardens which had affected and brought the Society into its present position [cheers, and a cry of "no"]. At any rate, his lordship believed that the true interests of horticulture would be promoted by the severance of the horticultural element from South Kensington gardens ["no" and "yes"]. He could not and he would not believe in these gardens being converted into bricks and mortar for the benefit and at the will of the Com- missioners [loud cheers]. With regard to the Horticultural Society he believed if they only went back to their old quarters at Chiswick— he should indeed say their original quarters at Chiswick — would certainly bring about a better state of feeling amongst horticulturists, and a bright future for the Society. There was really a noble love for horticulture in the people of this country. People saw that in the number of growiug so- cieties, but these bad no cohesion in them, or rather among each other. Well, one thing he should suggest was that a system of lecturing on the principles and the science of horticulture should be adopted [hear, hear]. The Society ought, by means of cor- respondence, have itself in communication with the horticul- tural societies of the Continent. Indeed, even from America and Australia the Society ought to be able to have, if its correspon- dence were properly carried on, a large amount — indeed, a very large and important amount, of continental and American news. He should just like to remark that he should thJDk it was ad- visable to come to some decision as to the alteration of the Charter. He should not at the present time trouble thtm with any schemes of his own, but, he might sincerely say — and he knew all the Fellows present believed him— that he had the real in- terests of the Society at heart. He thought, aud he said it with great respect for the Council, that if they to; k back their pro- posals aud reconsidered them, he doubted not an agreeable method for solving their difticuUy and saving the Society would be amicably ariived at [cheers]. If the propositions of th© Council were adopted the Charter would have to be altered, and at the same time horticulture would have to be practically abandoned [" hear, hear," and cries of " no, nu" [. Lord Alfred Churchill concluded in the following words: I thiok if the Council would take back their proposals and reconsider them, I doubt not that we shall come to the adoplim of a more agree- able method likely to benefit the Society [npflause]. Mr. LioGixs said ho disagreeil in tuto with the propositions of the Council, which ho thought would do the Society more- damage than probably they ever expected to receive [a laugh]. He had never heard a statement which more surprised him than that of Admiral Hornby made at the last meeting. And for tbis reason that be (Mr. Liggins) being a resident of Keneingtor:, for fifty years claimed to know the ff-eling of Kensington, and he was therefore quite surprised to hear Admiral Hornby's opinion — that was the opinion of a perfectly new member lead- ing them into a fog [laughter]. It was stuted by the Admiral that the most disastrous results would occur, not to the Councii alone, tut to the whole body of the Fellows. The President. — Was that a statement made at the present meeting ? Mr. Liggins. — No, it was a statement made at a former meeting. The President. — Ob, then, it was not on the present occasion, so please don't refer to it [hear, hear]. Mr. Liggins. — Well, I will shorten my remarks, and I say I am not going to he shunted out of the Royal Horticultural Society [much laughter]. Iclaim the right to my own privileges [loud cries of " heiir "]. As an old four-guinea Fellow I do not think the Council have any right to touch my privileges [loud cheers]. I have alwHys enjoyed a transferable ticket. Well, are my wife and my daughter not to we it ? [cheers and counter cheers]. I think a gentleman says " No." Well, if not it would be a perfect waste of money to throw it away upon subscriptions to the Royal Horticultural Society [hear, hear]. From conver- sations I have had with many Fellows of the Society I find that a general feeling prevails that they, as a body, are determined- not to give up their privilege of being possessed of transferable tickets [cheers]. I hope I express the feeling of the meeting [cheers aud dissent]. We are all anxious to raise the income of the Society. The President. — How ? [loud cheers and laughter]. Mr. Liggins. — It is not fur me to dictate to the Council ["oh," laughter, and cheers]. Mr. Liggins went on to say that he thought there would be no difficulty in the Crauncil raising Vae income of the Society ; but if the Council wanted to increase the revenue of the Society it must be done by means of increased facilities at reduced cost. It was a perfectly backward move- ment to take away the privilegf s of the Fellows ; and more than that, he felt perfectly certain the Fellows would not submit to it [cheers and laughter]. He hoped the Fellows would not staud upon the subject of the resources of the Society, but would stand as men, and continue to be Fellows of this tine old Society [cheers]. Speaking of the question of transferable tickets Mr. Liggins said it was not a very pleasant thing to be told that Fellows had been mis-using tickets, and were dis- honourably doing so. The President- — Nothing was said about dishonour. Mr. Liggins. — The word " dishonour " may not have been- used, but the language of the noble Chairman was rather harsh. The President. — I must say I do consider it an abuse when the members of another household are enabled to visit the gardens by the use cf the name, or rather the ticket of a Fellow of the Society [loud and prolonged cheers]. Mr. Liggins. — That is quite my view [cheers and laughter]. The President. — Now, that abuse exists very largely. It does not exist as far as I am personally concerned, although I am a four-guinea Fellow, but I think it is really discreditable to those who practise that abuse [cheers]. Mr. Liggins — It is utterly hopeless, or at any rate anything like probable, for us to raise in the four or five years our income to £'10,000 without giving greater facilities to the Fellows. If we could get a skating rink constructed, there is a fine piece of ground which is not wanted at all at the corner of the gardens. The President then in answer to Lord Bury, said thut it had been submitted to him by members of the Council, that to their own knowledge the practice of transferring tickets existed, and he assured his friend that he (the President) was not taking any personal interest in the matter. After a short dlECussion in which Lord Bury distinctly chal- lenged any person to show, or give any proof, how the power of transferring tickets was abused, Admiral Hornby (CLuncil) said — Now the noble lord com- 532 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEK AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ December 16, 1875. plains of the Btatement made. I will say that these tickets have been transferred from end to end, not of the West End, but of London [cheeri-J. What is the case? It is this, that people from all ends and sides of London get tickets, probably from the servants of Kensington and Bromptoc [bear hear]. Now, with- out entering into this matter more fully than perhaps would be pleasant to those concerned, he conld honestly Eay that no less than five families had been in the habit of using his very own tickets. A Fellow..— Who is to blame ? [oheersj. Admiral Hornby.— Nobody, I submit, is to blame. Yon may not know it — probably you do not — but I can tell you positively that it is a constant arrangement that these tickets pass from one end to the other end of a fashiouable neighbourhood. The fashionable people are not ashamed to use them, and they do use them. Now, there are plenty in this room who know I am speaking the common perfect truth, when I dt^clare that many ladies aud gentltraen living in the west end of London use the gardens of the B^yal Horticultural Society without contribut- ing one farthing towards thtir maintenance. I have no per- sonal interest in this matter, but I have come upon this Council at the request of the people of South Kensington, because they thODght 1 might do good, and because they knew I wished well to the Society [cheers]. I do say distinctly that these trans- ferable tickets are abused [hear and cheers, and cries of " no "]. Very well, some one says ** no." Well, I believe if the trans- ferable power were taken away the Society would be saved [loud cheers]. Along and uninteresting discuFsion, in which Mr. Bowen and Mr. Shepperd took part, which was chiefly in favour of a skating rink, took place, and then the practical part of the bnsiness of the meeting was resumed. Sir Alfred Slade, Bart., said he thought it right to ask the opinion of the meeting on the propcsitions of the Council, but neither the honourable baronet nor the noble lord (Bury), who was of his party, waited for the conclusion of the proceedings. But this was the cafe, notwithstanding Sir Alfred Slade before he left the room making use of the following words :^"I do think it right to ask the opinion of this meeting on the proposals of the Council." The baronet generally took objection to the schemes of the Council, and then Mr. Bateman spoke of the necessity of the Society looking at the " extreme gravity " in which it was placed. In concluBion of a lengthened speech which dealt with the general details of the Stciely, Mr Bateman said he should move, " That this meeting be adjourned ti give a sufficient and proper time to the Council to reconsider their propositions " [loud cheers]. Mr. Stew.\ed seconded the motion. Mr. W. H. Jacob asked the meeting not to adopt the sugges- tions of the Council, although he might say his tickets were no use to himself or family. Indeed he had sent his tickets to those who had children, that the latter might be sent to the gardens. That he did not think was what the noble Chairman called an " abuse " [cheers] . In conclusion he begged to move, " That this meeting begs to ask the Council of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society to reconsider their suggestions to the Fel- lows" [cheers]. Mr. CH.\itLEa Morgan seconded this motion or amendment, and remarked that it was a shame the scheme of the Council did not provide for families. The President. — The resolution to which you have moved an amendment does provide for families. I mean the new regu- lations proposed by the Council, which may be taken in the form of a resolution. Mr. Little (member of Council) in a few well-chosen words spoke of the absolute necessity of those who used the gardens paying for them, and he added that if they took the population of the noble houses around the gardens they would fiud that not more than 10 per cent, were Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society [cries of "shame"]. But then there were great numbers who used the gardens but never paid for them. Pro- bably after the publication of the proceedings of this meeting those ladies and gentlemen who had been enjoying the gardens a long time at no expense might see the necessity of contribut- ing sometbiog towards their maintenance [cheers], Mr. Knill paid he should neither vote for the resolution nor the amendment. Mr. Shepperd hoped that like himself there were Fellows willing to give up some of their privileges for the common benefit of the Society. A Fellow — I am afraid not. Mr. Shepperd — I should be sorry to think that selfishness was a characteristic of the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society [cheers, and some laughter]. Mr. Caird recommended that the Council should reconsider their scheme. After some conversational discussion Dr. Pinches moved " That the Council be requested to re- consider the privileges for 187G." Mr. LiooiNs seconded the amendment, which, of course, was Bubatantially a negative to the propositions of the Council. Mr, W, Haughton (Council) wished to say he was the sole dis- sentient with the majority of the Council on the question of transferable tickets. After a ehort discussion the amendment proposed by Dr. Pinches (which was afterwards put a'! a substantive motion in consequence of the proposal of a number of motions and amend- ments to the same effect) was unanimously agreed to amid some cheering. Lord Cardwei.l rose and said : — My Lord Aberdare, whatever the conclusions at which we ultimately arrive may be, we know that without harmony and support of authority we shall not be able to get out of the difficulties of our financial position [cheers], I think we are extremely fortunate in having you, my Lord Aberdare, at the head of our proceedings [cheers]. We have taken into consideration at great length a great number of proposals, and that has led to the conclusion, which I under- stand we have given, that the Council will reconsider and resubmit them. Like many others I am one of those who took a forty-guinea ticket, and I may say I think we ought in this matter make considerable concessions, because ithas been clearly shown that while these local admissions are in exibtence it tells upon the accession of new subscribers ; and I think I need not tell you that without a large accession of new subEciibers we cannot get on. I am glad, my Lord Aberdare, that you and the Council have accepted the motion ; and I hope, as I have no doubt you will, reconsider the proposals in the interval between this and the next meeting, and that you will be able to bring forward proposals which the Fellows will be ready to accept. I beg to ask of you, ladies and gentlemen, to give your cordial thanks to the noble Chairman for his conduct in presiding at this meeting to-day. The motion was carried with acclamation, and Lord Aberdare having replied briefly, the protracted proceedings were brought to a close. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. In reading Dr. Livingstone's "Last .Journals" we have many times had regret forced upon us that he had no bo- tanical knowledge, nor any supplies to aid the natives of in- terior Africa in their gardening. Continually occur notices of trees and plants without any information enabling us either to identify them or to determine the natural orders to which they belong. The chiefs, as well as all the people, delight in cultivating the soil, and the cultivation is judicious. They trench the soil, burn the weeds slowly by covering the heaps with sods, and they spread the ashes over the surface ; they irrigate their crops nntU the rainy season arrives. Peas, Beans, Pumpkins, and other crops are mentioned, besides many fiuit trees. Of these last is the Fig tree. It is, says Dr. Living- stone, " always planted at villages. It is a sacred tree all over Africa and India, and the tender roots which drop down to- wards the ground are used as medicine — a universal medicine. Can it be a tradition of its being like the Tree of Life, which Archbishop Whateley conjectures may have been used in Para- dise to render man immortal ?" In future African exploring expeditions we hope a botanist and a gardener will be of the party, and a good store of useful seeds be with them. We have received the schedule of the Great Exhi- niTiON OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS which IS to be held at Brussels on the 30th of April, 1870, in celebration of the hun- dredth anniversary of the Society de Flore of Brussels. It is an unusually rich one, and besides coUecticns of plants and groups it has special classes for no less than 104 distinct genera. Besides the prizes of the schedule there are four special prizes of honour. To the foreign exhibitor who, by Ibe richness and merit of his collections, shall hare contributed most to the splendour of the Exhibition — first prize, a large gold medal offered by the King ; second prize, a gold medal offered by the Comte de Plandre. To the Belgian exhibitor who, by the richness and merit of his collections, shall have contributed most to the splendour of the Exhibition — first prize, a large gold medal offered by the Queen ; and second piize, a gold medal offered by the Comtesse de Flandre. The Yoric Society of Ancient Florists held its annual meeting on the 7th inst., when arrangements were made for the shows of the coming year. On the 9th the members held their annual feast convened by a summons on which the Hoyal arms have not the white horse of Hanover, which indicates that its foundation was before the Georges. On the Gth inst. Mk. JIechi took a final leave of THE Farmers' Clur. After delivering a very sound lecture on " The Treasures of the Air, the Soil, and the Subsoil," he concluded by observing that having attained his seventy- foarth year he considered his agricultural efforts concluded. December IG, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. 533 No man has effeoted more cultural improvement by the com- bination of sound science and practice than Mr. Mechi, and no one can point to existing evidence with more certainty than ourselves, for we know what his Tiptree land yields now, and we knew personally its comparative sterility when he entered upon its cultivation. We regret to hear that the Phylloxeka has made its appearance in the vineyards of Tarragona and also in different parts of Portugal. The Spanish Agricultural Council were to meet Dec. 11th, to consider the best means of arresting the progress of this scourge. A PROLIFEROUS POINSETTIA. Since the introduction of the well known plant Poinssttia puloherrima from Mexico forty years ago it has been without a rival as a distinct, scarlet-braoted, winter-decorative plant. It is now, however, likely to be effectually superseded by a new and totally distinct form, which has also been discovered in Mexico by M. Koezl, and which is regarded by that collector as the most valuable of all his discoveries. The entire stock of the new Poinsettia is in the possession of the Messrs. Veitch, and is now in full beauty at their nurseries at Chelsea. The examples which we have seen of this plant are remark- able alike for the sine of the heads, their form, the distinct character of the bracts, and their marvellous brilliancy of colour. In the old type the plant is surmounted by a single cluster of yellow flowers, from the base of which the bracts radiate in a horizontal manner. In the new form the central or primary cyme, which is surrounded by splendid bracts, is, as it were, the root of other flowers which spring from it on short simple stems, each surmounted by flowers and bracts ; and these secondary heads become further subdivided, and forming also perfect flowers and bracts — the head, in fact, culminating in a multiplication of parts, each perfect and of extraordinary brilliancy. The individual bracts differ also from the normal species by their longer petioles, so that each principal bract, instead of extending horizontally, is gracefully arched after the manner of the leaves of Draciena Cooperi : thus each head forms a perfect cone of colour, and not a simple flat disc as in the old species. The head which we more particularly noted was 16 inches In diameter, and from the base to the apex of the cone of drooping bracts was 11 inches in depth. The bracts on this head were fifty in number, arranged on seven separate cymes which had sprung from the primary base. The colour is superlatively brilliant, as if a delicate tint of orange floated over the intense scarlet, imparting a more dazzling appearancB than is possessed by the old species. If the designation " a cone of fire " is applicable to any plant in existence this is the one ; and if it proves constant to its character, as every head we have seen is constant, it is a plant which must find its way into all gardens in all lands where stove plants are cultivated, and form a brilliant monument to the researches of Mr. Eoezl. FRUIT KEEPING AND ROOM. Fbom what I have read and heard from various parts of the country Pears and Apples are keeping very badly this year, which is attributed to so much wet during the end of the autumn. Both Pears and Apples are keeping as sound with me as they generally do at this season of the year. Louise Bonne of Jersey, Comte de Lamy, Marie Louise, Durondeau, Haeon's Incomparable, Aeton Town, and Winter Nells are all as sound as when gathered. Some of them are unusually large. Keswick and Manks CodUns and Lord Snffield Apples were only finished on the 20th of last month. CeUni, Round Winter Nonsuch, Baauty of Kent, King of the Pippins, Eib- Btons, and Golden Noble we are using at present. My fruit room stands almost due south and north, apart from any other building except a small room at one end used for storing away early and late seed Potatoes. It is ventilated at the top, both ends and sliding shutters, also two trap-doors in the roof of the ceiling, which causes a regular circulation of air during the storing-away season, and dries up the over- abundance of moisture given off when the fruit ia first ^thered. There is also a sliding ventilator in the top of the TOor, and the inside of the window closed up with shutters which meet in the centre right and left, so that they can be opened with very little trouble when required, as they slide in a groove into the hollow walls so that no frost can enter ; when the weather is unusually severe we can put on a fire, but is seldom used. There are six tiers of shelves 2 feet wide, with strips of wood 2 inches wide and 1 inch apart between, so that the air circulates right under the fruit. How often do we see fruit rooms put up on the back wall of hothouses, which is too hot and dry for keeping fruit any length of time, as it ripens too prematurely and shrivels. I sent in on Midsummer-day a dish of Sturmer Pippin, Brad- dick's, and Old Nonpareil, as sound and fresh as when gathered, fine in colour and flavour, when I have seen the same varieties shrivelled up by the end of April in fruit rooms put up at the back walls of hothouses. — William Macphebson, Sndston Gardens. PHLOXES. TuEY can be grown from 1 foot to 18 inches in height by striking the young shoots late in spring. When rooted repot them singly in small pots, ready to be planted out into beds or borders where they are to flower. During the summer they will throw up heads of their richly-coloured flowers, of which there is a great variety. We generally find them stuck among shrubs in some out-of-the-way corner of the garden struggling for life, but all lovers of flowers ought to allot a prominent place for these fine herbaceous flowering plants. They are espe- cially well adapted for pot culture, for decorating the green- house or conservatory, and when well grown they will surpass many of the usual greenhouse flowering plants. They are easy to manage. I now name a few sorts worthy of note, as follows : — White Lady, Mons. Guldenschuch, Edith, Deliverance, Mrs. Dom- brain, A. Verschaffelt, Mons. Domage, Madame Moisset, Madame la Comtesse de Turenue, Chanzy, William Rollisson, M. tiustave Dore, Mons. Lannay, Etoille MeruUy, Madame Autin, Flora Maonab, Mars, Daux, Mons. Hughson, L'Ave- nir, Rex, Madame Atzer, Lothair, Hercules, Miss Robertson, Socfates, Mrs. Graenshiela, Chatiment, Coquette de Pare, Bosa Alba, Baron de Charette, Revo d'Or, Coccinea, Prima Donna. — E. H., Mountains, Hildenborough. ROLLESTON HALL.— No. 1. THE SEAT OF SIR TOKMAN MOSLEY, BAET. The estate of Rolleston has been in the possession of a long line of owners of high and ancient lineage. It is directly traceable to the ownership of Edward the Confessor, and was subsequently enjoyed in turn by Earl Tosti, Morcar Earl of Northumberland, Robert de Ferrers (first Earl of Derby), Sir Henry de RoUeston (whose descendants resided here for four centuries), the estates eventually passing by purchase into the Mosley family in 161i. This family is also of ancient lineage. Near Wolverhampton ia the hamlet of Moseley, derived from the Saxon Meos (Moss) and Leay (field) ; in Domesday it ia called Moleslei. Of this hamlet Ernald became first tenant and then owner, and, as was the custom in those times, derived his surname from the place of hia residence — thus Ernald de Moseley. Ernald'a sons, Oswald and Osbert, migrated to York and Lancaster, and gained a substantial position in the latter county, Nicholas Moseley, Esq., becoming established on an estate at Hongh End near Manchester. In 159(1 this gentleman purchased the rights and appurtenances of the manor of Manchester, which continued a part of the hereditary possessiona for 230 years ; these rights, after much litigation in their defence, were sold to the Corporation of Mancheater in 1846. In the collegiate church of that city memorial plates are inscribed to Sir Oswald Mosley lord of the manor of Manchester. Nicholas Mosley was Lord Mayor of London in 1599, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth to mark her high approbation of his services during that period, Her Majesty at the same time presenting him with a richly-carved oak bedstead and other furniture. The bedstead was unfortunately destroyed in the diaaatrous fire which occurred at RoUeston in 1871, some of the other furniture being preserved, and is now as bright and sound as when it left the carver's hands. In 1720 Oswald Mosley was raised to the baronetage by George I. Sir Oswald was succeeded by the Rav. Sir John Mosley, who restored the manaion in 1737. Sir John was a gentleman of benevolent disposition but eccentric habits, aa may be gathered from the following characteristic address which he delivered at a meet- ing of noblemen and gentlemen at Stafford, who had assemble^ 534 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1 December 16, 1375. for a charitable purpose and had put down their names for various sums. Sir John, who was attired in a threadbare coat and was unknown, rose from his seat and said, " I have ridden four and twenty miles on one horse to attend this meeting with £50 in my pocket, with the intention of giving it in this good cause; but when I see upon the subscription list which has been handed round the names of noble lords and wealthy gen- tlemen with such paltry sums attached to them, I fear I should be shocking their feelings were I to carry my intentions into effect ; and am therefore constrained to replace in my pocket the greater part of it, which I shall reserve until some future occasion, when a spirit of liberality may be more prevalent among them." All eyes were directed to the speaker, and be- fore the general inquiry of " Who is he?" could be answered, he was again on his horse and off to Eolleston. In due course the late baronet, Sir Oswald Mosley, D.C.L., ifcc, succeeded to the estates; he was a gentleman of great literary attainments, and was an accomplished botanist and naturaUst. His history of the fauna and flora of Stafford- shire betokens great knowledge and research, and the botanical garden which he established at Eolleston was unusually extensive and complete. He also wrote the family memoirs, and a few lines from its admirable preface will testify to the high character of the author. Sir Oswald says to his children that he " writes not to fill their minds with arrogant notions of high descent, but with the humble hope that by recording the virtues and faiUngs of their ancestors they may imitate the one and avoid the other, and under all circum- stances trusts that they will take, as the only one test and guide, the word of God." Sir Oswald died in 1871, and was succeeded by the present baronet, Sir Tonman Mosley, a true specimen of the English Fig. 112.— r.OLLESIOX HALL— CONSEaVATOEV AND GROCNDS. gentleman, and under no previous owner have the mansion, grounds, and gardens at Eolleston had greater and more taste- ful additions made to them. The Mansion. — Immediately on his accession to the baronet- age the present owner commenced making great additions to the mansion, but the fire, before alluded to, occurring in the same year, was so extensive as to necessitate the erection of an entirely new structure. This was completed in 1874, on the site of the old hall. The structure is sqnai-e and com- modious, being built of stone, and ornamented with stone balustrades. It occupies just an acre of ground, and is fitted with every modern convenience, including an hydraulic lift. The rooms are spacious and richly furnished, and contain pictures by eminent ancient and modem artists, including a fine presentation portrait by the tenantry of Sir Oswald Mosley. The Ubrary is extensive and choice. The oak stair- case is very elaborate. In the drawing-room are splendid cabinets and vases which were removed from France during the Revolution, and which had been the property of Louis Phillipe. The front hall is decorated with ancient oak furni- ture, armour, pedestals, vases, bronzes, and civic paraphernalia. Adjoining the mansion is the CoNSEP.vATORV. — This is a very fine structure with a central circular roof, and ridge-and-furrow side roofs, supported by light iron columns. It communicates with the mansion by i large glass doors, one entering the ball room, another the corridor, with access also to one of the side rooms. Thus one side and end of the building is in connection with the mansion, ' the other side and end facing the grounds and receiving light. 1 The building is 70 feet in length by 50 in width, and about 40 in height. Gas globes are suspended from the roof, and the structure is lighted on special occasions, open tubes ascending ! from the globes, through the roof, which prevents the slightest injury ensuing to the plants. In the centre of the building is a handsome white marble fountain set in a basin of the same material, in which gold fish will be placed. There are broad central and cross paths with a path round the building, but 2 to 3 feet from the sides and ends ; that space on the light ' side is occupied by a flat stage covered with gravel for pot plants, and on the wall side by a border for trained and climb- ing plants. The body of the building is occupied by four beds, the two on the dark side having as central occupants a splendid pair of Dicksonias, the others being planted with Camelhas. At the corners are nice plants of variegated Yuccas, and on each side the ball-room door are a fiue pair of green Dracienas matched by a smaller pair of Araucaria excelsa at the opposite or garden , entrance. The roof and columns are being draped with ; climbers — Passifloras, Clematises, Lapagerias, red and white ; Tacsonia Van-Volxemi, Bougainvilleas, Acacias, Habrothamnus, Abntilons,andBhyncospermums. The above are the permanent Deoembei 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 535 plants. AsBOoiated with them were Poinsettiae, of which huudreilB are grown having discs of 10 to 14 inches in dia- meter; Solanums and Chrysanthemums, very large and fine; Eiohardias, winter-flowering Pelargoniums with trasses as fine and fresh as at midsummer, Harold, Excellent, and Vesuvius being the best; and several large plants of Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana— this useful old plant is grown after the manner of show Pelargoniums, and in winter its glossy foliage and scarlet sprays are invaluable for cutting for indoor decora- tion. These are a few of the plants which were in bloom in October, and a more brUliant display can seldom be seen at any period of the year. Basket plants are also suspended from the roof, the most effective being Aspidistra lurida variegata fringed with Tradescantia zebrina ; Adiantum cuuea- tum fringed with Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum ; Adiantums fringed with Saxifraga sarmentosa, and Platyoeriums and green and variegated Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. Besides the plants are birds which warble their songs of spring in the genial temperature which is provided, and these with the flowers, roomy promenades, and inviting chairs which are provided, make the structure in the highest degree enjoyable. Externally it is appropriately ornamented, and is in excellent keeping with the surrounding architecture. It was erected by Mr. Ormson of London, and it is admirably furnished by Mr. Buck. Passing from its portals we enter The Groonds. — These are extensive, embracing upwards of fifty acres. The late baronet took great delight in the sur- roundings of his mansion and added much to their attractive- nsss, but he did not decorate in the " gorgeous style " and set his garden aglow with scarlet and yellow : he was too much of a botanist for that, and loved trees, and flowers, and Ferns for their own inherent beauties, and not because they would " go well " with any particular system of embellishment. He there- fore planted trees, but not in formal lines ; dells and hollows he transformed into caverns and grottoes for his Ferns ; made rustic buildings, and arranged his plants in systematic and botanical order. This work still remains and speaks highly for his taste and industry. The present baronet has also im- proved largely — in fact he is continually improving — improving yet preserving. New lawns have been made, and Conifers permitted to develope themselves ; drives and walks have been judiciously formed, and structures erected both of an orna- mental and useful character. The site is generally flat, the mansion overlooking a park of considerable extent containing fine trees and effective water scenery. The lawns contiguous to the mansion are very spacious, and contain isolated speci- mens of deciduous trees and some very fine Conifers. Near the mansion is a terrace walk about 100 yards in length orna- mented with vases, and in the summer with several fine speci- mens of Aloes. Near the extremity of the terrace in a square recess fronting Sir Tonman's private apartments is a flower garden, the design being appropriate to the architecture ; and this in summer is furnished with bedding plants, in winter with hardy plants, and in spring is gay with bulbs. From the terrace are many pleasing views, one of which, showing the church in the distance — a venerable structure about to be re- stored, is shown by our woodcut. In this view glimpses are obtained of some of the Conifers, the finest being a specimen of Abies Douglasii, the branches sweeping the lawn and measuring 52 yards in circumference. This specimen having lost its head a few years ago, Mr. Buck, with the aid of ropes and the assistance of an adjoining tree, fastened upright one of the side branches, which has formed a perfect substitute for the original leader. Another Douglas Fir raised from a cutting by the late baronet is now 30 feet high. There are also several good Wellingtonias and many fine Cedars of Lebanon. Cedrus atlantica is also in excellent condition, as are Piceas pinsapo, Nordmanniana, and other popular sorts. The lawns also con- tain very fine Yews, which have been judiciously tended; also Hollies and other shrubs, including Ehododendrons, flourish admirably in the strong clayey soil. The pleasure grounds extend to the reservoir, which is nearly a mile from the man- sion, and is approached by an avenue of choice young Conifers. The reservoir was made by Mr. Buck to supply the mansion and gardens with water, and it must be admitted that be has accomplished his task in a highly successful manner, for no adjunct to the residence is more useful than this, and none more ornamental. Another attraction of Eolleston is the hardy fernery. This is formed in a hollow, and is approached by walks curving through the shrubbery. It is completely embowered in foliage, and is an enjoyable retreat during the sultry days of summer. The natural formation of the ground has been taken advantage of, the hollows having been deepened and the hills raised. These have been faced with rocks, and are charming by their very ruggedness, and the tortuous passages leading under arches into capacious caverns are richly clothed with Ferns. One of these grottoes is 50 yards in length, and is capable of affording accommodation to a large festive party, to which purpose it has been frequently devoted. How many natural hollows are there in shrubberies which are occupied with rub- bish, which by a little, and only a little, tasteful application of art may be transformed into ferneries, and which as summer retreats and attractive nooks would contribute immensely to the diversity and interest of a garden ? There are many such places, and the rocky dells at Eolleston are an example of how they may be beautified, and how appropriate they are for the cultivation of this elegant family of plants. In this dell the Osmundas regaUs, einnamomea and cristata, Struthiopteris germanica, Lastreas in variety, and Onoclea sensibilis flourish luxuriantly ; while equally healthy but of more lowly growth are Aspleniums Euta-muraria and marinum, Adiantum peda- tum, Trichomanes radioans, with thousands of the Hart's- tongue. Beech and Oak Ferns, which in cool spots and the shade which trees afford, will flourish in almost any sort of soil. A notice of the more useful department of the gardens at Eolleston must be postponed ; but here also considerable im- provements and additions have been ably carried out by Sir Tonman's old servant and skilful gardener, Mr. Buck.— J. W. ATRIPLEX HALIMUS AS A SEASIDE PLANT. Of late many inquiries seem to have been made about plants suitable for the seaside, and lists have been given ; but there is one shrub which I noticed a few months ago at a fashionable seaside place that I do not recollect having met with before, neither is its name mentioned in any nursery- man's catalogue of shrubs. It was flourishing remarkably, and I expect will do so also in other places of a like kind. It is an old plant— at least it is reported to have been introduced into this country as long ago as 1C40. Atriplex Halimus is an evergreen shrub with foliage of a glaucous hue, habit bushy, and very distinct from other sea- shore shrubs. I believe it to be closely related to the garden Orach, and there is said to be one or two British species also of an eatable kind belonging to the genus. The species men- tioned above seemed to make a neat and convenient hedge, to which purpose it was often put in front of some of the villas at Bournemouth, and its appearance indicated that it grew as fast as was wanted. It did not seem to object at all to any kind of soil offered it. The natural soil of the place is sandy or sandy peat ; but we aU know that in the immediate vicinity of a house newly built the material dug out of the cellars, &c., is mixed with the top soil, and in the place I speak of there were beds of a reddish kind of clay met with now and then not by any means inviting to vegetation, yet I think this plant did not object to it. I believe it to hail from Spain, and though it has been in this country more than two centuries it is far from being well known, but it certainly deserves a trial in places where there is a desire to vary the ordinary list so often met with ; and although there are many shrubs more to be admired than it is, the number that will bear the spray from a regular south- wester is only limited. Planted, therefore, along with Broom, Tamarisk, Gorse, Heath, and other plants, the chances are that this one will maintain its place. " And what is this?" is an inquiry the planter will probably often have made him ; and possibly on that account he will think none the less of it. Of its hardihood for inland purposes I know nothing, but expect it is not without its faults, or it would have made its way long before this into general planting ; but if it will do in very exposed places on the seashore it is well worth patronising, and I suppose by its appearance that it is not difficult to propagate.— J. Eobson. APHIDES IN WINTER. Most horticulturists must have noticed these insects in winter at full play (or work) in greenhouses that contain Geraniums, where the plants have not been properly attended to in the autumn, so that a juvenile brood, brought under cover while of small size, under a fostering warmth becomes fat and flourishing. I find, however, that aphides in small 636 JOORNAli OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Deeemtier 16, 1875. numbers may be found on various plants out of doors during the dull season of the year. Nor have they been affected, seemingly, by keen east winds at the end of November — in faot, some gardeners, holding by the old theory that there are blight-bringing winds, believe that this blight in particular migrates thus at all seasons. Conclusive against this, how- ever, is the wingless state of the aphides now about. Though in the bulk of the species belonging to the genus Aphis the egg state carries on the succession from autumn to spring, Nature probably does also protect from a possible extinction some of the species by keeping alive a few individuals as images during that period.— J. R. S. C. NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. CucuMBEBs. — Early Cucumbers are held in high estimation by almost everyone, and their production is often an object of a little wholesome rivalry as to who can cut the first fruits tit for the table. Cucumbers are forced in structures heated by hot water, and also in common garden frames by dung heat. The latter may bo designated the old-fashioned plan ; neverthe- less it is practised by many, myself among the number, and I am sure that the amateur will find that Cucumbers can be advantageously cultivated in that way, although more attention may be required than is the case when more modern structures heated by hot water are provided. I do not with frame culture advise that the plants be raised until after the shortest day, or they would remain long in a weakly state before having the advantage of bright weather. Aa dung beds are so useful in a garden I advise that, if they are provided and sufficient heating material can be obtained, two frames should be set up — that is, a one-light first for raising the plants, and which can afterwards be used for raising other seedlings that may be necessary, and a two-light frame for fruit- ing the plants. To those who require early Cucumbers I would say. Now is the time to commence operations by collecting daily as much fresh horse dung as possible, and place it in a heap under cover if convenient, and on a dry bottom (but this is not absolutely necessary), and mix quite one-third of fresh-collected leaves with it, which will help to sweeten the whole and save the manure. This heap must be turned at intervals of three or four days and be mixed thoroughly; and if there should be any indi- cations of its heating itself dry a little water must be applied at the time of turning. When the whole has become sweet make up the bed. Select a dry bottom for this, and with as much shelter on the north and east sides as can be obtained, and at the same time in a spot where the most sun can be secured. Do not lay the dung on the bare ground, but let the allotted space be first covered with a thin layer of wood or a layer of rough litter, just to keep the cold ground from acting upon the hot dung. Make the bed about i feet 6 inches high at the back and 3 feet 6 inches in front. This will sink quite 6 inches, but it will be large enough to afford the requisite heat, and the frame will have a good elevation. Make the bed 6 inches or more wider than the frame on all sides. In making it up take care that it is evenly done — that is, aU must be made firm alike, or the bed will sink on one • side more than another ; and again, if the manure is not properly mixed one part will heat more violently than another and so endanger the plants. Put the frame on at once and leave the lights a little open at the top to let out the rising steam. When the violent heat has subsided, which can be proved by a trial stick inserted in the centre of the bed, it will be safe to put in the Soil.— This varies with many cultivators. Some use one mixture and some another, but in my experience it matters little about any particular fancy mixture. The Cucumber likes a good staple soil which must consist of loam which has been laid up for some time, and mix with it some well-rotted leaf mould, or, in the absence of that, rotten duug that has been reduced by decomposition to almost a black mould : both of these ought to be dry or nearly so. Place the soil in a heap in the upper part of the frame — about two barrowsf ul will be suffi- cient—and after this has become warmed through the seeds may be sown either in the soil or in a pot of the warm soil and gently watered. The young plants will soon appear, and when large enough they should be potted off in the same sort of soil that is in the frame. Of course while this is going on the material for the other bed should be prepared and be made ready for the reception of the plants when large enough, but if no other frame is needed then put a plant or two out in the soil already in the early frame, water with warm water, and shade for a few days if the sun comes out. Tempeeatore and Ventilation. — The heat should be 75° or from that to 80', but the temperature ought not to be below 70' at night; in the daytime the suu-heat will make a difference bnt a few degrees increase, though that will be an advantage. While steam rises half an inch of air may be left on all day and dbout half that during the night, taking care that the opening is covered by a mat to stay the ingress of cold winds. As the plants grow and increase in strength, and the season advances with more light and sun, the system of airing, watering, and closing must be altered accordingly. Take care also to always have plenty of material ready for lining the bed when the heat is found to be declining. To do this some care is also necessary, for if done all round the frame at one time the chances are that the heat would be too much increased, therefore do either the two sides or the two ends at one time. Always protect the bed by straw mats or loose straw, for if severe weather sets in this will prevent it from taking so much effect. Of course the lights must be covered regularly every night; the glass, too, should always be kept clean, which affords the plants more light and consequently they gain strength. Sorts. — These are very numerous. The true Telegraph is a thoroughly good frame as well as house Cucumber, and an excellent cropper, yet it is not so strong in constitution as some others. Cooling's Derbyshire Hero is a capital frame Cucumber, but even this when grown by the side of the old Syon House or Lord Kenyon's Favourite is not nearly so early. At one time I always grew the latter sort, but have not had it true lately. It is a short, smooth-skinned sort; it has a firm flesh of good flavour. This or any of the other sorts I have named above are well worthy of cultivation. — Thojias Record, DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The ground is still thickly covered with snow, which is very gradually melting by day, so that it is not possible to do any- thing on the ground. Two common sources of annoyance in gardens are rabbits and mice. Where the kitchen garden is walled- in the first-named are easily kept out. In our case a large portion of the boundary is protected only by galvanised wire netting ; through or under this material they frequently find or make a passage, and do much damage to kitchen-garden crops, also barking young fruit trees. We have trapped them by scratching a hole in the way the rabbits do it themselves, and placing a trap on the top. A much more preferable way is to hunt them out of their shelter and shoot them. Mice are also very troublesome ; they destroy bulbous roots, especially Crocuses. Peas in drills are also sure to be attacked. Radish seeds sown under glass invariably attract them, being preferred to those of Lettuce, although they will scratch up and eat the latter greedily if no Radishes are sown under the same lights. Traps of different constructions are used to destroy them. The figure-ofl trap is easily set with a brick which falls on the mouse, instantly crushing it. Another very simple and effective trap is formed by placing two pieces of wood in the ground about 5 inches apart. A thread on to which three Peas have been strung and fastened at each end to the sticks supports a brick; the mice in gnawing the Peas cut through the thread, which causes the brick to fall down upon them. Many different varieties of traps may be bought at any ironmonger's. All the forms of wire traps must be protected from rain, else the wires rust and do not spring readily. There is always plenty of work to be done in bad weather ; we are now cutting out pegs, sticks, and supports for Strawberries, both out of doors and in the house. The smaller branches from Elm, Beech or Hornbeam are the best materials from which to make them. For out-of-door Strawberries we use small branchlets about a foot long, with all the spray left on ; these are just stuck into the ground close to the plants after the fruit is set. The fruit hangs over the axils of the sprays. Those used for pot plants are trimmed-in closer, three or four forks only being left at the end : it is necessary to study neatness when it can be done without being antagonistic to utiUty. When the weather is frosty advantage of this will be taken to wheel manure on ground intended to be trenched or dug. One often sees manure laid on the ground in barrowloads ; this may be convenient, but it is the worst thing that can be done with it. Spreading it out would be better, but the best way is to lay it up on a heaip large enough to do the quarter and throw a coating of mould over it. It will now be necessary to cover the roots of Rhubarb, Sea- kale, and Asparagus with manure, especially those roots in- tended to be dug-up for forcing. We have now taken up and potted our Seakale roots, and as required they are removed to a house where they can have a little bottom heat. Rhubarb roots will force either in the early vineries or in the Mushroom house . The Asparagus has not yet had a covering of rich short manure ; this will be applied on the first favourable occasion. ICE HOUSES. Every one having houses to fill have been very busy during the last week or two, when plenty of ice could be obtained aa inch thick. There are very large ice houses at Barking near London, which are filled at considerable expense to their owners. The small farmers and other owners of borses reap a rich harvest DoMmber 16, 1876. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENBR. 537 when the first ice ia formed. The ice is stored all above gronnd ; it is all sent to sea in the summer months to preserve finh until it can be delivered at Billingsgate Market. The usual form of ice house for private families is that of the inverted cone. The well is dug on the shady side of an elevated piece of ground, and is further protected from the sun's rays by being planted upon ; the well is arched over and entered by a passage from 6 to 12 feet long. The well may be any size, the larger the better, but it should not be lees than 6 feet in diameter, and 10 feet deep. The passage is paved with strong ikgstones to resist the pounding of the ice with mallets ; af ler being passed into the ica house it is further pounded, until a solid block of ice is formed in the house. The ice is best when it ia about an inch thick. The secret in keeping ice ia to pound it together so closely that little or no air can penetrate the mass, and it ought also to be kept from the air after the house is filled. The passage to the house ought also to be closely packed with ice. MUSHROOM HOUSE. Those who are preparing materials for the beds must be fully impressed with the importance of having the manure as dry as possible, for there is no danger at this season of having the beds too dry; if the materials are over-wet the spawn will pro- bably rot instead of running into the bed. It is seldom that the proper degree of temperature can be obtained with wet material, it either heats tno much or becomes rapidly cold ; whereas a moderately dry bed, if pressed down, firmly main- tains a genial heat until the Mushrooms appear. As soon as they begin to show above ground the bed will most likely require to be sprinkled with tepid water ; this prevents the sur- face from cracking, and produces fleshy Mushrooms which are dry and leathery if the beds become too dry; 53' at night and 60' by day ia the best temperature for the house. Admit air daily even if it is in but small quantities. We do not like much artificial he at in the house. For the sake of neatness the roofs are generally slated, but thatch keeps up a far rnore equable temperature ; it is cooler in summer as well as being far more preferable for winter. PINE HOUSES. During this month and next PiL.ea do not require much atten- tion. All the plants that have fruits in diiierent stages of deve- lopment must t e looked over to see that they do not suffer for want of water at the roots; the soil does not dry very rapidly at this season, but still it must not become quite dry. It ia neces- sary in the neighbourhood of London to wash the outside of the house as well as the inside; there is a certain amount of im- purity in the atmosphere, and more so at this season than any other. We are always certain of a deposit of a sooty substance after the thick fogs. It need not be stated that not only Pines but all hothouse plants require all the light it is possible to give them at this season. We have also washed both woodwork and glass internally. No hothouse plants will succeed unless both plants and glass are clean, especially in the winter season. PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES. Even more so than in any other plant-structure would we urge cleanliness in these houses ; not a single ray of light should be intercepted, and this is also the best season of the year to eradicate all sorts of insect pesta. Thrips are very injurious to Orchids ; even Lf fti(€— Antagoniat and Hero of the Nile. Constructing Greenhouse {C. K. L.). — We fear we can be of little aervice to you beyond giving you a few ordinary hints aa to the general con- atruction of the honae. We preaume that being erected againat a north wali it will be on the southern side, and a lean to. The house ia narrow ; the width would be better increased to 9 feet, and having a 9-inch wall in front this 538 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ December 16, 1875. wotild leave you 8 feet 3 inches clear space between the walls. The front and i end walls we should have 2feet hiph above ground, and above this Sfeet of front lights, and the ends sashtd for glaps above the brickwork; every alternate lij^'ht alcng the frrnt to open, and a light aloiif,' the top the entire Icegth If* inches wide made to open ; both being c^peufd with a crank and lever. Upon the walls you will require a wall-plate 11 inches wide and 2A inches thick, projecting an inch over the wall ontside, erooved half an inch frcm the side or nnder the outer edge to prevent drip down the face of the wall, and be slightly bevelbd outwards from the lights. The front npright may be 7 iLches by S inches, with an upper plate of 9 inches by 2A inches, and fised on the uprights an inch back from the face of the wall-plate. The rafters 7 inches by Sinches rebated three-quarters of an inch deep and half an inch wide for the glaps to rest on, and chamfered to half their thicknees on the under side. The rafters will not require to be rebated or chamfered only on one side, and thope we phould have fixed 8 feet apart, morticing the Jjack wall plate, which should be 11 inches by l.J inch, aud proptrly screwed to the wall, the rafters properly tendoned and fitted into the mortice holes at back cut at front fo as to tit on to the front upper plate, and so that the rebate for the glass will be level with the upper outer edge of the head plate of ibe front. Between each rafter have sash-bars 3 inches by U inch rebated as the rafters, and chamfered on the under aide, and fix them fo that they will be level with the rafter on the ontside, and have a fillet of about 2i inches in width, and so deep as to fill up level with the rebate for the gl'asB. The ends may be sashed for glass with sash-bars 3 inches by li inch. The door-posts, 6 iuches by 4 inches, and be taken np to the end rafters, and the head of the doorway to 4 inches by 3 inches, and continued across the end or ends if yon have two doors, preferably at both if you have only one door, and next the wall ycu will need a plate 4 inches by 3 inches. The top lights 2 inches thick, and the front lights the seme. Fashed so as to match the roof, hang with 3j-inch brass butts- Door, 2 itiches thick, llneh panelled, upper parts washed for glass. The timber well seasoned red deal or vellow pioe ; the glass 21-oz. sheet, Srda quality, with quarter-inch lap. We phould have a stage 2 feet 3 inches wide along the front, that height from the floor, path 2 feet G inches wide, and a step stage to the wall. You will need a capping to cover the joint of the top lights, and a cross-piece crosswipe of the rafters to receive the top lights. We hope you will be able to understand the above details, but as yoa appear not to be initiated in greenhouse construction we should advise your applying to some of the horticultural builders advertising in our columns, stating dimensions of house you require, and asking for estimate. It would save yoa much trouble, and might be more economical. Forcing Asparagus and Potatoes in Frames {A Constant Reader). — You will need to make up a bed of well-sweetened dung and leaves about 3 feet high, well beaten down, and putting on the frame in abnut a week, when the heat will have risen ; and when it declines to a temperature of 75- it may have soil put on Ginches thick, and when this is quite warmed through put in the Asparagus plants quite closely together, with soil carefully placed about the roofs, and between each layer of plants, the crowns not covered deeper than 2 inches, and the distance from the glass should be 12 inches. The temperature of the bed should not be allowed to decline below 65°, but be kept up by hnings, and protected with mats over the hghte, so as to maintain in the frame a temperature of 55^ to 60^. In about a fort- night the nhootsof the Asparagus will be fit to cut. The mats ic mild weather after the shoots are 4 inches long should be removed by day, so as to give colour and flavour. The Potatoes to be planted in the bed in rows 15 inches apart, and 1 foot apart in the rows, and 4 inches deep, employing seta pre- viously sprouted an inch long. It is well if the sets are not planted until the heat at 4 inches deep has declined to 70 ', and it should be kept up to 65" by linings, protecting from frost hy mats over the lights, giving air after the haulm appears whenever the weather is mild. The main point to be aimed at is a steady growth. Avoid overheatiug. Violets in Winter (7rffm).— Plant rooted runners or suckers in April or early in May, in good rich soil a foot apart every way, water well after plant- ing, and in dry weather, keepirg clear of runners and weeds; and at the close of September move to frames placed in a dry sheUered situation, and sunny, planting so as to be not more than 9 inches from the gla-ts. The lif^hts to be kept ofi day and night until frost, and then kept on the frames without air when frost prevails, but whenever the weather is mild air to be given day and night in proportion to the coIdDOsg or mildness of the weather. Remove all decaying leaves as they appear, and do not plant closer than 9 inches apart. The plants to be moved with balls. We grow Victoria Regina, which com- mences blooming in September, and continues up to spring. It is a great advance in size, fragrancy, and colour over Czar, or any single blue Violet yet in commerce. Neapolitan, pale double blue, and very sweet, blooms in October onwards through the winter up to Apiil, and in February the Double Purple and King of Violets, aleo double blue, with the very large and fine double white Queen of Violets, which is very fine and good, and continues until those bloom in the open ground. With these and Czar, with the Single White, which we also grow in quantity, we have Violets from September to May inclusive. Cineramas, PRnnji.AS, and AaiAR'ST.Lig to Flower in March (In- quirer).— The Cinerarias and Primulas will be in their blooming pots, and the former will only require to be kept in a light airy position in a cool green- honse, frost being, ol course, excluded, and assisted with weak liquid manure at every alternate water ng after the pots are tilled with roots, and the Primulas to have a eimilar position, carefully watered, and have the trusses of bloom removed up to the early part of February; but so much depends on the present state of the plants that without seeing them it is not practicable to give any precise hii^ts. The Amaryllis should be placed in a mild bottom heat the cai'ly part of February, and when the flower-buds and leaves begin to grow out of the bulbs remove to a house with a temperature of 60^ to 65'^ from fire heat, efloiding a higher temperature if likely to be too late for your purpose, or placing in a cool house if too forward. To have plants in bloom at a certain time requires some timely forethought and judgment} which can only be exercised by the grower. Treatment of Late Vinery {Nncorth). — The method yon propose will not injure the Vines, and it will prevent them from starting until the sprine. As soon au the buds start you must ehut-up the house in the usual way. It will take them all the season to ripen. Pears not RiPENrNG (T. P. M. B.).— Some varieties of Pears if allowed to hang on the tree until they are ready to drop off do not ripen well. It is evident that your examples of Moorfowl Egg were allowed to hang to long. You have t;ained experience which ought to be useful to you next seasou. You must have allowed Beurre d'Amanlis to hang too long. Ours were very good in quality this year. Beurrt- d'Aremberg from pyramids always ripens with as. Treatment op Fig Trees (F. IT.).— If your Fig trees are out of doors the small ncripe fruit will drop ofT, so that it may as well be removed. If nnder glass the very small fruit of some varieties will ripen early next season. We would not remove them. Pruning Frcit Trees (W. H. Payne).— Now is thft time to attend to the trees. You will see some instructions as to how it ought to be done at page 514. Budding Briars {O. G.).— Cut the Briars straight acrosa and put nothing on them. It is on the young side shoots that Rosea are budded. The Manetti stock is named after an Italian professor. Removing Trees (Jafc^z*. — A tenant tinder notice to quit cannot remove fruit trees, neither can he destroy them. He cannot charge for laying down lawns, nor can he take away flower roots. iNEFFrciENT HEATING APPARATUS (J. fl".).— There is nothing particularly amiss with a heating apparatus which in so severe a winter as lo74 only re- quired 2 tons 15 cwts. of coal to keep frost from a conservatory ; but you say much wood was used in addition to the coal. If not more wood than coal, we do not think the consumption of fuel excesfiive. Surely you mistake about an "hour and a quarter" action on the boiler with a brisk fire being re- required " before the sli^^htest heat is felt at the commencement of the flow- pipe." There is great difference in stoking. We have known a better fire and more heat had in an hour by one man's stoking than by another in half a day ; hence we do not attribute the slow heating to other than slow stoking. There is no advantage in a flue over heating by hot water except for sm^ houses, requiring to be only used in severe weather or dull to exclude frost or dry up damp. We agree with you, however, in utilising the beat which escapes by the chimney from a boiler furnace, and which may be made to pass along the house in addition to the pipes ; but in a conservatory a flue would in many cases be objected to. The great objection to a flue ia the ex- cessive beat at the part nearest the ftu-nnce, and the liability from cracking of noxious vapours escaping into the house and injuring the plants. There is no difference in heat in point of dryness as given uff from the surface of a hot-water pipe or flue, but there ia great difference in the temperature, and the greater the heat the sooner is moisture in the vicinity dispersed, and with water on the top the greater the heat the more quickly would it be evaporated, doing more harm than good in winter by the steam generated. It is different with a flue passing through a house after the heat has acted on the boiler surface, there being no danger of overheating the flue siu-face unless by the fijrlng of accumulated soot. Terra Cotta Vases {Idem).— They are not, if properly made and water not standing in them, injured by frost. We have, however, had them when not well made cracked and splintered during the winter. Manures {lit/or mat ion). —"We have not used that you mention. Write to the preparer and Ask him for some names of those who have. Names op Fruits (J. M^Kemie). — The Pear should have been in a box. The post-office punches had smashed it. (TT. H. Askwin).—l, Winter Nelia; 2, Zt-pbirin Grt-goire; 3, Drap d'Or ; 4, Carol's Seedling; 5, Sir William Gibbons; 6, Not known. {O. F.). — i, Norfolk Beefing ; 9, Delaware; 13, Pear- son's Plate; 15; Golden Harvey; 17, Russet Table Pearmain ; 20, Wykea Pippin. POULTET, BEE, AND PIGEOH OHEONIOLE, PBIZES. We have before us the oatalognea of many shows — shows local, agricultural, and open — and we find with hardly one exception that those offering third prizes bear off the palm in the number of entries. We find that exhibitions offering a first prize of 30s. and a second of 15s. do not have nearly so many entries, as a rule, as those giving three prizes of the value of i'l, 10s., and 5s., although the loss to the first-named ia 10s. in every class. We can readily account for this : So many of the various breeds are in the hands of certain exhibitors, who clear the decks at show after show and monopolise all the prizes and cups ; the amateurs and exhibitors in a small way consequently do not enter nearly so readily at the exhibitions which give only two prizes, for they know both these prizes wiU probably go to certain yards. When, however, there is a third prize offered an extra chance of a place is held out for them ; and though the prize may be & small one still it is a prize, and that to many ia a great satis- faction, for it pays the entry fee if it does nothing else. This, however, brings up a subject which has been alluded to, as " pot hunting," with the remark that it "will surely kill the poultry classes, the same as we now find in the Pouters ; and when amateurs, who are the backbone of the fancy, see the same names winning at every show they very naturally become dis- heartened, the demand for birds is stopped, entries decrease, and shows become bankrupt." We can endorse nearly every word of this ; and though we fear that hardly anything will stop this " pot hunting," still we do think that by giving third and fourth prizes the evil may be greatly lessened, as more induce- ments will so be held out to those amateurs who are in a small way of business. The " swoopers," as we heard them called the other day, are perhaps cutting their own throats, for we think eventually the demand for high-class birds may decrease when the purchasers find that, even with expensive specimens, they can have no certainty of winning, aa the vendors always have something kept back to turn up at every opportunity and to carry off the prizes wherever they are. This evil exists no doubt to a greater extent in some breeds than in others, but the committees of poultry exhibitions can do something to effect an improvement by rather increasing the number of prizes than the value of them for the actual number of prizes in a schedule Docombor IG, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTORB AND 00TTAQ5S GARDENER. 539 of the present day is much as it was ten years aRO, while the number of exhibitors, we should suppose, is considerably more than ten times the number it then was, for every single variety now boasts of a perfect host of admirers. We believe that if the shows took to giving third prizes always, and even fourth and fifth prizes — supposing, too, at first it had to be done at the cost of lessening the value of the first prize— that the committees would be repaid in a very marked way. Take the Show of Swiudou, for example, held a week or two back, and see what a surprising number of entries they had in every class — how their Hamburghs mustered better even than at some of the northern shows, and we are at once shown what a third prize does, which, too, was only 5s. in this case. Swindon had no attractive cups in the various classes — only four for the best pens in the Show among both poultry and Pigeons, the total value of which were only .£9 9s., and which can coimt conse- quently as nothing in regard to the numbers of entries made. They had no large first prizes either, and yet we find an average of eighteen entries in a class throughout the poultry and Pigeons. This is a capital average, and the third prize was to a very great measure the cause of the success. Taking this late Show at Swindon, then, as an example of the triumph of the third-prize system, we find the total sum received in entry fees for the poultry and Pigeons comes to about £V2,1, while the money spent in prizes comes only to MS'i ; which, too, is supposing that the four cups are given in addition to the prize money. The balance, then, is £14 to the good in entrance fees alone ; and we venture to think, that had there been only two prizes of il and 10s. the Committee would have been lucky to find that the entrance fees had paid the money expended in prizes. We pick out Swindon as being the last small show of the kind that we have attended ; and though the marked courtesy of the officials there may have something to do with the support this Show receives, still we are Bare that their third prizes brought the main success. There are some classes, too, at all shows where it is impossible to do justice with even three prizes to award. Take for example a variety class, where perhaps we may find Malays, Polands, Sultans, Minorcas, Silkies, and so on, and all of nearly equal merit. The awards to a great extent in such cases have to depend upon the caprice of the judge, and no harsh words should ever be used in reference to the awards in such a class, for the judge is placed in a most difficult position. We would recom- mend committees, then, especially those who leave many of the more recognised breeds to tabernacle in the " refuge," to have in that class two first prizes, two seconds, and two thirds. We should find such a method of proceeding appreciated by judge and exhibitors, while the entries would come in accordingly. We know it has been recommended before, and in one or two instances carried into effect with success. We should like, how- ever, to see it become general in the interests of the fancy at large. Although we mentioned, a few lines above, that to enable a third or fourth prize being offered the first prize might be slightly lessened, still there should be no real occasion for this. Some weeks ago we mentioned a tariff for entrance fees in pro- portion to money spent in prizes, which we thought would answer all ends. We proposed that 3s. should he charged for a A'l first prize, and Is. for every 10s. afterwards, which would make a 7s. entry fee for a i'3 first prize. We still think this would be a very fair and proper scale of charge ; and then if a third prize was given to the value of a quarter of the first prize, we believe that committees would find themselves less often in that disagreeable position which is frequently wont to be the case when the settling day arrives. Of course some shows have a great pull in being held in a good neighbourhood, where the station is a junction and the line of rail convenient for exhi- bitors ; but it is the exhibitions that cannot hold out these inducements which should especially study to arrange their entrance fees and prizes in such a tasty way as to draw exhi- bitors from the well-beaten tracks — that is, if once it is deter- mined to hold a show without losing money ; for sometimes we see shows advertised to be held in perfectly inaccessible places, where success can hardly be expected under any circumstances. In conclusion, then, we would recommend committees always to give at least three prizes ; for while they would reap the great returns the exhibitors would be pleased, and the arduous work of the judges to some small extent might be lessened in having more prizes to distribute among perhaps an even collection of birds. — W. BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. Ts:^ Midland Counties Herald states that, "in consequence of the staff at the disposal of the poultry committee being entirely fresh to their work, several errors occurred in the labelling of the pens and in the despatch of the birds ; but the Council hope that, after the efficient coaching which the clerks received at the hands of Mr. G. C. Adkins, Mr. Heape, Mr. H. Mapplebeck, and others, such mistakes will be avoided for the future. One pen, marked ^£0, was wrongly labelled sold, and the owner wished to claim the money, as he thought the bird would have been sold but for the error ; but, of course, the Council could not hold themselves responsible, and he had to be satisfied to receive it back. Another pen, priced in the oatologue at sixty guineas, was unfortunately labelled ' reduced to two guineas,' immediately sold, and since despatched to the purchaser, who, it is hoped, will regard the transaction in the right light, and return the birds. " In the hurry of despatching such a large number of baskets of poultry one or two of the labels were transposed, and a few people did not receive their own birds, but we believe all the mistakes have now been remedied." [Oq such occasions all parties should act kindly, and do as they would to be done by. — Eds.] DESPATCH OF BIRDS FROM SHOWS. Surely it would cause but little additional trouble to com- mittees to have the pens belonging to one exhibitor collected at the close of the show and despatched together. The present system of sending off birds as they are packed, without the slightest attempt at order, and without reference to the place of destination, is productive of serious inconvenience and loss o£ time to exhibitors, not to mention additional expense. Let me give my own experience. On a certain day three pens of poultry were due to return from a show not a hundred miles from home. I drove to the station to meet them, when I found that one pen only had arrived. Having put up my trap at the nearest inn I waited patiently the arrival of my birds. At length by the last train that night a second pen arrived, and I had to return home filled with dismal forebodings as to the fate of the third. However, on sending to the station the next day the missing pen was found to have arrived by a morning train, the birds not improved by their long captivity in the hamper. I should add that between the place at which the exhibition was held and the station at which the birds arrived there was no junction on whose broad shoulders the onus of responsibility could be laid. On another occasion four pens came from a show by four different trains ; and these are not the only cases. Now when I say that I Jive seven miles from a railway station the loss of time, inconvenience, and expense occasioned may be readily imagined. The use of double hampers to a great extent remedies the inconvenience. Still they have a limit of capacity, especially in the case of the large breeds, and there are shows whose committees are wedded to old customs and decline to adopt reforms. With the index which is appended to rnost catalogues in hand, a steward or stewards aided by porters might be told off to collect the birds of each exhibitor already packed in their hampers, and despatch them to their destination together. Much trouble would be saved to the railway officials at the over- crowded station ; the birds would not be detained there so long in the draught and cold, and much anxiety would be spared to exhibitors like myself who have no poultry men to send with their specimens. — Sukkey Parson. [It would give very little extra trouble if committees would do as our correspondent wishes, and we knoio that it would increase the entries. We have heard more than one exhibitor declare he sends only in one class because his pens never came home together. — Eds.] CANTERBURY POULTRY SHOW. We have come a long way to see this far-famed town and its Poultry Show year by year rising to eminence. In spite of the Kentish snow, deeper this year by far than we have seen in many another county, well are we rewarded. The fanciers o£ the counties of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex (for to these four counties is the Show confined) are certainly most success- ful and most enthusiastic, for in the generality of classes the display of birds is finer than we see in ordinary open shows. We rejoice that there are still some of these partially-close shows, for here are brought out birds not a whit behind many well-known winners whose owners have not the time or courage to send to the great contest. They are often peculiarly fresh and strong birds, are bought by great breeders, and throw vigour into their strains. The Corn Exchange is a well-lighted and ventilated building, and the temperature excellent. We would suggest that grit in the pens would be far better than sawdust, which the birds eat with their food and suffer from, and that maize should not be given them with such unbounded liberality. . Workings, especially Silver-Greys, are the speciahtc of this part of Kent. Eifly-five pens are shown of a high average of excellence. The Silver-Grey classes are the best, and the five- guinea cup for the best pen in the four first classes is justly awarded to a magnificent adult pair of this breed belonging to Mr. O. E. Cresswell. The adult Coloured birds are not a good class ; the prizes are well bestowed, but the first-prize cock has 540 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1876. an agly short fourth claw on one foot. The Coloured chickens (fourteen entries) are very good; the cockerel in the first-prize pen is a capital bird, and so is the pullet in the second. In the class for adult Silver-Greys the cup birds are very perfect all round, the second fair; the third wrongly placed, as the cock has six toes on both feet. The first-prize pen of chickens con- tains a magnificent pullet, but the cockerel has a partially white sickle — a glaring fault. The second prize is a mistake ; the pullet is very red in wing, and both birds have sooty feet; third are fair. Major Plummer's highly-commended cockerel is a very promising bird. Any other variety. — Why this class may not compete for the cup we cannot see. Nine pairs of White and one of Cuckoos are shown, and we think the class excellent. The cockerel in the first-prize pen is spotlessly white and will make a huge bird. We did not like the second Whites, their combs are not good and their feet not white ; we should have put Mr. Boissier's pair second; good single-combed Cuckoos are third. Spanish are not many. In the class for adults the first-prize cock is good, mated with a poor hen; and in the second- prize pen the reverse is the case. In the chicken class we admired the first and second prize birds. They are healthy and in good condition, with moderate development of face, and such birds as we should like to breed from. Cochiyi-China. — Mrs, Christy deservedly carries ofE the palm for Buffs. Her adult pair are first. We fear there must have been a mistake in their entry price (ten guineas), which seems low. They are grand in size and feathering, but not particularly sound in colour ; the cock in the second pen is under-feathered but finely shaped. With her pair of chickens Mrs. Cbriety carries off the china jardiniers; they are a stupendous pair of birds, the pullet dark and evenly coloured. The third pen contains a fine cockerel. Any other variety. — Capt. Talbot is first in adults with a magnificent pair of Whites; the cock, however, reposes in an ugly way on his hocks — a position in which we think we have before seen him at shows. Second a well-shaped not large cock and a grand hen ; the hen, too, in third pen is very fine. For chickens there are but three entries ; fair Whites are first, and backward Part- ridges second and third. Brahmas, Dark. — First in old birds are a fair cock and an exquisitely pencilled hen. Second a nice silvery cock. Third pen contains a cock out of condition ; we should have put 111 (Angier) or 113 (CressweD) in their place. In chickens the firat prize contains a beautifully marked and shaped cockerel, though small. Second a fair pair, the pullet under-feathered. Light — ■ The cup goes to a fine pair of adults, their only fault being that the hen's leg-feathering is poor. Second are a large pair ; the cock, however, very devoid of neck-marking. Third a smaller but very shapely cock and a handsome ben. In chickens Capt. Savile is first with a good pair, hardly well matched, for the cockerel is exceptionally light in hackle, the pullet very dark and a little spotted on the back. Second are a very large pair, the pullet again marked on back and not well feathered. Third a small hocked cockerel and a very handsome and clearly- marked pullet. In the class for pairs of pullets the clock for the best Dark pair goes to a pen most beautifully pencilled though narrow. First in Lights are a lovely pair, very white, finely shaped bat not large. Second and third are also good LightF. Gamcy Reds. — These classes moderate. Any other variety. — First (Foster) Piles, a good style of birds; but a much better pen was shown in the Red class belonging to Mr. Fitz-Herbert; iiis entries in the two classes having been transposed, owing, no doubt, to the double-basket system. First in Piles (Fitz- Herbert), a grand pen ; cock very stjlisb, matched with a most racy-looking pullet a trifle narrow in the shoulders, otherwise exquisite. Hamhurghs. — Spangles a moderate lot. Golden- pencilled a larger class with a few better birds. First (Dowker) a pretty pen and in good condition; second (Long) an extremely nice pen. Pen 255 (Hanson) contained a well marked hen. Silver- pencilled. — (Locg) first deserved their position. Second (Norton) also, had the cock been straight in the tail. Houdans- — Splen- did claases, Mrs. Vallance being first with a pair ibat would have maintained their position in the largest competition, Messrs. Dring and Lake ran very closely for the second honours. In young birds Mrs. Vallance was again an easy winner. Second (Foster), a good hen. Third (Lake), we liked that gentleman's highly commended pen better. Crive-Cceur. — First (Stephens) a fine pair; second (Dring) contained a better hen. Bantams. — First and second (Marsh), we preferred the second pen in many points. Pen 297 (Anns), third, not up to the style that gentleman usually exhibits. 311 (Boutcher), pretty but mode- rate. Bantams, any other variety. — First (Marsh) good in style and colour, cock a trifle coarse in sickles. A good class of Black and White following, Black winning. The claeses of Geese, Turkeys^ and Ducks, with the exception of Blacks, were well supported. In the Black class there were but two entries, and one prize only was judiciously awarded. Pigeons. — There we missed the name of Mr. Martin, who supported the Show bo largely last year. Carriers, cocks.— First (Cooksey) a fine bird with good eye and wattle. Hen.— First- and-cup (Gill) deserved his position. Second (Col. Hassard) a good bird. Pen 508 (same owner), highly commended, rather small, otherwise we preferred him. In the class for yotmg birds some promising specimens were to be seen. The Pouter classes were unusually well filled. Dragoons contained ten entries, Mr. Baker being first with a pair of Yellows of sound colour, Mr. Tegetmeier second with a pair of Blue. We should have been pleased to see his pen 025 also in the prize list. Jacobins were a good class. Tumblers not so well filled, the Almonds only mustering four entries. Turbits were a nice lot, and the competition very close. In Owls the prize went to the foreign variety. Fantails.— First and second were charming birds: Mrs. Dring was third with a nice pen. The Homing class of Ant- werps was the largest in the Show ; the performance of many of them, being announced in the catalogue, afforded a theme for discussion among the visitors. Do^KiriGS. ~ Coloured.— 1 and 2, R. CheeBmaD, Westwell. S and Itc, C. Ratchffe, Womenswould. Chickcm.—l and 3, R. Cheesman. 2, E. Rice, Dana Court, he, 0. Katcliffi;, A. RiRg. DoBKisoB.—Siiver-Orey.—Cup, O. E. Cresswell, Early Wood. 2, Rev. T. E. f'ato. Wye Vicarage. 3. F. Ulieeeman. Chicketis.—l. F. CheeBman. 2. J. Boulding. Petham. s, Mies Hogbiu, BirchingtOD, Margate, he, Mrs. Wacher, Majur P.unimer. DoHKinQa. ~ Any other variety.— I, O. E. Cresswell. 2, J. Ivery & Son, Dorkiiip, 8, A,<'hii.lwin. he. K A. Boissicr, Major Plummer. Spanish.—], H Bowv, Putney Heath. 2, J. Francis, Tonbridge. 8, C. W. Hammond, Asbford, Chickens.— I, A. Marchaut, Petham. 2, A. Hewea^ btreatham. 3 auu he. J. Fraucie. CucniN-CriiNAS,— BuiT or Cinnamon.— \, Mrs. A. Chrigly, Falconburst 2, G. P. Lare, Canterbury. Any otlier variety— I and 2, W. Boatcher, Netting Hill, London. 3, L. Ur. Morrell, Riverhead, Sevenuaks. h:, J. E. Elgar, F, Warde( 2i ; G. Dowker. Gee-e.- 1, G. H Fiiz-Herbert, Sevenoaks. 2, J.Beazley, Gravesend. he, J. Beaziey, H. Curlujg(2). Turkeys.— t up and 3, F. Warde, West Fairleigh. 2, C. J. Plumptre, Wing- ham, he. G. Dowker. Poults.— I aud 2. F. Warde. 3, C. J. Plumptre. vhc. Col. R. P. Laurie (2). C. J. Plumptre he, M. San'lf..'rd. pHEAbANTs. —^io/d or Siiuer.— 1 and 2, C. S. Hardy. Chilham Castle. r/u:,L. G- Mor.ell, J. U. Verner {2j. Selling Class -'^'ocA: or Coekerel—1, G. Dowker, Wingham (Cochin). 2 Miss Hogbin (Dorking's) 3. G. Bcnlley, Eitstcheap, Lnnfiou (Spanish), vhc, A. b. Watson ( Haniburtili) Capt. Kice (Dark Brahma), H. While (UamburghB), F. Cheeanau (UuikiugJ. he. Mrs. Waeh.r (Dorkings), F. Luke (Brahma), R, Solly (Hamburgh). Mioa A. Sharp (Creve Cceur), A. b. W'ataon (Hamburgh). Miss Hogbin (Dorkiiig«). Mrs. Wilde ( White Uochiu). W. While (buff Cochin), Lady Hxeuden (Duck wing Game and Liiiht brahina), Capt. Rice (Dark Brahma)^ A. liardner (Cuckoo Doraing), A. G. Avene 1 (Light Brahma) Kev R. J. CoUng (Dars Brahma), Misa M. Hilton (Doikinft), Mrs. Bratlhwaite (Brahma), W. Footer (ouckwing and Pilt). '"apt. saviie (brahraa). Major W. Plummer (Dorkings), G. Dowker ^Brahmas), Master SandlorU (Game Bantams), K. Cheesman. bELLiNG Class.— iifna or Pullets.— 1. Col. F.C. Hassard, Sheemeas (CocbinaK 2. G. W. Petter (Brahmas). 3, t:. Cheesmiin. vhe. Mrs. A. Christy (Creve- Coeursl, R. Cheesmau. ftf,MrB. Wacher (Dorkiugs), i^ady Oxendea (Duckwing Game), W. Dring (Houdau), (i. P. Ladd (Cochin»). Rev. T. E. Cato (Dorkings), Rev. F. T. &coltibrahm:iftl, W. T. Greensted i Brahmab), W. Foster (Blick Red), J A. Beames (LitfLt brahmas), Capi. W. Savile (Lij^ht Brahmas), G. Dowker (Brahmas and CochinM), M. Sandford (Dorking), F. Cheesman (Dorking), c^ Lady Oxenden (Knuen Ducks). Selling llihs.-I and 'l, E. H. Curling, Whi'Btabte (Ducks). 3, Major W. Plummer, Canterbury (Ducks), he. Miss Nicholas (Japanese Bantams), A. Lilley (MuBC.vv Ducks). W. Dring (Crrve-Cceur), Kev. K. J. Coling (Sebright), E. Durrant (Bantam-*). Capt. W. Savile (Bruhmas), E. H. Curling (Ducks). Major W. Plummer (UamburghaJ, W. F. Harvey (Diicks), V. Sandford {Gama and BantamB). December 16, 1B7S. I JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 541 PIGEONS. CiRRlERB.-Coelt — 1. J. K. rucksey. KeiBatp. 2, Col. F. C. Hassard. 8. M. H. Gill, Rsmaifate. he, M. H. Gill, J. Baker. Hen,- Cup, M. H. Gill. '2. Col. F. C. Hassard. 8, J. K. Cucksey. lie, J, chandler, M. H. oill (2), Col. F. C. Ilauaard, J. Baker. CiRKiBBS.— l'0iin{7 Cack or Bin.-l and 8, Col. F. C.lHassard. 2, M. H. Gill. he. M. H. Gill (SI, Col. F. C. Hasnarii, J. Baker. PoDTERS — CocA:.— 1 and 2, J. Baker. S. M. H. Gill. hc.M. H. Oill (3), Dr. Bowes. Hen.— 1, .T. Baker, Kew Bri-Ji^e, London. 2, D. Combe, New crouB, London. 8, M. H. Gill, lie, M. H. Giil 12). J. Baker. PorTEHS.— lownff Coek or Hen.—], D. Combe. 2, J. Baker. 9, M. H. Gill. Draononb. 1, .1. Bak. r. 2. W. B. Tegetmeier, Fincbley, Luudou. 8. J. Chandler. F.denbiidge. kc, D. Coombe, W. B. 'I'eKetmeier. JACi'BiNe.— 1, 2. and 3, J. Baker, he, D. Coombe (2), O. E. Creaswell. TCMBLERS.— Jlmonrf-Cop and 3, .1 Baker. 2. Mrs. Gill, Kamsgato. Any other variety.—] and 2. J. Baker. 3, Mrs. Gill. he. D, Combe TuRBiTB.-l, J. Baker. 2, C. Crafor, East Molesey. 3, O. E. Cresswell. he, P. H. Jonefl. T. Homes. OWLB.—l, J. Sparrow. Grosvenor MewH, London. 2, J. Baker. 3, Dr. Bowea, Heme Bay. he, F. Winner, D. Combe, Dr. Bowea, E. W. Van Senden, J. Baker. Barbs — 1, P. H. .Tones, Fulham, London. 2, E. Cooper, Aahford. S, J. Baker. Fantjils— 1 and 2. J- Baker. 3, Mrs. Dring. Ac, C. S. Shoosmith. Trcmpsters — I, J. Baker. 2. F. K. Barnard. 3, D. Combe. AnTWZRPn.— Homing —Long or Short-faced. - 1, .1. Sparrow. 2 and 3, H. George. Extra 8, U. C. aatton. 4, F. Winser. he, J. Chandler, K. G. Ledger. Any other Variety.— 1, Dr. Bowes. 2, W. B. Tegetmeier. 8, D. Combe, he, C. Yonng. Selling Class.— 1, J. Baker. 1, W. W. Pyne. 3, E. Durrani, he, W. Belsey, A. G. Avenell, H. C. Sutton, F. Winser, J. Chandler. CAGE BIRDS. Norwich.— Cienr rciioio.—l and 2. J. Caplin. 3, S. Munns. flic, J. Caplin, J. Bateman. he. K. Pope c, J. T. Galey, J. laplin, K. Pope. Clear Buff.— 1 aod 3. J. Caplin. 2, J. Baleman. vhc, J. A. Sleep, J. Caplin, R. Pope, he, J. T. Ga ev, S. Mui na, J. Caplin. c. G. Parry, J. T. Galey. Vahip GATED Buff ■ r YelL'-w.- 1, J. Bnteraan. 2 and 3, J. Caphn. vhe, R. Pope, J. Caplin he, , I. T Galey, W. C. Selkirk. e,J. T. Oaley. Marked Buff or Yellow -i^Iock and 2, J. CapUn 3, J. iiateman. vhe, J. Caplin, — Selkirk, he, B.Pope, e. J Caphn, R. Pope. CRESTED Yellow. -1 and 3, J. Caplin. 2, R. Pope, vhe, J. Caplin, W. C. Selkirk. Crested Buff -1 and 8. J. Caplin. 2, .T. Bateman. vhe, J. Caplin, J. Bate- man, he. S. Munna. c, ,T. Caolin, W. C. Selkirk. Buff Cinnamon.— 1 and 3, J. Caplin. 2, C. Torond. I'fte, K. Pope, J.' Bateman. c, C. Torond, J. Caplin. JoNQDE.— 1, R. Pope. 2 and 3, J. Caplin. vhe, C. Torond, J. Caplin, J. Bateman. Lizards — Golden-spangled.— \, 2 and 3, T. W. W. Fairbrass. c. Rev. V. Ward, J. Bateman. iS'i7i'(r-,ipani//crf.— 1,2 and 3, T. W. W. Fairbra&s. BauKKN Cap -1. 2 aud c, T. W. W. Fairbrass. 3, Rev. V. Ward. Mvi.se.— Any variety.— 1, J. Caphn. 2, T. W. W. Fairbrass. 3, J. A. Sleep. vhe, G. Parry, .•^. Cook he. T. Willsher, S. Cook, e, col. Hassard. ANY OTHER Variety.— 1. R. Pope. 2 and c, T. W. W. Fairbrass. 3, Mrs. Cap- lin. rhc, J. Bateman. he, C. W. Allen. Cage op six Canaries.- 1, S, ii'ie and he. J. Caplin. 2, T. W. W Fairbrass. Selling Class.— I, 2. 3 and he, J. Caplin. I'he, H. Hickman. J. Caplin, R. Pope. e. G Parry, J. Caplin. British Bi«ds.-1, T. WUlsher. 2, T. Alwin. 3, S. White, he, S. White, E. Marlin. c, S. Cook. Foreign Birds.— 1, MisB Piddnck, 2, Mrs. Hunt. 8, H. Bajncs. he, Mrs. J. M. Johnston. MeBsra. Teebay and Dixon Judged the poultry, Mr. Esquilant the Pigeons, Messrs. Wilmore and Billet the Cage Birds. There was much excitement in the Show about the supposed theft of a pair of Golden-spangled Hamburghs, which it was ultimately discovered their owner had abstracted. That such a thing should be possible shows bad management somewhere. WATFORD POULTRY SHOW. The annual Exhibition of poultry in connection with the West Herts Agricultural Society was held on the 13th and 14th inst., in the New Hall at Watford. Few places are better adapted for an exhibition of any kind than this building, consequently the Poultry Show, although confined to the county of Herts or places within a radius of twenty miles, presented a very creditable appearauce, the birds being placed in good-sized pens and conveniently arranged. Although the number of entries was not large, the prizes are by no means to be despised, no less than six J^5 5s. cups beiug offered for competition in addition to JlI for first place and 10s. for second. A re-arrangement of the schedule would probably bring an increased number of entries. Instead of the old-fashioned plan of a cock with two hens, it would be better to arran^^e a class of cricks by themselves, and the hens either in pairs or singly, though we confess a preference to pairs. As the maxi- mum price on each pen was not to exceed £10 10s., it was scarcely to be expected that some exhibitors would show their best birds ; as it was, in one or two cases they bought their birds in, and probably this maximum will not be required another year. In Dorkings (nine entries) the cup went to a very good pen exhibited by the Kev. E. Bartrum, remarkable for the good colour as well as shape of all the birds. One hen has been a winner elsewhere, but the cockerel was a very young bird of fin^ form and colour, being dark with good white and perfect feet. The Cochins and Brahmas were scarcely equal in num- bers to what we have seen here, but Mr. Peel's cup pen were good birds. Lord Cbesham's Japanese Bantams were much admired, and the Selling class for hens contained some bargains The Ducks, Geese aud Turkeys were among the chief features of the Show, every pen in the class for Geese being noticed. Doreinos.— Coloured.— Cup and 1. Rev. E Bartrum, Berkbampstead. 2, W. J. Lod, Langleybury. he, C A. Barnes, Solesbridee ; Lord Chesham, Latimer, Chesham ; A. -parniw, Watford. Cocaiss.— Partruiffe.— I, Lord Chesham, Any other variety.— Cuf and 1, G. Bentley, Bickznaasworth. 2, C. A. Barnes. Beahma Pootba.— DarS.-Cup and 1, W. A. Peel, Watford. 2, W. J. Jervis, Pinner e, W. J. Jervia, W. A. Peel. Light.— \, E, Mannooch, Woodridines. 2, Liird Chesham. Game.— J aud 2. G. Bentley. c. E. Mannooch. Uamburghs.— Gold.— 1. P. flood, Walford. Bantamb.— Game.— 1, G. Bentley. 2, J. M. Hughes, Rickmanaworth. Any other variety.— I, Lord Chesham, 2, Mrs. H. Peel, Hemel-Hempstead. he, W. J. Lovd. CBEvB-CffiORS AND HocDANb.— 1, W. A Pcol. 2 and c, J. P. Baird, Chipper- field. „ . Any OTHER Brred.—I, G. Bentley. 2, R. B. Day, Rickmanaworth. e, C. A. Barnes. E. Mannooch. Any Breed.— Cocfc —1, E. Mannooch. he, W. J. Jervis. c. C. Snewing, Holy well. Ben.— I. Rev. E. Bartrum. 2, E. Mannooch. he, G. Bentley; T. Kingaley, Tring : E. Mannooch. Ducks.- ,-ly/f8biiry —1, C. A. Barnes 2, T. Kingsley he. Lord Chesham. Rouen.— \,C A. Barnes. 2, G. Bentley. c, P. Clmterbuck, Bickmansworlh ; A. o. Sedgwick. Watford. Any other distinct breed.— I, G. Bentiey (Black East ludianl. 2, P. Clutterbuck (lail). he, C. anewing ( «ild|. Gkebe.— Cup and 1, C A. Barnes. 2, J. Thurnham, Hemel-Hempatead. he, T. Kingsley, J. Tburnham. c, W. Field, aemel-Hempstead. 1 UBKEVs.— A'or/olA: and Cambridge —Cup. 1 and 2, W. Field, he, R. Dickin- son, ^andIidge. Any other variety.— \, Lord Chesham. 2, C. A. Barnes, he, R. BlackweU, Chippertield; Mrs a. Peel ; C. A. Barnes. Judge.— Mr. W. Tegetmeier, Finchley. LEEDS SMITHFIELD POULTRY EXHIBITION. This Show was held on the 7tb, 8th, and 9th inst. The entries in poultry were 471, Pigeons 177, aud Rabbits 70 pens. The general character of the birds ft as of a very choice class. In single Game cocks the class contained fifteen entries, the prize birds all of great merit, and three pens were highly com- mended. Single Game cockerels had thirteen pens, the prize birds again all very good. In Black Eeds, both old and birds of 1875, we may speak favourably. We much admired the first-prize pen (Mr. Sales'), and also Mr. Milner and Mr. Woods, second and third. In Brown Reds, the cup, value five guineas, for the best pen of Game in the Sbow, was awarded to Mr. J. Cock of Wor- cester, and the pen well deserved the honour; the second also were very first-class birds ; aud third very little behind. In Brown Red chickens there were twenty eutries, and a very good class we thought them. In old Duckwings there were twenty entries. A good class. In cbickens thirteen entries. The priae birds all good. In Any other variety the prizes all went to good Piles. In the three classes for Dorkings there were only twenty- five entries. The classes contained some large, good birds. In Cocliins Mrs. Tindal was first with a really good pen of Buffs, and again iu the chicken class the same lady was both first and second, and they well deserved the honour. Mr. Ansdell took the cup for Brahmas, Mr. Harvey second, and Mrs. Tind&l third, all with large well-marked birds. The Brahma chickens were a good class. The Spanish were average classes, none of unusual merit. In Houdans and Creves the entries were small; some of the pens very good iu quality, but we should like to see the entries more numerous. The Pulands were both good classes, Mr. Beldon taking the cup with beautiful Silvers, Spanish and French breeds competing. Messrs. Silvesters' chickens were something wonderful. In Golden-spangled Hamburghs the three winning pens in each class were all good, little to choose betwixt them. The Silver-spangled were good classes, but entries small. In Gold-pencilled there were eleven entries. The class mostly good, Mr. Beldon taking the cup for the best pen of Hamburghs. Five pens were highly commended. The prize Silver-pencilled were good. Black Hamburghs over one year were a small class, Mr. Beldon taking both prizes with good birds. In chickens there was a good entry, and in addition to the three prize pens three were very highly commended. The Selling class had thirty-nine entries, aud many cheap bargains there were. The first- prize were capital Partridge Cochins, and second Buffs, both very cheap. In fingle Bantam cocks Mr. Hall of Kendal was first with a rare little bird ; second also very nice and gamey. The cup for Bantams went to Mr. Noble for a grand little pen ; second very near their equal. Black Bantams were a good class of eleven entries. In Any other variety all were Piles except one pen ; the winners nice stylish birds. In Turkeys the prize pens were good large birds, the rest a little under size. Geese were very good, Mr. Walker taking first, Mr. White second, with very large specimens. In Rouen Ducks eight pens were highly commended besides the three prize pens, showing the class to be of unusual merit. In Aylesbury the prize birds were large and well shown, Mr. Walker as usual taking both first and second prizes. The Variety class had thirteen entries, and mostly good specimens of nearly every variety. Game.- Jnw variety.— Coek.-l. H. E. Martin, Scn'thorpe, Fakenham. 2, A. Claytou, BraOforii. 3, R. Garnett, Wyreside. Cockerel.—], B. E.Martin. 2, J.&W. Darling. Keighley. 3. R. Gamelt. pullets. I, H. Leighton, Miln. tborpe 2. J. Walnhaw & Hrnok, Bfltley. 3, T. Mason, Lancaster. Game.— Elaelt-irctnldl Red.-], W. J. Pope, Biggleswade. 2, J. Masoc, Worcester. 3, W. Spencer, Haworth. ChlcA-f ns.-l, F. Sales, Crowle. 2, W. Milner, Bradford. 8, T Wvods, Scofton, WorsBop. , , „ Game.— flroirn-trensleii anii other Reds except Black.— 1, J. Cock, Worcester. 2, R. Fayne. Brierheld, Burnley. 3,T. Mason. Chictena.-l, J. Carlisle, Earby, Leeds. 2. T. Ma8<.n. 3, W. Clongh, Earby, Leeda. „ „, , , ^ Game.— I>ueicii'in|i«.-1, W. Milner. 2, J. Maaon. 3, H. Weber, Leeds. Chjcfcfns. -1, H. E.Martin. 2, B. C. 4 W. J. Mason, Drighhngton. 3, Holmes aud De&tner, Driffield. ,„ .. ... Qiiiz.—Any other rarUty.—\, H. C. & W. J. Mason. 2, R. Walker, Wood 542 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, t December 16, 1875. Nook, Gomersal. S. J. F. Walton, Rawtenatall. Ckickens.—l, J. F. Walton 2, H. C. & W. J. Mason. 3, R. Walker. Dorkings.— 1, T. Briden, Cononlev. 2, J. Walker. Spring Mount, Rochdale. 3, J. Kobshaw, Whixley. York. Chickens.~-1, W. Harvey, Sheffield. 2, T. Briden. 3, J. Newton, Siisden. CocniN-UmvA.— 1. Mr^. A. Tindal, Ayleabory. 2, Clarke & Peonock, Whitby. 8, H. Beldon, Goitstoek, Binglay. Chickena.—l and :J, Mrs. A. Tmdal. 8, W J. Frank, Sherburn, Sonth Milford. Bkahiia Pootras.— 1, T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount. St. Helens. 2, W. Harvey. 8, Mre. A. Tindal. Chickens.— I, K. P. Percival, Northenden, Man- chester. 2, H. Wilkineon. Earby. 3. Dr. J. Hulnies. Cheutertield Spanish.— 1, J. Thresh. 2. H. Beldim. 8, H. Wilkinson. Chicken^.~l. J. Powell. 2, H. Atkinson, Earbv. 3, J. Roberts, jun., -^ilsden. HoDDANH— 1. M. Hall, Leeds 2, T. Lord, Aberdeen. C/itcfcerw.— 1, M. Hall. 2, S. W. Thomas, Skelty, Swansea. 8, J. E. Claytnn. Ufferton. Creve-Ccedrs. 1, W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport, Isle of Ely. 2, C. M. Saunders, Lanuaater. 3. J. G. B. Knight, Biretwith Vicarage. Ckickens.—l, K. L. Garnett, 2, J. G. B. Kuigbt. S, C. M. Saunders. Poi,ANDa.-l. H. Beldon. 2. A. & W. H. Silvester, Sheffield. S, T. Dean, KeiKtUey. Chickena.-l, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, H. Beldon. 8, Miss P. Oaliway Tbirak. HAiihVRGUs.—Gold and Silver-spangled.— \, T. Dean. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J- Fieldint,'. Newchureh, Manchester. Gold-spaTuiled. — Chickens.— \, D. Cart- wrinlit. Hi.Inilirtb. 2, G. & J. Dackworth, Chiircb. 8. H. Beldon. Silver- siHvtiil'ui.— Chickens.— 1,U. Beldon. 2, Ashton tS Booth, Broadbottom.Mottram- S, J. FiL'ldin^^ HAMHURaiia.— (7o(ri and Sdver-pencilled.—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Smith, Gilatead, BinRley. GuUt-pencilUd. Chickens.— \. H. Beldon. 2, W. Driver, Keighley. 8. H. W. Braoewell, Earby, Leeds Silver-pencilled. — Chickens. — I, K. W. Bracewell. 2, H. Beldon. 3, H. Robinson, Baildon. Hi^iivudua.— Black. -1 and 2, H. Beldon. 3, W. Bentley, BirdridinR, Holm- firth. Chickens.-l, Stott & Booth, Huntley Brook, Bury. 2, H. Beldon. 3, B. L. Garnett. Selling Class.— l.T.Aspden, Church. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal, 3, W. Scholefleld, Birkenshaw. Game Hi^Ti^Ma.- Any variety.— Cock.— 1, G. Hall, Kendal. 2, R. Y. Ardagh, Worcester. 3, G Nobie, Staincliffe. Game B&,:iTAMs.— Black-breasted.— 1. A. S. Sugden, Swinley, Cleckheaton. 2, G. Hall. 8. J. Blamires, Great florton, Bradtord. Chickens.— 1,G. Noble. 2, G. Hall, 3, W. Pap^. Schi>les. Game Bantams.— I>«ctorj«;7.—1, W. Pape. Chickens.— I, W. BaskervUle, Manc-hester. 2. S. Smith, Northo^v^am. 8, C. M. Saunders. Bantams. Black.— 1. C. & J. Illineworth, HiRhtown. 2, H. Beldon. 3, Bower and Hnrsfall, Harden, Eiogley. White.— \, H. Rusbforth, Horbury Bridge. 2. F Holbrook. Dfrby. 8. W. Pape. Gold or Silver Sebright —\, A. &W. EL. Silv.'Ster. Any other variety.-l, J. Blamirea. 2, T. Addey, Askern. 8, B. Kavlor, Heckniondwike. TuKKEVs.— 1, T. Gray, Morpeth, 2, F. G. S. Kawson, Thorpe, Halifax. 8, J. Walker. Geese.— 1, J. Walker. 2, J. White. 8, G. Mangles, Givendale, Ripon. DvcK:i.—Aylfi»burj/.—l and 2, J. Walker. 8, J. M. Sagar-Musgi-ave. Shadwell. Iiouen.—l,J. Walker. 2, F. G. S Rawson. 3, J. White. Any other variety.— I, J. Walker. 2, S. Bum. Whitby. 3, A. »S: W. H. Silvester. Selling Class.— Due fcs.—l, J. White. 2, R. Hemingway, Shelf, Halifax. 3, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry. PIGEONS. PouTEHs.— 1, E. Horner, Harewood. 2, W. Harvey, Sheffield. Cakbiebs.- 1, J. Walker, Ruchdale. 2, E. Homer. TuMBLEKB— S/ior(-/aced.— 1, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, A. & W. H. Silvester, Sheffield. Any other variety.-l, — Cargill, Hovingham. 2, G. Lister, Hare- wood. Owls.— 1, D. M. Garside, Broughton, Manchester. 2, A. Simpson, Rochdale. JacuUins.— J, E. Homer, 2, G. Hichardaon, Rochdale. Trdmpeters.— 1. W. Harvey. 2, E. Horner. TuEBiTs.— 1, G. Richardson. 2, A. & W. H. Silvester. Faniails —1, J. Walker. 2, E. Homer. Barbs.— 1, J. Walker. 2, E. Horner. Nuns.— 1. Miss Seanur. Leeds. 2, E. Homer. Dragoons.— 1, R. White, Manchester. 2, V. Ratcliffe, FeracUff, Bingley. Antwebpb.— 1 and 2, J. Wright, Manche«ter. Magpies.- 1, W. C. Dawson, Otley. 2, E. Homer. Swallows.— 1, E. Horner. 2, Miss Seanor. Arciiasgelr.— I, E. Horner 2, J. Thompson, Fernhill, Bingley. Any other Vaeiety.- 1, Found & Chappel, Dewebury. 2. D M. Garside. Selling Class.- Silver Medal, E. Homer. Bronze Medal, E. North, Leeds. RABBITS. IjOP-eared.— Ears not tampered icith, but in their natural state.— Buck or Doe.— 1,3. F. Kinder, Leeds. 2, J. M. Mander. Wakedeld. Silver-Geey.— Buc/c or Doe,— I, J. Firth, Bramley. 2, Armstrong & Chaffer, Leeds. Himalayan. — Bucfe or Doe.—i, S. Buckley, Healey, Rochdale. 2, H. E Oilbert, Rugby. Angora.— JSucfc or Doe.—l, J. W. Clark, Mirfield. 2, J Hallas, Huddersfield. Dutch.— Bwcfc or Doe. — 1, J. Hallaa. 2, Found & Chappel. Any other Variety. -1, T. Myton, York. 2, A. Famdou, Hinckley. Selling Clash.— bilver Medal, J. Wharton, Bramham. Bronze Medal, H. E. ■Gilbert. Judges. — Poultry: Mr. Richard Teebay.Ful wood; Mr. James DixoD, Bradford. Pigeons and Habbits : Mr. Thomas Ridpeth, Manchester. IPSWICH AND SUFFOLK POULTRY SHOW. This was held in the Corn Exchange, Ipswich, on the 8th and 9th iiist. The following are the awards :^ Dorkings. — Cocks. — 1, H. Lingwood, Barking, Ncedham Market. 2, J Everttt. Hadleigh. 3. T. & H. Heath. Norwich, he, Miss S. E. Wellington, c J. B. I>akenian. lien. —1, H. Lingwood. 2, Miss S. E. Wellington, Oakham. 3 J. Everett. Cochins.— CiiitiaT([07i or Buff.— Cock.— 1, Lady Gwydyr, Ipswich. 2, H. Liag- Wood. 3, J. Everett, he, Mrs. C.Beraers, J. Everett. Cochins.— .4 71 J/ other Colour.— Cock.— 1 and 2, Lady Gwydyr. 8 and e, T. J. Sallmar&h, Chi-lmeford. Hen.—l and 2, Lady Gwydyr. 8, Mrs C. Berners, Yoxfurd. he. A. Jackson. A. Beaumont, J. Rodwell, J. Orton, H. Lingwood, J, £verett. c, Duchess of Hamilton. Bbahma Pootras.— DarA; Cocks— \ and 8, Lady G\vydyr. 2, S. Levett, Fox- hall, lie, J. P. Wright, J. Long. Light Cocks.— \ and 3, no competition. 2, G. B. C. Breeze, Any Colour. — HfTw.— 1, J. Long, Ravenacruft, Bamet. 2 and 8, Lady Gwydyr. he, Mrs. C. Berners. French. —.4fiy variety. — Cock. — \,V7. Cutlack, Littleport (Crt-ve-Coiur). 2. G. W. HibbiiTt, Godley, Manchester (Cr.ve-i'fi-ur). .'), M H Sturt. Pewsey (Uuudan). he, Duchess of Hamilton (Houdan). M. H. Sturt (Crrve-Coiur). Hen.~ 1, W. Cutlack (Crc-ve-CcEur). 2 and M, Duchess of Hamilton, Easton Park, Suf- folk (H.iudan and CrL-ve-Cceur). he, J. Fry (Houdan), G. W. Hihbert, M. H. Sturt (Creve-Cceur). Game. Any variety.— Cock.— 1, T. Docwra, Colchester (Duckwing). 2 and , W. Adams, Ipswich. 3, E. Pettitt, Wakes Colne. he. Ducheas of Hamilton Brown Red). Hen,— I and 2, W. Adams. S, T. Doowra (DackwingJ. Hauborghs.- GoM or Silver-pencilled.-Cocks.-'l.'W. K. Tickner, Ipswich, 2, J. Long, 3. R. Brown, Halstead. Gold or Silver-sjmngLtd.—Cock.—l,J. Long. 2. H. R eiattin. Fak«nham. S, W. K. Tickner. he. J. Presf-n. c, J. Everett. Black Cocks.— 1, H. R. Plattin. 2, J. Long. 8, Mro. Paget. Hi»aie, Scole. Any Colour.— Hens.— I, W. K. Tickner. 2, J. Long. 3. H. K. Plaltm MiNORCAs, Andalusians, OR LEaBORNs.— 1 and he. Miss Arnold, Acton. 2, A* Kitchin, Dunadale. 3, N. J. Ridley. Ducks.- iioufn or Aylesbury. — 1, Miss E. A. Eeles, Southwolda. 3 and he, Mrs. C. Berners. 3, J. Everett, c, P. S. Barthropp. Any other variety.— I and 3, DO competition. 2, Duchess of Hamilton (Indian). Gold Phea6ants.—hc, H, Colbeck. Selling Class.— Cocfc or Drake.— I and 2, W. H. Ward, Needham Market {Dark Brahma). S, A. Beaumont, Ipswich (Partridge Cuchin), iic, J. Hogger (Black Red Game). T. J. Sa tmarah (Partridge Cochin). R. H B. Dix (Spanish), Mrs. C. Berners (Coloured Dorking), G. B. C Breeze (Liybt Brahmi), A. Silver (Golden-pencilled Hainburgbs), J.J. Kicboid (Gt>kleu-pencilled Hamburgh), T. Ducwra (Black Red Game), Lady Gwydyr. liens.— 1, Mias E A. Eeles (Black Polands). 2, W. J. Baldwin, Easneye, Ware (White Cochin). 8, Lady Gwydyr. he. Rev. M. H. Begbie, J. Rudwell (Golden-pencilled Hamburghs). Mrs. C. Berners (Buff Cochins and Dorking), T. J. Saltmur&h (Partridge Cochins), c, A. A. Seaborn (Buff Cochins), J. Everett (Cuchins). Any variety. ~\, Miss E. A. Eelca (White Sultans). 2, A. A. Seaborn. Hadleigh. 3, Lady Gwydyr. he, W. H. Crisp (Partridge Cochin), E. Smith 'bJack Hamburghs). r. J Saitmarsh (Part- ridge Cochins), R. H. B. Dix (^panish), A. E. Ligiitl-mt (Partridge Cochins), T. Fenn (Golden-pencilled Hambarglis), T. Ducwra ( Gam . Duckwing). Bantams —S(ii//i(7 Class —I. Mrs. Longe. Tuddeulicim Vu-arage (Japanese). 2, T. E. Thirtlc, Lowestuft (White) 3, T. Kenn ( Whitc-boot«dl. he, F. Bennett (Black Red Game) c, Mrs. Paget (Black Red Game), T. E. Thirtle (Black). Bantams,- Ga7Ht'.— Cocfc.— 1 and 2, Mrs. Paget 3, W. Adams, c, F. Bennett. Black or White — 1, J. Preston, Allerton, Bradford. 2. K. U. Atthton, Mottram, Manchester. 3 and lie, W. Adams. Hens.—l, Kev, F. Tearle, Gazeley Viearage, Newmarket. 2, W. Adams. 8. F. Bennett, he, F. Bennett, Mrs. Paget, W- Adams, Rev. F. Tearle, Mrs. Longe, J Foreman, c, R. Donger. PIGEONS. Careoers.-I, H. M- Ma,ynard, Ryde. Isle of Wight. 2. T. Roper, Barham he, J. W. Poppleweli, M. G. Hale, H. "M. Maynard H. Lyon. Podtebs. ■ 1, A. P. Byford, Ipswich. 2, T. Atterton, Leighton Buzzard. hCt M. G. Hale. Barbs.-I, H. M. Maynard. 2, C. Norman, Westerfleld. he, A. P. Byford, C. Norman, H. Yardley, H. M. Maynard. Fantails.— 1, H. M. Maynard. 2 and c, J. F. Loversidge. TiiDMPETERS.— 1, 0. Young, Croydon. 2, J. F. Lovursidge, Newark, he, C. Norman. Dragoons.- 1, W. Smith, Walton-on-the-Hill. 2, H W. Webb, Lower Syden- ham, he, A. P. Byford. R. Woods, H. Yardley, E. Langley. H W. Webb, A. W. Wren. W. v. & J M. Longe. W. Smith. c.J. W. PoppleweU, vl. G. Hale. Antwerps.- 1 and c, J. Rodgers, Colchester. 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham. he, A. P. Bjford. L F Barwell. Any other VARiETi-. -1, H. Yardley. 2, L. F. Barwell. Ipswich, he. Miss E, A. Eelea. Duchess of Hamiltim. c. A. P. Byford, A. Cornish. Selling Class —1, A. P. Byford (Barbs). 2, C. Normau (Trumpeters), hc, A. P. Byford (Barbs). Miss E. A Eeles (Pigmy Pouters), W. Turner, jim. (Black Nuns), T. Koper (Carriers), J. Dutton (Pouters), \V. V. & J. M. Longe. C,(J. Bevan (Carriers), D. Greengrasa (Almond Tumbiers). Judge.— Edward Hewitt, Esq., Sparkbrook, Birmingham. DUBLIN POULTRY SHOW. This annual Show of the Koyal Dublin Society was opened on the 7th inet. in the AsBociation'a hall, Kildare Street. The claBses were not so numerous as at some previous shows, the Bantama being left out altogether; but the quality of some waa first-rate. Silver-Grey Dorkings headed the list, and the winners were unusually good in style, size, and purity of colour. Old Dark Grey were also a fair lot, and the chickens quite ahead of any we have seen here. Only the firat in old Spanish were of any note, but they were good iudeed ; and in young Spanish the cockerel in the firat and pullet in the second were very good. Old Light Brahmas were very good to the extent of the winners, but chickous ooly poor. But both classes of Dark Brahmas were quite up to the mark, and all noticed. The old birds were a little late in feather, but cor- rect in points ; all the young being noticed with one excep- tion. Pen 7G contained a moderate cock, but such a pullet as we have not seen before this year. Cochins wer« equally good, the old birds taking the lead in Buffs as well as Partridge. Qairie were poor, and Hamburghs a moderate lot, while Polish and Houdans were very poor. One peu of La FUche were the best we have seen for years; Ctive-Cwurs pretty good in both classea. The Selling classes contained some very gooil und cheap birds, and the entries were large. Turkeys were up to the usual mark ; but the Ducks were not as good. The Geese of both classes were really good. The Pigeon classes had but few entries, nor can we say much for the quality of most, altliough the Pouters, Fautaila, Turbits, Antwerps, and Dragoons were good. BonKiiiOS.-Silver-Grey.-l and he, S. Mowbray, Killeany, Uountrath. 2, Miss A. M. Warburton, Kill, Straffan. Chickcns.—l an<\ 2, Miss A. M. Warburton. he. Miss A. M. Warburton ; S. Mowbray : Mrs. R. ^argint. Waterloo, Cahir (2) ; J. Barlow, Cabtlcknoi;k ; W. Kerrigan, Whiteflelds, Phcenix ParK ; W. Magrath, Blessiugton. c. S. Mowbray. .,„... „ „ DoRKiNO3.-0(/ier Coluured.-l. "W- G Mulligan. Springfield, Belfast. 2, S. Mowbray, he, J. Hollwey, Dublin. Chickens —1. J. Bailuw. 2. b Mowbray, he W. It Mulligan; J. Barlow, c, W.G. Wulligao ; P. Mamuon, Castlekuock. Spanish.— 1, W. G. Mulligan. 2. G. Young. Dublin, he, Mrs. T. W. Webber. Huntingdon, Portarlingtun. Chickens.— 1, to. Mowbray. 2, W. G. Mulligan. c, G. Young. Br&uhab.— Light— 1, F. O. Atkinson. Dublin. 2, A. Field, Blackrock, Dubhn. vhc. MiasL. Stephens, Greenwood, St. Dolough's. Chickens.— 1, Mrs. Forrest, Nullamorc, Dubhn. 2, W. F. Forrest, Cloonevan, Killiney. he, J. Bennett,. Clareen, Parsonstown. c, A. Field. Rkahmas. — i>(irA.-. — 1, A. Comyns. jun., Ardenaine, Kingstown. 2, W. G MulUgan. /ic, Mrn. T W.Webber; S.Mowbray, c, E. Morrison, Parsonstown, Chickens.— 1, A. Comyns, jun. 2, Mrs. K. Sargint. he, J. ForreBt ; A Comyna, jun. ; Misa H. M'Craith, Loughloher, Cahir ; Mrs. R. bargmt ; W, G. Mulligan. c, Mrs. K. Sargint. Cochins —Buff and Ctnnamon.—l, Capt. W. C. S. Sullivan, R.N., LonghhnB town, 2, D. SuUivan, Blackrock. he, Mrs. Taylor, Balbriggao. ChtCKena.— December 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE OARDENEB. 543- 1, M. Mahony. Baldoyle, Dnblin. 2 and vhc, C»pt. W. C. S. Sullivan, he, M. Mahony ; W. G. MulliRan ; Ciipt. W. C. s Sullivan, r, W. G. MuUiRan. CocniNs.— /'i7r(n4;i' and Broicn.—i, W. U. MulliBan. 2 and he, M. Mahony. rhe. Dr. h. Htoney, Dublin, c, J.K. Millner, Cherbury, Dublin. Chickene.— 1 and 2. M. Mahony. CocniN9.- Any other colour.— \, Mrs. Taylor, Game.— B/acfc or liroicn hrciisted.~l, W. SimpBon, Derry. GimE— Any other variety —1, W. Moylo-, Dublin. Chickens.— \, W. MoyleB. HAMBDBGH3.— Pn, P R. Sp-ncer. vv.g. Davies. hen —1. P. R. Spenuer. 2, G. HoUoway. 3, ^ Nl>tta^'e. he, P. R. Spencer, c, R. Pike. Tumblers- S'iorf/acni Almond.— i, \V. Nottage. Short faced, any other variety— \ and A. P. K. Spencer. 2, J. W. Morison. he, T. F. i^heips. ANTWEhps.— 1 and 2, P. k. t^peocer. 3, J. F, Harvey, c, R. Pike. Jacobins.- 1, W. Nottage. ^ K. Pike. 3, T. F- Phelps. Fantails.— 1 and 2, P. R. Spencer. 3, G. H. Gregory, he, R. Pike, W. Morris. Bahbs —1 and 2, P. R. Spencer. 3, W. G. Davies. TKUMPETER-i.- 1, P. K SpeDcer. 2, T. P. Phelps. TuHBiTs —1, G. Packhum. -i, G. H. Gregory. 3, C. W. Waahboume. he, P, R. Spencer. Owls.— 1. W. Nottage. 2, A. J, Barnes. 3, P. R. Spencer, u/ic, F. Siedle, he, T. F. Phelps Nuns.- 1, F. Siedle. 2, R. Pike. 3, Miss A. Brookes, he, G. Packham, M. Borland, c, F Sied e. Magpies —1, P. R. Spencer. 2, J. W. Morison. 8, W. G. Davies. he, F. B. Wonnacoti. c, W. J. VVarhurst. Dragoons. —1, C. A. Pearson. 2 and 3, A. McKenzie. he, G. Packham, W. Phillips, c, J. Jamea. Any other VAKit-TY.— 1 and 3, R. R. Spencer. 2, A. Miles, he, F. Siedle. e, J. W Morison. Highflying Tumblers.— .Wo ( less than Six.— 1, R, Pike. 2, J. W. Morrison. 3, G. Lewis, he, W. Hughes, c, P. R. Spencer, J. C. Richardeon. Selling Class.— 1, K Pike. 2, J. Western. 3, A. J. Barnes. Extra 3, G. Vivian, vhc. P R. Spencer, he, A. J. Barnes, J. James, e, W. Morris, E. H. Munt, G.Vivian {4). Judge.— Mr. E. Hutton, Padeey, Leeds. Barbs.— Cocfc or Hen.— 1, A. BeU. 2, J. Baker. 3, E. A. Thomton, Hull, he, C. Brown, Sheffield. Owls —Cocte or Hen.—l and 2, J. Baker. 3, T. H. Stretch. TuKBiTS —Cock or Hen— I, J. Baker. 2, A.Bell. S, S. S. Stephenson, Beverley. he. E A. Thornton, A. & W. H. Silvea'er, J. Baker. .'ACOBiSb.— Coct or Hfn.—\,2 and 3, J. Baker, he, J. F. Loversidge. TuMBLENs.-CycAr or Hen.—' up, I and 3, J. Baker. 2, W.H. Adams, ftc, W. H. Adams, A. & W. H. Silvester, J. baker. Fantuls.— t'ocA; or Hen.— I, C. Brown, Sheffield. 2 and 3, J. Baker, he, J. F. Lovethidwe. Antwebps.- Co(/c or Een.—\, R. Glassby 2. J. W. Stansfleld, Halifax. 8, W. H WaLsun, scawbT. he, C. E Baniiistcr, Worcester. Dkagoi'ns -Cock or Hen -1. K. Woods. Manefleld 2.3 and he, J. Baker. Anv other V,.rikty.— C'ocfc or Hen —1 atid H, J. Baker (Trumpeters). 2, S. S. Stepheosi^n (Nuns) he, K. North, Leeds; J. Ashlev, Hull; A. Jit *V.H. silvesier; R. GtaH8by( ^wallow); A. Bell. Selling Class.- C'ocfc or Hen.—l, J. Baker. 2, A. & W. H. Silvester (Barb). 3, E. .-i. Thornt-'n. Selling Class,- Pair.— 1, J. Baker. 2, R. Glassby (Antwerps). he, 3. Wells, Winterton (Turbit-); J. F. Loversidge; A. Canty, barton-oii-uumber (Owls); A. & W. H. Silvester. CAGE BIRDS. Belgian.— 1. W Forth. Pocklington. 2. J. S. Fetch, Hull. Norwich.— 1, G. & J. Mackley. Norwich. 2, J. E. UarriHun. St. Ives. Any Variety of Marked Birds.- 1, W. Forth. 2, J. Salt, Stapenhill, Burton. on-Trent. Mdl-3.— 1, J. Mofire, Boston. 2, W. Forth. l,iN\ET OK Got DFiNCEi.— 1, W. Fotth. 2, '. Heppenstall, Newark oo-Tr.-nt (Duckwing-); V. Hm th, South Fernby (Bltick Red); W. G. Waters (lirubma, Game, Creve-Crour): K Newbilt. Selling CLkn^.-Chiekens —<,3 Constable, Walcot (Light Brahma): W. S. Adams (Game). 2, Simpson & Dodds (Buff Ci'chins). /ic, Mrs. CroHs (Frencbj; T. Smith, ^ou'h Ferriby (Black Red Game); W. G. Waters (Game); J. Harvey (Dark Brahma) ; R. Newbitt ( Black Spanif h). GoiNEA Fowls.— I, W. Hesseltine, Beaumuntcote. 2, C. J. Young. 3, E. Snell, Barfowden. DvoKB.—Itouen—],G J.Young. 2. B. Parkinson. Earlsheaton. 3, — Hibbitt. Louth, he, T. Mams; G. F. Kentrins, Kirby Moorside. Ayleshury.—l, A J. Coates, Marten. 2, W. Hesseltine. 8. A. C. Bradbury. Any other variety.— 1 and 2. A. &. W. H. Silvester. S, A. C. Bradbury. TOBKKYS.— 1 and 3, W. Heeseliine. 2, C. J. Young. PIGEONS. PouTEES.-Cocfc or Hen.—l, 2 and he, J. Baker, Kew Bridge. 3. E. North, Leeds. CARaiERs.-CocA: or HeJi.—l and 3. J. Baker. 2, E. C. Stretch, he, G. Cheater, Bodton; J. Baker. EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS CLUB POULTRY SHOW. This was held on the 8th, 9th, and 10th inst. Awards of the Judges:^ ScnTi^H GaEVS.— Cockerels.— 1, Clarkson & Hamilton, Carlu>e. 2. W. Hutton, Linlithgow. 3, J Gray, Carlake- he. J. Yountr, J. Aitken. W. Lindsay, H. B. Marsh-Ul. c, W. Frew S. Co.. J Beeoy. Pullets -1. J. ^hieldf, Kyres. 2, W. Watson, A>iington. 3, A. R. Pa^ierson, Carn- ck Smithy, he, J. Young, J. Gray, Clarkoon & Hamilton. H. B. Marshall, c, J. Youi>g- ycnTCH Grf.ys — C')c/rs.— 1 and lup, H. B, Marsbill, Olfinhove. 2. W. Gird- wood, Ciirluke. 3, Clarkson & Hamilton, he, T. Baillie. W. Purdy. Hens.— I, Cup, and 3, Clarkson & HamiUou. 2, W. MacmiUan, Silverwell. he, T. Lawrie. .1. Young. DoRKrNGS. — Coloured — Cocfc^re^.— 1. J. Walker. Rochdale. 9, J. Clark, Fochabers. 3, T. Raines, Stirling, he, D. Gellatly, W. Weir, c, W. Weir. Pullets —1. Mrs. Morrison, Stirling. 2, J Walker. 3, T. Raines, he, D. Annan, Mrs Morrison, J. T. hroud. D'lUKiNGs -Cotoured.-Cocks—l and Cup, G. S. Rnbb, Leslie, 2, J. Walker. 3 and c, J. TarnbuU, Carnuck Smithy, he, V. Uaiues. Hens.—l and Cup. W. Weir, luches. 2. D. Gellatly, Meigle. 3, T Raines, he, J. Walker, G. Amos, Mrs. G. Armitstfad, G. S. R'-bb e, D. Gellatly. J. TurnbuH. DoRKi- jnn. Br.hma Pootras.— Cocfcfre/a.— ], W. R. Park, Abbotsmoadow. 2,Mra. Alston. 3H Wyse, Bifbopbriggs. he, J. Youay, T. Raines, c, T Pye. Puilets.—1,T. P^c, Lancaet-r. 2, J.Stuart, Helensburgh. 3, h. A. oibsoo KirRliston. ftc, Lieut -Co). Kice. Miss K Ku^seil. T R-iines, J. Stuart, D. Baird. c, J. Young, Miss M. Mnrriaon, W. Patersoa. T Raines. Br^hmi PonTRAS.— Cocfca.— 1 aLd Cup, D. Honeyman, Larbert. 2, T. Raines, Bridtre Haugh. 3. H. Wvse. he, W. G Duncan. Mias M. Morrison. Hens.— 1 and Cup, J. Sandeman, Dundee. 2, W. G Duncan. 3, W. Mitchell, he, 3. Young, J. Anderson, Miss M. Morrison. Lieut. -Col. Rice (2), W. Marshall, H. Wvee. T. Raines (2). J. Stewart. e,3. Darpie. (iocHiNS.-Cockerels ~1 and Cup. J. Wyse, Falkirk. 2, G. H. Proctor, Durham. 3 and c, Mrs. G. Armitatead. he, J. Crawford, Mrs. A. G. Duncan. W. Shaw, J. Darcie Pulkts.-l, J. Wyse. 2, G. H. Proctor. 3, P. C. Bruce, EdinDurgh. he, 3. Wyse (21. {•itcuius.—Cneks.-l, T. Brace, Busby. 2. Mrs. G. Armitstead. S.J.Allan, Carluke, he, Mrs. .T. Hendrie. A. Bowie, e, P. C. Bruce. Hem.~l and Cup, Mrs. A. G. Duncan, Broughty Ferry. 2 and 3. Mrs J. Hendrie, Castle Heather. he. 3. Walkfr, J. Wvse, J. Dargie, A. Bowi-, A. (iiizeau. Game.— Blacfc Red.— Cockerels— \, P.. M'Kenzic, Focha'-ere. 2, J. A. Mather. 3, S. Young, he, J. Belford, A. Watson, c, W. Black. Pulletn.—l and * up, J. Millar. Forfar. 2, W. loglis. 3, Boath & Tosh, he, W. Chambers, D. Harley. c, C. Jamieson. Game.— B^x'•fc Red.— Cocks —1, Cup, and 2. J. Beveridge, Kirkcaldy. 3, D. Harley. Edinburgh, he, 3. A. Mather. HcTis.—l and he, D. Harley. 2, C. Jamie on, Forfar. 3. J. A. Mather. Game.— Broirn Rl■d.—Coekereh.—^. D. Harley. 2, Mrs. W. Ferguson. 3, J. Henderson, he. H. W. Hutchinson. Pullets —1 and Cup, J. Falconer. Lasswade, 2. D. Harley. 3, H. W. Hutchioson. he, R. Anderoon, J. Henderson, C. W. Laxton. H. W. Hutchinson. D. Harley. Game.— BrtJi/n R^-d.-Coeks.-l, Cup, and 2. D. Harlev. 3. R. Stewart. Hens, —1. R. Stewart, Blair Adam. 2, C. W. Laxton, Wilton, Northwich. 3, H. W. Hutchmson. Game.— ^ny other variety.— Cockerels. -1, D. Harley. 9, J. R. Fletcher, Stoneclough. S, C. W. Lsxton. Puilets.—l and Cup. C. Jamieson. 2, J. A- Mdther. Closeburn. 8. W. Mowbray, he, J. Hall, J. Allan, P. Deny, J. Mason, I J. Wiehart. e, R. Stewart. i GiKB—Any other variety.— Cocks.— 1, Cnp, and 3, D. Harley. 2, W, J. Cope, December 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 545 Barnslev. he, J. A. Malher, S. YouDg, T. Goligbtly, D Uarley (2). Hem.— lands, J. A. Ma her. 2, L>. Harley. SPAN'fcH.— CofAcrc/a.— 1 and Cni>, W. HiiKhfion. 2. R. Rarr, Barnfoot. vhe, F- Souitrvillf. lie, h. barr, — Mnrrav. e, D. MBeath. J'uUftrt. 1 and (up, E. SnmervillP, Edmljurgb. 2 and c, K, Barr. 8, Mrs. UuuldBWurth, CoItueaB^ Wishaw he. J. Norvn Spanish.— C'ocJta.—l.T.Nicol, Alloa. 2, R. Barr. S.R.Wauph. c, W. Paterson. flfjitf— land 2 R. bomerviile. 8, J. Norval. he, A. Gray, Mrs. flould&wurih. C, J. Ri'iraih i2) Hauburoiis.— Gold 0} Silver-spavgled.— Cocks— \ and Cop, J. Merten, Chop- pini?ton. 2, B. Stamwurth. 3 W. II. Park, he, J. M. Campbell, W.R.Park. J.Stottara(2), J. RulnnEon. Hens.-l and Cup. A. BeHh. Batbgatpp. 2, J. M. CanipbeM, Bonny Kelly. 8. A. Glen, he, J. M. Campbell, W. K. Park (2), D. M'Lauchlan. J. Stulttird (2t, J. Bobinson. HiMBUHOHa.— fJoW or Silver pfncilled.—Coek«.~l, A. Glen, Paisley. 2. D. Cbcyne, Morpeth. S, W. Lintoo. he, C. R. Brown, W. R. Park, J. Muttard. c, W. hpeakoian. Urns —1, \V. K. Park. 2, J. Stuttard, Hajjgort Gate, Colne. 3. D. Chtyne. he, S. Lifjan. .1. Allan. A Pratt, J. Taylor. Game Bantams.— B/«':)c orBroirn Jied.—Coeks —1. R Brownlie. 2, A. Walker. 8, J. Anderson, he, W. Robertson, jun., W. Ferguson, W. Hastie. Hens.— 1, J. R. Fletcher. 2, K. Adam, Blair Adam. 3, J. Anderson, he, U. Brownlie, H. L. Home. Game Bantams.— ^nj/ other varietv.- Cocks.— 1 and Cup, R. Brownlie, Kirk- caldy. 2, J. h". Fletcher. 3. A. Killgour. hem— I, R. Brownlie. 2, D. M'BouRhie. 3, A. A( derson. he, J. R Fletcher, e, W. Robertson, jnn. Bantams.- Jny other variety.— Cocks.—i, R. H. Ashton, Muttram. 2. W. Sbaw. band 'x.-.A Robertson. Hfn* —1, A. Robertson, Kilmarnock. 2, R. H. Aehton. 8, J. Dallat. he. J. D. Donald, c, C. Gray. Any uthkr lUbTiNCT BKEED.-('0(t«.— 1, R. Parsons (Poland) 2, W. R. Park (Silver holund). 3. M. Toid (Houdan). he, W. Gibb (Poland), W R. Park (Cr.Vf-CaeurK J. Tavlor (Folaud). c, J. Allan (Crt've-Co^ur). /Jf7i.i. — 1, T. Fnliarton, I oamep, Troon (CreveCcEur). 2, W. Gibb (Poland). 8. W. R. Park (Silver Poland), he. J. B. Brown (Creve-CcBurs and Houdan), W. Gibb (Poland), R. Parsons (I'olands) D' CKa.—Aylcfihury.—l and Cup, J. Walker. 2, W. Wallace. 3, R. Naismith hr. Lord Polwaitb. novn — 1. J. Walk.r. 2. W. Weir, 8, O.Hmdie. c. J A. Mather D. C. Prnudfndt. D. Hardie. Any other distinct breed.— \ and 3. W. Shaw, Ki'marnuck (Mandarin and Carolina). 2, Mrs. Pettigrew (Canadian). he, J. WalkurCJ), A. Bowie, Seliino CLAts— Coffcs.— 1, J. Wyse (Cochin-China). 2. J. Anderson, Blair Gowiie (Do>kitic). 8, J. Shields {Scotch Grey), he, J. Crombie, J Fert:ue< n. J. Wibe (Cochin-China). c.J. M'Nnb (Coloured Dorking). J. Younp (Brahmasl. Hens.— 1. W. W^ir. 2, J. TnrnbuU (D^-rkiuc). 3. J. Wyf,e (Cochin-China). he, A. Robert son. J. Wjse. e, S Logan, J. M* Alpine, Miss M. Morn son. Turkeys — Cocfes.— 1. D Annan. 2, J. Anderson, 3, W. H. LiddeJI. he, Mrs. Cathciir', J. Walker, D. Hatdy. e, .1. Allan, J. Curror Hens.—l, J. Walker. 2, Mrs- Hou'daworth. 8, J. Curror. he, Mrs. Cathcart, D. Hardie. c, J. Allan. Geese.— 1 and Cop, J. Walker. 2 and 8, D. Hardy, he, J. Anderson, R. Carmichael (2). c, J. Allan (2). GUILDFORD SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This was held in the White Horse Hotel Auction Mart on the 13th and 14th inet. The awards are as follows : — Dorkings.— Coloured and Silver —}, J Taylor, Dorkinji. 2,0 E. Cresswel, Early Wood, Bagbbot 3, .1. Ivery & Son, Dorkicfj. Chirten*.— Cap, 0. Iver an-8 of temperature. The former does not furnish sufficient strength to withstand the latter In this case the liver is enlarged, gorged with dark-coloured blood, and will not bear touching without breaking. The cure is to feed better. This last disease la very common when potatoes form the chief food. As yotu- poultry is out of condition feed freely, as long as the birds will eat, on barleymeal or gronnd oats slaked with water morning and evening. Feed them an 1 jng as they will eat at mid-day vrith whole corn. barley, or maize, bat do not allow themto have food by them. Do aot feed them alter they become careless about it. We believe this dietary regularly carried out will be a cure. Babbs {A. S. B.). — The colours shown in Barbs are Black. Red, and Yellow. They must be very high-class now to take prizes, and nong but high-priced birds as a rale have a chance, as Barb-faucyin:; ha^ become well understood, and grand strains are in esi-*teuce. As yim are a beginner we advise you to get Brent's " Pigeon Book," price Is. Ihl. post free from our office, and you will learn all you want to know by diligent study of it. 0A2IE Bantams for Showing (W. A.) — A good wholesome food is all that is required. Put them a few days before sending off in a loft knee deep in straw, and throw some wheat in it : in searching for it they will clean themselves. Peas are said to harden the flash and feel of the birds. A Black- breasred Red cock is often put to Duckwing hen^ to breed Duekwing cockerels. For Duckwing pallets Duckwing cock and Black-breastad Red hens. But two of the same kind do often as well, or better, and certainly with Black- breasted Beds it keeps the sort to itself. Feebing Bees (J. M.]. — The bees of your weik hive would be more easily fed in a warm room at this season than in the b'se-honse. Weak hives often die of cold wh'^n honey is in their combs, or when wyrnp is offered to them. If you offer your bees a little warm syrup now (in a bottle) the probability is gr. at that they will not take it. You may try them, and if they do not touch it take them into a warm room for twenty-fourhours and then giva them some. Touching your other question about turning-out bees ou the twentieth day after swarmiug, let me say yon need have n:i fear for In summer the heat ol the weather hatches all the yonug beei left within two days of perfection. You may safely gain two days' time for the turnouts by driving on the nine- teenth day swarming, but about one-tenth of the brood would be left behind and lost. — A. P. METKOBOLOalCAIi OBSERVATIONS. Camben Sqoabe, Lonbon. Lat. Bl= 82- 40" N. ; Long. 0= 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet. Date. 9 A.III. In the Day. 1875. Barome- ter at 8a» and Sea Level. Hygrome- ter. 1.1 do 0~ Shade Tem- perature. Radiation Temperature. s Dec. Dry. Wet. Mai. Min. In son. On grase We. 8 Th. 9 Fri. 10 Sat 11 Sun.l2 Mo. 13 Tu. U Inches. 30.110 30 412 3JS2S 30.103 30139 30218 30.184 deg 35.9 R.5.1 s;.6 40.0 40 8 36.3 34.5 deg. 84.8 34 0 S1.7 38 9 40 3 36.5 84.8 N. N.W. W.N.W N. W. W. s. deg. 36.8 36 5 36.5 36.7 37 0 38.8 37 6 deg 37.6 38.7 40.4 43.1 45.5 47 3 37.9 29-7 32 1 '28.6 35 0 3S4 34.5 27.3 deg. 44.2 6x6 58.2 48.1 62 2 71.9 54.0 deg. 285 30.6 27.0 32.6 33.2 32.4 23.8 In. 0.010 OOIS 0.016 Means S0.256 J 86.9 36.1 87.1 41.S 31.9 B«.2 29.7 0.039 REMARKS. 8th.— Dull bnt fair ; thawing, though very slowly, all day. 9th. — Fine morning at times; during the forenoon very bright, but the snow still on the ground. 10th. — A dull day ; a very persistent though gradual thaw. 11th. — Dull morning, bright gleams about noon, but dull afternoon and wet night. 12th. — A very fine day and beautiful sunset ; snow gone. 13th.— Fine day, bat foggy evening, and the ground white with frost before midnight. 14th.— White frort early, but all gone before 9 A.M., as the son was bright then and at times all day, but sUghtly foggy in the evening and very early dark. A very gradual thaw from the beginning of the week, the snow all gone, and mean temperature about 7^ above last week.— G. J. Symons. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Deoehbeb 14. Prices remain the same as last week, business still keeps quiet, but with an improvement in the demand for best Grapes, FKCIT. B. d. B. d. Peaches doz. 0 OtoO 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 0 0 0 0 dessert doz. 10 3 0 Pine Apples lb. 2 0 6 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 0 Walnuts ¥>-10O 16 2 0 s, d. B. d. Apples j Bieve 1 0to2 0 Chestnuts bushel 12 0 20 0 Figs doz. 0 0 Filberts, Cobs lb. 0 5 Grapes, hothonse lb. 1 0 Lemons 1*100 6 0 12 0 Oranges ** 100 6 0 12 0 0 0 0 9 6 0 ditto bushel 4 0 10 0 VEGETABLES. s. d. B. d. B. d. 8. d Artichokes dozen s' b'to6 d Lettuce dozen 0 6tol 0 - 0 OJ French Cabbage i n i o Asparagus t|* lOO 0 0 French bundle 18 0 0 6 I Mushrooms pottle 2 0 Beans. Kidney....* sieve 10 2 6 Mustard i OreBS punnet 0 2 Beet.Red dozen 1 6 - ■■"-•—- -->•-' ° " Broccoli bundle 0 9 Brussels Sprouts i sieve 2 6 Cabbage dozen 1 0 Carrots bonch 0 4 Capsicums %* lOJ 1 6 , Cauliflower dozen 2 0 /Celery bundle 1 6 C'llewortB.. doz. bunches 2 0 Cucumbers each 0 3 pickling dozen 1 0 Endive dozen 1 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 Garlic lb. 0 6 Herbs bunch 0 3 Horseradish bundle 4 Leeka bunch 0 i 0 I Onions bushel 2 0 1 6 pickling quart 0 6 0 0 Parsley.... doz. bonobes 2 0 0 Parsnips dozen 0 0 Peas quart 0 0 Potatoes bushel 2 6 Kidney do... 8 0 Radishes., doz. bunches 1 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 0 Salsaly bundle 0 9 Scorzouera bundle 1 0 Seakale basket 2 0 Shallots lb. 0 8 Spinach bushel 4 6 Tomatoes dozen 3 0 Turnips bun; 0 4 Vegetable Marrows 't 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 9 8 0 2 0 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 e 3 Dooomber 23, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 547 WEEKLY CALENDAR Day 1 Day ot 1 of DECEMBER 23-29, 1876. Average g^^ Temperature near »!««., Sen Sets. Moon Rises. Moon Seta. Moon's Ako. Clock after D.av of Mooth Week. Sun, D.iy. NlKbt. Mean.i m. h. 1 m. h. m. h ID. h Davs. m. B. 23 Th 44 I 817 87 9 7af 8 5!nf 3 Sal 4 ClafO 20 0 31 867 21 F Microscopical (Q leltctt) CUib at 8 r.M. 44 0 31.3 37 6 8 8 52 8 17 6 10 1 27 0 1 868 25 a Christmas Dav. 43.4 29.4 38.4 8 8 63 3 i9 G , 35 1 28 Ob 28 869 215 Son Sl'nday after Christmas. — Sr. STEniEN. 4i.2 814 37 3 9 8 64 S 38 7 , 11 2 29 0 £8 SCO 27 M Bank Holiiiiy. 43.0 29 7 36 4 9 8 55 S 86 8 69 2 O 1 28 801 28 To 42 6 29 5 36 0 9 8 55 8 21 9 0 4 1 1 6« 862 29 W 43 9 33.0 38 5 9 8 56 3 64 9 12 5 2 2 27 SC3 From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.4'; and its night temperature 30.8'. I A CHRISTMAS GREETING. l^^^^HRISTMAS has a wonaerfal power over an Englishman'd mind and heart. In the dread Crimean winter twenty-ono years ago, amid all sorts of miseries, our soldiers did their best to keep Christmas. Then there are the thousands of Englishmen with their feet to our feet in Australia, with a different sky above them, different stars to look at, no '' Charles's Wain " over their housetops ; they cannot as wo do " Watcli the Pleiads, risinp; through the mellow shade, Glitter like a swarm cf fireflies tangled in a silver braid." Who, instead of looking " Ou great Orion sloping slowly to the west," look on the Southern Cross. These our Australian brothers, emigrants from old England, with a sky above unlike our sky — with an earth beneath with its animals and birds so different to ours, and, harder still to bear, with a total change of seasons to live in : our summer their winter, our winter their summer ; their midsum- mer day our midwinter time in feeling, and their Christ- mas day one of the hottest days of the year. A young man in North Queensland wrote to me last Christmas day in the words, " Here I am eating my Christmas plum pudding, and beating off the huge musquitoes from my face ; for in spite of the difference of weather, I would keep my Christmas day and think of the dear ones at home." Oh ! what a power has Christmas over English- men. At the Reformation many feast days and holidays were abolished, and the " gospel of idleness " no longer preached ; but Christmas remained, and remains dearer than ever — a holiday time, a social time, a time for plea- sant greetings. This is well, but " the gospel of idleness " has of late years been too much preached again and over- much of holiday time talked of. Give the labourers and mechanics higher wages to meet dearer times ; but as yet, in multitudes of cases, shorter hours of work have come to mean longer hours at the public house. Edu- cate to a higher standard, and higher pleasures will be loved ; but preach not too much the gospel of idleness of over-holiday-making, but cling and cleave to and keep rightly Christmas-tide, and greet lovingly all around you. There is another way in which Christmas time may bo viewed. It is the last part of the old year that is thought about. The year is about to leave us in these latter days of Deofmber, and so up conies Father Christmas and puts out his hand very cordially, seeming to say, " Well, if the year, O men ! has not been a very good one, let us, nevertheless, part friends ; let us shake hands and hope for a better." Truly the past year has not been a good one for the gardening world. A terribly severe winter did not bring us the wished-for early genial spring, but cold and wet, floods and storms ; and then when summer months came, scarcely came summer weather. Not the glorious quiet warm time, scarce a leaf sth-ring, the trees knee deep in fern, the cattle standing in streams, the bright Geraniums budding and blooming, an J glowing in No. 769.— Vol. XXIX , Kew Series the fcunshine, not growiog for ever with huge leaves as this year. "Father Christmas, we gardeners take your hand and X)reES it warmlj', and greet you kindly, but please speak to the clerk of tlie weather and provide a better year for us in tlie one that's coming." Next let mc turn to gardening advances. First and foremost this year has brought us the new edition of our Doctor's "Fruit Manual." This not only a standard wcrk and showing such accurate knowledge and dihgent research, but is so interesting. " Sir," said grand old Dr. Johnson, "Dr. Gollsmith will write a natural history and make it as interesting as a fairy tale." This is what " our " Doctor has done with fruit history. The book is on my shelf of favourites, and is already pencil- marked and thumbed, and threatens to want binding from constant reading of it ; and as with me so I doubt not with many others. Fruit culture needs more attention than it receives, and from all classes. In farm and cottage gardens it is now common, even in very out-ofthe-way places, to see standard Roses of named varieties and prize quality ; but look at the Apple trees and other fiuit trees of such gardens. These are generally very old, very cankwed, very mossy — all the upper roots cut by the spade, and so the lower penetrating deeper and deeper, and the trees growing or declining worse and worse. Such trees too ! so straggling, shading much ground, and injuring all crops; unsightly, half useless, scrubby ugly trees, but kept in the gardens because they have be€n there so long. Now, I hope in a few years to see pyramid fruit trees in such gardens — pretty trees, early-yi'-lding trees, and trees that do not shade valuable land. Said a man of more than ordinary knowledge to a man in his forties who was flunking of planting fruit trees, "It is too late in life for you to do that." Indeed it is yet to the general world an unknown thing that Apples on the Paradise stock and Pears on the Quince stock produce fruit-bear- ing frees at once. " Plant Pears, plant for yom- heirs," that is old-world nonsense now. Plant them and gather the fruit yourself the year after next. One great means of causing improvement in the humbler class of gardeners is for the upper classes — gentry, clergy, and others, to encourage district horticultural shows em- bracing many parishes. The one in which I take a per- sonal interest in the district in which I live has in its progress gratified me much. At the first show four years ago the cottager classes were poorly filled, and the speci- mens were poor too, but four years have shown a great ad- vance— the classes well filled, and the specimens far finer. They have shown a greater improvement than any other classes, but the fruit is still poor, the varieties of Apples ind Pears the older and the commoner, and scarce a dish where beauty and ufihfy were combined. This will con- tinue to be the case until pyramid fruit frees find their way into the humbler gardens as choice Rose trees have already found places there. The mention of Roses reminds me of another advance —the estimating tho beauty of a Rose by its perfume. No. 1121.— Vol. LIV., Old Series. .548 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDKNEE. [ December 23, 1875. Here is a return indeed to old days, and advancing by going back is often Ibe trneet advance. Three centuries since a Rose was cLiefly valued for its perfume. " A Rose by any other name would fmell aa sweet," wrote Shakespeare. It was the scent and not the form that weighed with our fore- fathers, ccnabined with medical properties. The older flowers are the tweeter flowers as a rule; and when the present Premier's heroine. Lady Coiisande, in "Lothair," had a gar- den of Ecented flowers, they were almost all old-fashioned. Flowers are beautiful to look at, but the bouquet is doubly valued when the finely-chiselled nostril is gratified as well as the (ye. There is, too, another advance by going back which strikes one — namely, the revival of a love of button-hole bouquets, which our ancestors called posies. Says Christopher Marlow, writing in the sixteenth century, in the character of a shepherd singing to his love — " I will make thee bed3 of Koses, And a tboasand fragrant posies.'' Tho fashion for button-hole flowers had well nigh died away. Auold buck or two among the gentry kept to it, and a flower- loving peasant here and there appeared at church with a posy half as big as a Cauliflower, and one wondered any button- hole could carry it. But now the pretty custom has come back again ; and in the heart of the City of London, specially on a Saturday afternoon, stand rows of flower girls proffering, and not in vain, a tnttou-holo posy to the city clerks on their leaving their offices earlier, the posies beiug carefully taken and kept in water for the Sunday adornment. Flowers of perfume are doubly valued as decorations if blended with a spray of graceful Fern. The cultivation of sweet-scented flowers is sure to advance, and we shall have again "many a Camalion feeding with summer spice the hnmmicg air." Bacon speaks of those who gather " flowers being withal sircet and tightly." The " sightly " has been too much regarded minus the " sweet." But not alone do we in " our Journal " dwell on flowers and fruits. Many open the Journal of HortieuUure for the latter colnmna chiefly, for to them the bird and tho bee are more attractive than the fruit or the flower. Their pleasures arise from harmless hobbies. Vfell says a recent writer in a first- class periodical — " Of course, by becoming a huntc-r of rarities a great deal of money may be spent ; but that is a pursuit ■which, however respectable, is generally most enjoyable when the jnenns arc limited. When Charles "Lamb screwed up his courage to give a few shillings for an old dramatist, he had inore pleasure of his bargain than the rich man who would give as many hundreds. As some people have found rat-killing as amufing as tiger-shooting, so the poor colltctor gets as much fun out of his pursuits as his rival with a bottomless purse. And the various forms of curiosity-hunting, whether the objects be tho old masters, or rare books, or china, or autographs, oi 2ngcons, are about equally interesting." These words I hold perfectly truf. Tho poor man's hobby gives him ao much pleasure as tho rich man's — I sm half inclined to think more, beceuso tho objects loved are fewer, and love con- centrated is the strongest. If a rich man has been able to buy some grand picture, his joy is not much, if even as much, as when the fancier hss obtained a long-desired bird which he holds lovingly in his hand with his eyes fall of admiration and delight. It will bo noticed that the writer above quoted mentions "pigeons.'' This would not have been the case a few years since, but our two great Shows in the two London Palaces have drawn an amount of notice upon the fancy which many provincial shows could not have done, for London leads thought and always will. I hold, too, that, now wages are higher, the lower classes more and more need innocent hobbies for their spare hours, particularly as these are more numerous. It the unbending of the mind does not take an innocent tarn there is more harm to be dreaded from idle than fi'om working hours. The gospel of ialcness is a baneful gofpel — nay, co gotpel, but bad news to men nnless they can well employ these idle hours. Whether it is the town artisan or tho country labourer — whether tho temptation be the to-vu's attractions or the country's dullness, there needs a safety-valve, an outlet for the lesser faculties. Happy that man who can turn to his garden and find his pleasure there ; and it is best to have a hobby within a hobby — even in a garden some pet v.aricty of fruit, or vegetable, or flower. If you have you will soon feel the advantage. But a garden all do not care for, and all cannot have. Bat a back yard may be peopled with birds — poultry or pigeons, or an inner room be alive with canaries. If people live in the country and have not country tastes their life is apt to bo dreary at times ; but love and understand the book of nature — I ought to have written "understand and love," for love comes from knowledge — then you will never be unhappy. I am fond of hearing and recording any acts of kindliness ; let me write down one which occurred within my own know- ledge. Early in the bitter, bitter cold of the present year a clergyman with a large and grown-up family was stricken down in a few days. The news of death and the illness coming to many at the same time. They had been a family of garden lovers, thinking their home and their garden sweeter than aught else. There was a group of daughters moat active among their poor neighbours, hard and warm- hearted workers. It so happened that the family removed from a sweetly rural spot to the thick air of a manufacturing town, where garden for them there was none. Each week their village neighbours took turns in sending to their late clergyman's widow and daughters a hamper of vegetables and fruit from their gardens, believing, and rightly believing, that no vegetables or fruit would taste half so sweet as those from their loved village. Tliis went on from week to week till the village feast came round, and then the poor begged that the hamper might be double the size for them to enclose their offerings of flowers from their gardens — flowers the sweetest of all presents, and whic'n tho poorest cottage-dweller may offer, and the daintiest lady in the land be pleased to receive. Can you not easily understand, good reader, the joy the opening of that hamper would give '! This posy from that tiny garden, cut from plants known to the receivers; here a bunch of Roses from a porch, there some Stocks from a way- side garden, all known, all remembered. But I must hasten to a conclusion. What was the angelic greeting on the first Christmas morning? " Peace on earth and good will to men." When man was innocent and at perfect peace with all he lived in a garden ; and though inno- cence is lost, yet peace is often found in a garden. Its little plot is the child's delight ; his garden is often the old man's last love. Business is too much for him, that he has resigned. Travelling too wearying, that he has given up. He again, indeed, goes his journeys, but only in hia easy chair, and prattles there of former scenes by land and sea. Company he cannot enter into, its late hours do not suit him, and oon- varsation passes him, and the days of quick reply and keen intellectual talk are over. But there is something left him to enjoy — his easy-of-access, pleasant garden, where he may rest in sunshine or shade as ho wills, and husband hia strength and enjoy himself, watching and being interested in each crop as it ripens, each flower as it unfolds its blooming beauty. A garden is man's first love and his last. It promotes " peace," and an interchange or giving of its products creates " good will." Grand words, blessed greeting, " Peace and Good Will" sounding over Christendom, heard all over England! And may their meaning be better understood as each Christmas comes round. In the words of an American poet — " I hear the bells on Christmag day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The wordj^ repeat. Of peace on earth, good will to mci^. The wrong shall fail. The right prevail. With peace on earth, good will to men." — Wiltshire Eectob. PLUMS. Plums are so popular that not one word of eulogy is neces- sary to attract notice to them, or to promote their more ex- tensive culture, otherwise than may unavoidably occur in describing tho merits of some kinds that are not so well known aa they deserve to be. Possessed of wonderful vitality, very prolific, perfectly hardy — such choice kinds as Transparent Gage ripening perfectly upon orchard trees ia the north — not very liable to suffer from the attacks of noxious insects or blight, of easy culture, trees possessing all the luxuriance of a free, wild, unchecked growth, or amenable to pruning and training after the most severe rule of art (advantage, if any, being rather in favour of the untrained tree), that here also an elaborate cultural essay is uncalled for. When I first began the culture of cone-shaped Plam trees it was with a strong impression that it was no easy matter to impart that form to them, and that really handsome sym- Deosmbor 23, 1876. ] JODENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COITAGE GARDENER. 5i'J metrical speoimen would be the exception rather than the rale. Most gladly, therefore, do I record resulta totally opposed to this erroneous idea of mine. Tho difficulty, it it occurs at all, does so at the beginning ; aud whoncvor a want of balance, arising from a weakly growth in the lower branches and exces- sive vigour in those near tho top, is perceptible, it is invariably owing to a bad start, or, in plainer word?, to the mismauege- meut of the tree in the earlier stages of its growth. A want of decision at the time of planting often leads to failure. Ar- bitrary rules have a mischievous tendency when applied indis- crisninRtely, but in this instance it should be insisted upon that when a young Plum tree is not well furnished with strong branches at its base at tho time of planting, its top must be Baciificed and the stem reduced to a length of 18 iuches. Then, if the planting is well done, shoots will break forth during tha first season of growth, and disposed in a manner to form a perfect tree. Thus do we lay the foundation and insure the success of our work ; the central stem rises above its youthful rivals, putting forth other branches, tier above tier, till the structure is complete — a perfect cone. The formation from lateral growths of spurs clustering with fruit buds goes briskly forward, and a few brief seasons bring to the work its full reward in that bsst of all forms a full crop of fruit. Apart from this, the tree is really a reward in itself — a certificate of merit of no mean order — a symmetrical form that is always a pleasant sight, exemplifying economy of space with the maintenance of a just balance in every part. Moat kinds of Plum trees are so distinct in habit of growth aud general appearance as to be easily recognised. I have closely observed these peculiarities, and will note a few of them in the following estimate of Eorts. Green Gage. — Of all Plums tho Gages most worthily stand first, and our old friend the Green Gage is such a general favourite that it might not inaptly be quoted as formiug an the common diversity of taste. It fgood qualities exception to are admitted by all. Some flourishing young pyramidal trees which came nicely into beariug this year have a clean, regular, free growth, somewhat slight, spreading with a gentle curve upwards. The fruit of this variety is, however, greatly improved with the age of tho trees, of which I will quote an example on a future occasion. Purple Gaoe. — A pair of fine symmetrical trees of this valu- able variety have a more sturdy erect growth and more com- pact habit than the Green Gage. The branches are also more thickly set with spurs. The fruit has the full rich flavour of the green variety, is of similar form, aud of au attractive mottled purple hue. It hangs well upon the tree, and may be kept in the fruit-room for some wesks in its slightly shrivelled condition with little loss of flavour, thus forming a most ser- viceable adjunct to the dessert in autumn. Brijanston Gage. — These are strong vigorous trees, having a peculiar erect growth with very numerous spurs, having a close resemblance in general outline to Oiillins Golden. The fruit, which is produced in great abundance, is very large — much larger than tho old kind, greenish yellow in colour, and ot most delicious flavour. An excellent Plum which all should grow. Transparent Gage. — This is another of the large type of Gages. The fruit is pale yellow, tinged and mottled with red on the side exposed to tho sun. It was ripe this season iu the second week of September, and is so delicious that it has bsen termed " superior to all other Plums." Certainly its excelleDce iu this respect is so great that it must satitfy the most fasti- dious palate. I have it trained to a wall and also in an orchard. The growth is strong and free, but the trees are hardly large enough to enable one to judge clearly of peculiar- ities of habit. Mr. Rivers says that this variety and Beine Claude Boddaert are the finest of the Gages. This last kind and M'Laughlin's Gage I planted last season, but they have not yet fruited. Joiloigne Green Gage. — This variety has disappointed me. It is wonderfully prohfio, and the fruit is handsome, of good form, and with so much blue colour upon tho exposed side that its title of "green" strikes one as a misnomer; but it has so little flavour as to be positively insipid. I have either a spurious kind, or tho assertion that it is equal in flavour to the old Green Gage is a mistaken one. A couple of pyramids which I have in cultivation under this name have a thin spreading growth, imparting a loose aud somewhat ragged ap- pearance to the trees, which are, notwithstanding, tolerably symmetrical. Oullins Golden. — This has a very stout, vigorous, yet compact habit of growth, well set with spurs, not at all spreading, but remarkable for tho singular manner in which every branch springs directly upwards from the stem at au acute angle. It is probably owiug to its excessive vigour tha young trees are so much behind other sorts in producing fruit. The fruit is very beautiful, very similar iu appearance to tho Washington, a rich yellow tinged with crimson on the sunned side. A fine fruit of sweet and pleasant flavour, ripening early iu August, but which may sometimes be seen in good condition as late as the first week iu September. Royal Hulive.—l have heard this termed a good desser Plum, but I have not found those which I have tasted at all equal to my standard. The trees are very handsome, with a distinct spreading habit, and a free growth of medium strength. Kirke's. — The trees of this kind are of good form, and have a tolerably vigorous spreading growth, well furnished with spurs. My note of it in the fruit book for this year states that the fruit is large and slightly oval iu form ; colour deep purple, almost black, with a fine bluish bloom, sweet and jaiey, but more valuable for cooking than for the dessert. Good crop. Trees vigorous. Belgian Purple. — A tree of good form, with a free strong growth well set with spurs. It is a prolific sort, with dark purple medium-sized fruit, mottled with red and having an attractive bluish bloom. It is very juicy and rich in flavour, aud is said to be ripe by the middle of August, but it was not ripe this season till the first wetk in September. Late Rivers. — This kind surpasses all others iu the vigour of its growth, quickly forming a large spreading tree. It is very prolific, and its sweet juicy fruit is highly valued for its lateness. Blue Imperatrice is one of our most valuable late autumn Plums. Tiained to anorth wall its oval-shaped richly-flavouied fruit may be had in perfection very late, for it hangs a loug timj upon the tree. I liko to plant it on a northern aspect with the Morello Cherry, both fruits being of the greatest valuo for the splendid supply which they afford throughout October. Early Mirers. — A culinary Plum of great value, ripeniDg early in July. Its tolerably large, oval, purple fruit is very sweet and juicy, and is produced in great profusion. Tho trees are very handsome and vigorous, with a frio, strong, and erect habit of growth. Quite distiuct from other kinds. Prince Englehert. — Both tho trees aud the fruit which they bear are vtry distinct, tho trees being remarkable for the sturdy proportions which they so quickly assume, aud their close erect habit of growth. The splendid oval-shaped fruit is very large, of a deep purple colour with au attractive bluish bloom, and, what is more important, it is most valuabla for all purposes of cookicg and preserving. Denyer's Victoria. — The growth of this deservedly popukr sort has a spreading yet upward tendency, forming vigorous trcfs of symmetrical outline. It is very prolific, and the fruit makes a delicious preserve, and is one of our best cookiag fruits. Red in colour, oval in form, aud very sweet and juicy. Lafayette. — This is a late September kind, forming hand- some trees, is very prolific, and is so sweet and juicy as to be valuable Loth for dessert and cooking. A most useful sort, cropping well this year. Mivers's Early Damson. — This forms a neat, compact, and well-shaped tree, the tolerably free growth beiug well furnished with spurs. It is very prolific, end is most valuable from the fact of its sweet aud juicy iruit ripening so early in August. Cluster Damson. — Doubtless so called from its extraordinwy fertility, tho branches being literally clothed with fruit in such dense clusters as to render the process uf picking a somewhat tedious business. The growth is stout, vigorous, thickly set with spurs, interspersed with a few thorns in its young state ; tree somewhat spreading aud irregular in habit, and with dark-coloured bark. This kind and Early Rivera are thoso which I can recommend for giving au abundant early and lata supply of fruit. Preference is frequently given to the Shrop- shire Damson for preserving, for which reason I have planted a dozen of it. They are forming pretty compact little pyra- mids, but there is a slender delicate habit about them that is in striking contrast to tho sturdy vigour of the Cluster. In giving these estimates of iruit iu detail my object is not only to show which, iu my opinion, are the bsst kinds, but to describe each kind sufficiently to enable others to gain toler- ably correct ideas to guide them ia purchasing aud plantiug, for it should never be forgotten how widely different are indi- vidual tastes. What Brown likes Jones detests ; the object of 550 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 23, 1876. Smiih'B fondfBt regards is Green's abhorrence; and therefore it would be as unwise as unprofitable to attempt to dictate. Rather would I try so to teach bo aa to induce independent thought — to set forth individual traits and characteristics — to fchow clearly which of the varieties have proved the most useful, and why — to induce others to judge for themselves ; in a word, to cfier the results of practice and experience. In looking over these notes I find that no mention has been made of upwards of a dozen kinds of Plums, good and bad, which I have in cultivation; enough good kinds have, how- ever, been noted to Eelect from, and I need not, therefore, add to the length of this paper. — Edward Lcckuuest. NEGLECTED FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE BAIJUNCDLUS. In the round of favourite flowers grown by florists of a generation Eince, there often used to come in due succession between the Pink and the Picotee, and in most refreshing contrast to all before and after it — the Ranunculus. Now its jjlace in fuch a garden circle is often vacant. Not many Tulip cabinets have now their few drawers at the bottom for Ranun- culuses. It is a great pity, because the flower is full of capa- bilities and pioperties attractive to the florist. It possesses great ccmmand of colour. In the self varieties there are crim- Eon and purple blacks ; scarlet, red, rose, pink, and white. In jellowp, orange, lemon, cream ; aho white. There are classes of white and yellow grounds with tips and edges, mottles and stripes of various colours, usually some shade of purple, brown, rose, and red, and in addition to these are some curious roans, grey, and red, that are a fancy dress peculiar to the Ranun- culup. One of the chief charms of this flower, particularly to a florist, is that it is very sportive and vigorous from seed, so much Eo that a Eeedling-bed is, perhaps, the great surprise find charm of Ranunculus-growing. Even the most double exhibition flower will frequently afford a feed head when fully expanded, but vtry seldom any stamens. Pollen must, there- fore, be obtained from well-shaped and coloured semi-doubles that sflord it freely. Good seed somewhat resembles scales or flakes of bran with a slight brown germ set in the middle. It is veiy delicate, and like seed of the Auricula is better left un- covered by any Eoil, and the soil kept generally moist by a sheet of glaES over it. Sowing may be done at the time the old tubers are planted — about the end of February. The Ranunculus has, no doubt, an ill name for being a crotchety, ill-tempered old flower, a punctilious tuber reriuiring everything to its own good liking, or else declining to bloom. The plant is, indeed, particular in some of its requirements, but troublesome in none. It is exact but not exacting. It requires precisely its inch and a half underground, otherwise the new tuber which is naturally formed over the very neck or woolly crest of the old one will endeavour to rectify matters by diving down or coming up by means of a sort of underground stem, dropping several of its claws in the course of it, and making an awkward if not weakened root. At planting time I always wet the tubers twenty-four hours beforehand ; they then swell marvellously, and do not lite- rally get up and walk out of bed, as they often do when planted diy. Moistening them also enables one to detect any diseased or rotten claw, which ought to be removed, but cannot be easily detected in a dry state. The claws when thus swelled are not brittle or liablo to be snapped off so easily at planting. Knock- ing c if a healthy claw is so much loss of stored-up strength, and it is worth while to be careful. Another emphatic demand of the Ranunculus is a firm bed for growing in. If I were doomed to take those forced and dismal walks called "con- stitutionals," I would never forget to take some over my next year's Ranunculus bed. It would be a walk " with an object." There are matters which the Ranunculus is more particular about than soil, though it likes that good and hearty. Mr. Tyso, the present representative of this Dower, most wisely because most naturally, says that a bed made up of turfy sods from a strong pasture where the Buttercup grows will suit our member of that family, the Ranunculus. This is the best advice that can be given where the native soil of the garden is not a deep retentive, yet well drained loam, or one that will grow a hearty Cabbige. Enrichment of cow or hotbed manure may be used, but it must be tiuly well decayed, and the bed is far the best when made up in Octoler. Again, another vital point in Ranunculus culture is a well- airtd bed for sleeping in — that is, a scrupulously dry storage when out of the ground. This tuber has literally to be shelv.d for more than six mouths out of twelve, owing to its foliage, which would naturally spiing afresh in autumn, not being hardy enough to certainly bear our winters. It is therefore forced to rest from about the third week in .July to the third week iu February. Where there is the slightest dampness the naked tubers are peculiarly liable to contract blue mould at the neck. It is generally fatal, disorganising the claws and eating into the heart, and when in the ground the whole structure rote. The only thing I kuow of fcr affected tubers is to dust them thoroughly with dry brimstone, and keep them from further damp. Rotten claws may be detected by their soft and brown consistency by the moistening process. I have spoken of. Healthy claws are white inside. Prevention is better than cure. I reserve for my last note a deeply important crisis in the culture of the Ranunculus ; this is, taking up. No amount of attention to soil or anything else will atone for negligence here. The new tubers strike directly the vigour of the bloom and foliage is past, and every new fibre struck out and after- wards unnaturally checked is weakness to the tuber. It must not only be replaced at some expense, but easily affords a starting point for mildew to lay hold of. The bloom ought to be shaded, for the first heavy rain upon expanded flowers will beat all down, and break many. The cover should be left on till all are taken up, and it will thus keep the ground both cool and dry, and free from the warm stimulants of July raius and sun upon the excitable tubers. I never water my beds artificially, preferring to shade them against very hot sun. But a dry May is always against the Ranunculus, and watering seems to weigh little in their favour when the air is dry and weather rainless. In Rome I saw a few years since a bed of Ranunculuses that were just opening their buds about the beginning of Feb- ruary. They were double, and some edged flowers among them, but the full quality I could not discern. I thought how grandly this neglected flower might be grown where it could remain to form clumps, only to be moved a moment for re- arrangement. Were it in my power this is how I would grow my Ranunculus : I would yearly top-dress the beds, and re- plant immediately, affording the foliage a glass protection as of a house, freely allowing light and ventilation, and possess- ing frost-proof powers. But this is not the place to build glass castles in the air. I have known the florist Ranunculus since my boyhood, and I go on with it in the old way. I have had failures and successes, success surviving the partial shock of failures. Perhaps a chequered experience like this, being natural, is a useful sort of a one to recall. I am glad to say a word for one of my dear old favourites, and if it will be of help or interest to any fellow cultivator, or if it will lead any young florist or older hand to say " I will make love to the Ranunculus," it would than repay me for a congenial scribble. — F. D. Houner, Kirkhij Mahcard, Bipoii. POTATO HUMBUG. I AM an ill-used member of society. I once bore a respect- able name, was well thought of, used to present an open coun- tenance to all comers ; but I now begin almost to doubt my identity. Such things are perpetrated either in my name or by members of my family, that were it not for the regard still entertained for me by some of the best members of society, and the ready manner in which I am welcomed at the tables of most of the hotels and restaurants of our great city, I should give myself up entirely to the tender mercies of " W. G. S.," and becontented to be macerated and fungolieed until thero was none of me left ; and the worst of it is that nil this whi'e I— (or at least my family are) — am bespattered and bepraised. I am called the "noble tuber," the "indispensable adjunct" to the table of the rich and the cottage of the poor. My rotundity and smoothness of skin form the subjects of enco- miums loud and long. My eyes even come in for their share of praise, and were I to believe all that is said of me I should probably " get cheeky " and grow up into a Potato tree. But alas ! I recollect that something of the same kind holds good of the horse. He is a "noble animal," .people never tire of eonnding his praises; and yet it is a well known fact that horse-dealers, jockeys, ostler?, and racing men in general are not supposed to have the strict sense of honour, or be remark- able for the purity of their language or the innoceney of their lives. When, sir, placed amongst a few others of my fellows at Deoomber 2:!, 187S. ] JOURNAL OF HOSTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 551 Soath Konsington, I, a good honest " Sawnie," looked down the arcade and saw what at first I imngiaed to be a small Boction of Tooley Street, and heard certain whippera from those who were vieitiug the place, I thought " the force of humbug can no further go." Uravo, Yankee Doodle ! you are a " emart 'un," and have certainly "wiped the eye" of ua poor Brit- ishers. It was a smart notion that, setting us to see how many pounds could be grown from one pound of seed. Plow- ever, hke Shylock'a pound of flesh, there is more behind. I wonder whether there is any truth in the statement that along with the offer of the prizes there was a " Bliss-ful " suggestion that a pound of eyes was a pound of Potatoes. But what an absurd humbug it was altogether ! An uglier member of my family than one of those exhibited Eureka I have never seen ; indeed I rather thought it was an " ugly mug" raised by my friend Mr. Paterson — " Bovinia," which had been sent out to Yankeedom, and then, with a feeling that doss them infinite credit, had been rechristened and sent back to us. And then who was to tell whether the pound had been honestly gained and planted ? And even it all were " honourable men," what possibly could these, being sent to South Ken- sington, do in confirmation of this asserted fact? The Fruit Committee of the Society never did a wiser thing than declaring they would have nothing to say to such a barefaced humbug. As I am on this point I may as well say a few words on Potato shows in general. If they are to serve any good pur- pose, which I very much doubt, they must be very different to what they are now. I believe that it is no secret that some of the principal prizes at tho Potato Show at the Alexandra Palace were gained by people who never cultivated one-quarter of the Potatoes they exhibited, and that even respectable firms were sending in all directions for dishes of Potatoes. There was no rule against doing this, so that there was no dishonesty in the matter. But what purpose can it answer thus to exhibit ? Moreover, a Potato Show gives no idea of the value of tho sorts exhibited either as to productive- ness or quality. It is not true of the Potato that " one may smile and smile, and bo a villain ;" but one may look well, have a smooth skin and be altogether presentable, and yet have not the slightest claim to be of any use. I could name varie- ties which are described as fine exhibition kinds, but which are utterly useless for the table. And what havo exhibitors done to improve the Potato? Have they suggested better means of culture, taught us anything about the Potato disease, or advanced in any way the " noble tuber?" And now as to varieties. Here is one of the grand sources of humbug. I look back a few years and I remember, besides myself, some of my excellent friends who then were highly esteemed. There was my dear early companion Hyatt's Aeh- leaf ; Old Lapstone, a sturdy Yorkshire boy ; Dalmahoy, who bailed like myself across the border; Victoria, worthy of her name; and a few others. We thought we were decent fellows, but we were told that we might as well hide our heads. A flourish of trumpets came "floating o'er the sea." Enter a host of Y'ankees — Early Rose, Climax, Prolific, Vermont Beauty, Very Early Vermont, Brownell's Beauty, Eureka, Snowflake ; one after the other they came, and with one or two exceptions they have met the fate many of us predicted they would. Early Rose was to beat all early Potatoes out of the field, but I know one case at least where two or three acres were planted and the luckless grower can get no sale for them. Now and then one hears of one which in some place or other has answered, but the general verdict is, " Fit for the pigs." I saw in a contemporary the other day that an " eminent firm " has been dodging the public by letting out at least three old Pota- toes under new names, and I doubt not the said firm will find out that other " eminent firms " have been doing the same. One fruitful source of neio (?) varittits is that sometimes a Potato grown under special circumstances assumes a different character for a while. It is immediately seized upon by some " eminent " letter-out of " novelties," but when it comes into general cultivation reverts to its oii>ital type. Oxfordshire Kidney, Cambridgeshire ditto, Somerselshire ditto, and a host of other names suggest themselves where one Potato does duty under a number of aliases, for all the world reminding one of Woodin or Howard Paul, who appear in twenty different cha- racters in as many minutes. With regard to those which are really new varieties, such as those raised by that enthusiastic horticulturist Mr. Fenn, I ■wish one could speak better of them than I find myself able to do. They seem to me sadly to lack flavour. They are mealy, but they want that genuine Potato flavour which is possessed by such varieties as the Lapstone or by myself ; and they are, moreover, so liable to disease that they can never come into general use. Rector of Woodstock is one of tho very first to be smitten by the disease, and generally suffers more than any other early variety. Onwards ia a ball of flour, and in truth tastes very like it. I am not, I hope, conceited, although, like most of my countrymen, I do not like to be underrated; but I very mush question whether amongst round Potatoes — ([ say nothing of kidneys) — there has anything come out, either old or new, in the last few years that can " take the shine" out of your old friend — The Dunbar Regent. GROS COLMAN GRAPE. " Ex-ExniBiTOK" asks for experiences of Gros Colman Grape; I give mine. Some years ago I planted a Gros Colman Vine which was sent to me by mistake for another variety suited to a cool vinery. It grew and fruited freely, but the fruit was quite worthless, as it never ripened. Slill I let it remain ; but this year I gave it pleuty of heat, and was rewarded by an excellent crop of well-ripened drapes, which came in when all my others were gone, aud have kept well up to the present time. I am confident they would hang much longer, ouly that I was obliged to shut off heat for the sake of bedding plants, which I wished to keep at rest. During the summer I gave the Vine a good deal of liquid manure, as its large berries require liberal feeding to swell them properly. I also thinned the berries well, and did not allow much more than half the bunches to remain. Everyone who has tasted it proQOunced it all that could be desired in flavour. I may add, that though I gave plenty of heat, I gave also abundant ventilation. I consider Gros Colman a first- rate late Grape for a well-heated vinery, and worthless under other conditions. Is not " Ex-ExniBiTOE" in error in saying that Mr. Rivers describes Gros Colman as ripening its fruit in a cool vinery ? In his catalogue for this year he gives a very good description of it, and says it requires heat. — Feedeeick Tyiions, Cloghran, County Duhlin. [" Ex-ExniBiTOR " may have referred to the time at which he planted his Vine. Iq Mr. Rivers's catalogue for 1870 ( tros Colman ia marked " C V." What is the experience of others on the quality and cultural requirements of this fine-looking Grape?— Eds.] NEW GLADIOLI. Theee is evidence that our English groivers are endeavour- ing to turn the tables on the French raisers as they have done in the matter of Roses; for while M. Souchet, or rather his successors Messrs. Soullard tt Brasselot, advertise a dozen, Mr. Kelway of Langport sends out eighteen new varieties, some of them double — nay, treble of the price of the French varie- ties ; and in a catalogue sent to me by Messrs. Robertson and Galloway I find, besides the French and Langport varieties, a number of others raised by Mr. Sampson of Yeovil marked at the same high figures, besides some raised by Messrs. Cunning- ham, Codling, and others : and aa I am frequently asked what is my opinion of the novelties, it may suffice for my many correspondents if I give these few notes. Of the foreigners I know nothing from personal observation, having been pre- vented from paying my annual visit to Paris and Fontainebleau this year. I have neither seen anything nor heard much of them. A friend has, however, told me that the following may be relied upon as really valuable varieties — Fiammetta, Lfiau- dre, Phcenix, and Titania, and as I find them amongst the highest-priced sorts of M. Souchet's lists I have little doubt that they will prove to be as reported to me. The descriptions given of them, thoroughly French and characteristic, are as follow : — Fiammetta. — Splendid spike of perfect flowers ; white ground glazed with tender rose, largely aud richly blazed bright car- mine; large yellow spots, striated carmine. Liandre. — Extra large flower ; very long aud splendid spike, slightly tinted carmine ; very largo spots, pure white, with a white lino on each division. P)in:ni.c. — Large flowers, cherry rose, white, pure ground edged light cherry rose, blazed darker. 2'itania. — Very long and large spike ; flesh salmon colour flamed cherry on white ground. 552 JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 2:3, 1875. I confoss that these descriptions puzzle me, and that I have not tho flighteat notiuii what they will be like. Besides these there are Amnranthe, a lilac rose; Camille, tender lilae; Chris- tophe Colomb, carmine rose ; Columbine, cream colour ; Esther, white filmed with rose; Hecla, orange red; Miriam, white; Niobe, tender rose ; and Roeita, carmine rose. I now come to the Langport seedlings. No one who has seen Mr. Kelway's exhibits for the last few years can doubt the success which has attended him as a raiser ; but one may be permitted, with all that, to question such statements as that those to be let out now are in advance of any in commerce. They are certainly as far as price is concerned ; for while the highest-priced one of Sonchet's is about lis. 6d., I find Agrius marled at 30s., two more at a pound, and seven at 15s. Those which I have seen, and indeed in some cases helped to describe, are the following ; — J<7u»,i.— Salmon pink, flaked at the edges with vermilion, with a creamy yellow eye. This flower obtained a first-class cettilioate at the Metropolitan Floral Society's Show in August last, and is unciuestionably a grand flower of great substance. Archelaus. — White flaked with rose, with purple stripe on yellow ground. Gwendoline. — Flesh, with a rose stripe on lower petals. This flower was exhibited at the Crystal Palace, and is cer- tainly very remarkable for its colouring. Lord Howard. — Orange crimson ; lower petals white. Lord Petre. — Orange crimson ; lower petals carmine. This is another of the Crystal Palace flowers, and is also a fine variety. The others are flowers which have been exhibited at pro- vincial shows, and I cannot speak of them from personal acquaintance, although I have a faint recollection of Agnes Mary at Taunton as a very curious flower, white marbled with slate, with a violet stripe on the lower petal. Messrs. Robertson & Galloway of Glasgow gave us a taste of their quality when they entered the lists at South Kensington and plucked the crown from Mr. Kelway. I have a faint recollection that some years ago, when our friend Mr. Dix inaugurated a grand exhibition of Gladioli at South Kensing- ton, the same firm sent up a very fine stand of flowers, but that they were too late for entering. The flowers that they exhibited at South Kensington were all, or nearly all, French flowers. Although their list comprises, as I have said, many valuable varieties of English growth they announce but one new variety, and that not raised by themselves but by Mr. Codling at Morpeth. It is described thus : " Marquis of Lothian. — Rose colour flushed with mauve ; the lower seg- ments creamy-coloured towards the base, with crimson flame. Eesembling Lacepede in hue, but is superior to it in size, form, and colour." There can be no doubt that, despite its most trying charac- ter, the Gladiolus is a thoroughly popular flower, and it may be that the very diflioulties connected with its culture make it the more valued by those who are any way successful with it — like the Auricula, which no one ever likes to abandon ; but the Auricula is not subject to the same terrible malady whieU so often disappoints the hope of the Gladiolug-grower. —D.-Deal. PKOPAGATINa FICUS ELASTICA FROM BUDS No plant has become more popular than this. It is useful either for subtropical gardening or for indoor decorative pur- poses, for which it is better adapted than any other plant that I am acquniated with, as it will stand tho heat and gas of a room for a lengthened period without being injured — in fact, the finest plant I ever saw had been growing in a room for six years. The present time is the best for propagating this plant, either by shoots taken off with a heel or by eyes. When it is propagated by eyes they should be taken with a leaf attached to each, and be placed in silver sand to keep them from bleed- ing. Insert them in small pots well drained, in a mixture of peat and cocoa-nut fibre, and plunge in a strong bottom heat of 90°, with a little sand under each cutting. If they are not placed in a strong bottom heat the eyes will not break. When the eyes have rooted and commenced growing they should be repotted into 48-sized pots, in equal parts of turfy loam and peat, with sufficient sand to keep the soil open. The plants should be placed in a temperature of about 70°, and be syringed frequently; occasionally sponging the foliage is also highly beneficial. The plants should never be allowed to become potbonnd until they have grown to their allotted size, when they will bo greatly benefited by liberal supplies of manure water. During their growing season they should never be allowed to become dry at the roots, as dryness causes the leaves to turn yellow and spoils the beauty of the plants. Shoots taken off with a heel will make plants much quicker than raising them from eyes ; and it is the safest plan, for if strong bottom heat is not afforded, the eyes, as before men- tioned, will not break into growth. When only a few plants of rapid growth are required I advise that they be raised from cuttings, but when a great number of small plants are re- quired, which is not unfrequently the case now Indiarubber Plants are fashionable, the mode of raising them from eyes must be resorted to. Ficus elastioa is a native of the East Indies, and was intro- duced in 1815. It was formerly grown in stoves, and was merely preserved as a curiosity ; it may, however, be kept safely in a winter temperature of 45°. It is ono of the most appro- priate and ornamental of window plants, and is invalaable for many other purposes of decoration. Plants are now in great demand, and are being rapidly increased by the above modes in most nurseries, and th^y have a large sale in Covent Garden Market.— A. Y. EFFECT OF SEASONS ON PEARS. The last two summers have been so totally different in cha- racter that a good opportunity has been afforded of noting their effects on the different varieties of Pears. The dry summer fouEd us with fruit clean-skinned, beautifully coloured, and high-flavoured ; but small fruit which ripened early rotted at the core sooner than usual. Each season should furnish us with a greater knowledge of fruit, and I think we generally find that Nature offers ua a very excellent lesson in the way she carries out her handiwork. There is in nature a compen- sating method of procedure that we should not hesitate to adopt. I believe we seldom find in one season all those neces- sary ingredients to build up a really first-class fruit. We obtain one quality at the expense of another ; so that this season, being a wet one, has found us with larger fruit but not so highly flavoured, skin rough and deficient in colour, most kinds being later in ripening coming in very irregularly and keeping indifferently. There are some exceptions to this rule, no doubt, and we find some varieties do well in the one season and really worth- less in the other. This I have found with two stewing Pears, and I should be glad to hear from anyone who can give an explanation why the Uvedale's St. Germain should give us such fine clean fruit last summer (1871), and the Catillao so small and worthless, and now, on the other hand, this summer for the character of each to turn quite round. The Catillao I never saw better, the St. Germain I never saw worse — quite worthless indeed, being noteven sound, but cracked, rusted, and very small. The difference is very remarkable, and it seems a safe practice to have tho two varieties ; we are then provided for either wet or dry seasons. I may say the trees are bo th tandards and growing side by side. — J. Taylok, Hardwicke Grange. HEATING A VINERY FROM THE KirOaEN BOILER. Many are the inquiries as to heating a glass fltructnre ad- joining the residence by a pipe connection with the boiler of the kitchen fire. To this end there have been many trials, many failures, and some successes. A success was noted by Mr. Taylor ou page 527 ; another, and a very complete one, we now place on record. The accompanying ground plan and section has been taken and forwarded to ua by Mr. J. F. Pearson, of Branston, near Lincoln. The vinery is attach ed to Branston Villa, the property and residence of Mr. T. Lovelee, a practical builder. The mode of heating was devised by him- self. In this vinery, and another of much larger dimensions, Mr. Lovelee has, during the past few years, grown some of the finest Grapes in Liucolnshire. He has, during a success- ful career, invested in house property in town and country ; but no buildings have proved so lucrative as his vineries. These he manages himself as a source of recreation ; but he is ever ready to acknowledge the value of the advice and aasis t- anoe of our correspondent Mr. J. Wright, who was gardener to the Hon. A. Leslie Melville when Mr. Lovelee commenced his preparations for Grape-growing. December 23, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF IIORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 653 18 7li.i^sx^tr.iti^^^:,Xt and cow dung are good as a top-dressing, applying the bone dust alone to the suiface, and pointing-in with a fork, but uot so deeply as to disturb the roots, and apply the cow duDgto the surface 2 or 3 inches thick, adding over the dung to take away its unbightly appearance a sprinkling of turfy loam. Pruning Pyrabitd Fruit Trees (F. M. S.).— The trees having bo much wood will not be overfurnishtd with spurs. Retain all tho bhort stubby BhootP, especially of the Plums, and all the spurs of the Apple and Pear trees, cntting all other shoots upon the branches to one or two eyes of their base, or about half to three-quarters of an inch of the last year's wood, leaving the main branches afoot apart, and if thicker thin them out, shorten- ing the main leader to 9 inches, and the leailers of the branches to 6 inches. It is better to have the trees rather thin than crowded with branches. Pay next season strict attention to summer pruning. Cutting Hedge of Berberis and Cotoneastef, (I'i':m).— In March or early in April cut the Cotoneaster down to thelevelof theBerbe^riw, trimming- in the sides of the latter bo as to form a hedge of equal width. Trim- in any irregularities of height or width in July or early in August. Cultivating Blackberries (Jrfcm).— The Lawton and the Dorchester are the beft varieties, and are suitable for training to wires against oak palings. Plant G feet apait, and train tbo f-hoots to the wires equally dis- posed 9 inches to a foot apart, remembering that tho shoots of tho current year bear in the following, and are, after fruiting, to be cut away and replaced by young shoots for future beaiing. The price per plant is Is. Gd. to 2s. Gd., or less if a dozen or more are ordered. Not being iu much demand (rather remarkable, as Blackberries make excellent tarts and jam, succpeding other bush fruit), only the principal London and provincial nurserymen kept them in stock, but any of those would procure plants for yon. We cannot under any circumstances give preference to one dealer over another. Orchard House against East Wall (A Yotino Qarden€r).—I( your house is not to be heated wo do not think you would havo any success with Peaches, Nectarines, or Apricot?, though it would answer for Plums, Cherries, and Pears, and if heated would answer for tho throo first-named fruit trees An cast aspect is not a good one, and to have it on the west side of the waU aa it may be (for you do not say which Hide of the wall you propose to havo it), is not much better. With a low wall, t^ay 8 or 0 feet, wo bhould have a balf- span roof, with the haif-span on the wall tide, the bouse being 21 feet iu width, so that you would have 7 feat of tho width covored by the back half- spau, aud 14 feet by the full-span. This would ba very nearly equal to a span loof, aud would enable y<.iu to have a giiod prospect of success. Thehouso in the centre, or rather at the ridge, wouiti, with a 9-feet wail, require to be 12 feet high, and with this pitch you would havo on the open side 6 feet of side height, half of which should be glass, and to open the full length of the house, having at top lights the full length of the house, and 2 feet wide to open. Constructing Greenhouse (A Seven-years Subscriber). — You show iu the elevation a window above that of the greenhouse roof, which is unfor- tunate, as the height at the back shown in the section is only 8 feet; tho height of the front, ns also represented in the section, is 5 feet 6 inches, giving in 10 feet 10 inches width an incline of but 2 feet G inches, which is much too flat. The fall should not be kss than 1 foot in ^ of width, which would make the height of tbo back wall, or the greenhouse at that part, 9 feet, and we should have it IU feet, calculating externally. One-haif of tho front lights should bo made to open, aud a width of lights along tbo top Ihewhole length, with ISinches ciciirepaco for ventilation. In other respects the arrangements appear good. In tho matter of heating jou will need a stove boiltr. The pipe cbimoey you propose will bo much too large, but tho orifice of thut of the boiler will determine the diameter of the smoke pipe. You will require a S-incb flow and return pipe along the two sides aud oue end, which will be suliicient to give you safety from frost. An open hot- water cistern would not answer at tho point marked on the p'an, but there is no objection to it if it have a proper fitting iron lid. Destoying American Blight (S. S.), — Dre!^s the trees with paraffin oil, applyitg wiih a brush. It never fails. "S. 3." asks if tho Kev. W. F. Kad- clyffo will give the proportions of tbo lime and salt and water he advi-es in tho Journal for 22nd of July last. Driving Worms from Pots (Idem). — There is nothing we know so Fafo or so effectual as lime water, which there is no difliculty in procuring, as lime had in an unslacked state will keep in a dry place for a considerable time, wo having some now as good as when first had, over two years ago. Names op Fruits (H. Mobbs).—l, Ducheaso d'Angoulemc; 2, Winter Nehs; 3, Margll. {J. IFi;«(wt)— Blenheim Pippin. [R. W., Burleigh).— Verulam. (E. M. Stone}.— Ii2 to 144, Beurru Deicuineau ; 121, 12-.J, 123, CatJllac: 97. J( stpibino do Malines; 177, Pasee Colmar; 184, Vicar of Wink- field ; 275, Beurri.' Ditl. (Dr. Mack€iizie-).—lJnQ]xesm d'AngouIeme. Names of Plants (Jo/u^ Bioi('ri).—Heterocentrou rosoum; 3. Cheilauthes hirta; 5. Nephioduim sp. ; 6, Nephrudium molle ; 7, Asplenium Ceterach; 10, Gymnogramma L'Herminieri; No number, Pteris arguta. (W. W. A.). — 2, Tradescantia discolor ; 3, Habrothamuus fasciculiitus; 4, Selaginella Mar- teusii; 5, Helagiuella Kraussiaua; G, Adiantum cuneatum. (J. F. C.).— 1, Asplenium lineatum var. ; 2, Nephrodium decompositum, var, glabellum. POULTEY, BEE, AND PiaEOlT OHEONIOLE. ALL IN, OR ALL OUT, BEFORE JUDGING. We have been asked on many occasions to write a few lines on this subject ; we have, however, refrained from doing so in consequence of the contlictiug opinions which seem to exist about it. The practice, doubtless, is carried on much mora in the northern than iu other counties. We allude, of course, to the permiesiou which some societies grant to exhibitors or their representatives of penning their own birds. We have for Eome time been thinking that the custom is iu danger of being much abused, aud the events of the last two or three weeks make us feel more certain of the fact. "We know it wants desperate pluck to forbid an exhibitor who has brought his birds two or three hundred miles from entering the portals of the show room, where he wants to see his birds properly penned ; but we are convinced that those societies which bravely determine not to budge from their rules iu the eud gain the most confidence from exhibitors. Nearly every schedule has tbo words "No one will be admitted except those actually engaged in the arrange- ments;" then, alter the people have been admitted contrary to this rule, if someone should chonoa to ask why the rule had been broken, the reply would ofleu be given that the persons so admitted, being engaged in penuiug their birds, were engaged iu the arrangements. This, however, all must agree, is a loose way of looking at rules, and sounds rather like quibbling. Eat so it is ; and we believe that some societies, relying on the help of these men coming with their birds, do uot consequently engage a full complement of servants. Anyhow we know of an exhibition where there was literally not one man engaged to help to pen the birds, for the secretary was working single- handed and without a committee, and we verily believe that had not we ourselves, who bad come 150 miles to attend the show, with the valuable aid of a true fancier living in the neigh- bourhood, not given a helping hand the baskets could never have been opened before the Judges came round. Now if a show cannot afford a sufficient staff of working men the exhibition should not be held at all, for help from outsiders should never be relied upon or countenanced. We do not wish to imply that the people who gain entrance would do any harm to the birds — very far from it, for we believe that the number of people who would do such a thing must ba and is very small. Still the fystem is wrong in giving to non- 6G6 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( December 23, 1875. attending exbilitors the possibility of suspecting that foul play may be used, and that they have not the same chance of being able to see to their birds' v?elfare, and to their being smartened- up before placed iu their pens. Now this is all truo, and we would strongly advise all societies who insert this rule into their schedules to be more careful in observing it. Of course the rule is optional, conseciuently those committees who like to let in exhibitors and others before the judging can do so in all fair- ness by not inserting the rule at all, and ihen the fanciers coald please themselves about sending or not. But to those who do think well to use such a rule let it, we say, in future be more ttrictly kept. Among many other societies, Aylesbury, Bristol, and Dorchester keep this regulation, we believe, to the letter, and yet we never heard they lost entries from it. So far from such being the case, we know of some who at inconvenience support these exhibitions for the very reason that they do ob- serve so firmly this rule, and keep out all who are not the ollicera of the show. We are quite certain that if the regulation was impartially adhered to no one would grumble ; but to admit some favoured friendandkeepout a stranger is very bad manage- ment. Let it be stated iu the schedule that anyone may pen their birds that likes to bring them, provided they keep to the other rules of the show, which could then be drawn-up at the discretion of the committee; or, on the other hand, let it be stated that no one will be able to gain entrance ; so that it may be known that when a rule is made it will be carried out, and then one species of grumbling will be knocked on the head. As the rule is now used it fails utterly, for we ourselves have per- sonally attended a show and taken our birds, gaining admission to the building, and then on the next occasion been refused, while the rules stood the same iu both years ; and not at one show only, but at show after show and year after year is this the cine. If only the non-attending exhibitor knew the rule would be enforced he would send his birds with a much happier heart, supposing, of course, the regulation existed, for if it did not he should have found that out before entering. And again, how often it would prevent an exhibitor coming a long distance, to find only when he reached the show that he could not get in for perhaps twenty four hours or more. Wo do not enter into the late cises of grievance, for it would do no one any good, but we do feel that if the poultry world conld only put more implicit confidence in the officers of our exhibitions it would be so much better. They must not be too ready to suspect and impute base designs on the gentlemen who so often at such great expense and labour get up and manage these shows, for we all know that without them the poultry fancy would soon begin to wane. It is the friendly rivalry and competition at these shows which cements so closely onr vast poultry fabric. The committees, however, should never give a vestige of suspicion by allowing any one rule being disregarded; and as this one to which we have alluded is itself BO important and so frequently broken, we hope managers will henceforth try to put things on a fairer and more straightforward basis. This they can do by making their rules and regulations as they like, but when it comes to the case of admitting anyone before the judging, let no favour be shown to anyone. Let the point be clearly known, so that we may know a society by the fact of its regulations being impartially observed. So that re- garding the question we have been writing about, it may always be a case of all in, or all out, before the judging. — W. GUILDFORD POULTET SHOW. This Show grows apace, and instead of being relegated to queer little places, now fills a large drill-hall, so far as the walls are concerned, the centre of the hall being devoted to roots. For many years we have been the advocates of poultry forming part of every agricultural meeting, especially when they are held iu connection with the approaching Christmas markets. If, however, we advocate this as a general rule, it applies with greater force to Surrey. This county was always tie home of the best poultry, and to this day to speak of a fowl as a Surrey fowl is to give the assurance that it is one of the best the country affords. It has long been said poultry must at last receive the altention it deserves. We were never more con- vinced of this than we were when, going to this Show on Tuesday last, we saw the numbers of Geese and Turkeys that were shown. We shall have to speak of them later. Poultry must some day play a more important part in feeding the nation than it does now, and some of the hundreds of thousands sent abroad annually must be kept at home. This cannot be done by the mass of amateurs. With few exceptions they have not the space or the conveniences for rearing chickens. That which can be attained only by a great outlay by amateurs, is already provided gratuitously for those who are engaged in agricultural pursuits. They have space, shelter, and food all available iu a farmyard. Good judges have said if as much attention were paid to poultry as to sheep they would pay as well, and we believe it. With these thoughts running in our minds we were glad to begin with thirty-three pens of DorJciiigs, and to find the cup and other prizes went to Dorking ; thus showing, that although it may be a bootless errand to go to Stilton for cheese, the same cannot be said of Dorking. This Show is remarkable for a eood class of Cuckoo Dorkings, the present was no exception The White Dorkings were also excellent. Had not the cup for the best pen in the four first classes been given to the Coloured, it would have gone to the Whites. They were very superior birds. There is, however, one remark we must make, and that is the prevalence of spurs on the outer part of the leg. This is a recent complaint, but it is on the increase. This has never been a Cochin show, the present was no exception. There was not a pen of Buff. There were some good Whites, and a young pen of Grouse that will improve with age. There was a good display of Brahmas, but wo suppose some of the Darks had been bred purposely for vulture hocks. They were more than exaggerated, reaching nearly to the ground. The Lights were much better than the Darks ; accounted for by Mr. Pares having formerly lived in the neighbourhood, and showing what may be done by disseminating good birds. The Spanish were not numerous; some of them were good, but these and the Cochins were the weak classes. The show of Game was excellent, a cup given for the best pen in nine classes was taken by a pair of Brown Beds. There were few Iloudans and Crcve-Cceurs: they were, however, good, especially the latter. The rule of larger shows was observed here. The Golden-pencilled were the best of all the Hamburghs. There were excellent specimens. The show of Game Bantams was good. Rouen and Aylesbury Duchs met in competition. The Rouens were the heavier, but the Aylesburies were worthy of great praise. We have never seen better-bred or better-shaped Ducks. We here made the acquaintance of a novelty. We have known hen-cocks for years, but we here saw that which we must call a Duck-drake— the plumage so far as the body was concerned, and the voice of a Duck; the curly tail, and the green head and neck of the drake. As when similar anomalies are met with in Pheasants, the colours were dull as compared with the male. There were sixteen pens of first-rate Tiirkei/s, we can vouch for their breed and their condition, their weights will speak for themselves. A cock and hen were shown iu each class, and the weights were for old birds -13 lbs., 47 lbs., and 41 lbs. ; for birds of the year 35 lbs., 33J lbs., and 32J lbs. There were two classes of Geese. Two birds constituted a pen, and the prizetakers weighed 42* lbs., 42, and 37 lbs. Among the young ones, 32 lbs., 31 lbs., and 30i lbs. ; of old a poultry show was always held under the auspices of "a society for the improvement of domestic poultry." In most instances it has signally and totally failed. Birds have been bred and sold for large prices for exhibition, but the supply of table poultry in most places has bacome smaller and worse. Let the Geese and Turkeys speak for the success that has attended Guildford. It is more than likely these birds eat no more than their predecessors did in the days when a Goose or hen Turkey of 9 lbs. was well spoken of, and anything above that weight was an exploit. To those who, travelling from Woking to Guildford, and notice the hundreds of Geese by the side of the small stream, and others " seeking their fortunes " on the common, it becomes an interesting question to ask one's self if, owing to the encouragement given by these societies, every Goose is 3 lbs. heavier than its fellow was twelve years ago, and if the same may be said of Turkeys, what is the gain in the actual amount of food available for the people? It is in this respect that one of these shows does more practical good than twenty cf those held only for the purpose of showing birds bred to a point or a feather which are attained at the cost of more valuable properties. Mr. Baily was the Judge. We published the awards last week. WOOLWICH, PLUMSTEAD, AND CHAELTON POULTEY SHOW. This was held in the Alexandra Hall, Woolwich, and was creditable to the exhibitors and supporters, who are chiefly working men, who started and sustain the Society from the pure love of the fancy. The exhibitors were mostly dwellers in the neighbourhood, although Norfolk and Faversham, &c., put in an appearance with success. The pens were arranged by Mr. Billet, and from the light only coming from the roof, and the pens being in two tiers, the lower pens were in darkness, which must have been perplexing to the Arbitrator; but with the number of pens — nearly two hundred — we do not think this could be avoided. A larger room will be required with the increasing progress of the Society. Brahmas, Darks, headed the list, followed by Lights. Some good birds were shown, but in many cases (being iu pairs), two good birds were not iu same pen, and matching was somewhat detective. This, in fact, was the case in many classes, causing much trouble in making the awards. The classes also were Deoembei- 23, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 5G7 open and for members, thua causing double awarda. We think it would be better to keep these ck'saea to theraaelvea if possible, as was done with younger birds. The Cochin prize wua taken bya grand old bird, we believe a former winner at Croydon. The white on his deaf eara should not hava been, but it would have been hard to have ruled him out for thig. In the Dorking class there was the best specimen of outside spurs we have seen for some time. Spanis'i was a fair cUsa. The French varieties better, but then Driu,' headed the list; wo rather fancied his Houdans, but they were not well matched, which lost them second place. The iirst-prizs Brown Red Game good, and a good pair not dubbed. Haynhunjhs were not too good, and the breast of the Pencilled prize hen much too light, but the cock was good. Bantams, all varieties, were chiefly Game. We hear there was some grumbling over the awards in this class, a Crystal Palace winner and a Leeds winner not holding their former position. We certainly thought the commended Duck- wing C3ck the best in the class, but not so the pullets, and as the awards were for paira we think that must have been the difficulty. Game Bantam exhibitors should remember that the Bantam drooping wing should not be seen : this was the general fault. In the distinct varieties there were some fine Malays; we liked the carriage of the highly commended Malaya better than the other, but the white on tail, &c., was a defect. In Selling classes good Black Cochins were first, Houdans second, a good pen of Black Hamburgh third, and Spanish fourth. There were some good birda shown in the claaaes for members here this yaar, showing the spirit at least is willing. In Pigeons, Antwerps headed the list with sixteen pens. The Judge highly commended the whole class, his awards being chiefly to the homing type of bird rather than the show. There was nothing very striking iu the rest of the Pigeon classes, but a pair of Archangels took first in the Variety class. We con- gratulate Woolwich on its second Exhibition, and hope that Ashford Show, the Dog Show, and other shows have not taken away its visitors. The awards were mide by Col. F. C. Hassard, C.B. BAETON-ON-HUMBER SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. This Show took place in the Volunteer Hall on the 8th inst. There were upwards of 700 exhibits, an increase of 200 on last year's exhibition. The poultry were over 257 pens, the speci- mens in both the Game classea and Bantams being especially good. There were 1G2 entries of Pigeoua, the specimens pos- seasing more than ordinary merit. The arrangement of the pens was a great drawback to the Show, they were placed in four tiers from floor to ceiling, and numbered from bottom to top, making it almost impossible to judge fairly, as the birds were placed in such inequality of position, and it also made it very difficult for the public to view them, requiring a ladder to see the top birds pi'operly, and to stoop down to see those at the bottom. We were very sorry to nee so many birds, both poultry and Pigeons, arrive too late for competition. Game, Black Red or any other Red. — Mr. Adama, first prize and cup in addition for the beat pen of Game, with a good pen of Brown Reds. We should like the cock bird none the less were he lighter-coloured in his hackle. We do like the lemon shade in a Brown Red. Wevery much liked Mr. Glaseby's second-prize pen of Black Reda. Game, any other variety. — Mr. Watera first, Duckwings, faultless in colour and good in style, llr. Adama second, with a good pen of Duckwings. Single Game hens. — Mr. Adama first, with a Duckwing. Mr. Waters second. Brown Red, a gem, the only fault that we could find with her being a little bronze on her wing flights. Single Game cocks. — Mr. Adams first, with a first-class Duckwing. Mr. Waters second. Brown Red. The third was also a Duckwing. Game Ba)itams, Black or Brown Red. — First, Dawson, Black Red, a grand pen, but the cockerel very much out of condition. Second and third also Black Reds. Two very good pens. The whole class of seven- teen pena were of more than average merit. Any other variety. — First and second, Newbitt, w'th Piles and Duckwiogs, very stylish ; and Dawson third. Bantams, any variety but Gamp. — First were Blacks; second Gold-laced; third Silver-laced. Bantam cock, any variety. — First, and in addition to cup, for the best pen in the Show, was properly awarded to Mr. Stretch's Black Red Game Bantam. This bird was as near perfection iu colour and style aa we ever saw. Bantam hens. — The three prizes were awarded to three Game. Very good birds. Spanish. — Only three pena; with the exception of the first-prize birds only a poor lot. Dorhings. — Eight pens of moderate birda. Brahmas, Dark. — Six pens. First-prize pen contained a very good cock, the ben only moderate. The second and third were average birds. Light. — Seven pens, four of which were not for competition. A second prize was only given. Cochins. — First, Spjucer, contained a very good hen. All the three prizes went to Buff birds. HamhurgJts. — With the exception of the Black Hamburghs, were a poor lot. Gold and Silver-pencilled. — First, Silver; second. Gold. Any other variety. — First and second. Blacks; third, Golden. French. — A good class. The prizes were all taken by Cruves. Any other variety. — The first was awarded to a grand pen of Golden Polanda ; second, Malays; third. Golden Polands. Selling class.— Twenty-five pens, con- tained some good and cheap birds. The first, a very good pen of Black Hamburghs. Second, a nice pen of ijight Brahmas that must have taken first iu their own clasa had they been entered. Third, a nice pen of Black Spanish. Birda hatched in 187.J. — Twenty-one pena. First a grand pen of Brown Red chickens of great promise. Second, nice Buff Cochins. Third, a grand pen of Light Brahmas. Guinea Fowls. — Four pens of nice birds. The Ducks were of average merit. Nine pens Rouen, and niui pens Aylesburys. In Ducks, any other variety, the first and second prizes were taken by Messrs. A. & W. H. Sylvester with their well-known fancy Ducks. Third, a nice pen of East Indiana. Goose or Gander.— Seven pena. The first a good Grey. We cannot report who won the point cup in poultry. Mr. Waters counting forty points, and Mr. Adama thirty-aeven points, but Mr. Adams taking the cup for Game as well, it was thought by some that it ought to count, others thought not, as in the schedule of prizes it was not named as counting. Pigeons- — The cup for the best bird iu the Show was won by Mr. jas. Baker, Spring Grove, Kew Bridge, London, witb hia grand little Almond cook, if we mistake not the cup-winner at the Palace. The same gentleman carrying off also the point cup. Pouters— First, a grand Blue, narrow iu girth, good iu style, and well marked. Second and third, Blues. Carriers.— First, a good Black. Second, a good Black also, but showed badly, would not show up, crouching in the corner of the pen. Second a good Dun. Barbs —A really good Black; second, Black ; third, Red. Owla.— Firat, a magnificent Bine English. Turbits.— First, Silver ; second. Blue ; third, Red. A oiasa of great merit. Sixteen pens. Jacobina. — First, second, and third, Baker. All Red. Tumblers.— First and cup, a splendid little Almond. We could flud no fault with him, unless it was that he might have had a little broader akuU. Second, a wonderful good Almond hen; and third, one of the best Kites that we have seen for years. Mr. Adams's grand Almond cock had to be put off with highly commended. £20 waa ofl'ered and refused for this bird. Fantails.— Mr. Brown first, with a good White bird that showed to great advantage, facing you, and carrying a good tail well. Second and third. Baker, BUie and White. Antwerps. —First and second, Sbort-faced Silver Duns. Third, Long-faced Blue Chequered. Mr. Gamon sent two good pens which would have stood first and second had they not been penned after judging. We saw them penned on the morning after the birds were judged. Dragoons, — First, a grand Blue, just the bird that we knowlar. Cannan wants iu a Dragoon. A straight, stout, box beak, from back of head to beak end straight, no drop as in the Carrier, a great fault in most of the heavy birds, not much wattle on beak or eye, a good neck, good shoulders, strong in butt of wing, wing not too long aa to touch the ground, broad flight feathers, each feather when wing opened out lapping a little over the other, standing well up on the legs, ahowing the thighs well, looking as if he was ready to dart away if at liberty, hard feather and all of a piece. We know that he con- tenda that the Dragoon as well as the Antwerp are flying birds, and that to a great extent he judges them for this. We think that he ia right. It is high time that exhibitors knew what style of bird to send. We have watched Mr. Cannan's awards, and where it is known that he will judge it will be of no ueb sending the heavy birds that win with some judges. Second and third were White and Yellow. Any other variety.— First, Russian Trumpeter; second, a really good Clack Nun; third. Trumpeter. EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS CLUB POULTRY SHOW. This important Show waa held on December 8th, 9th, and 10th, in the Grass Market, Edinburgh ; the entries numbered over one thousand, and the quality was first-rate, but the managers have still much to learn as to arrangements ; the place was too small, and tier on tier of pens met the eye. Certainly no breed was favoured. Cochin and Bantam coolis shared equally with others ; the top rows of pens over 5 feet from the ground, we should think, and no fancier needs to be told Cochins don't do that height. Again, the dishes for water were in many instances large brown basins, big enough for the birda to stand in, and several birds had apparently taken the opportunity to render themselves unfit for exhibition this season, and so get clear of the, to them, show nuisance. Scotch Greys headed the list, and a fine lot they were. The first-prize cockerel was a good one, but too Cuckoo-Dorking- like in shape. The best in the class was Mr. Gird wood's, a clearly marked and stylish cockerel. In cocks the same fault (Dorking- shaped) was noticeable, while the pullets and hens were grand classes. The first old hen the beat Scotch Grey in the Show. Dorkings were, aa they always are, good at this Show, and the judging was mostly good. Mr. Robb's old bird ia a well- known £68 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 23, 1875. wiunerand deserved hia place, while Mrs. Armitstead'B cup silver pullfct is BS good as ue ever saw. Bralimas Beldom come up to the other varieties :u point of quality here, but the old cup hen was a fine one, 'RhiJe the pullets, a large claes of forty, %vere really a fine lot. Cochins ^vere a bhow of themselves. Mr. "Wyse's cup cockerel was a maseive and even-coloured bird. Mr. Procter was Btcondwith another good one. The fir&t-piize pullet was not to our niind, being a bad colour; second better, but in bad condition. Old cocks, first a good bird of very bad colour: a good one of Mr. Procter's completely spoiled by fcnow geitiijg into the basket or pen, we don't know which. In hens tiist-and-eup a grand old hen. Game were very numerous and good, and here Mr. Harley was very succeEsful with a large stud of birds of good quality. Spanibh were not very numerous, but H.a7nburghs were ail there, and the winners well placed. Mr. Brownlie was successful as usual in the Game Bantams, hut the other winners were well up in the Variety classes. Polands and Cicves were succeEsful. Turkeys, Geese and Djicks ^ere good; indeed the best ever seen at this Show, The Judges were Mr. Teebay, Fulwood, and Mr. Paterson, Airdrie. AVe tublisUed the liot of awards last week. EAST KEiNT POULTRY SHOW. This was held at Ashford on thel-lth and 15th inst, when the following prizes were awarded : — Dorkings.— Cofowrcd.— Cup and 1, A. Darbv. Little Ness. 2, R. Cheesmac. WestweU. he, V. CheeRmaD, G. W. Greenhill. Chickena.—l and 2, R. B. Cuileis, Ashenden. 3, R. CheesmaD. he, J. Ivcry & Son, Dorking; R. B. Curttis. G. W. Greenhill (2), E. Arnold. DoRKis GS.— Silver-G I ey.—i, Y. Cheeaman. 2, Rev. T. E- Csto, Wye Vicarage. he, C. y. Haidy. Chickcns.~i, F. ClieesmaD. 2. T. & H. Heath, Norwich, he, F. CheeBmau, Rev. T. E. Cato. c, Sirs. Wacher ('i), E. N. Hilla. DoitKiKGs.— ^ji^/ other uari'eiy.— 1, J. Ivery & Son. 2, J. Isardj'Woliiiigham. he, C. J. Piumptre. Spanish.- 1. th F. Le Suenr, Jersey. 2, Mrs. Al'sopp, "Worcester. Chickens. —Cup and 1. W. J. Nichols, LonrioD. 2, A. Marchant, theerness. he, Ph. F. Le Suenr. c, J. Francis (.;). D. M. Mills. Cochin-Cbinas,— Cop and ], Capt. G. F. Talbot, Edenliall. 2, P. Ogi2vie, Eambledown. he, A. Darby, G. P. Ladd. c, P. StoLbam. Chickens,—!, Mrs. Alls)^ pp. 2, P. O^nlvie. he, A. Darby. Pbabma i'uOTBAS.— Darfc. — Cnp and 1, Horace Lingwood, Creetine. 2, Piev, J. D. Peake.Lalebam Vicarage. C/ucfce;ts.—l, Horace Lingwood. 2, B. Warner, Upton. S, F. Lake, f^ittingbouine. Brahma looiB&s.—Lioht.—i, Horace Lingwood. 2, P. Hainee. Palgrave, DiEE. he, Capt. W. SaviJe i'l), T. Webb, c, Mibs Hales. Chukens.~l, Horace Lingwood. 2, T. Webb. Sutton Coldtield. 3, Capt. W. Savile, Wye. /ic, Capt. W. savile, G. Dowker. M. Leno. c, J. Body. GAUE.—Black-hreastcd or other iff*!.— Cup and 1, W. Foster, Eipple Vale, Deal. 2. J. Jeken, Eltham. he, 3. Long. Chickcjis.-i, G. H. Fitz-Herbert, Sevtnoaks. 2, F. Warde, Maidstcne. he, M. J. Tomkin, V. Sandford, W. Foster. Game.— ^nj/ other varieiy.~\.E. Bice. Sandwich. 2, C. J. I lumptre, Wing- ham, c, J. Chittenden, G. H. Fitz-Htibert. Chickens— 1, G. H. Fitz-Heibeit. 2, W. Foster, he. E. Rice, C. J. Plumptre. Game.— C'ocfr.— 1. J. Oekcn. 2, F. Waide. /ic, M. J. Tornkin. c, T.G. tedger, J. A. Baims, T. L. Elliott, W. Wainwright. Bi^BZRGiis. — CoJd spangled— 1. T. E. Jones, Wolverhampton. 2, W. K. Tickntr, Ip&with. Silver-spangled.— 1 and 2, H. Pickles, Eaiby, Leeds, he^ Mrs. E. King^north, J. Long. BAJBBUfcGHS.— Ooid-iJcnciZ/ed.— Cup and 1, W. K.Tickner. 2, J. Long, he, J. Chapman, c, C. J. PJumptre. tilver pencilled.— l,F.'W.'MQyncll,Vi.T'by. 2,E. Pickles, he, J. Long, T. flaneon. CEtvE-CcEDR— Cup and 1, W. Cutlack. jun., Littleport, Isle of Ely. 2. W. Dring, Favtrtbam. he, J. Martin (2), G. Ijh Faye. c, Mies A. Sharp. F. Lake. FcuDANS.— 1 and 2, W. Drin?. lie, Birs. Vallance, W. O. Quibell, F.Lake. Chickens.-l, F. Lake. 2, R. J. Fo&ter, Kingewood, Eptoin. he, W. O. Quibell, W. Diing. Game BAvr^-yis —Black-breasted and other Eeds.—l, E. Y. ArdaRh. St- John'g, Wf'icesler. 2. W. S. Mar&h,Deal. /ic, H. H. Slitkinpa. Any other variety.- 3. F. Warde. 2, Maitland & Evans, Eedhill, Worcebter. he, W. White, M. V. Sandford, T. Eennett. Bantams.— ^Hy otiier variety —Cup and J. W. Leno. Dunstable. 2, Miss F.A. Stickinge, A&hluid. he, W. White, Mrs. V. Sandfurd, Lady Oxenden, L. G. Morrell. Ant other Vakiety.-I, H. H. Sticklngs (Black Hamburgh). 2, Rev. N.J. Kidley, Newlury (Malay), vhc, J. Long. DvcKB.— Aylesbury.— i, J. Hart, jun., Otterpool. 2 and iiftc, "W. Young, he, J. E. Woollet, C. S. Hardy, c, F. K. Arter. iiouen.—i, Mrs. Braesey. Battle. 2, C. Eatcljffe, Canterbury. hc.H. Doweett, F. Cheebman, M. fcandford, T. L. Elliott, F. Ward, G. S. Hardy, J. Harvey. Geese.— 1, C. Bates, Mer&ham, Ashiord. 2. G. H. FitzHerbert. ftc, W. H. Mold, Dowager ronn'ess of Aylesford, Wrs. Braasey. TuBKEYS.— ]. F. Warde. 2, W. H.Mold, Bethersdeo, Ashford. he, Eev. N. J. Bidley, G. Dowker. C. J. Plumptre f21. pHEASASTg.— GoM or Siivtr.—l, M. Leno. 2, C. S. Hardy, Chilham Caatle, Kent, he, G. Hills, C. E. Andrews, L. G. Morrell, S>LLiNG Class.- liens cr Duels.— 1, E. Cbeesman (Coloured Dorkings). 2, R. B. Curteis (Coloured Dcrkings). 3, F. Cheesman, Ashford (Silver-Grey Doikinge), 4. H. Dowsett (Brabmas.). ftc. Cart. W. ^^avile (Light Brahmas), P. OgUvie (Coloured Dorkings), G. & W. Smith (Light Brahmas), J. Tajlor (Coloured DorkinKS), F. Cbeesman {^ilver-Grty Dorkinga and Rouen Ducks). S. p. Groves {Rouen Ducksj, J. Body (Brown Game), R. B. Curteia (Cotcured Dorkings). T. L. Elliott (Black-breasted Game) Lady Cixenden (Konen Ducks and Duckw ng Game), W. Dring (Houdans), A. Arnold, c. B. b. Wilmot, G. Dowker (BuflCothinp), Etv. T. E. Cato (Silver-Grey Doikingt). SELLl^o Clasf.— CocA: or Drake.-], E. B. Curteis (Coloured Dorking). 2, H. Dowbett, Chelmsford (Brahma). 8, B. S. Wilmot, Xonbridge WelU. 4, F. Cheesman (Houen drake), ftc, P. Ogilvie (Buff Cochin, ('oloured Dorking, and Bouen orake), J. Taylur (Coloured Dorking), T. Webb (Light Hrabma). C. W. Hajnmond (Spanith), J. Eody (Aylet-bury dnke), K. Greenhill (Silver-Grey Dorldnp), R. Cheesman (Coloured Dorking). Mrs. W.B,LaDfear( Light Brahma), G. Dowker (Liybt Brahma). E. B. Curteia (Coloured Xiorkini:). G. W. Greenhill (Coloured Durkinfj). J. A. Harms (Duckwing Uamt), W. Drins (Houdan), A. Arnold, Miss A. Sharp (Creve-Ca'ur), F. Lake (Houdan), H. White (Gold-pen- c\Ued Hamburgh), Rev. J. D. Peake (Dark Brahma), c, F. Murton (Coloured Oorking), Capt, W. Savjle (Light Brahma). PIGEON'S. CAFRiEBS.-Cocfc or Hen.—I, T. K. Cacksev. Reigafc. 2 and 3, M. H. GiJl, RaniBgate. he. M. H. Gill (2), Col. F. Hassard (2), H. M. Maynard. IcaiuLEiis.— Coc/; or Hen.— 1,3, he, and c, Mrs. U. H. Gill, Ramsgate, 2 and c, M. Martin, Canterbury. PoDTEHS.— Cocfc or hen.-i, 2, 3, and c, M. H. Gill. Fantails.-C'oc/c t>rifen.— 1, J. F. Lovertidge, Newark. 2, M. Martin. S,E.H. Munf, Worcester. &STWERPB.— Homing.— Cock or Ben.— i. Col. F. Haseard, Sheernesa. 2, T. G. Ledger. Folkestone, he. J. W. Barker (z), M. H. Gill (Z). E. Mummery, E. T. Dtxter (2). M. Martin, W. Medhurtt, jiin , E. Medhurst, jun., C. G. Butler (2). G. B,utley(J). Any cTiiEii Variety.—], J. Martin, Suresnes, Paiia. 2,E.Durrant.Tunbridg6 Wells), he. W. V. &J. M.Louge(ifellow Dragoons), E.Cooper (Barbs), c, Mrs. M H. GiU(Turbil6). Selling Class.-!, M. Martin (Barbt). 2 and 3, J. J. Osbond Korthamnton (White Dragoons), he, J. Borly It), M Martin (Pigmy Pouters), J. (jhantler, J. Eobcrthhaw. c. A. W. Wren (Yellow Dragoons), C Young. A:,rv,EhP3.—SiJecial Flying Class for iJomtnj/,— Cup, E. Stocker, Mile Town, Slicerneae. JuGGES.—PouUnj : Mr. W. Cdnuaa. Pigeons: Mr. W. B. Tegetineier. LINCOLN POUIiTRY SHOW. This was held in the Corn Exchange, Lincoln, on the 14th and 15th inst. The prizes awarded were as follows ; — DuHKisGs —Any variety.— Cock.— i, W. Roe, jan,, North Scarle Field. 2, T. Tweedale, Sheffir;ld. 3, J- Ward, Bardon Biil, he, G. Quibell. Simpson and Dod'ls, W. H. Eobs^n- Hcn.-l. H. Lingwood, Greeting. 2, W. Roe, jun. 3, S. W. Hallam, Whitwick. he, W. Roe, jun,, Simpson & Dudas, A. Shuttle- worth, J. Heather. Cocuin-China.— Ci/inn»ion or Duff.— Coek.— Cap, Vf. A. Burnell, Southwell. 2, H- Lingwood. S. Urwin i Ibeston, Whitbv. lie, W. G. Waters, Simpson and Dodds. Hen.—l, W. A. Burnell. 2, J. Hey, Houley, Budderafield. 8, — Ling- wood, he, W. Mossey. Cocuiii3.— Any other variety.— Cock.— 'i , W. A. Burnell. 2, J. Gunn, Coalville. 3, G. B. C Bretze, Eaaneye. he, S. Lowe, A. Parsons. Hen.—l, W. A. Burnell. 2, S.W. Hallam. BiiAiiaiAS —Dark. — Cock. — Cup and 3, T. F. Ansdell, Cowley Mount, St. Helens. 2, J. Swan, ^tonelicld. vhc, Mrs. E. Well3,H. Liugwood, J. Swap, he, L. C. C. R. Norris, W. R. Garner. Uen.—\, A. H. Robbins, Wolverhampton, 2. R. B. Wood, Uttoxeter. 3, W. Whitaker, Woodley. vhc, E. Pritehard, W. Whitaker, H, Lingwood, J, Swan, Ac, T. F. Ansdell, J. Brookwell. e, G. Bray, — Wells. Brahmas.— L)f7h(.— Cocfe.—l, F. E. Hor.-fall, Liverpool. 2, J. Howiit, Rother- ham. 3, J. Steele. Htn.— 1, Mrs. Peet, Sharnbroo!>. 2, E, E. Horefall. 3, A. Wifetow. he, R. Clark. Sp.iNun.-Coc7v.— 1, Bnrch & Boulter, Sheffield. 2, J. F. Dixon, Cotgrave. 3, — Beldon, Goitstock. he, K. Newbitt. c, S. W- Haliam. Hen.—l, Eurch and Boulter. -2, H. Btldon. 3. J. Parry, lie, V.. Newbitt. Houdans.- Cocfc—1, G. W. Hibbert, Hyde, Msnehester. 2. W. O. Quibell, Newark. 3, S. W. Thomas, fekttty, Swansea. Ac, R. B.Wood, c, I Ward, J. Swan. Een.—l, S. W. Thomas 2. W. O. Quibell. 3, J. Swau. he, G. W. Hibbert, J.W.Aitkin, A, Ogden. J. Swan, R. B. Wuod. FRfc-Kca.— .^Hy other variety —Cock.—i, G. W. Hibbtrt. 2, W. Cutlack, Littleport. 3, J. Swan, v'lc, Mrs Cro^^s. ?/c, Mrs. Cross, J. Swan. Hen.— Cup, Mrs. J. V\ickd, Appleby. 2, W. Cutlack. 8, J. Swan, vhc, G. W. Hibbert. he, ' Mrs. Cross. HiMBDRGHS.— Go/rf OT SilverspangJed.—Cock.—Cup, — Beldon. 2, Bureh and Boulter. 3, J. Ward, c, T. E. Jones. Hcn.—l, H. Beldon. 2 and he, S. W. Hallam. 3, Burch & Boulter. Hamburghs.— Go/(/ or Silver-pencilled.- Cock.— 1, Bnrch &, Poulter. 2, J. Smith, Lincoln. 3, — Beldon. /tc, — Skipwoith, S. W. Hallam. Hen.— 1,0.. Vf, GibbH. button Bridge. 2. J. Cox, Mauslield. 3. J. Smith, he, J. Kirk, J. Smith, — Beldon, S. W. Hallam. c.J. Smiih, K.Blackburn. HaaiBDRGne.—Biac/c.-Coc/f.— Cup,— Beldon. 2. Stott & Booth. 3, G. Bacon. he, Popplewell Broiherp. Hen. — 1. — Fountain, West Barkwith. 2, Stott and Booth. 3. J. Kellctt, WcktfieJd. u/ic,R Whitton, G. Harmston. ftc.S. Walton, Stott & Booth, G. Bacon, c. Popplewell Brothers. Game.— Birtcfc or Brown breasted Beds.— Cock.— Cap, J. Nelson, Cockshaw. ?, — Martm, Fakenhnm. 3, F. Sales, Ooncaster. vhe, T. Woods, he, G. Carter, W. Tilloteon, C. Smi'h, D Harley. Hen.—l, H. E Martin. 2, W. Roe. jun. 3, W. Smith, Kasthorpe. vhe, Uias Osborn. he, W. Roe, Jan., F. Sales, J. H. Brad- well. Game.— 4nj/ other lariety.— Cock —1, Earl of Loudoun. Derby. 2, D. Harley, Edinburgh. 3, J. Nelson, 'c, — Eradwell. Hcn.—\, F. Sales. 2, J. Nelson. 8, Ji. Bell, Burton-on-Tieut. he, G. Carts;r. e, A. C. Bradbury. Any DiST'NCT Varif,ty ixcfpt hantam-*.- CocA*. — 1, — Beldon. 2. Messrs. Silvester, Sheilield 3, T. T«eedale. he, G. W. Boothby, Lady D, Yeoman. j?en.— Cup and 1. Messrs. Silvester. 2, — Beldcn. 8, T. Tweedale. ftc, — Bromley, G. W. Bouthbv, G. Clarke. Game Bantams.- if/ac/v or Brown-hreasted Bcds.—Coek.—J. P. Mansell, Lin- coln. 2, Dawson & Sun, Fpwonh. 3, A. B. Bradbury, Nottingham, he, J. Nelson, W.Adams, //tin.— 1, . I. P. Mansell. 2, J. Nclaon. 3, G. Maples, Waver- tree, he, Dawson & Sun, W. Sparrowhawk. — Bradbury, c, J. lUdley. Game Bantams.- /l/i'/ o//icr yartcii/.—Cocfc.— lands, J. Nelson. 2. R. Newbitt, Epworth. he, Shamaek & Dalt. c, J. Atkinson. Hcn.—l and 2, J. P. Mansell, 3, J. Atkiason, Newark, he, R. Newbitt, W. Adams. BAiiTAist.— Any other variety except Qame.— Cock-l&nclS,- Smith, Preston, 2, M. Leno. he, M. Leno, W. Adams. H€n.—^, J. Proctor, Lincoln. 2, R. Ashton, Muttram, Ma'-ichesler. 3, K. fritchard. TettenhnU Local CLiSS.— 1 and special, .^, Ecst. Lincoln. 2, J. Hilton, Lincoln. f,J. Wholey, Lincoln, h:. Miss L. Wileman, S. Lowe, F. Taylor, c, T. Hardy, R. Binder. Selling Clas.".- 1 and special, W. Wright, Newark. 2, Messra, Silvester, S, Messrs. Burch & Boulter, vhc. — Edwards, G, Bacon, J. Swan, he, W. G, Waters, W. Ktie, jun , A. Maacn, W. Massey, W, A. Burnell. J. Staley. — Lieves- Itv. J. Swan, A. U. Bradburv. c, W. G. Waters. J. Brookwell, T. M.Derry. Dlcks.— /iouc?!.— Cup.J. Br.jokwell, Wigan. 2.J.NeiB0u. 3, J Hey. vhc,K, Gill, he, W. :^parrowliawk, J. Druokweli, W. H. Robson, W. Bygott Ayles- hury.—l, W. Sparrowhawk. Barton-on-Humber. 2. J. Brookwell. 3, E. V. buell, ;ic,— R.'bson. Any other variety.— i, ^'^'cssTs Silvesttr. 2, S. Burn, Whitby, ?, B. Smith, he, B. Saiith, M. Leno, — Eradwell. PIGEONS. Careiebs.- CocA:.— Cup. R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner, Harewood. vhc, W. Ma88ey ;(C, R. Fulton, R. Hill. Hen.— 1 and 2, E. Horner, v/ic, K. Fulton, /ic, W. Massey, PuUTEns.— Coc/c— 1, R. Fulton. 2. E. Horner. Hen.—l, E. Uomer. 2, C. Martin, Kettering, vhc, t'. PuHon. he, E. Horner. 'SvMULERs-- Almond.— 1, H. Yardley. Birmiagliam. 2, R. Fulton. Any other variety.-l, Mestra. Silvester. 2, R. Fulton. HC, R. Fulton, G. E. North, E. Horner, H. Yardley. Babus.-LH. Yardlev. 2. R. Fulton. ANTWEBPi.— Cup, H. Yardlev 2. A. Fandon, Hinckley, /ic, E. Homer. Jacobins.- 1, R. Fulton. 2, C. Martin, he, J. F. Loversidge, Meaars. Mander, E. Horner. , ,^ „ Fantails —1, E. Horner. 2, J. F. Loversidgo, Newark, he, J. Walker. Trumpeteus —1, E. Horner. 2, K. Fulton. TuKDiTS.— 1, Messra. Silveater. 2, H. Yardley. he, R. Fulton, E. Homer. Owls.— Cup, K. Fulton. 2, A. Parsons, Nottingham, he. J. Hawkins, Dbagooxs -1, W. Smith. 2. R. W-oda, JIanslield. he, II. Fulton, R. Wooda, ANVOTHEii Variety. -l.H. W. Webb. 2. R. fcuiton. /ic,R. Fulton, H. Yardley T. Tweedale, Messrs Silvester, E. Horner. December 23, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 569 Selling Class.— 1 and speciftl, W. F. Clarke, Nottingham, 2, H. Yardley 8, M. Lcno. he, S. Enston, H. W. Webb. _ RABBITS. '■'^^-■a: ' — ■■ LOP-EARKD — Bwcfc fir I>0£.— 1 and sre.ial, C. Daniels. 2, J. Barker. 8, C. King. The, C. Daniels, lie, K. Pepper, J. A. Barrs. SiLVER-ljREy.-BHcfc OT Doc.—i, V. Piireer. Bedford. 2. E. S. Smith, Boston. S, E. Robinson, Kettering, vhc, — Ktndiicb. he. A. Canty, T. Hicks. Hjmalavans.— iJi/cfc or Doe — ], T. Hicks, Humberstone. 2, J. Wilson, Louth. 3, J. Taylor, Lincoln, he, — Greenwood, J. Taylor, A. Famdon, J. Barker, S. G. Uarlholomew. S. Ball. G. Johnson. Any other Variety. — Buck or Doe.— J, J. Foster, Ketterinp. Extra and 1, — Swetman, Futford. 2, Mrs. Pickworth, Spalding. 3, S. G. llartholomew. he' S. A. Clcgp, A. Fardon, G. .lohnson, A. W. Wliilehouse. Sellino (Jlass.— ZJac/c or Doe.— I, J. Bowman, York. 2, A. Farndon. he, J. M. Atkinson, Kev. T. C Bcasley, J. Filgiim. CAGE BtEDS. Norwich.— rc/Zoio, clear, ticked, or evenly mar/iTd.- 1,3, and special, Messrs. Harrison, St. Ives. 2. A. Colmnn, Norwich, he, W. Richards. Buff, clear, ticked, or evenly inarl:cd.-~i and 8, J. Yallop, Norwich. 2, A. Colmau. c, J. MoHalt, W. Rich.irds. Belgians.— I, Mrs. T. Simonda, Boston. 2, T. Moor, Leicester. Manchester.— Cojjpies or Plain-heads. — 1, 5, and special, J. Yallop. 2, J. Moore. Lizards.- (?oW or .^ilver-Bpaneited.~\ and he, J. Moore. 2 andrftc, J. Stevens, Middle^borcugh. S, S. Bunting, Derby. Crested.— 1, special, .ind i'/t(', J. Yallop. 2 and 3. F. Woodward, Derby, he, Messrs. Harrison, J. Moff.ilt, — Moore, — Yallop, Messrs. Stroud & Goode. c, T. Green, J. Yallop, Messrs. Knight & Spencer. Any other Variety.— 1 and special,.!. Spence, South Shields. 2, A. Gower, Lincoln. 3, Messrs. Knight & Spencer, Baldnck. Mui.Es.~Any variety.— 1 and special, J. Soence. 2, —Bunting. 3, Messrs. Stroud and Goode, Leicester, vhc, J. Stevens, — Bunting, J. iloore. he, J, Stevens, c, J. J. Twigg. Goldfinches.— 1 and special, J. Spence. 2, W. Gresham, Lincoln. S, S. Bunting, vhc. T. Green he. W. WiUinfion, Knight & Spencer. Any other Varietv.—1 and special, R. H. Denson. 2, — Goy. 3, S. Bunting. vhc, T. F. Shiroels. he, J. Stevens, c, W Kejnolde. Sellino l lass.— 1 and 2, W. Wilcox, Lincoln. 3, J. Yallop. he, E. Walstow, n. Watson, c, S. Bunting. Judges. — Poultrij : Mr. E. Teebay. Pigeons and Babbits ; Mr. F. Esquilant. Cage Birds ; Mr. J. N. Harrison. DOEEING POULTRY SHOW. The sixteenth annual Show was held on the IGth inst. The ohject of the Society seems to bo exclusively for the encourage- ment of breedeisof Dcrkiups, there being sixteen clasees devoted to them and only five to other varieties. In foiir of the Dorliiug classes and a Selling class the competition was open to all England ; the remaining classes were confined to the town and immediate vicinity of Dorking. "We have often spoken in favour oi local shows as being an inducement to amateur exhibi- tors, but we fear that a show so thoroughly exclusive must tend to give a wrong impression of the qualifications of prize-winners, as many birds placed in the prize list there would have passed unnoticed in our smallest shows. We, therefore, recommend the Society to extend the competilion to twenty miles instead of twelve — or why not to all Surrey? as we feel sure there would be a marked improvement in the birds exhibited. In the class of old birds the covapetition was very close be- tween Messrs. Burnell and Parlett. "We preferred the cock in the pen exhibited by Mr. Parlett, as he was shorter in the legs and better in shape than the winner, but he was mated with a hen very crooked in the breast, which, doubtless, turned the scales; in other points we considered her very good. The others were far behind and the third prize withheld. In the cockerel and pullet class Mr. Burnell was first and second with very grand birds, but we thought the cup should have been given for the pen of young birds in preference to the old. In the cockerel and pairs of pullets Mr. Burnell was an easy winner, his pullets being a charmiug pair and excellently matched. In the local class for coloured cock and hen over one year Mr. G. Ellis was first, and obtained the cup with a fair cock matched with a large hen, a little white in the lobe, other- wise good. In the remaining pens of the Coloured class there were no birds of any pretension. Blue-speckled Cuckoo Dork- ing.— In this class Mr. Griffin was first (cup) with a really good pen. "We were extremely plea'ed with the hens, and they were quickly claimed for ii5. Mr. Young was first in the class for pairs of pullets or hens with a beairtiful pair of hens sound in colour, well marked, and nicely matched. Whites were a moderate lot, with the exception of a nice pen exhibited by Mr. Mew. In the Game class wo saw nothing worthy of notice. The Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys were a very creditable collection to a show of such dimensioDs. The Committee and ofiicers appeared to thoronghly under- stand their business, and we feel sure they would be equal to an exhibition on a larger scale. DoREiNGs. — C'f/oiircd, — Cup, T. C. Burnell, Micheldevcr. 2, F. Parlett, Chelmsford. Chickens.— 1 and 2, T. C. Burnell. 3, G. Ellis, Gsdbrook, Reigate. he, J. Ivery & Son. VoBsiyQS.— Coloured — Cockercl.—l, T. C. Euraell. 2, G. Ellis, /tc, J.TajIor. Putleis.—l, T. C. Burnell. .Selling Class.- Coloured Dorkiitgs.—l, Mrs. F. Stephens, Alton. 2, G. Ellis. he, G. EUis, J. Taylor, J. D. Taylor. LOCAL CLASSES. Dorkings.- CoZourcd.- Cup and /ic, G. Ellis. 2, .T.Taylor. 3, J. Iverv »S: Son. C.F.May. CMc*«M.— 1, J Ivery & Son. 2, G. EUis. 3, H. Mills, Castle Mills, Dorking, he, E. May, H. Mills, A. Powell. l>nnKisos.— Coloured.— Cock.— 1 , J. Tweed, Fridley, Mickleham. 2, J- Taylor. he, E. Blay, H. Mills, J. Taylor, ilen-i.- 1, Marquis of Blandford, Oakdene. Mickleham. 2, G. Ellis, vhc, H. Mills, lie, J. Ivery & Son (2), E. May, H. Mills, J. H. Putney, J. Taylor, e, J. Taylor, H. H. Yoang, Pullets.— 1, J, Tavlor. 2 and he, A. Powell, Milton Heath, Dorking, vhc, H. Mills. Dorkings.- iJlue-sjiecA'/crf.-Cup, W. Griffin, Dorking. 2. W. Virgo & Son, Gnildford. S, .T. H. rutney, Dorking, he, R. Pittard. Chickens —1, J. a. Putney. 2, J. Wood, Westcolt, Dorking. S, W. Griffln. he, Mrs. Mayo, T. Philps, .T. L. Playfoot, J. Sellman. Mrs. J. Stnrt, T. Weller, J. Wood (2), H. H. Young, J. Tweed, e, A. Chalwin, Mrs. Mayo. DoHKiNGS.—B/i(Cspccfe!cd.—C'ocA\— Prize, J. Wood, vhc, J. H. Putney, he, W. Virgo & Sons. Hens or Pullt:ts —Vrizo, H. H. Young, vhc, W. Virgo & Son. he. Mrs. Mavos (2J, J. L. Playfoot, W.Virgo &Son, H. H. Young, c, K. Gamon, J. H. Putney. DoRKiNna.— ir/ii/c- 1 and 3, G. Cubitt, Denbies, Dorking. 3, G. Allen, Pucklaud, Reigate. /ic. J. Ivery A: Son. c, J. & W. Atllee. Chickens.— 1,W, Jay, Great Brookbam. 2 and 3, G. Allen, he, J. Akehurst, G. Cubitt. c, Q, Cubitt. J. Ivery & Son, Lady M. Lcgge. BRAHMAS.-Prize, J. Mew, Redhill. t/ic, J. W. Trowbridge, /ic, J. Atkinson, J. Bradshaw. R. J. Foster (2). J. Mew, J. W. Trowbridge (2), Rev. J. P. Wright. SpAMsn.— Prize, V. May, Keig.Tte. Game.— Prize J. Mew. v/ic, E. Taylor, lie, W. S. Putney. Bantams.— Prize and vhc, G. Vigors, Hersham. he, A. Miller, J.W.Trow- bridge, G. Vigers Hamudrgiis. — Prize, W. Appleton, Dorking. DccKS.— IT'hitc Ayh'sburii.-l, T. Wood. 2, J. B. NichoUs, Uolmwood Park, Dorking, he. W. Wood, e, 3. B. NichoUs, M. Putney. Any other variety.- 1, J. R. Corbett, Betchworth, Reigate. 2, J. D. Taylor, Woolvers, Reigate. he, J. Hammond, c. J. C. Wileon. Geese.— 1 , J. & W. Attlee, Dorking. 2, J. D. Taylor, he, J. C. Wilson (2). Tdrkevs.-I. J. Tweed. 2, J. R. Corbett. he, W. Philps, J. D. Taylor, H, Wise, J. O. Wilson. The Judge was Mr. John Martin. EDINBURGH BANTAM AND PIGEON SHOW. This was held in the hall of the Royal Gymnasium on the 8th, 9th, and 10th inst. Awards of the Judges :— Game.— B/ftcfc Ited.— Cock.— Cup, R. Brownlie, Townsend. 2, E. Walton Rawtenstall 3. J. Fen-v. Cowpen. i'hc. J. R. Fletcher, H. J. Nicholson, he, R. Brownlie. J. Wilkinson,' E. Walton, c, D. Whitelaw, T, Rennison. W. F. Addie. Een.—l. E. Walton, 2 and 3, R. Brownlie. he, J. Bailow, W. tiiay, D. Laing W. F. Addie. c, D. Whitelaw, R. Brownlie (2). W. F. Addie, E. Walton. Game.— BroicH i?c(/.— Cocfc.— 1, 2. and 3, J. R. Fletcher. Btoneclough. he, E. Walton, c. H. Efldon. //en. -Cup and 2. J. R. Fletcher. 3, H. Beldon, Goit- stock. he. J. R. Fletcher. A. Hannau. c, E. Walton. Omt,.—Duckn-ing.-Cock.—l and 2, J. E. Fletcher. 3. E. Walton, he, W. Gray, c, H J. Nicho'son, T. Dawson & Sons. Hen.— 1, R. Brownlie. 2, W. M'Gregor, f tenhousemuir. 8 and c, J. R, Fletcher, lie, R. Frew. Game.— Pi/e.— Coc/p.— Cup. 2, 3. and vhc, R. Brownlie. he, E. Brownlie. E. Irving. E. Walton, e, Bellingham & Gill. Hen.— Cup, 2, 3, t'hc, he, and c, R. Brownlie. he, Bellinghnm & Giil (2), E. Walton. Blsck.-Cup, R. H.Ashton, Mottrani. 2, W. H. Robinson, Long Lee, Keighley. S, E. Walton, vhc, F. Beanland. he, D. M'Laren, W. Shaw, J. Smart, c, G. Good. yVBirE.— Clean-lrgged —1, E. Walton. 2 and 3, withheld. Sebrights.— Golrf or .S'i/rcr.- Cop, A. Robertson, Kilmarnock. 2. J. Milne, jun., Newtown, Kirkcaldy. 3, A. Clark, Beechwood. he, A. Robertson, J. M. Frew. Any other Variety.— 1 and c, W. M'Crae, Kilmarnock, 2, A. G. Lindsay, Dolphinton. 3, N. Bill. Selling Cliss.— CocA'.— 1, J. Wilkinson, Beddington. 2, Bcllmgham & Gill, Burnlev. 3, W. F. Addie. Fishergate. he, E. Walton, e, C. Cook, W. F. Addie, E. Harrison. Hen.-T. W. F. Addie. 2, R. C. Frew, Kirkcaldy. 3, W. Shaw, Kilmarnock, he, W. Newbegin. PIGEONS. PoDTERS.— Bfiie-liied.-CocJr.- 1, Cup, 2. and 3, N. Hill, Ealing. I'hc, Ridley and Dye, Hexham |3); A. Frame, Larkhall; R. Fulton, London 12). he, E. Btckwith, Sunderl.Tnd ; G. Andrews & Cunningham, lownhead, Beith ; J. M'Culloeh, Glasgowi2). c, J. Wallace, Glasgow; R.Fulton. Z/c/i.— 1, Cup,and 2, R.Fulton. ;i, N.Hill. I'hc, J. Wallace; R. Fulton, he, W. Nottage, North- ampton ; Eidley & Dye (2) ; J. Wallace, c, N. HUl ; A. R. Wiatour, Edinburgh ; J. M'CuUoeh. P.WTBKB.- Black-pied— Cock— \ and Cup, N. Hill. 2, J. Hairsme, Hull. 3. Ridley & Dye. vhe, Eidley & Dye; E. W. Bryee, Edinburgh, he, N. Id ill; J. M'Culloch; Wright & Stoddart, Leith ; R. Fultoo (2): J.Wallace, c. A. Robb. Gaberston.Allna; Ridlev&Dyc. Hen.— 1, Cup, and 3. R. Fulton, 2. J. M'Culloch. tihc. N. Hill, he, Eidiey & Dye; R.Crawford, Loanhead; R.W. Bryee. c, J. Hairsine. Forrrw.— Bed-pied.— Cock.— 1 and Cup, J. M'Culloch. 2 and 3. E. Fulton v/ic. N.Bill: G. Robinson, Sunderland, he, Ridley & Dye; J. M'Culloch. c, R. Fulton. Hen —1, N. Hill. 2, R. Fulton. 3. J. Wallace, vlic, J. M'Culloch ; N. Hill, he, J. M'Cnlloeh. c, Eidley & Dye ; R. Fulton. PovTT-ns.-Yellowpied.—Cock.-l and Cup, J. M'Culloch. 2, D. Thomson, Alloa. 3, R, Fulton. rhc.N.Hill. he. Ridley & Dye; R Fulton, e, Eidley and Dye. Hen,— 1 and 3, K, Fulton. 2. A. Robb, rlic, Ridley & Dye. he, Ridley aiid Dvo ; N. Hill, e, E. Beckwith ; N. Hill : J. M'OuUueh. PonTERS.— TT'hi/e,— Cocfc.— 1, Cup, and 3, R, Fulton. 2, N. Hill, t'hc, N. Hill ; J. Wallace, he, B. Fulton, e, R. W. Bryee ; A. Anderson. Edinburgh. Hen.— 1 and 3, R. Fulton. 2. N. Hill, vhc, R. Fulton, he aed e, Ridley tS: Dye. PoDTEES.— Jnv other colour. -1 and 3, Ridley & Dye. 2. Wright i Stoddart. he, D. Thomson : J. H'Cnlloch (2). c, A. Anderson ; B. Fulton. Sen,— 1, R. Fulton. 2, N. Hill, 3, Eidley & Dye. PoPTEBs.- Btacfc or Blue.— Young Cock —1 and Cup, J. M'Culloch. 2, N. Hill, 3. Ridley «i Dye. vhe.K. Hill 12); ,T. M'Culloch ; R. Kulton he, Eidley nnd Dye: H. ■Thomson, Glasgow (21; R. Fulton 12) c, J. Wallace (2). Toung Uen.—I, Cup. and 3. E. Fnlton, 2, N. Hill, vhe, R. H. Blacklock, Sunderland, he, A.R. Wintonr(2); J. Wallaee(2). c. J. M'Cullock. Pouters.- flfd or Yelloie. -Young Cock.-l, N. Hill. 2, E. Fulton. 8, J. M'Culloch. vhe. N. Hill, he, Ridley & Dye. e, T. Findlay. Craigneuk; A. Robb. ronnp Hen.-l, G.Alexander, MacmeiTy. 2 and 3, J. M'Culloch. lihc, N. Hill, he, D. Thomson ; R. Fnlton. e, J. M'Cullock. PorTFHS.-Tnii/t-,-yoiin9 Cock.—\, W. Nottage. 2, R. Fulton. 3, W. B. Rutherford, Fdiiiburgb. vhe. N. Hill, he, J. Grant. Edinburgh. Young Hen. —1 and 2. K.Fulton. 3. J. M'Cullock. I'he, J. M'Culloch; R. Fulton, he, E. W. Eryce ; E. Fulton, e, N. Hill. CARRlERS.-B;ae/;.-Co<:k.— I, 2, and he. E. Fulton. 3, Eidley & Dye. c, M. Stuart, Glasgow : E, Fnlton. Hen.-1,R. Fnlton. 2 and c, Ridley & Dye. 3,E. Beckwith. jilic.W. Lindsay; E. Fulion. he, R. Fulton, Carriehs.- ^ni/ o(/if)' colour.— Oock.—l and Cup, Eidley & Dye. 2. 3. and c, R. Fulton, vhc. E. C. Stretch, Ormskirk. Hen.— I, Cup, 2,3, and vhe, E. Fulton. he. E. Beckwith. „ ^ ., „ „ „ Cabriers,- Any colour.— Young Coek.-I, Cup. 2, and e, R. Fulton. 3, G. C, Holt, Lawton. t'he, E. C. Stretch, he, H Crosby, fale; R. Fnlton. Young Hens.— I, A. Richmond. Kilmarnock. 2 and c, E. Fulton. 3 and vltc, Ridley and Dve. he, G.C.Holt: F.C. Stretch. „ . „ ., . B\m3.-Blaek—Cock.—\ and 3, R. W. Bryee. 2, W. A. P. Montgomery, Belfast, he, 3. Wallace, c, J. Lamont, jun. Hen.— 1 and 2, W. A. P. Mont- gomery. S and e, R. W. Bryee. , „ „ Barbs.— .471J/ other colour.- Coch.— l.Cnp, and 2, E. W. Bryee. 3, J. E. Spence, Brouphty Ferry. lic.R. W. Brjcc; J. Wallace. Hen— 1, Cup, 3, he, and c, S. W. Bryee. 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham, c, W. A. P. Montgomen'. 370 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEB. [ December 23, X875. BiBBs— Any colour.— Toung Cock or Hen.— 1 an 1 Cup, W. A. P. Montgomery 2, he, and c, R. W. Brvce. S. H. Crosby. TtTMBLERS —Short-fiiccd Almond— Cock— ] anl Cup. E. Fulton. 2, M. Staart. 3, J. E. Spence. lie, M. Slnart (Jl ; R. W. Brvoe ; R. Fulton. Hen.—l and 3, U. Staarl. 2, B. Fulton, /ic, H. Yardley; M. Stuart ; E. Fulion. c, Wright and St )ditart. IvuBLSRS —Short faced, any other colour— Cock. -1 and Cup. M. Stuart. 2. H. Yardley. 8, E. Beekwitb. vlic and c. T. W. To^vnson, Bowdon. kc,E. Beckw.tii (2) ; M. Slnart ; M'QiU Skinner, Edinburgh. Hi7t.-1, S, and he, M. Stuart. 2, K. Fulton f, E. Beokwilh; J. Wallace; R. Fulton. TPMBLEB8— S/i07-t-/((Ct'rf. ufiy colottr.-Y<'u n(i Cock or ifffi.— 1, 2, 3, and i-he, M. Stuart he, W. Brydon, Duuse : H. Yaruloy ; R. Fulton, c, A. Duncan, Spnntrhill ; M. S uart. TmoLiiHS.— Any variety, not Short faced.— Cock or Hen. 1, W. i A. Crawford, Beith. 2, .1. Brown, Stoneclough. 3, Kidley i Dye. (ic, J. Crawford ; Ridley and Dye; J. Smart, c. Ridley & Dve; R. Fulton FitTULs—Cockor Ben.—l, R. Fulton. 2,3, and tilic, J. E. Spence. he, H. C. Bowman, Mancbester. JiO iBiKS.— Cock or Hen.—l and 2, R. Fulton. S, S. Lawson. Fulwood, Preston. vhe. b. Lawson ; A. FraTie ; W. Brydone ; J. R Rennarda, Helensbargb; A. N. Bryce, Edinburgb 121; J. Pypcr, Belfast (i); R Fulton. J icoBisf.— Any other colonr.-Cock or Hen —I, J. E. Spence. 2 and 3, A. N. Bryce. vhc, A. N. Bryce ; R, FuUon. rRnMPETEBa.-C'o:J; or Hcii.-l, 2, and f/ic.R Fulton. 8, J. E. Spence. he, E. Beekwitb. ToBBiTS. -CocJ; or Hen.-J, M. S. Temple, Hexbam. 2, T. Gallon, Gatcsbead. S, A. N. Brrce. vhc, T. Gallon ; T. W. Townson. OVLS.-Bnulisli.-Coek or Ben— I and Cup. M. S. Temple. 2. W. & R. Davidson, Montrose, 3, T. W. Townson. u/ic, J, Lamont. jun.; H. Crosby ; D. I..aurie, Ki.maroook ; J. Girdner. Preston, he, M. S. Temple ; T. W. Townson. Owls— Foretgn.-Cock or Hen.—l, W. Brydone. 2, E. Beekwitb. 3, R. W. Bryce. tiuss.— Cock or Hen.-l, A. Dutbie, Montrose. 2 and 3, J. A Gilmour, Kilmarnock. Magpies.— Cocfc or Hen. Bryce. DaAGOONs— B(u« or Silver— Cock or Hen.—l, Guthrie & Hope, Hexham. 2, J. Gray, Bathgate. 3, R F. Fulton. DBiGoi«s.-^)ii/ oCier eolour.—Cock or Hen.—l and 2, R. Woods, Mansfield. 3, R. Fulton. AST OTHER VARiEir.— 1, Miss M. C. Bryce, Loanhead (Frillbaoksl. 5, J. Wallace ( Lacs Fans). 3. W. Havell, Birmingham (AntwerpsI vhc, A. Gilzean, Eatbo (Fnllbicks and Shields), he, J. Lament, jun. (Archangels). Selling Class.— Price not to exceed f5.— 1. W. Brydo.ie (Foreign Owls). 2, J. Lamont jnn. (Carriers). 3, J. Brown (Carrier). Selling Class— Price not to exceed M3.—1, E. Beekwitb. 2, J. M'Donald, Portobello. 3. A. Andereon. Sellisg Class.- Price »io( to exceed £1.-1, J. Pyper (Jacobin). 2, W. Brydone (Barb). S.R.Fulton. Judges.— Mr. M. Leno, Danatable; Mr. D. Hurley, Edinbargh. -1, E. Beciwith. 2, P. Wilson, Morpeth. 8, A. N. GREA.T YABMODTH POULTRY SHOW. This was beW on tbe IStb and IGth inst., wben the following awards were made by tbe .Judges : — DoEKisos -Cocfc-Cup. I. and e, Mrs. Loriug. Beccles, 2, Henry Lnswood, Barking 3. T. & H. Heath, Norwich, he, E. H. Willett, J. Everett. Hen.-l, L. Parlett Chelmsford. 2 and 3, Mrs. B. B. Sapwell. Sankence. vhe, Mrs. B. B. Sapweil, Henry Lingwocd. lie, J. Everett, e, S. W. Hallam. DoRHisos.-C/iiCfcens.-l.T. & H. Ueaib. 2, J. Drewry. Burton-on-Trent. 3, W. Roe. jun., Newark. Local, .T. Hoggett. c. Rev. C. J. N Row. BaAHMia — Dart-.-Coet.-l, Horace Linswood. Cree ing. 2 and Local, Mrs. H. fc. Buxton, Great Yarmouth. 3, R. P. Pereival, Nortbenden. he.W. P. Matthews, H Denton. G.S. Pearson. Hen -Cup and I, Newnbam & Manby, Wolverhampton, 2 Rev. J. D. Peake, Cbertscv. S and Local, G. S. Pearson Great Yarmouth. Jic, Horace Uogwood, E. H. Willett. F. Bennett. Pullela. — 1. K. P. Percival 2, Horace Lingwood. 3 and c. Rev. T. C. Peake. Local, G. S. Pearson, he. Newnbam and JIanby, Rev. J. D. Peake. G. S. Pearson. OBAHHiS.—Ligiit-Cock.-Cnp. 1. and he, P. Haines, Diss. 2. R. P. Percival. 3, Horace Linjwood. vkc, G. B. C. Breeze. Hen.-l. R. P. Percival. 2, P. Haines. 3. K, Bird, tulham. he, J. Long, Horace Lingwood. Piilleti -I, Horace Ling- w lod. 2, P. Haines. 3, R. Bird, he, R. Bird, P. Haines, G. B C. Breeze, J. Brcu. jnn. ^Jl^l' ^^n'^'^^-r,^'.^^- P- Ptrcival. Local. W. P. Matthews, /tfr, Mrs. C. f^^^J^'.^-J^^^^y^PpgiUie. c, Duchess of Brandca and damilton. Ben.- Henry LiDgwood. c. T. & H, Watson. Fd^^hrZ^^^'^^^ ^'''^^ ^'''''^^^r^'r^'^^--^' ^- ^^^y- -• C^Pt- G. P. Talbot, R«r.hr^^^ n" ^■i^^^.C'^^'''^*- L°'=^'' ^^- Durrant. he, V. Bennett, P. G. Barthropp Hen.-] R. p. Percival. 2, Capt G.F.Talbot. 3. P. G. Barthropp. ■» H ^' Mr/Hn^p^^''2"■" ^'^d~Cock.-< up ami 1. S. Matthew, Stowmarket. i/c T ^-T? PHn"^'''i^»^''l'.V 3. T^&E. Prince, Naut«-ich. L.ca'. W. Durrant. MlrT.'n ?'t J^^'ii^- ^^aH'"^«. Ben.-l and vhe, F. Bennett, Snifoal 2, H. E. Sl\% ' l;» E Pnnce. /iC. W Roe, Jan.. A. Dixon. W. Perrin. c. S. Matthew. WiT^wnnX TO^ "^^ '^/ i-ar(e(w.-Coct.-l. H. E. Martin. 2. S. Matthew. 3. E. BrSr'3.^r!i^lj'4Sod.^'"-~'" '• '''"'^^"' ^""^^^^^ ''' ^- ^- ''• ^*^°'^^«' o T^F^Th^wf*"/"'^ or Silrer spangled -Cup and 1. H. Stanwortb, Burnley. ' H^MRnR^ii' /^''";S'H^-,^-"-^*='^^'^8,LoweBtuft. Local. O.QoiQton. HAMBURGH9.-fVo/d orSdver-peRcUled-l. W. W.Thickner. Ipswich. 2. Rev. C. J.^.Row. Melford. 3. A. Silver. Lonp Melford. 3 S!di^nr^\''T ~A^m^'-~:}'}'^- ^'"JP"' ^'"^^^y- 2, J. Long. Ravenscroft, Barnet. 6 ana Local, T. A. Wright, Great, Yarmouth Q^beirN^wark^' ^' ^'^^^'^' S>'^^- ^' ^1"- VaUance, Sittingbourne. 3, W. 0. R^Mhh^'^^c''w'^^^^"T^°P ''^^ '• A. & W. Silvester. Sheffield. 2. G. W. R^y.^T^'j ^' W- Catlack, juu. LitUeport. Local and vhc, J. Keable. A. P. e: A Eeles Hamilton and Brandon, A. Adams, E. Holmej, Miss A ?nH%^!^**ofV^T^-~r.°^^ orDrafcc.-],W. White. Lowestoft 2, R. P. Percival. F WirTf I '^i ^?able, Herringfleet Hall. vhc. T. J. Saltmarsb, G B. Breeze. W pir^^ i t' ^T- Archer, E Uo'mes T. E, Thirtle. J. Eoldsworth, F. Heap. w;» «5 n • T- ^ych. H. Chauner. jun , L. C. C. L. Norris, Mrs. H E. Buxton. Htl «j. "5- -o ^^'^*' L"^^!' - liilbam. 3. Mrs. C. Berners. 4. L Wrfln. Lowea- JWn PC -.u-. ^^^''S'Jn. he, T. E. Thirtle. C. Quinton, R. Walker. G. S. P«ar- n'n^';. ^'^V ^, ^- ^- ^- Norris. T. F. Rackhatn. c, Mrs. fl. E. Euxton- q oT,H ^^ , ^. ''"''^ *"■ -fioHcn.-l, K. Gladatone. Liverpool. 2. Mrs. Bemera. r » 1? ' ^^''®- ^- ^ Buxton. /is— C'ocfc or Hen.—l. H. Thurlow 2, T. W. Swallow, Northamptoo. 3 and Locil, G. S. Clements. Great Yarmouth, he, J. Heaton. Any OTaER Variety.— 1 and 3, T. Chambe.-s, Northampton. 2, W. G. Ham- mond. Local, G. S Clements, he. Duchess (f Hamilton and Brandon. T. Green, Miss E. A. Eeles, A. & W Silvester, A. P. Bvford. H. Yardley. Selhsg Class.— 1 and c, A. P Byford. 2. F. Green, Ipswich. 3,"H. Thurlow. Local, G. S. Clements, he, G. Moning, G S. Clements. CAGE BIRDS. Clear Yellow.— 1 and 2, G. & J. Mackley, Norwich. 3, A. Dunn, Norwich. Local, G. Tripp, vhc, J. CutLick, G. & J. Mackley. he, J. Cutlock, A. Dunn, J. Howard. Clear Buff.— 1, 2, and 3, G &. J. Mackley. vhc, J. Cntlock. he, J. Cutlock, J. Howard. Best Marked or Variegated Yellow.— 1,2, and 3, G. & J. Macklpy. Best Marks"d or VARiEOAXiiD Buff.— L 2. and he, G. & J. Mackley. 3, A. Dunn. 3. J. Howard. Norwich c, .1. Yallop. Ticked or Unevenly Marked Yelljw. — 1 and 2, G. & J. Mackley. S, J. Howard, vhc. A. Dunn. G. A: .J. Mackley. he, J. Yallop. A Dunn. 'liCKED OR Evenly Marked Buff.— 1, 2, and vhc, G. & J. Mackley. 3, A. Dunn. he. A.Dunn, J. Cutlock. Clear Yellow or Buff wits Dabk Crest.— 1 ani 2, .\. Dono. 3 and he, G. and J. Mackley. Local, H. Tripp. Variegated Yelluw on Buff with Dabk Crest— 1 and 2. J. Yallop. 3, G. and J. Mackley. Local, G. Allcock. he. A. Dunn. G. & J. Mackley. JoNQME CiNNiMoN.— 1, J, S. PcarsoD, Great Meltou. 2, R. Poole, Maiden, 8, J. & G. Mackley. Buff CivNAMON'.—l, G. & J. Mackley. 2, J. S. Pearson. 3, R. Poole. Local, C Gibbs. Great Yarmouth. Four Canaries in One Cage.— 1, 2 and 3, G. &, J. Mackley. Local, G. Tripp. vhc, A. Dunn. Selling Class.- 1 and 8, G. & J. Mackley. 2, J.Howard, vhc, A. Dann, G. and J. Mackley. he, A. Dunn. Judges. Canaries : — Poultry and Pigeons: Messrs. Teebay & Dixon. H. Thurlow. LIVERPOOL NATIONAL COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW. This was held at Measra. Lucaa's Repository, Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool, ou the 15th and 16th inat. The awards were as follows :^ Pouters.— B/»(.'i)!e'f.—Cocfc.-l, J. Gn'hrie. 2 and r Pic, Rev. W. C. Ballen. Liverpool. 3, .T. K. Spence, Broughty Ferry, he, J. Gardner. Hen,— 1, 2, and he, Rev. W. C. Bullen. 3. .1. Guthrie. VovTKRi.— Black pied.- Cock.— 1 and he. Rev. W. C. Bullen. 2, J. Guthrie, Hexham. 3, H. Verdon, Liverpool, vhe, J. Gardner. Hen.—l, Rev. W. C. BuUtn. 2. J. Guthrie. Pouters.- K-'d or Yellow pied.— Coek.—l, J. Guthrie. Hen.—l, J. Guthrie. 2, W. J. Warhurst. Pouters.— IF/iff p.— Cocfc.—l, Rev. W. C. Bullen. 2, W. J. Warhurst. Staley- bridse. 3, W. Le'-s. Oldham. Hcn.—l, J. E. Spc^nce. 2, H. Simpson, SpaUing. 3, Rev. W. C. Bullen. ha, H. ^erdon. Pouters. — Any other colour or marking —Cock— 1 a.ai vhe, J. Guthrie. 2, J. H. Cryer, Southport. 3, W. J. Warhurst. He7i.—1, J. Guthrie. 2, H. Verdon. Pouters.- i4»i/ colour or marking. -Young Cock or Hen— 1 and 3, J. Gutnne. 2, H. Simpson. CARRIER'.— B^icfc.—C'ocS-.— 1.2. and c, E. C. Stretch, Ormskirk. 3, S. Drons- field. Wernetb. r'iC and hc.T. Hewitt, Knutsford. Hen.— 1, t'/ic, andc, E. C. Stretch. 2. J. H. Cryer. 3, C. E Duckworth, Liverpool. ?tc, W. Lees. Carhiers— I>UH.— CocA'.-l and he, W Sefton, Blackburn. 2, E. C. Stretch. 3, H. Simpson. Hen.—l, J. Stanley, Blackburn. 2, E. C. Stretch. 3, A. McKenzie, Liverpool /iC. W. Sefton c, W. Lees. Carrieks — .-Iwy other er.lour.— Vock —\.?,vhc.a.nA Jte. E. C. Stretch. 3, W. Sefton. c. F. Graham. Hcn.—l. J. Guthrie. 2 and 3. E. C. Stretch. Carriers.— B/acA: -Young Cock or Hen— 1, H. Simpson. 2; C. E.Duckworth. 3. S. Dronsfield vhe and c, K. C Stretch. Carbiebs— Di/n.- yoi(H{7 Cock or Hen.—l and 2, J. James, Bath. 8, E.G. Stretch, vhc, H. Simpson, he, T. Hewitt, c. J. H. Cryer. Carriers- .^nj/ otUer colour.— Young Cock or Hen.— 1 and 2, E. C. Stretch. S, A. McKenzie. I'hc, T. Hewitt, he and c, J. H. Cryer. BARBs—ZJ/rtct.— CtTfc— 1. J. Stanley 2aud.vhc,J. H. Crver. 3. S. Dronsfield. he.W. Lees, E. A. Thornton, e, A. Sharpies, Woolton. Hen.—l. J. Stanley. 2, W. J. Warhurst. 3. J. U. Cryer, he. S. Dronsfield. Barbs.— Dim —Coek.—l and 2. J. H. Cryer. Ben.— I and 2. J. Stanley. Barbs.- iJcrf or Yellow. -Coek.—l, S Dronsfield. 2. A. Bingham. Matichcster. 9. W. Lees, i-'te. J. H. Cryer. he, S. Stanley. Jien.—l, S. Dronsfield. 2, A. Sharpies. 3, A. Fincbam. Barbs.— /4nj/ otktr eolour.—Cock or Ben.— 1,2, and 3, J. H. Cryer. Barbs.— B/tJcA: or Dun.— Y-mng Cock or Hen.— 1. J. Stanley. 2 and 8 J. H. Cryer. vhc. J. Stanley. J. H. Cry^r. he. J. Stanley, J. H. Cryer, P. H. Jones. Barb.— .-Iny other colour.— Young Cock or Hcn.—l and 2, P. H. Jones. 8, J. Stanley, he and c, S. Dronsfield. December 23, 187S. 1 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEiJ. 571 TvMBhERB.— Short-faced Almond.- Cock.— I, II. Verdon. 2 and c, S. LnwBon. a. J. Taylor, he, J. Taylor ('.'), S. LawBon. Ecn.—l,^. Lawson. 2, J.Taylor, Kochdale. 'S:v:aBi.E,RS.— Short-J'aced Bald- Cockur Hr-n.—l and 2, W.Wnodhoiise, King's Lynn. 3, J. Taylor, vhc. J. Tuvlor (i), W. Wi.odliuuae. he. D. N.b'e. T11MBLER9.— .S/ior/-/»(ff'fi Beaid.— Cock or //c/i.— 1 and r'tf, J. Taylor, 2and 8, W. Woodhouae. he, W. Woodhoiine, J. Taylor {2], D. NodIc. ToiiBhKiis.—Skort faced Mottles, and any other variety.— Cock or Ilcn.— 3, J. Taylor. Zand 8, D, Noble, Livcipojl. r/ic, W. J. Warhurat, J. Taylor (2). he, H. Verdon, J. Taylor. Dragoons. — Bine. — t'offr.— Cup, W. Smith, T.iverpool. 2. C. A. PrarBOn, Livprpool. \i, A. RlcKtuzifl. he, F. Graham. T. H. Stretch, W. Pmiih, A. McKenzie, A. BinKbam. Hen.— I and 2, A. BlcKcnaie. 3, W. famitb. hc,F. Graham. A. biDRhnu. Draoo'^ub.— Med.— Cock —1. F. Graham, Birkenhead. 2, J. Gardner, Preston. 3, A. McKenzie. Hen.—i, F. Graham. 2 and 3, A. MoKoczie. Vraqodhs ~Yelloir.~Cock.~l, F. Graham, a. H. Dronsfleld. 3 and he, A. McKenzie. He}i.— 1 and 2, F. Giaham. 3. S. Dronstield. I>ttAOOoits.Silv*r.ISJack-barred.— Cock.—l.C. E. Duckworth. 2, W. Smith. 3, F. Graham, /ic, F.Graham, A. BiuRhaHi. K<«.—1, F. Graham. 2, J. Guthrie. 3, C. A.Peareon Dpagoons.— A'(7iTr. Broicn barred.— Cock.—l, 2, and 3, A. McKenzie. Ucn.— 1, F. Graham. 2 nnd 3, A. McKenzie. J)BAOoott».— White. -Cock.-], A. McKenzie. ?, C. E. Duckworth. 3, C. A. Pearson. Hen -1, W. Smi'h. 2, E. C. Stretch. 3. F. Granam. DRKGoona.— Any other colour.— Cock or IIen.~l .and 3, I'". Graham. 2, W. Smith. DuAQoona. — Bliie or Silver.- Young Cock or Hen. — 1, W. Smith, 2, F. Graham. 8, A. MeKenzie. he, F. Graham (5), W. Brown, W. Smith (2); S. Dronsfleld. DRAGoonB.-Hed or Yelloic— Young Cock or Hen.— 1, 2, and 3, F. Graham. /if,S. Dronefield. Dragoons.- ^Hi/ other colour.— Young Cock or Bcn.~l, 2, and 3, F. Graham. he, A. C. Allaway. F. Graham. FoKEiGH iiyvL.— Blue. -Cock ~1 and 2, S. Lawson. Preston. 3, W. Sefton. he. J. H. cryer. Hen,— 1 and 3, S. Lnvaon. 2, J. H. Cryer. Foreign Owls. — Any other colour.— Cock.— 1 and vhc, T. W. Townaon, Bowdon. 2 and 3, S. Lawson. he, S. Lawson, S. Dronsfleld, A. C Allaway. Hen —1, T. W. Townson 2, S. Dronstield. 3, S. Lawson. he, E. A. Thornton, Hull ; J. H. Cryer, T. W. Townson, S. Lawson. English Ov.lq.— Blue —Cock.—l, 2, and 3, T. W. Towneon. vhe, W. Seftn,o W. J. Warhnrst. S. Lawson, J. Gardner, he, T. W. Townson (3), S Lawson (2), T. H. Stretch. Orinakirk ; C. E. Dackworth, J. U. Cryer ['I), W. Seiton. Hen.— J, C. E. Duckworth. 2, S. Lawauu. 3, S. Dronsfleld. he, J.Gardner, T. W. Townson, S. Lawson. English 0v,'i.9.— Powdered Blue.— Cock.— I, S. Lawson. 2, W. Woodhouse. 8, V. H. Jones, he, J. H. Cryer. Heii —I and •?. S. Lawscn. 3. H. Verdon. English Owls.— .yi/i-er.- Coc/r.— 1 and 3, T. W, Tuwnsf n. 2, H. Verdon. he, S. Lawson (2). Ilin. — l, P. H. Jones. 2, H. Vurdon. 3 and vhc, J. H. Cryer. he. T. W. Townson. c, S. Lawson, H. Verdun. E.NGLiSH Owls.— Any other colour.— Cock or Hch.- ],H. Verdon. 2, J. H. Cryer. 3. S. Lawson. vhc. A. C. Alhiway, North Shields, he. A. McKenzio. Engluh OwLS.-B;ne.-yoM.nf/Coc/c or Hcn.—l, H. Verdon. 2, T. H. Stretch. 3 T. W. Towni^on. vhc, "W. Sefton. he, H. Verdon (3), J. Gardner, T. \V. Townson. English O^vLS.—Silvcr.— Young Cock or Hen.-l, T. H. Stretch. 2,3, and I'^ir. H. Verdon. /[f, s. La ^rson, H Verdon (.1). English OwLS.-Aiiy other colour. — Young Cock or Ecn.—l and 2, A. McKenzie. Jacobins.— Red.— Cocfc or Hen.-l, E. E. M. Koyds. 2, S. Lawsoo. 3. J. Frame, Belfabt. he. S. Lawson (2). E. E. M. Koyds, G. Richardson, Kochdale; J. Garner, P, H. Jones. Jacobins.— i'ei/ojr.—Cocfc or Hen.—\. R. Lawson. 2 and 3, E.E. M. Royds. vhe, G. Richardson, he, E. IC. M. Rovds. S. J awson (2). Jacobins — Black— Cock or Hen.— i and 3, E. E. M Royds. 2, J. Frame. Jacobins.— Jnijfe-Cocfeor Hen- 1 and 2, E. E. M. Royds. 3, S. Lawson. Jacobins.- fi/Me, or any oth'r colour.-Cock or Hen.— I and 2, ^. Lawson. Tu«BiTs.— ZJ/He or Silver, Peak-crested.— Cock or Hen.— 1 and 3. G. Richard- son. 2. T. W. Townson. /te, G. W. Dutton, Chester (;); W. Sefton, P. H. Jones. TuRBiTs — B;»e or Silver, Shell-ciested.-Cock or Hen— I, G. Richardson. 2 and 3, G. W. Diitton. TvHBns.-Red or Yellow, Peak crested.- Cock or HeTi.— T.T. W. Townson. 2. \V. J. Waihurst. 3, G. Richardson, he, G. W. Duttun, T. W. Townson, G. Richardson. TunmTs.-Iied or Yellow. Shellerested.-Cork or Hen.-l, T. W. Townson. TuRuiTs —Black, or any other colour, peakct ested.—Cock or Hen.— i and 8, O. Richardson. 2. T. W. Townton. TcRBiTs — fiJacfc. or any other colour, Shell-crested.-Coek or Hen.— 1 and 3, E. E. Hursfall, LiverpooL 2, T. W. Town»on. Short-Faced Antweh-s.- fiet/ Chequered.— Cock.— I and c, A. Bingham. 2 and 3, W. Gamon, Chester, he, J, Gardner. Hen.— 1 and 2, W. Gumon. 3 and he. A. Bingham, e, J. Gardner. Short-faced Antweeps.- Bine Chequered.— Cock.-l and2, W. Ganion. Hen. — 1 and 2, W. GamoD. 3, J. Shepherd, Liverpool. Short-faced Antwem'S.- .S'ituer l>un—Cock.—l and 2. W. Gamon, 3, J. Gardner, vie, J. Stanley, he, A. Bingham. W. J. Warhursfe. c, J. Guthrie. Hen.— 1 and 3. W. Gamon. 2 and he, A. Bineham. c, J. Shepherd. t-HORT-FACED Ant.verps.- iJ^ie, oT any other colour.— Cock or Hen.-l and 2, W. Gamon. 3. P. H Jones, c, J. Shenherd. Short-faced fiyTwEtPs -Bed or Blue Chefjuered.—Youno Cock or Hen. — 1 ant 2, W. Gamon. 3, J. Stanley, ^e, A Bingham, c, E. A. Thornton. Sh'-rt-facbd Antwebi's.— d?ji/ ot*\er colour.— Young CockorHen.—l and e, AV. Gamon. 2. J. Stanley. 3, A BiuRham. he, J. Gardner. Mf,didm-faced Aniwerps.- /?ed or Blue Chequered —Cock or Hen.—l and c, T. H. Stretch. 2, S. Dronstield. 3 and vhc, W. Gamon he, T. H. Stretch, S. Dronpfield. Medium-faced Antweeps.— .^ni/ other colour —Cock or Hen.—l and 2, W. Gamon. 3, A. Bingham, he, E. A&hton, Urmskirk; A. Bingham, c, S. L. Bellhouse. Sale. Mrdicm-faced Antwerp. —.4ny colour.- Young Cock or Hen.-l and 2, "W. Gamon. 3. E. A&htr^n. Longfaced Aniwerp— fiefi Chequered.— Cock.— I and 2, \V. Gamon. 3, A. EiLgbam. Hen— 1, y. and 3, W. Gamon. e, 'i'. H Stretch. LoNG-FACBD ANTWERP.-Bfiic-C/uryuercd.- Cocfc— I and 3. W. Gamon. 2.T. H. Ptretcb. Hen.—l and 2, T. H. Stretch. 3 and c, W. Gamon. he, T. Moore, Birkenhead. Long faced Antwebpp.— S'l/rer Dun —Cock — 1 and ?, W. Gamon, 3. H. M. Pearson, Liverpool Hen.—l and 2, "W. Gamon. 3, F. H. Morton, /le, T. H. Stretch, c, A. BiCKham. Long-faced ANTWEBi-s.-B^^e or any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—l and 2, W Gamon. Long faced Antwebps — Bed or Blue Chequered. — Young Cock or Hen —1, 2, and vhc, >, Dronstield. 3 and he, W. Gamnn. c, T. H. Siretch. Long-faced Antwebps —vtny o(/ier colour— Young *;oek or Hen.— 1,3. and vhe, s. Dronsfleld. he, S. Dronstield, A. Bmtibam. e, T. H Stretch White Eies.- Cock or Hen.—l and 2, E. Wiills, i ivevijool. 3, S. L. Bellhonse. he anil c, J. Shepherd. LdNo-FACED TvjiiBLKRB. — Almond. — Cock. — I, J. Gu'hrie. 2, S. Lawson. Hen.—l. ■). Guthrie. 2, S. Lawson. Lcngfaced Tumblers.— di/rf —Cock or Hen.—l, 2, 3, and c, S. Lawsoo. he, J. W.Leerh. LoNCr FACED Tcmbleb.— Befirrf. — Cock or Hen —1, A. McKenzie. 2 and 3, J. W. Letch, Liverpool, he and c, F. U. Mortor. Long-faced Tomblebs.— il/ofiZcs or any other colour.— Cock or Hen.— I and 2, J. W. Leech. 8 and he, F. H. Morion, Liverpool. i'/tr, J. James, c, S. Lawson. Tii-PLER.- focfc or Hen— I, ?, r/(c,and c. E. Walla Sand /le, W. J. Warhnrst. Fantail — ir/ii(f.— C'ocfc or Ilcn— I, J. K. Spence, 2, U. Simrson. 3, W. J . "Wnrhurst. vhc,T. W. Townson. he, S, Lawson, J. F. LoversidKe, Newark. Fantail.— £/)(e.— Cocfc or Hcn.—l and he, W. J. Warhurst. 2 and 3, J. If. Cryer. Fantails — B/nefc or any other colour.- Cock or Jlen.-l, J. F. Lovertidpc. Fantails,- .-Inj/ other colour.— Young Cock or Hen.—l, J. U. Cryer. 2, W. j. Wiirhurst. S, J. E. Spence. vhc, J. F. Loversidge. he, J. F. Lovtrsidge, J. H. Cryer. iHVMi-ETERQ.— Mottled.— Cock or Hen.—l and 2. J. Ledcrcr, Liverpool. 3, J. Gardner. TRimi'ETERS.— Any other colour or marking.— Cock or He}i~l,E. A. Thorn- ton. 2 and 3. S. Lawson. TiiUiiPETERs.— .Jny colour or marking —Young Cock or Hcn.—l and 3, J, Lederer. 2, J. E. Sptncc. he, J. V. Loversidge. Nun —Cock or Htn —I, \V. J. Warhurst.. 2 and 3. J. Gardner. MaopiE.- rocfc or Hen.—l and 2, M. Ord. Durham. 3, J- Gardner, vhc, V. H. Jones, hc.yv J WarJmrfet. e, S Dronsfleld. E. A. Thornton. Swallow.— C'offc or Hf".—1, C. E. Duckworth. 2 and 3. J. Gardner. Ahchanoel.— rocte or 2/cn.— 1 and2,T. W. Townson, 3, 1'. H. Jonoa. he, W. Sefion. c, F. R. Edwardeon, Liverpnul. Pouters.- C'oefc orHen.- 1, W. J. Warhur-t. 2, Withheld. Any uther Distinct Variety.- <'ue/c nrHen.— \.G. Uichaidson (Blondinetle*. 2 and 3, M. Ord (Frillback). vhe, H. Verdon, M. Ord. he, M. Ord ( Tuited Owll, S. Lawion (Spangled Ice), c, H. Verdon (V), M. Ord (Damabcene and Spangltd Ice'. Selling Class.— Cocfc.—l, J.Stanley. 2 and vhc, A. McK. CIvne. Hen.-l, W. Mochrie. 2, J. Adam. 3, W. Wood. 572 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 23, 187E. Scotch Fancy Canakies.— Green. — Cock or Sen. — 1, J. Adam. 2, W. Mochrie. 8, W. Watt. Scotch Fancj Viebxlds.— Yellow.— Cock.— 1, W. Watt. 2, G. Stewart. 3, J. Adam. Hen.—l, W. Mojhrie. 2, T. Leslie. 3, J. Black. Scotch Fancy Pxebaids.— Bij//.— Coefc.— 1, J. Black. 2, W. Wood. 3, J. Shanks. Ben.—l, W. Watt. 2, W. Wood. 3, J. Adam. FoCL-FEATHERED. — Cock Of Sen. — 1 and Special, W. Mochrie. 2, W. Smith. 8, D. Clyne. Common Canaiues.— yenow. — Cock or Sen. — 1 and 3, D. Clyne. 2, J. Dorward. Common Canaeies. — Bujf. — Cock or Sen. — 1, A. Mathieson. 2, D. Clyne. 8, Ct. Dakors. Common Canaries. — Piebald. — Cock or Ben. — 1, A. Mathieson. 2, M. Grove. 3, C. Gouk. Common Canaries. — Qrcen. — Cock or Hen. — 1, D. Clyne. 2, A. MathicEon. 3, W. Kobeitson. Norwich Can^abies. — Cock or Sen. — 1 and Medal, A. G. Langlands. 2.D. Langlands. 3, J. Balfour. Sellino Class.— CoeA-.—l, D. Watson. 2, D. Duthie. 3, D. Cljne. Sen. — ], J. Dorward. 2, D. Dathie. S.B.Welsh. Goldfinch.— Coct. — 1, A. Mathieson. 2, J. Matthew. 3, J. Burness. Goldfinch Mule. — Cock. — ],G. B.Dick. 2, J. Dorward. 3, J. Monro. Bullfinch. — Cock. — 1, T. MMillaD. SiSKEN.— Cocfc.— 1, J. Monro. 2, A. Harris. 3, W. Clark. SiSKEN Mule.- CoeA-. — 1, W. Anderson. 2, J. Peebles. 3, J. Taylor. Linnet.— CocA-.—l, A. Harris. 2, T. Reid. 3, J. White. Linnet Mule. — Cock. — 2, A. Taylor. Stabling. — Cock. — 2, A. Mathieson. Lark.— Coefr.— 2, A. Middleton. Paerot.— Grfi/.- 1, W. C. Clark. 2, W. Crnickshank. 8, W. Smith. Any otluT variety. — 1 and 2, C. Hutcheon. 3, J. Matthew. Cockatoo. — 2, Mrs. Edwards. Paraquet.— 1, W. Crnickshank. 2, A. M'Lellan. Best and Most Varied Collection of Birds. — 1, W. Crnickshank. 2. W. liobertson. Babbits. — 1, Mrs. Roberta. 2, A. Frew. 3, G. Douglas. The .Judges were for Poultry Mr. Hutton; Pigeons, MesBrs- Haie and Ure. SWANSEA SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. One of the beat, if not the very best. Shows ever held in Wales was that at Swansea in the covered market on the 9th instant. Dorkings headed the list, the whole being Dark Greys and an excellent lot, the cup being awarded to old birds. Spanish were very good, but not numerous; but of Game there were great numbers. The Black Reds were a fair lot, but Ecme of the hens were so much overtrimmed round their eyes that there was no alternative but to leave them out. Brown Reds were a better lot than the Black Reds, the cup for Game being awarded to a handsome pair of old birds. There were some White Game, which, though good of their kind, were not enual to the rest. In Any other colour of Game the first were old Dnckwinga, very good in all points ; the second Piles, the cockerel being uu- dulbed ; the third also Duckwings. Buft Cochins were very good, the shape and style of the winners grand and very close in quality. In the next class first viere Partridge chickens, second old Whites, and third nice Blacks. The Hamburgh sec- tions were a great success, the winners being very good. The Gold- spangles very good, and a close run, tho first hen only turning the scale, and she is a truly grand bird. The cup for Spangles was won by Silvers, the second losing by the cock being scarcely as well spangled on the tail hackle, and a twist in the earlobe. The Pencil cup was won by the Hanley cup pen, a pair of birds that need no comment ; the second in this class contained a grand pullet ; but with the exception of the two first the Silver-pencils were not good. Black Hamburgha were very good as regards the winners. Polish were both numerous and good, the cup for these two classes going to a grand pen of Silver Polish. Dark Brahiiias were good in the old but only moderate in the young class, but the Light variety were really grand in all respects. Houdans were a fair class, the winners good, and with fair good combs. Brown Leghorns a fair lot, while the La Fl che and Crive-Cceurs were very good, the cup won by the first La Flcche. In the Variety class Red Malays were first. Sultans second, and Minorcas third. Game Bantams were not good as a class, but the winners were very good Black Reds, the cup for Bantams being awarded here. In the Variety of Bantams the winners were Blacks. Game cockerels were a large but not a good class. The first-and-cup was a handsome Duckwing, the second an undubbed Pile, and third a Brown Red, rather thin, but of promising quality. Game pullets were a fair lot. The first Brown Reds, second and third Duckwing ; but the best of all was a Pile too late for competition. Ducks were pretty good in all classes. Geese and Turkeys verv large and well shown. There was a point cup for Pigeons, which was won by Mr. Spencer of Hereford. Carriers were exceedingly good in both classes. In cocks, first was a Dun and the others Black. The winning hens Dun. Pouters were of fair quality, but net as large as is desirable. Whites winning all, except the first in hens, which was a Blue. Of Almonds only two pairs. In the ' other Tumblers the first were Kites, second Yellow Balds, and th'rd Blue Beards. Antwerps were only good as regards the winners. The winning Jacobins very good. First Reds, second Yellows, and third Reds. In Fantails were some good birds, but these were shown well in pairs. Turbits a good class, and an extra prize given. First and second Blue, extra second Red, and third Blacks. Osls, which were mostly Whites, were the best class in the Show; the first-prize pair very good in head. Nuns were very good, as also the Magpies, but the Dragoon- only a moderate lot. Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds, was Judge. Bedaxe Poultry Show. — This was held on the 14th inat. There was a good show of Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits, ito. The entries exceeded last year by 103. The quality of the birds was good in nearly all the classes, and competition close in some of them. The Show was held in the Drill Hall, which was too small for the purpose, and the light was not very good, which made the judging difficult. OUK LETTER BOX. Grinding Corn for Poultry (J. H. G.).— We have baen for many years successful breeders and feeders of poultry. Our Bystem has always been to give ground food morning and evening, and whole corn at midday. Thia keeps running fowls in perfect cooditicu. If it is intended to beep all in more than good conditiou— i c, as lit to kill rather more than moderately fat, in the state known as "peckers," we should give none but ground and slaked food, and should feed four times daily. The consumption would be little more than when fed lliree times, tbe difference ii only in trouble and labour. Ecoaomical feeding is to give ground food slaked, either barlej- meal or ground oats, morning aad evening; whole corn midday. If any amatenr will superintend tbe food three days he will find out the average. This docs not inci\a'e, ratlur dtcreases. It is then easy to fix the consump- tion. We give the result of many 3 ears' close observation. We give no other food. Excepting when there is snow on the ground we always scatter it broadcast. It tends much to health and well-doing if fowls have to search for their food. DoRKiNQ Cockerel. — Mrs. O. Pasley writes to ua that her Dorkmg cockerel ■won the third prize at the Crystal Palace, and that she still possesses him. Cochins at Swansea. —The second prize wa.s awarded to Mr. R. S. S. Woodgate's Whites, and not to Mr. R. Wingtield, as stated last week. Bee-keeping in N. Scotland (J. S. B:untly).—ThQ MS. has not been received. Feeding Bees (Alpha).— At thia season the bees of healthy hives carry out their dead every fice day. Those jou find at the entrance of your hive have died by reason at their age and been cast out. Your bees have not yet suffered from want of food, but your way of feeding them is faulty, seeing yuu find two or three dtzeu of bees drown^a in the trough every time you use it. Bees cannot ascend oa smooth surfaces — all deep feeding dishes and cylinders should have their innur surface? made rough in some way, or be lined with perforated zinc. We do not think jour bees will die of want for a few weeks ; but to make all safe we advise you to take them into a warm room of your house for a time, and then feed them with warm sjrup, confining the bees to their hive of course while in the house. Remember next year to give your bees all they want for the winter in September. Prickly Comfrev. — " G. M."' asks: " What cultivation and what soil suits it, and if it is suitable food for Alderney cows? " We shall be obliged by any- one answering these questions, for -we have no experitnce to rely upon. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Ca&iden Sqdabe, London. Lat. 51° 82' 40" N, ; Long. 0- S' 0" W. ; Altitude, IH feet. Date. 9 A.U. In the Day. .0 Hygrome- "•3 ^ Shade Tem- Radiation fl m.2 3'^ ter. S.9 So peratnre. Temperature. Eli Deo. Dry. ! Wet. Max. Min. In Bun. On grass iDchea. deg deK deg. def dee. dea. deg. In. We. 15 S0.1S3 85 2 SI.3 s.w. E6.3 39.1 SS.8 ,S9.0 31.4 — Th. !C 30.U1 So.l 84 9 W. 87 G 35.8 34 5 87.8 84.2 0.010 Fri. 17 80.07 8S.3 S8 3 S.E. 37 7 46.1 83 7 63 6 34 3 — Sat. 18 29.8C3 42 0 412 S. 38.0 45 4 84 3 47.2 Mi — Smi.13 29.620 47.0 45 s S. 83.6 47.8 41.3 63.2 38 4 O.OH Mo. 20 26 7' 9 45 3 43.7 S.W. 41 0 61.5 33,8 E2.6 84.4 0 IS.'. Til. 21 29 904 43.7 414 s.w. 41.3 fO.2 42 8 52.1 37.8 0.095 Meana 29.9;9 40.9 39 9 SS 5 45 1 37.0 50 8 34.2 0.2Si REMARKS. 15th. — ^Fine all day, but dull and very dark, especially in the afternoon. l^th. — Fog^'y and dark all day, but doikcr than caused by the fog, which was not very dense. 17th.— Foggy, but not so dark a^ yesterday ; fine at times, bat rather damp. iHtb. — Still rather thick ; a dall damp day. but no rain. 19th. — Rain all the forenoon, very bright at times between 1 and 2 p.m., dull afternoon, but stailit night. 20th. — Fine morning but soon clouding over, and rain at noon and in after- noon; windy at night. 21st.— Rain in the ni^ht, but the finest day though bat very little son. Riin and galo at night. A dark disagreeable week, about 4^ warmer than tho preceding. — G. J. Symons. • COVENT GARDEN MARKET.- December 22. The Market is still well supplied with all clissea of gooda, but there is great difficulty in clearing common sample?. Large quantities of St. Michael Pines are now arriving, making a complete drag of the English fruits. Deoembor 80, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 573 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day ol ot MontliiWeek. 80 Th 31 F 1 S a Sen 8 M 4 Tn 6 W DECEMBER 80, 1875— JANUARY 5, 1876. Royal Society institoteil. 1660. Joseph Sabino died, 18U7, ret. 67. ClRCl'MCISION. 2 Sdnday AFTEii Christmas. Victoria Institute at 8 p.m. Zoological Society at S.90 p.m. Entomological Society at 7 p.m. Average Temperature near London. Day Night. Mean. m. h. 44 4 31.7 88.1 Oaf 8 4S9 32.4 88.2 9 8 43.0 30.3 36.6 8 8 41.9 28 9 85.4 8 8 42.6 28 6 84,4 8 8 42.2 27.8 84 8 8 8 41.4 28.6 85.4 8 8 Son Seta. Moon Kiaes. Moon Sets. Moon'fl Ane. b. m. h. 1 m. b. 67af 8 ISaflO . 27at 6 36 10 44 7 50 10 9 0 1 11 17 10 12 11 ' 84 11 23 11 : mom. 36 11 I 54 0 Days. 3 4 r, 0 7 > 9 Clock after Sun. Day Year. set 303 1 8 4 85.2». Prom observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week ia 42.8^; and its night temperature A NEW YEAE'S GKEETING. '^'^f}^ ill you ■write our new-year's .ailclress for us?" How very easily ;iad jauntily these words were written, but how Jiflicult to comply with when one remembers how the same thinfj has been done in years past by " Wiltshire Rector " and other friends. At first " I didn't see it," but as I sat meditating on that reply, and watching the glowing coals of a good fire in front of which I was sitting, it seemed to me to s.avonr of cowardice ; and as I gazed still further there seemed to me to come up " faces in the fire " which reminded me of things past, and so I deemed it possible by revealing their teachings to say a few words that might be of profit to the many readers of " our Journal," in whose continued prosperity we dehght to feel that we all have an interest. Ah ! there is a face that brings me back to some five and forty years, when as yet, save in a youngster's love of "posies," the love of flowers had not been developed — a schoolfellow, who lived near to us in the neighbour- hood of Dublin, asking me to come and see his " Uncle Joe" beds of Ranunculus. I went, and was fairly con- quered. I have never since then seen beds equal to them, although as yet Mr. Lightbody and others had not tried their hands at hybridising ; and from that time forward I became a lover and grower of flowers. Little did he, ■whose face I see before me, think how much he -was doing for me then — how he was starting me on a line which, if it has not brought me unmixed pleasure, has tended to give me much real enjoyment, and has made for me many friends, of whom, indeed, a large number are cherished in memory only, but many, I am thankful to say, stQl to be greeted. Time rolls on, and now I see another beaming face, fair as are the flowers she gazes on (smile not, I was married at the time), my garden then on top of a cliff overhanging the sea, from whose blasts I could only protect my flowers by erecting a Gorse fence. But, oh ! how many pleasant days did that little garden give me, and how readily I forgave the same young damsel when she picked some of my choicest Carnations and Picotees ! And now what a change ! I am in a small house with a " bricklayer's garden " at that cockney watering-place Ramsgate ; but even there the old love will not be daunted, and out of that square piece no larger than an ordinary room I had as many flowers and as much enjoyment as many of my neighbours with places three times the size. And yet once more : A change again, and I see many a face associating itself with dear old Deal, where for nearly twenty years, in a piece of ground forming merely a part of a field, I was enabled to grow so many things that friends sometimes wondered whether my imagination was not larger than my garden. During that time many a friendship was formed which ■was founded simply on a common love of flowers; amongst them I am proud to reckon the two " venerable fathers " who preside over the destinies of " our Journal." It was No. 770.— Vol. XXIX., Netv Series. then some fifteen or sixteen years ago that by our com. mon friend John Standish I was introduced to them, and commenced that connection with this Journal which has been to me so ftill of pleasure aud so mixed up with the doings of these last years of my life. If I have thus far been egotistical it is because I want to give a word of encouragement from my own personal experience. One cannot have lived close upon sixty years without having had a share of those troubles and anxieties for which we are told man is born ; and I wanS to tell my brethren, whether lay or cleric, male or female, professional or amateur, that there is nothing of things essentially connected with this Ufe that has more tended to soothe and solace me than the enjoyments of a garden. When worried with the anxieties of a large parish, or perplexed with those domestic sorrows which we all share, I have often turned to my garden and found in the company of some of my favourite flowers gentle voices speaking to me words of quietness and rest. One's mind can hardly fail to be lifted up at such times to Him who made these very flowers the text of His sermons ; and the thought will then come, If He takes care of these will He not take care of me '? And to all, whether they be dwellers in town or country, I would say as their best friend. Yourselves cultivate and encourage in those over whom you may have any influence a love of flowers. It can hardly fail to do good, to elevate and refine ; and I look upon the increased facilities which have been given to the cultivation of flowers in our huge metropolis as a hopeful sign, tending to give even our roughs something to look upon and think over better than those things in which they can alone see pleasure — better than rat hunts and dog-fighting, and such like brut.alising pursuits. If I turn from these generalities to the more special affairs of our Journal I think we have cause to felicitate ourselves on the fact that it has not only not diminished in interest, but increased. There is not one of the readers of it who, I am sure, is not glad to think that our " most potent, grave, and reverend seigneurs" still wield (not the baton of command, or the battleaxe of slaughter, but) the pen of friendly criticism and revision. I am not in the secrets of the prisonhouse, but I shall not be far wrong in saying that to their wise and firm use of the pen in cutting out smart (but bitter) sayings, and in toning down the force of expressions of which the writer did not see the danger, we owe a great deal of that kindly feeling which exists amongst the contributors and readers of tho Journal. And go where one will, such is its character that the very announcement of a connection with it is sure to be a sufficient passport in horticultural circles. I think we shall tho more felicitate ourselves on this when we recollect that one of them has during the year performed an action which I can only compare to that of Quintus Curtius leaping into the gap on the Roman Forum, in accepting the post of Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society. It was an act of self-devotion, one in which " monkeys' allowance — more kicks than ha'pence," was all he might expect ; and we must only hope that he will not meet the fate of that redoubtable No. 1122.— Vol. LIV., Old Seeies. 574 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDEHER. t December 80, 1876. hero of Roman history, hut come back safe again from his perilous enterprise. In that part of the Journal in which I am most interested I think we can fairly say that although time has made changes, and that one after another of those who ministertd to our gratification and profit have passed away, yet their places have been filled by no mean successors. We have missed for years the admirable papers of Donald Beaton, E. Fish, W. Keane, and others, but we have still amongst us those to whote contributions we turn with interest, knowing that we shall find sound practical teaching, and neither the fanciful notions of theorists nor the windy pretensions of would-be philo- sophers. Let not those who pursue one hobby grumble if the paper is not full for them week by week ; such persons seem to me for all the world like those passengers in a railway train, who are always growling because it stops at so many small stations, forgetting that the inhabitants of those places have as much interest in the train stopping there as they have in its stopping at the larger towns to which they belong. So let not the Orchid- grower grumble because so much is taken up by Roses, or the Rose-lover growl if other flowers beside the queen come in for their share. No ; " share and share alike " must be our motto. Nor is it without its use that the con- tribntors record their failures as well as their successes. The past year has not been an "annus mirabilis" with horticul- turists. A more unpropitious one they have rarely had to combat with, although it has been a fighting with the elements. Many of our first-rate growers have recorded in our pages the shifts to which they have been put and the difficulties they have had to surmount ; and many an owner of a small garden has been considerably cheered by finding, not that he had com- panions in misfortune, but that which he had to contend with had been experienced by those who had ample means at their command, while their mode of overcoming difficulties sug- gested to their humbler imitators how they might do the same. And as it has been to the horticulturist so has the last year been to the apiarian and poultry fancier ; the former has had to mourn over the worst year he has, perhaps, ever known, while the complaints as to losses in the poultry-yards have neither been few nor faint. And now a word or two as to the future. There is no fear of the interest in horticultural pursuits flagging. The circle of its devotees seems ever widening, and the efforts of those who introduce novelties from distant lands or produce them in our own do not relax ; and if this be so we may rest assured that the interest in our .Journal will not relax either. Week after week thousands will eagerly welcome its arrival as a messenger of good will. It will come fraught with no sensa- tional tales, no deeds of horror and c-hame ; but full of wise and careful instructions, of wisdom gleaned in the past and encouragement for the future ; and while those who have already so much contributed to onr enjoyment and its success will still employ their pens on its behalf, I would that many whom I could name, who are quite as capable, would give us the results of their experience and tell us of their triumphs, losses, and failures, for in horticulture, as in many things, " in the multitude of counsellors is wisdom." Their contributions wonld be readily welcomed by those who rule our destinies, and we should all benefit by them. Such are a few of the things which have come to my mind as I have thought over my reply to the question put to me from Fleet Street. And now as a last word may I, as one of the oldest contributors to the horticultural side of our .Journal, wish to all cur friends a happy new year in the enjoyment of their favourites ? and as I fhould never forget that I am some- thing other and better than a writer on horticulture, may I express a hope that they will not forget that everything here, like the flowers they cherish, is but transitory, and that it behoves us all to lock forward to the time when we shall have to join those who have " gone before ?" And then may it be ours thus to realise in that Paradise of God, of which Eden with its flowers and fruits was but a faint type, that state of blessed rest when we shall no longer sigh over the memories of the post, or look forward with trembling to the unveiling of the future. And so, my gentle readers all, may you enjoy in its highest, noblest, truest sense, A Happy New Year. — D., Deal. Fkciting of Double Peaches. — Mr. Meehan exhibited some branches of Peach in which the young fruit were twos and threes from one flower. They were from the Chinese double- flowering kind. He remarked that, as is well known, plants with double flowers were rarely fertile. Either the stamens were wholly changed to petals, or the less vital conditions which always accompanied this floral state were unequal to the task of producing perfect pistils. Vitality, however, was more or less affected by external conditions independently of the mere structure of organs, and this was well illustrated by the remarkable fertility of the Peach this season. Usually large numbers of fruit fell without " setting," as it is techni- cally called by orchardists, not because there was any defect in the organs of reproduction, but from lack of vital force to accomplish so much. This season many more had continued than had been known for many years, and the prospect was for an immense crop of fruit. This abounding vitality had evidently extended to the double Peaches, and had influenced the development of the female organs to an unusual extent. — (Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy.) KEPOTTING AURICULAS. A coERESPONDENT (" Alfeed ") wishes to know what shall be done in February with Auriculas that are now rooted up to the top of the soil and through the bottom of the pots. Shall they have a shift ? and if not, how shall top-dressing be managed without disturbance of the fibres, and shall offsets be then removed or left on till the May potting ? I remark that it is not stated in what sized pots the plants already are. If they have thus filled 4J-inch or 5-inch pots they are in fine order underground, and presumably above also, and I should not meddle with them. A full-sized florist Auricula has room enough in a 5-inch pot to bloom in per- fection, and cannot bo too well established in that size. It is worse to over-pot than under-pot these plants. What wonld be the ruin of a Balsam is the delight of an Auricula. As the collection in question was repotted in May, with compost probably containing ingredients such as old manure and leaf mould that by this time are compressible into a some- what less compass, it will be found that a firm and broad, but it must not be a sudden pressure, upon the surface soil will make room for the half-inch or so of top-dressing. The soil must not be thus pressed down if wet or newly watered, and care must be taken to see that the drainage is iu good working order. If the plants are large and in pots manifestly small — say about 3 inches — then those that are so rooted as described may have a shift into 1 or 4J-inoh pots, and in that case the room for top-dressing can easily be allowed for. As to removal of offsets, by all means let those be taken off in February, whether rooted or not, that have any neck of their own. Take them off when growth sets in, and disturb the old plant as little as may be. Many rooted offsets can be drawn out by a patient and judicious handling soon learnt, and will soon re-establish themselves although one of their fibres is sacrificed in preference to breaking the ball of earth to find the end of it. The removal of offsets early in spring is advisable, not merely because they are otherwise apt to draw upon the resources of the old plant, but also because they may be overlaid and drawn by the overlapping parental foliage, and in an insufficiency of light and air become infested with green fly. — F. D. Hoeneb, Kirkby Maheard, Ripon. COVERING VINE BOEDEES. I Aji not sorry that Mr. Eobson has again opened the question of covering or not covering Vine borders. I think gardeners will never be tired of reading and writing about growing (and I ought to say keeping) Grapes. As Mr. Robson observes, we want experience of failure as well as success; we want practice more than theory. My opinion, which is gathered from experience, is to cover the borders early and late. As to the material employed, it ought to be something that will entirely keep off the rain. For several years I covered with leaves from a foot to 18 inches deep, and then thatched with straw as well and as carefully as I would a corn stack ; but when I uncovered them I found the borders very wet, particularly near the front, for owing to the little incline of the thatch a large portion of the rain went through the leaves. I found in January the temperature of the border at 1 foot deep was only 0^ warmer than the open ground ; I also found December 30, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. a few feet from the vinery that the heat of the leaves had caused a strong root action, for the roots had grown several inches and were matted into the leaves, but they had nearly all perished. I had carefully taken the time of the men collecting leaves, thatching, &o., also the value of the straw, and we found that it would cost as much in eleven years as we could cover the whole with glass, consequently the whole of three borders have been covered with that material. Wo find the lights very useful during the summer for various other purposes. I know a Vine border in this neighbourhood that is only covered with fresh dung in autumn ; the Grapes grow fine until they begin to ripen, then they completely fail : this has been the case for several seasons. I think it more needful to exclude wet than to create artificial heat. Ou my borders I put about 0 inches of nearly fresh stable dung ; then (except the late house) leave it to have a thorough soaking of rain to take the food down to the roots, ready for them when they begin to grow, also to wet the border to its bottom ; then I put on the glass, where it remains until I think the open ground is as warm as the covered border. I generally have to water twice before I uncover. As to the late Vines, I put ou the dung as on the earlier borders, but after September I do not let any rain fall on the border until all the Grapes are cut. I then take off the glass and let the border have a thorough soaking of rain for several days, then cover up as before. With regard to keeping late Grapes, it is of more conse- quence to have a diy atmosphere than dry roots. This autumn I put on the glass ; not a drop of the heavy rains fell on the border, but owing to all the hot-water pipes being altered and no boiler in, with wet soil turned up where the mains are along the back part of the house, I could not keep a single bunch of either Muscat, Alicante, Lady Downe's Seedling, or West's St. Peter's. I have experienced this before, when I could not apply heat to dry the atmosphere. It is very essential that late Grapes be ripened early. If they are to keep well they ought to be ripe by the middle of September. — D. Walkeb, Dunorlan. PEACH FORCING.— No. f). Watebino. — Trees — deciduous trees no more than evergreens — require during their resting period a soil " dry as dust," and it is altogether a misconception to attribute any good result- ing therefrom, either as regards further ripening of the wood, for that ceases with the fall of the leaf, or as promoting greater rest. Instead of dryness whilst at rest being bene- ficial, I am certain it is in most instances and with most sub- jects positively injurious, for trees transpire by their bark when the atmosp'nere is dry, which, with the roots in a dry soil, causes a speedy exhaustion of their juices. The conse- quence of this is a certainty of weakness at starting, if not of after-debility, for fruit trees in autumn emit in most instances direct from the root-stem adventitious roots, thick, spongy, and white; but if the soil be dry those roots are never emitted, nor are they emitted until spring if the trees are moved after all the leaves have fallen, or the act of removal destroys them, and they are not afterwards put forth : hence the potting of fruit trees in pots is done whilst the trees are in leaf, expe- rience having shown the disastrous consequences of perform- ing the operations after the trees are leafless. Apart from the promotion of adventitious roots, moisture in the soil maintains the shoots and buds fresh and plump, tor if the fibres or their soft unripeued parts die as do the leaves, which I have main- tained and still do maintain, the root-stems from their sides will absorb sufiicient moisture without the presence of spon- gioles, as is the case with trees transplanted after the fall of the leaves, and upon the presence of this moisture in the soil is dependant the retention of the bloom buds. Instead of keeping the roots dry whilst at rest I advise that the borders, when the leaves of the Peach and Nectarine trees under glass have all fallen, be given a thorough watering, loosening or breaking the surface if it has become cracked from being hard and dry, and taking care that as the soil may be dry it will require considerably more and longer-continued watering to bring it into a thoroughly saturated condition. No fear need be entertained of rotting the roots, as the Plum out- doors must have during the winter season a rainfall of 12 to 15 or more inches, and it is noteworthy that Peach trees out- doors subjected to this heavy rainfall do not drop their buds, whilst those under glass kept dry at the roots do, which is primarily caused by an exhaustion of moisture from the tren, though the effect may not become apparent until water is applied to start them into growth, but causing the buds to be cast in a shower, which a timely application would have prevented. Never was sounder practice recommended than that of Mr. Douglas — viz., the placing of pot Peach treos out- doors in the autumn. The trees suffer no injury, the potf being plunged ; the buds do not drop, startins when returned to the house with a vigour not exhiljited by those kept in the house with the pots stood on the borders and kept dry to save the roots from injury from frost. It is bad practice keeping the roots of trees dry whilst at rest, which naturally receive a rainfall very little less at that period than during that of growth. Not only after the leaves have fallen should a thorough watering be given, but before starting again repeat it, so as to bring the soil into a thoroughly moist stats ; and this is of some importance, inasmuch as it is not desirable to have to water after the blossom expanda, as, it the weather be dull, the watering causes too moist an atmosphere for setting, and the young fruit does not swell kindly if recourse is had to watering immediately the fruit is set, as the watering causes an excessive supply of sap which the trees have not leaves to elaborate, and the growing parts are stimulated, tbe production of shoots being rapid, whilst the fruit drops from not growing equally fast. If the soil be in a thoroughly moist state when forcing is commencing no water will be required until the fruit has attained the size of horse beans. The trees by that time will have some foliage, and their drain upon the soil for nutri- ment by the roots considerable. From this stage and onward the supply of moisture to the roots must be liberal, and it must be given at a temperature equal to that of the mean of the atmosphere, for though watering with waterless in temperature may not cause any present apparent evil, it may cause the fruit to swell irregularly, if not to cause its subsequent falling. Wherever forcing is carried on there should either be in the house a cistern of sufficient capacity to water not less than a fourth ot the extent of the border, never using it until the water has been in the house twenty-four hours ; or if the house could not conveniently have within it a cistern to water the whole extent of the border at once, which is certainly more desirable than watering a part of the border daily, it may be sound economy, as it certainly is sound practice, to employ water not less in temperature than that of the border at the time of application, which may be easily ascertained by a ground thermometer, and to effect this hot water may be drawn from a cistern for heating to a proper temperature ; but a preferable plan to either is to have a large cistern con- veniently situated in a shed, and of such size as to water a considerable part, if not the whole, of the border of a house at once. The supply should be regulated by a tap. To heat the water in the cistern we have only to connect a lead pipe (inch bore) to the main flow of the heating apparatus, entering the bottom of the cistern at one end, and a corresponding pipi at the other end, and connected with the return pipe of tbe heating apparatus, and upon both these pipes should be stop-cocks, closed when the water is being drawn off or not required, and open to heat the water in the cistern. The level of the water in the cistern should be that of the water in the supply cistern of the heating apparatus. A pipe from the cistern leading through the wall into the houses will, of course, be needed, and being fitted with a tap to receive a hose pipe, the water from the cistern may be used anywhere with a hose pipe whose level is below that of the bottom of the cistern. With means for warming the water employed there is nothing to fear, but without such means much to dread. We find in all woiks on gardening water is to be given at the temperature the plants are growing in ; but not many places have means for giving this essential element at its proper temperature, or only in very inadequate quantity, for the driblets from water- ing pots are for fruit borders useless, they not requiring gentle waterings, for that is given by syringing, but a thorough wetting ot the soil to its fullest extent. Any excess will, if the drainage be good, pass away. Now, after the fruit has attained the size of horse beans a good watering should be given, and repeated every fortnight until the leaves are full-sized, after which water every ten days, continuing this until after the stoning, and then water every week until the fruit is ripe, and after about the fourth of the fruit is gathered let the watering be at fortnightly inter- vals, giving such waterings, say every three weeks, after a month from the fruit being all gathered as will keep the soil 576 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Docembor 30, 1376. in a moist state, which is essential to the mataration of the buds and the maintenence of the foliage in a healthy state. Excess of moisture after the fruit is gathered only tends to growth, whilst dryness causes the leaves to fall prematurely whilst the huds are imperfectly developed and the wood not fully ripened. Considerably less moisture is, cf course, re- qnirtd after the fruit is gathered, but it is nevertheless an error to dry Peaches into ripening of the wood as speedily as postible after the fruit is ripe; then, as at other times, they rf quire a moist soil. As to the amount of water to be applied, ihttt is to some extent influenced by the condition of the trees and their occupation of the border by roots. Young trees will require greater watering near the stem and less at a distance than older trees, gross-growing trees requiring careful watering, for to water such very freely is only to make them more gross, and weakly trees will need less but more stimulat- ing nutriment than those trees having that happy medium between grossnese and weakness. The quantity to be applied at a time is expressed in terms indefiDite, as " moderate, copious, liberal, free, and thorough soaking." I have often wondered how amateurs interpret these terms — I do not intend to include in that category those amateurs as well skilled in watering as most professionals, but the novices, to whom I may just give a hint. A plant in a pot with the soil half an inch below the rim will receive every time it is watered the equivalent of half an inch of rainfall, or about as much as usually is given by the clouds to the earth in a week ; an inch below the rim will represent an inch of rainfall, and 2 inches below the rim 2 inches of rainfall. Now it follows that half an inch of rainfall will only penetrate or moisten soil to its retentive power to half the depth of that haying an inch, and the inch to only half the depth of 2 inches, and if we put it this way we are not far wrong. Half au inch of water space will moisten soil 4 inches deep, it not Veing other than so dry aa to maintain a plant fresh, but if flagging from dryness two or more such waterings may be required to thoroughly moisten the soil. An inch wiil penetrate 8 inches deep, and 2 inches IC inches or more deep. No one knowing anything of plant life would water a plant it the soil was already wet, and it is not presumed that anyone will ignore such a condition in the application of water to fruit borders. It may be that water is advised to be given every fortnight, but it is not considered that anyone will not exercise his own judgment as to whether the soil is not already moist and does not require it, deferring the watering in such case until such time as it is needed, or giving the watering sooner if required. A hght open soil requires twice the quantity of water needed by a close heavy one. An inch of rainfall is equal to half a gallon of water per square foot, or four gallons and a half per square yard. Granted we have a house to water 60 feet by 12 feet, we shall require 3G0 gallons of water — the equivalent of 1 inch rainfall, and for this purpose we shall need a tank or cistern containing :!60 gallons of water, or of these dimensions G feet long, 3 feet wide, and Si feet deep, internal measurement, containing 63 cubic feet, which at six gallons per cubic foot would give 378 gallons ; but as there is always some waste in artificial watering, and as some parts of the border will require more than the quoted inch to bring it into a moist state, or equal to other parts, we should not have a cistern of less size than one-half greater in water-holding capacity than the quantity required to give the equivalent of an inch of rainfall, as we must bear in mind that natural waterings are gradual, whilst artificial are " downpours," much of it passing away by parts of the border more porous than others without passing gradually down equally as in the fall of rain. — G. Abbey. ISLE OF JERSEY. The following is an extract from a letter dated the 22nd inst., from a resident in the island. Even the name of the locality — Val Plaisant — is genial. "All the time of that severe frosty weather in London we had no frost, and but a very slight fall of snow, which melted as soon aa it fell. We have some Car- nations in full bloom in our garden, and the Geraniums are still quite flourishing." Wo have often expressed our surprise that invalids needing a mild climate do not steam over to .Tersey, which is about one hundred miles from our southern coast, and is reached in a few hours. Evidence of the greater mildness of the climate, even than that of our south-weatern counties, is proved by the fact that plants in the island require no protection which have to be sheltered in Devon and Cornwall. In no place does the Apple tree flourish better or bear more unfailingly ; its orchards are BO numerous as to be a feature of the island, and its Chau- moutel Pears, both for size, excellence, and abundance, are justly celebrated. One weighing 30,J ozs., was exhibited some years ago. Nowhere is the Parsnip grown finer or to greater extent; its culture is a peculiarity of the island, and ia called " la grandc charrtw." The soil has to be stirred very deep, and a plough requiring many oxen or horses is employed, and aa these cannot be supplied from one farm neighbours unite their teams; and this ploughing is a holiday, for not only are cakes and cider provided during the day to the owners of the cattle, but the day concludes with a supper. The Guernsey Lily (Nerine sarniensis) ia common, but does not flourish so markedly as in Guernsey. Some of our readers may not know the narrative of its introduction. Dr. Morison says a ship coming from Japan with bulbs of this flower on board was wrecked on some of Guernsey's many rocks ; the bulba were thrown by the waves on to the sandy shore, and were soon buried there. They produced flowers in due time ; and the second son of the Governor, Lord Hatton, being fond of flower-gardening, cultivated them, and sent bulba to many persons in England. This was in the reign of Charles II. OUR BORDER FLOWERS— HELENIUMS. Sometimes we meet with some of our neglected border flowers quite unexpectedly, and on the question being asked, "What have you here?" a common reply is, "Oh, it is an old plant we take no notice of. We don't care about such plants here ;" but these plants ought to be cared for, for nearly all our border flowers possess attractions rendering them worthy of cultivation. Seldom do we meet with any of this family of plants iu our fashionable gardens ; a few of them may be seen in choice private collections, and can only be looked on aa rarities. They are a race of plants that will thrive in any ordinary garden soil, but are all the better for being liberally treated. Loam and well-decomposed vegetable matter, and coarse sand mixed with the soil where they are intended to grow (and the ground should be broken up to the depth of 18 or 20 mches),will afford them the sustenance they need. They should have thorough drainage, and be supplied with water when required. Some of them, growing from 2 to 3 feet high, require staking to keep them from being broken by the wind. They may be increased by division in springer autumn, and they flower towards the latter end of summer and in autumn. Helenium pumilum is the dwarfest of the tribe, and is a good border plant, having bright yellow flowers, which make a fine display when well established. H. Hooperii ia decidedly the best of the family. This plant is so seldom seen that it cannot be much known to cultivators of herbaceous plants, or I am inclined to think it would be more frequently met with. When planted in open spaces in the shrubbery in good soil it is extremely effective. To see it in all its beauty the weakest growth should be thinned out, and the plants be supplied with liquid manure water occasionally. It ia excellent for exhi- bition purposes, and continues long in bloom. H. autumnale is a fine autumn-blooming plant of taller growth than the preceding, and is well adapted for border or shrubbery decora- tion, producing large flower heads, which continue until they are destroyed by frost. — Veritas. ROSE OF JERICHO. This is Anastatica hierochuntica of botanists, which the monks of old invested with such miraculous powers, and which tb 6 people regarded with such superstitious veneration. The plant is small, bushy, and not above 6 inches high; after it has flowered the leaves fall off, the branches and branchlets dry and shrivel up, incurving towards the centre, and, in fact, forming the plant into a sort of ball. They are easily up- rooted from the sand by the winds, and are carried, blown and tossed, across the desert into the sea. When they come in contact with the water tbe plant unfolds itself, the branches are expanded, the seed-vessels open and reUeve the seeds, which are conveyed by the tide and deposited again on the shore. They are carried hence by the winds away into the desert again, and there they take root, producing plants which in their turn perform the s.ime strange part in the economy of creation. It was to this property of expanding December 30, 187B. ) JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 677 when placed in contact with moisture which induced the miraculona and enperstitioua importance of the plant, and it was believed that this appearance always took place on the anniversary of the birth of our blessed Saviour. The plant may be kept for years if taken up before it is withered and then preserved in a dry room ; at any time when the root is put in a glass of water, or the whole plant immersed, it will expand, and, in the course of a few hours the buds of flowers will swell and appear as if newly taken from the ground. Possessed of extraordinary vitality is the plant now ligured. It may be called a toy plant, and few other toys will give more salutary teachings. It is also appropriate to the period. The old year is closing and the new year opening ; the plant is old and collapsed, apparently dying; but nourish it, and in the few hours still remaining of the old year the plant and new year will awake together. Further, both the plant and year are what we make them ; level, but which in reality is not so ; nevertheless, the whole work is of such a nature that without some judgment at the commencement as well as in the process of the work, some great error may be run into which may render the ultimate completion of the work both difljcult and needlessly costly. To obviate this let ns take a survey of the whole before a spade is put in. By the exercise of some of the rules of geo- metry, aided l>y what is still more serviceable — the judgment of the eye, a rough idea may be formed of what number of slopes and their elevation, as well as the number and widths of the terraces or landings, the ground may be conveniently formed into. The hard-and-fast lines of the architect in all cases that I have witnessed means a larger outlay than the pru- dent gardener would recommend ; as when material has to be brought, or it may be taken away, in order that a precise width of terrace or height of panel to an inch may be com- plied with ; whereas a little discretionary power given to the Fig. 118.— Rose of jeeicho by onr efforts each may be made joyous. Without kindred nourishment the plant sleeps, but kindness bestowed it returns cheerily. So with the year ; and as the assistance received by the plant makes it forget past neglect, let us in the new year forget and forgive any neglects which we may have experienced. Obstacles and impediments have beset the paths of all. Em- ployers and employed have alike been tempted to utter hard words and, mayhap, commit harder acts. Let these be as if they bad never been, and, like the newly nurtured plant, the new year will flourish. — W. GROUNDWORK— SLOPES AND TERRACES. Allusion has been made to inclinations on lawns and ter- races appearing to the eye as being level — a subject well worth the notice of those contemplating groundworks of that kind. The usual accompaniment of a terrace — viz., "the slope," is sometimes dispensed with when a wall is adopted, but it is common where there is a number of descents made to have the top one only as a wall with balustrade or parapet, and the others constituting a series of slopes, which may either be of turf or shrubs as desired. As such works usually come under the management of the resident gardener, a few hints may be of service. Lot us take a common case as an example. A residence occupies a rather elevated position, and the ground descends from the base of the building in the direction in which it Is proposed to form dressed grounds. In such a case it is not unusual to cut the slope into a series of terraces, and at the bottom to form a panel, which to the eye appears to be operator will usually save a large outlay, and the appearance be really the same. Taking into consideration the ultimate effect that is looked for in a place carried out in slopes and levels, especially when viewed from the top, we may say that where the buOder's work does not dictate the forms the gardener has to work to, a certain amount of conformity to the existing grounds may be made with great advantage; and even mechanical works, as steps and landings, ought to be made to act in like manner. The advisability of this is not for mere appearance only, but for the more imperative object of utility. Many years ago we remodelled some slopes that form the garden front of the mansion here (Linton Park), and added a flight of steps, of about 15 feet wide and forty-seven in number, in a series of flights and landings, and each step inclined outwards about one-eighth of an inch, while the landings had likewise an in- clination of about 1 in 30 or thereabouts, the groundwork par- taking of the some character, while the slopes which corre- sponded with the easy and comfortable flight of steps were formed on the gradient of about 2} base to 1 in perpendicular; or about 20"- — a slope for grass quite steep enough in a dis- trict like this where the summer drought tells so seriously on grass slopes. A moister soil and north aspect may allow a steeper incline perhaps, but we would not advise a less in- cline than what mechanics call 2 to 1 in ordinary cases, as it is not easy to walk up a steeper one. Many other reasons might be put forth for not having a steeper incline than that, not the least being the frequency the turf gets broken and destroyed when it is too steep ; and unless some important 678 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 30, 187S. reason renders it necestary to be bo, it had better have the easy and agreeable form which the gradient above gives it than it would have if it werB more upright. I may here add that embankments for roads or other purposes ought to be even more than that. A base of 3 to 1 perpendicular is not unusual where the material is of a very loose kind, but a cutting may be steeper ; and our railways afford examples of all gradients from 60^ or more down to 15°, and some of the embankments also present a divert-ity of angles, all, doubtless, guided by the character of the material of which it is composed and of other matters bearing on the case. We now come to what are called levels, but which in reality had better be inclines also; not, of course, to appear to be so, but by appearing to conform to the surrounding objects they look level. A panel we have here at the base of the flight of steps alluded to has a length and width of about ICO feet, and there being a farther fall in the ground beyond the distance alluded to a decline in that distance was necessary. Partly to give the effect alluded to, as well as to obviate the necessity of a needless amount of wheelbarrow-work, the descent of the 160 feet was quite 6 feet, and less would certainly not have looked so well. As viewed from the top it appears level, which it would not have done if really so, as in that case it would have looked as if it leaned inwards. This deception of the eye ought to be studied by those having such works in view ; and a very good example may be met with in winter when a pond by the side of some hill is frozen over, and perhaps covered with snow. Perfectly level as we all know such an object must be, its appearance when looked at from above is anything but pleasing, and certainly the reverse of level, look- ing as if it pitched in towards the hill. It is to obviate this that I recommend the incline above spoken of, or some near approach to it. I may here add that the incline recommended for the steps and landing enables the water to run off, which it would not do if each portion were level and the rain backed perhaps by a wind blowing in the direction to keep it there. This matter is well worth consideration, and each step ought to " weather," as masons have it, not less than the eighth of an inch, and the landings accordingly. I may, in conclusion, say that I believe a croquet lawn may be allowed the same descent as that alluded to above without any serious detriment to the game. Perhaps, however, I may be in error here, but having had something to do with more than one which presented an inclination of something like 1 in 30, and not having heard anything against its working well, I take it for granted that its unevenness was not perceptible to the players. But on this subject I confess speaking without any authority, and must leave this to be dealt with by those better acquainted in such matters. I have not said anything on the propriety of keeping the best soil to the top, as I conclude this will be sufficiently well understood if the works be in the hands of gardeners. On another occasion I may, nevertheless, add a little more on this head, on which not a little of the ultimate effect depends if the ground operated upon has to form a series of flower beds or to be otherwise planted. — J. Robson. NEW ZEALAND GABDENING. The accompanying letter addressed to the Secretary and officers of the Maidstone Gardeners' Mutual Instruction Society, from one of its former members, will no doubt be interesting to some of your readers, as it relates to matters both general and horticultural. The writer, a steady, industrious, hard- working man with a young family, had previously to leaving England been acting as general outdoor servant to a clergyman near here, whose garden he had taken much pride in. Wish- ing to improve his position he emigrated to New Zealand, with what result I leave his own letter to tell. I may, however, add that he was a frequent attender of the meetings ; and although too modest to take much share in the discussion he was much respected by the members, and his letter proves that he has not forgotten his old friends. His letter being read to the meeting was duly appreciated, and a reply will be made in due time. — J. Robson. " Gentlemen, — I am happy to inform you that I arrived here on February 12th, 1875, aLd am sorry to say I lost a little girl on the voyage, which is the only trouble noticeable I have had since I left home. I was ten days before I could obtain a start, and then I started jobbing gardener, and have not wanted a day's work since. I earn Us. and 10s. a-day, according to the work and party I work for. I am just finishing laying out the cemetery. It has been a good job. I have planted upwards of a thousand trees — coniferous and forest trees and shruDs, besides other work. The subsoil is very hard and has to be removed, filling up with other soi), or the trees cannot grow on these high and dry hills. " Gardening here is very different to that at home (England). Very little bedding-out is done here, the gardeners' object being to raise as good a collection cf Conifers and forest trees and shrubs as possible ; and the one that can save most is the man they look to, as a great many trees are planted only to die. We have a good collection of Pinuses, Cupressuses, Arancarias, and shrubs. Pines are planted by the million, especially P. insignia, P. Pinaster (maritima), and P. austriaca. P. insignis is the fastest prower, and the Pinaster grows better than any other on dry hills ; but P. monticola, P. densiflora, sylvestris, Torreyana, tnberculata, and many others soon make fine trees if planted well. Cupressus macrocarpa, C. horizontalis, C. Govenianaj G. Liambertiana, and C.Lawsoniana are very plentiful. " The great object is to provide a good shelter to a gentleman's place as quickly as possible, and for that purpose the Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) has been employed, as thatia the quickest- growing tree we have. Seed sown will make a good shelter in about three years, but they have stopped using it now so much, as it robs everything that is near it. " Geraniums grow on year after year as large as Black Currant trees, and we have them covering an 8-feet wall and hanging over the top like Ivy, and covered with flowers nine months out of the year. Our spring is just commencing now (Sept. 26tb). We are just pushing on the last tree-planting ; fruit trees are past removing now. We have a pretty plant that was raised in the colonies, IPhotinia serrulata variegata : the leaf is tricolor. We keep obtaining the new Roses ; some of them do remarkably well on their own roots, especially Cloth of Gold. "And now I will tell you a little about Comorn. It is a new town close by the sea, and is in a very prosperous condition at present, but things are very dear. We have to give 7s. Gd. for a spade and 5s. 6d. for a three-shilling Ssynor's pruning knife; 2s. Gd. for a pair of gloves worth about Is. at home. Any gar- dener coming out should bring plenty of tools. Furniture and all kinds of hardware are dear ; coals, i.'3 10s. per ton ; butter, 2s. Gd. per lb. ; bacon. Is. 3fZ. ; bread. Is. 4d. ; flour, a 50-lb. bag for Us. Gd., and a two-roomed house is rented at 10s. per week. I mention these few things because they do not do it at homo; it is only the cheap things that they put in the newspapers. But Comorn is about the dearest town in the colonies, as the goods are brought by water and have to be landed in surf boats ; but we had a railway started yesterday, and another going on. — Joseph Baker." KIVEES' PEACHES IN TEXAS. Herb at the Rosedale Nurseries we find all the following kinds of Rivers' Peaches to be very heavy croppers, and feel confident that with timely care and thinning they could be brought to great perfection. With the exception of Early Beatrice they are too soft for shipping. These notes, however, merely apply to what they have done with oturselvea in Central Texas, and cannot be taken as a criterion of what they may do elsewhere, fruits being so variable even in neighbouring com- munities, let alone States. I know Rivers senior and junior, and Sawbridgeworth too, and a better recommendation to a new fruit than "raised by Rivers" I would not wish for; but at the same time, what may be very excellent in the north or in Europe may be ill fitted for Texas, and vice versa. Asa rule, however, nearly all kinds of Peaches do well here ; indeed, Texas is one of the best Peach-growing States in the Union. Early Beatrice is a very beautiful little fruit, suffused all over with red, and when fully ripe the flesh is very melting and juicy. It is an enormous bearer ; indeed it crops much too heavily for the good of the tree or the quality of the fruit, but I believe if early thinning were resorted to (and that we have no time here to do, where so much other work demands our presence) it would be greatly improved in size and quality. The fruit has the rare quality of hanging on the trees for ten days iifter it is fully coloured and marketable, but that is no advantage, as it then treads on Hale's, with us the largest and most saleable Peach of the two. The fruits are firm- fleshed and stand carriage well, and we have never known them to rot on the trees or be attacked with worms. In 1873 it ripened here on May 15th, in 1874 on May 18th, and thifl year, 1875, on May 25th. Early Louise is medium-sized, yellowish, with a red cheek ; it is melting, very juicy, and as sweet as honey. It does not crop nearly so heavily as Early Beatrice, and is too soft for shipping, but as a family Peach it is delicious. It ripens during the last week in May. December SO, I87S. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND OOTTAQE QAEDENER. 579 Early Rivers is one of the most beautifal of early Peaches, large, and of a pale straw colour with a warm rosy cheek — just Bach a fruit as Eve could not resist. Its flesh is melting, juicy, and delicious, and in size and quality it has few if any seasonable superiors as a family Peach, but it is too soft to ship. It ripens at the same time as Early Louise — end of May. Early Victoria before it ripens is one of the dirticst-lookinK little Peaches I know of, but from ten days before up till the time of its maturity it undergoes quite a change, and gets moderately pretty — a rusty white with red cheek. Its quality is honey. Its size is medium, time of ripening early .June, and although a fine family fruit it is too soft for shipping. Stanwick Early York is a pretty little Peach, white, a good deal covered with red. It is a very heavy cropper, but much too small to compete with such sorts as Large Early York, Mountain Rose, and other fine kinds of the same season. It is not nearly so big as Troth's, nor yet so iane-eating as the true Early York, and it is the most wormy little Peach I know ©f. It drops badly in dry weather. Rivers' Early York is not much unlike Stanwick Early York in size, colour, or quality, but it is not nearly so bad with worms, and if anything it is a trifle earlier, this sort being quite gone whilst a good third of the preceding still hang on the trees. Both ripen about the third week in June. Prince of Wales is a beautiful creamy-coloured fruit highly coloured with red, from medium to large in size, of excellent quality, and ripens about the end of July and 1st of August. It is a great cropper, and with a little care in thinning it would be a first-class family Peach. Owing to last summer's extreme drought more than half the crop fell ; but it was not alone in that, as many standard kinds, as Wilson's Early, Druid Hill, Stump the World, and Ward's Late were equally faulty. — W. Falconkb, Brenham, Texas. — (American Gardener's Monthly.) NEW BOOKS. Elementary Lessons on Botanical Geography. By J. G. Baker, F.L.S. London : Lovell Reeve & Co. Botanical GiooEAi'nY is a subject which is rarely presented to gardeners in a popular form. The treatises which have hitherto been written on the subject are expensive and elabo- rate, or have been incorporated with botanical works which are at once philosophical and expensive. In the little volume which has recently been published by Mr. J. U. Baker we have the subject presented to us in clear and simple language, which makes it easily intelligible to those who would be bewildered if it were treated in conjunction with physics and biology. We give as our illustration an extract from the chapter " On the Manner in which Heat Influences the Distribution of Plants : "■ — '* The influence of temperature upon the distribution of any plant depends largely upon its season of vegetative activity. Annuals, which run their course from the seed stage to leafing and flowering, and back to the seed stage, in a period varying in length from two to six months, can only be affected by the temperature of that portion of the year during which they are growing. Biennials have to last through the winter, and often concentrate their energies for a large proportion of their exist- ence in storing up materials in their rootstocks, and spring up into flower and seed in a short time when warm weather comes, at the expense of tissue previously elaborated. Trees and shrubs have usually a well-marked time of flowering and fruit- ing once a year, and it is the same with a great many perennial and annual herbs, but the season with different species is very different. Eranthis hyemalis, and the Snowdrop and spring Crocuses, push out their flowers and leaves as soon as the snow melts. Hawthorn and Blackthorn, and out common fruit trees, push out their flowers in April and May, before the leaves are developed or perfected. The flowering of Ragwort and St. John's Wort takes place long after the leaves appear, and marks that the summer equinox is past, and the days are beginning to shorten. Colchicum autumuale produces its flowers regularly in August, but its leaves not until the following spring; while Asters and Chrysanthemums flower regularly at Michaelmas ; and Holly and Ivy, and Aucnba, and Cherry-Laurel, are in full leaf all winter ; and Lamium album, Poa annua and Capsella bursa-pastoris, may be seen during any month of the twelve in fiimultaneoua leaf and flower. So that the time of tho year at which different plants are at all sensitive, and especially sensi- tive to temperature, varies extremely. " It is evident that, in the first place, plants need very different degrees of temperature to start them into life. The seeds of many of the Microtherms, and even of plants of our middle latitudes, will germinate at a temperature of little over 32°. Of cool-temperate species, for which the experiment has been care- fully tried, Sinapis alba has been found to germinate at 32' ; Lepidium sativum and Linum usitatissimum at 35' to 30"; Nigella sativa, Iberis amara, Trifolium repens, [and CoUomia coccinea at 11° to 12"; and Wheat, Barleys, and Oats at 44" to 45°. Witb heat added over and above these degrees theitima from the sowing of the seed to its germination is found to be materially shortened. Sinapis alba, which took seventeen days to germinate at 32°, was found by M. Alphonse De CandoUe to take sixteen days at 35° to 3G°, nine days at 37° to 38°, four days at 42', three and a half days at 48°, one and three-quarter days at 51° to 52°. Passing to Mesotherm types, the temperature needed for germination becomes gradually higher. For Maize it is stated to be 43°, and for the Macrotherms at least 50° to 60°, but it may take place at a much higher temperature. Sesamum orientale has been found to germinate in nine days at 51° to 52°, in three days at 62° to 63°, in thirty to thirty-six hours at 68? to 60", in twenty-one to twenty-two hours at 75° to 70°, in twenty- five hours at 82°, and some even in ten and a half hours at a heat of 104S to 105°. " The start once made, it is evident that plants need a certain amount of heat to enable them to flower and fruit, but that, with some species at any rate, it is immaterial, within surprisingly wide limits, whether the heat come gradually or rapidly; and that if the latter, the times of flowering and seeding are accelerated. Nothing shows us better how flexible in this respect a plant may be than the familiar facts about the sowing and harvesting of the common cereal grains. In the north of India Wheat is a common winter crop, to be followed in summer by Maize or Indigo, and is sown, and the harvest gathered, within three months. In Palestine the Barley ripens at the end of March, and the Wheat by the end of April, November feeing the month of ploughing and sowing. In Malta and Sicily they sow at the end of November, and harvest through May. lu the countries round the north side of the Mediterranean basin they sow early in November, and harvest in June. In Central Europe they sow in October, and harvest in July. On the Yorkshire wolds and in the Alpine valleys of Switzerland they have to sow in September, and cannot harvest till the following August ; so that the time that elapses between sowing and ripening may be said to vary between the different parts of the tract in which the common cereal grains are cultivated for the use of man, on a grand scale, from 'JO to 320 days. If too much heat be apphed the embryo refuses to germinate; or if it has germinated already, the leaves, or flowers, or fruit, according to the stage which the plant has reached when the hurtful heat is applied to it, are not developed. " Then, again, it is equally evident that a gradual or sudden access of cold below a certain point— a point which varies with different species — coming when the plant is in a state of vegeta- tive activity, injures or kills it. It may be simply a cold north- east wind in spring, blighting the blossoms of the Apricots, and Apples, and Pears, and whilst destroying the seed for the year, doing no permanent harm to the tree ; or it may be a mild frost at the beginning of winter, cutting off entirely our garden Dahlias, Pelargoniums, and Mesembryanthemums ; or a hard frost in the middle of winter, killing the Eucalypti, Araucarias, Hollies, and Aucubas. " It follows from these familiar facts that some plants are checked from spreading from warmer latitudes towards the poles by the want of plenty of heat in summer to carry them from the seed stage, round the circle of life, to the seed stage again ; and that others, for which the heat of summer is suffi- cient, are cut off by sudden fits of cold that catch them at a time of vegetative activity. It is of no use, it seems to me, attempting to treat this last matter in close detail as a question of figures and thermometric degrees, because the different habits of growth of plants, and the different degrees of the wateriness of their sap, dependant upon the hygrometrio condi- tions of the surrounQing atmosphere and soil, influence it greatly, and their vegetative action passes through so many intermediate stages between the fulness of life in spring and their nearest approach to a dormant condition. But we may safely distinguish broadly between the two great classes of plants which I have indicated, and which I will call the Heat- lovers (Philotherms) and Cold-fearers (Frigoftiges.) Annuals are usually heat-lovers ; trees and bushes, especially ever- greens, are usually cold-fearers ; and it follows, from what has been explained already about the characters of the two kinds of climate, that the cold-fearers can work up further from the equator in insular, and the heat-lovers in continental, cUmates." This is a work which we can commend to the study of all gardeners, whether amateur or professional, as being a clear exposition of laws which materially affect the cultivation of plants. Handy Book of Ornamental Conifers and of Rhododendrons and other American Flowering Shrubs. By Hugh Fbaseb. London : Blackwood & Sons. The work before us is a useful one to lovers of Conifer89 and of what are called "American plants" — two families of 580 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTXJRE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ December 33, 1875. the vegetable tingdom which contribute perhaps more of ornament to onr shmbberies and gardens than any other. Mr. Fraser's great experience as a nurserrman in one of the largest, if not the largest, nnrseries of Scotland, enables him to write and speak with authority on such a subject, and in this handy boot he certainly communicates without any reserve an amount of information which is useful and instruc- tive. As a manual to planters it will be of great service, and as a book of reference to gardeners and nnrserymen it ought to find a place in every establishment. All the information respecting the subjects upon which the book professed to treat is exhaustive. 'We could only wish that Mr. Fraser had given na the characteristic distinction of the difierent species of the Conifers, which would have made the work complete. We know of no handy book which gives us this information — to distinguish, for instance, the essential characters of the different species of Capressus, which are in some cases very puzzling. A few synonyms would also be a great help if added to the difierent specific names. But even without these Mr. Fraser has given ua a very useful book. PLANT PEOTECTOE. As lunal at this time of the year we have numerous appli- caiionB for advice how to protect plants — applications which prizes at these cxhibitionB is £2500, the prize money on all occasions to be paid on the first day of the Show. To further add to the attractions Mr. W. W. Eobertson, the Manager, has purchased the Cmikshank Art Collection, which will be arranged under the personal superintendence of Mr. George Cruikshank, and will be exhibited in the Art Galleries of the Society at the close of the first annual Fine Art Exhibition. Over two thou- sand paintings have already been sent in, and the Exhibition promises to be one of unusual excellence and interest. We recently noticed the increasing employment of Sea- weed as a manure, and one nurseryman told us that " it made the things healthy;'' and he wrapped Seaweed round the broken part of an Apple-tree branch before he tied splints on each side of the fracture. It has been found similarly Uceful to mankind. Pliny tells of a man who fell from a tree and broke many of his bones. He was merely kept enveloped in Seaweed, and eventually recovered. The people of Provence apply Seaweed to contusions. Following these hints the great reviver of sea-bathing in Europe, Eussell, satisfied himself that " Katnre herself supplies us with the best medi cine for dissolving tumours in the Quercus marina or Sea Wrack at one season of the year, for in July this plant bears certain vesicles or pods that contain a slippery and soapy juice. These vesicles are to be squeezed in the hands and the tumour rubbed with them till it imbibes this soapy liquor; and, lastly. rig. 11?. ghould have been made before the winter arrived. To those who are willing to obtain a protector ready made we recom- mend attention to the following. It is manufactured by Messrs. Messenger & Co., and they thus speak of it : — " The lights can be opened to any extent for ventOation, or they can be run completely under the light on the opposite side, and that it is held open perfectly secure by iron pins, leaving the gardener's hands free for working, as shown on the illustration. It is made either with the sides a of three- quarter-inch slate or 1-inch wood, or it is set on brickwork. It is adapted for protecting plants, or for forcing as a ground vinery, or for growing early vegetables and salads. Any length can be added at future time.'' A gardener who has used protectors of this nature speaks of them as being invaluable aids in any garden large or small. He has used them for bedding plants, French Beans, Violets, etc., and as shelters for many tender crops in winter and spring. In the summer and autumn they gave an abundant supply of Cucumbers, and for growing collections of plants, as Pelargoniums, Primulas, Cinerarias, Poinsettias, &:., he found them of the greatest value. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. 'We are glad to be able to announce that a farther sum of £100 consols has been purchased in the names of the trustees for the Gardeners' Boyal Benevolent Institution, and that the amount now standing in their names is £10,700. As advertised in our columns, the Eoyal Aquarium Summer and Winter Gardens Society propose holding a series of Geasd Flowze ask FEtrrr Shows on the following dates — April 12th and 13th, Forced Bhododendrons, Azaleas, &e. ; ^y 10th and 11th, P.oses in pots. Azaleas, Palms, and Table Decorative Plants ; May 30th and Slst, Grand Exhibition of Plants and Fruit ; July 5th and Cth, Great Bose Show and Dinner- table Decorations ; and October 1th and 5th, Great Fruit and Chrysanthemum Show. The amount offered in it muft be washed with sea water, and dried perfectly cleai}. This disperses all hardnesses." This is a curious anticipation of the more recent employment of iodine. Acting on this principle, Foubert has found poultices and such applications of Fueus vesiculosus useful in scrofulous sores ; and baths have of late years been prepared containing more or less of the mucus or slime of Seaweed, and are to be had at both French and English bathing establishments ; for instance, at Margate and at Bamsgate, where they are known under the name of ozone baths. We commend to our readers " The Agbiccltueai, Holdings Act, with Notes and Necessary Forms for the use of Landlords and Tenants. By H. Winch, Barrister-at-law." It is only a shilling pamphlet, and might save many pounds to those who are proprietors or occupiers of land. We will make one extract. " clauses of the act. '• CoTuen' of Landlord for firtt cJois. — 10. The tenant shall not be entitled to compensation in respect of an impiorement of the firEt cla63, onlegd be haa executed it with the previous consent in wnting of the landlord. ^TenantstitU to compeiuation. — 5. Where after the conunencement cf thia Act, a tenant execotea on bis holding an improTement comprised in the following : — "ItESi Class. Drainage of land. Erection or enlargement of boildings, i Laymg down of permanent pastore, ' Making and planting of Osier beds. Making of water meadows or works of I irrigation, Making of gardens. Making or imprOTing of roads or bridges. Making orimproriiigof wuteroooisee ponds, wells, or reeerroixs, or of works for snpplj of water for agri. cnltnral or domestic porpoflee, Making of fences. Planting of Hops, Planting of orcliards, Bedaiming of waste land, "Warping of land. be shall be entitled, Bnbject to the provisions of this Act, to obtain on the determination of the tenancy compensation in respect of the improve* ment." OLD TEEES. What various thoughts are called forth in contemplating old trees ! What storms they have outlived, what events they Decembor 30, 1875. J JOUfiNAIi OP aORTIOULTOBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 58i have witnaased, what shelter they have afforded, what benefits they have conferred ! Some are rich in historical associations, others do duty as territorial landmarks ; some are memorials of stirring events, others are monuments of some famed ances- tor. Let us, then, cherish them as old friends, and render to thom that honour which is their due. Old trees have been honoured in all ages, but the gnarled Oaks, the scraggy Thorns, and the ancestral fruit trees are now more cherished than they were. Thoy are banded and propped, supported and sustained. The good they have done is appreciated, and their usefulness even now in suggesting wholesome thoughts and healthy contemplations is recognised. It is pleasant to see these old trees — old friends — regarded, as old friends should be, with respect. There is something in an old friend that one clings to with a confidence which wo feel will not be misplaced. We like to nurture the young, and we admiro the vigour of perfected manhood, or treehood ; but in both tree and man we learn to lean on the stabihty of those which have proved their stableness. I am not yet old, but old enough to have experienced the flatterings of new friends who have failed me, and new trees from which I had hoped for more than I have obtained. I have destroyed the old for the sake of the new and have regretted it. I have changed and " changed back again," and found old friends which had " changed not ;" but the old trees I have destroyed I can never restore. But I have new friends also and new trees, generous and genuine friends, who would rather sacrifice my friendship than deprive me of that which I had enjoyed prior to theirs. That is noble friendship, and I prize it as I do my new trees which flourish by the sido of their foster parents. I have other " friends," who have forced their friendship on me and sought to alienate me from the old, and thus have shown the cloven foot of selfishness, and have won — my pity; as I have other trees which have been fair to look upon, which have been full of promise — trees which have put forth a great show of bloom and vigour, but on testing their fruit — proving them — I have found them " not true to name." Thus by experience and disappointment I have been taught a lesson which others may with advantage learn also, and that is not to presumptuously abandon old friends or lightly sacrifice old trees. I am not a kid-gloved sentimentalist, but am one of " the craft," plain and practical — one who can work hard and speak plain ; of which I may give as an instance that I have wheeled muck until my hands became as hard as the barrow handles, pruned until my fingers were frozen into chilblains, and up- rooted trees until my shirt was wet on my back. Having presented my credentials I will now be practical and state my reasons for saying a word on behalf of old trees : my other old friends can take care of themselves. When I was a very young gardener I made a mistake. Many young gar- deners do ; they think they are making improvements, but in reality they ought to be written " mistakes." They have either planted the wrong sorts of trees or planted them in the wrong places, or, what is quite as likely, have (or would if power had been given) taken away trees which ought not to have been removed. It should never be forgotten that in the removal of trees it is possible to undo thn work of a hundred years in as many minutes. Much consideration should therefore be given before the work of uprooting commences. The destruction should not be decided in a day— hardly in a season, and that season winter ; but the trees and their surroundings should especially be examined in the summer months, and the verdict con- demning them be given when the trees are in their fullest beauty. By that practice errors in removal are greatly reduced. It is dangerous to decide quickly on destroying trees at a season when the trees are divested of their beauty. The cast- ing of their foliage, and the consequent untidiness following, must have no weight and voice in the decision ; yet it is to be feared that it is often the most powerful argument — the casting vote— in the question of their removal. It is more than twenty years since I was first installed (perhaps prematurely) in the position of head gardener. I had wearily longed for that time — the prospective " grassy Lumou " — of impatient journeymen, who seldom find it, how- ever, to be the bed of Eoses of their anticipations. I was full of energy, and possessed, at least in my own estimation, taste and competency. I must make a mark, and was ever ringing the changes on " alterations and improvements." It was autumn, and the seasonable deshahillc of falling leaves inter- fered with my sense of trimnesa and propriety. I envied those who had as garden ornaments none but evergreens, and I urged the removal of the old deciduous trees. My employer urged the mistake, but the lady voted with me, and of course we conquered. The trees were removed — what a blank ! Bat it would never do to own that it was not the exact effect fore- seen and desired. The evergreens were planted, and everything done to ensure their suooess. They did succeed, and are fine now. After ten years of the best labour I could give, and a farther absence of a like term, I visited the " old place." My " old master" gave me an unusual welcome by compelling me to dine at his family table in words that I am not likely to forget in consequence of their pleasantness and also their bitter sting. "You served me well," said he, "and successfully, and I treat you as I treat all good servants. The shrubs which you planted are all that I can desire of them, but I would give you a thousand pounds to bring me back my old trees." It is quite clear now that my youthful improvement was in reality a mistake. I have reason therefore by that as well aa other instances which I can adduce to say, Do not lightly sacrifice old trees or lightly value old friends. I have also made mistakes when essaying improvements in dealing with old fruit trees, and seen similar mistakes made by others. These I will quote on a future occasion as a warn- ing to those of advanced proclivities — a check to high-pressure energies. I never now hastily destroy a tree. My first thought is renovation, my last destruction. There is a wonderful store of energy in an old tree as there is a fund of information and refreshing pleasantry in an old friend. Let us use them, and they will yet yield us profit. But are we never to destroy '! Yes, but destroy only to replace. — E.u)iciL Conservative. THE OLD MARKET GARDENS akd NURSERIES OF LONDON.— No. 7. It may be as well to remind the reader of the peculiar posi- tion which some of the market gardens of London occupied (I do not mean topographically, but with regard to the vending of the vegetables and fruit they produced) say a century and a half or two centuries ago. Greengrocers as we know them now did not then exist, London citizens procured their vegetables in one or two markets, or else from chance dealers in the streets, the early costermongers. Sometimes they chose to obtain garden produce for themselves direct from the grounds, and also to eat it on the spot ; so that sundry of the market gardens were also at first pleasure gardens, until by degrees most of the land given to the culture of vegetables was devoted to recreative purposes, and the market gardens removed farther a-field, where there was more space at command and an atmo- sphere less defiled with smoke. That part of Surrey skirting the Thames which we call the district of Lambeth proper is not at present a particularly attractive spot ; there is this con- nection, however, between the past and the present, that the place is stiU humid, and having a soil of pale clay it is likely to remain so. Etymologists, indeed, hint that the name itself is expressive of dirt or mire, coming from lam, and lujd or hytlie, equivalent, therefore, to the " Dirt Haven," though Dr. Ducarel, the friend of Tradeseant the gardener of Stuart times and a resident in Lambeth, will not have it, and insists that the lam should be lamb. But no good explanation of that name can be given, for it does not appear to have been pasture ground. If we look back to Lambeth in the days when the early botanists found such plants as Anchusa sempervirena and Epilobium roseum growing there we see it intersected by many little paths, which are shaded with Willows, and along which stroll parties of Londoners on summer evenings ; while on several patches of ground, which are slightly elevated (since much of Lambeth is so marshy that it is overflowed by a tide rather higher than usual), vegetables are cultivated for the market. The cost of carriage is not an important item, the produce being boated across the Thames, and usually landed at what was called " Strand Bridge," properly a pier, above which there was swung a bridge crossing the lane leading from the landing-place into the Strand. The " 'Sparagus Garden " at Lambeth forms a subject of comment in an old play, thus letting us know incidentally that this plant was cultivated there with success, and it would seem the Londoners were par- ' ticularly fond of this vegetable. 582 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. December SO, 1875. Vine Street, Lambeth, is not only of iutereBt to the anti- quarian as denoting the locality of a very ancient roadway, it is also notable becanse it is said by an old tradition of the neighbourhood to have had vineyards along it a few centuries back. A writer on the history of Surrey, when mentioning this circumstance, takes ocoaBion to say that our forefathers cultivated Vines more for shade and ornament than use, be- cause it was not likely they had Grapes when the climate was more moist and variable than at present. I venture to differ from him. Possibly unlike the fox in the familiar fable, people in the olden time had no objection to sour Grapes, but I do not think they would have grown Vines without obtaining a return of fruit ; and we read in various authors about the manufacture of wine from English (rrapes. Nor is the state- ment about the English climate quite correct. Could it ever have been more variable ? I fancy not, and there is evidence tending to show that the summers were longer and hotter. Passing by the Apollo Gardens, Lambeth, and the Mount Gardens, both of dubious history, I should next notice Cuper's Gardens ; because, though afterwards the spot became a notori- ous place of public entertainment, in the first instance there really was a garden in the charge of one Boydell Cuper, who was a dependant of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, whose fame is prolonged by the Arundelian marbles. These gardens were nearly opposite Somerset House, and as Aubrey speaks of the line walks there were in his time, it is supposable that the earl planted the ground with some care and taste, though it is not probable he put in many exotics. Subsequently the estate came into the hands of one of the Oxford colleges, but the gardener of the late earl, by some means or other, became tenant, and removed here sundry fragments of Greek and Roman marbles he had obtained, turning it into a popular resort, which, by accident or joke, was often called Cupid's Gardens, and finally closed in 1753. Before leaving this part of Lambeth it should be remembered that some of the Archbishops of Canterbury took much pleasure in plant or tree culture, and visitors from other countries occasionally sought permission to view the nursery and kitchen gardens attached to the palace. Two venerable Fig trees, presumed to have been planted by Cardinal Pole, were objects of special remark until they succumbed with old age. Scions, however, taken from them were flourishing not many years ago, and are probably living still. Archbishop CornwaUis seems to have been one of those rather partial to gardening in the eighteenth century. Oldys, in his casual observations on fruit trees, does not forget to expatiate on the splendid Mulberry trees he saw in July, 1753, in the gardens of Carlisle House, Lambeth Marsh. He computes the shade of one of these as covering 40 yards. It was named after Queen Elizabeth. The monument erected at St. Mary's, Lambeth, to the memory of the Tradescauts has been seen by a great many persons doubtless, yet by few horticulturists I imagine, though men who, as one biographer puts it, " introduced botany to this country," are surely worthy of much honour. The Trades- cants, or as their neighbours called them, the " Tradesldns," by a slight distortion, were of Flemish descent, and arrived in England at some period in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. There must have been something very remarkable about them, for we read that " they travelled art and nature through "^a surprising journey ! Quaint also are these allegorical but un- grammatical lines : — *' These famous aQtiiiuariaus that had been Both ganloners to the Eoee and Lily Queen, Transplanted now thomselves, sleep here, and when Ani^'els BhaU with tlioir trumpets waken men, And tire filial] purge the world, these hence shiiU rise And change this garden to a paradise.'" Is an allusion here made to the churchyard or to the actual garden of the Tradeecants ? That was in South Lambeth ; on the assertion of Peter Cunningham we have it that the Nine Elms Brewery occupies the site, a woeful descent from the beauties of Flora. A house, subsequently called Turrit House, was occupied by Tradesoant the younger, if not by his father before him ; it was situate in the South Lambeth Road. The physic or nursery garden could not have been of any consider- able extent, though Tradescant the younger deemed it worthy of having a printed catalosue of the plants it contained, which was published in 1656. How John Tradescant, sen., acquired this property is uncertain. That he must have been well con- nected is clear from his having the title of gardener (honorary ?) to Charles I. One of the most remarkable achievements attributed to him was his obtaining the Apricot from Algeria at the risk of his life and property as weU, though we have not the exact details. In bis travels he obtained a variety of slips and seeds, and deposited them in his South Lambeth garden, and his son followed his example, visiting America, which does not appear to have been honoured by the presence of the elder Tradescant, despite the assertion about the wide range of his travels. At some date in 174fl the Royal Society paid a formal visit of inspection to this plot of ground, but could not discover more than a dozen or so of trees that they thought themselves justified in attributing to one or other of the Tradescants. And that there should not be lacking the sombre side in the history of this garden, it is stated that when John Tradescant, jun., died in the reign of Charles II., he left to Ellas Ashmole the antiquary his miscellaneona gathering of curiosities, and about these there arose a litigation. This with other unfortunate circumstances so aiJected his widow that she drowned herself in a pond on her premises in 1677 ; and as the epitaph at Lambeth records the previous death of her son, I presume this branch of the Tradescants thus became extinct. In No. 454 of the " Spectator " this curious passage occurs : — " I landed with ten sail of Apricock boats at Strand Bridge, after having put in at Nine Elms, and taken in Melons con- signed to Mr. Cuffe of that place to Sarah Sewell and Company at their staU in Covent Garden." This points to a largish production of Apricots in the early part of last centary, if the incident is not imaginary. As for Mr. Cuffe, we might never have heard of him had he not been embalmed in the pages of the great British essayist. Where he grew Melons at Nine Elms is quite as uncertain as is the identification of the planter of the nine Elms that gave name to the district. Doubtless Melons would succeed well in a locality then quite as watery as Lambeth, and not much better now. Old Vauxhall was not, I believe, ever a market garden, though an antique print shows beside it several strips of laud with growing Cabbages and other vegetables. There were small market gardeners hereabouts when Vauxhall was in the height of its popularity in the days of Tyas, who with all his energy and perseverance had a melancholy way of looking at things, and was decidedly unfortunate in his weather on ffte days. As the tale goes, when some special affair was coming off, one of his horticul- tural neighbours came up to him with a face expressing anxiety, wishing to know if the night was positively fixed. Tyas told him, but as he walked oU called him back to in- quire why he was so earnest about it. "Why?" said the gardener, "Because I mean to choose that day to sow seeds, for it will be sure to rain in the evening." — C. HARDTVICK HALL. THE SEAT OF THE MARQUIS OF HAETINGTON, M.P. At the distance of two miles from the main road leading from Chesterfield to Mansfield stands the celebrated mansion of Hard wick Hall, the seat of the Marquis of Hartington. It is situated on a gentle eminence 594 feet above the level of the sea, in tho midst of a finely wooded and undulating park of 744 acres, in which are many venerable Onke, probably indicating that it once formed a part of the forest of Sherwood. The mansion was built in the reign of Queen EUzabeth by the Countess of Shrewsbury, the third daughter, and after her husband's death the co-heiress, of John Hardwick, Esq., who brought this estate to her second husband Sir William Cavendish, from whom it has descended to the present noble owner. The Hall, which is in every essential part just as the Countess left it, was commenced about the year 157G. It is of striking proportions, the length being 210 feet, the width 100 feet, and the height 98 feet. The windows are so large and numerous as to have given rise to the saying in the neighbourhood — "Hardwick Hall, More glass than wall. And the six towers with which it is crowned are surmounted by open parapets of btone, in which occur the oft-repeated initials " E. S." The flower garden before the west front, immediately opposite the mansion, is surrounded by a wall with quaint ornaments of stone, and is entered from the park by large doors between two picturesque lodges ; and horticulture, like architecture, is made to do homage to the memory of E. S., these initials Decembor 30, IS76. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 583 being preserved in carefully cultiyated verdnre and flowers. A long pavement leads to the great ball, wherein everything is in keeping with the external appearance of the bouse. It is linng with tapestry ; and the dark oak waineoot throws out into relief a fine statue in Maltese stone of Mary Queen of Scots, on the base of which is inscribed — " Mary Queen of Soots, boru 1543. Driven into exile by ber own subjects, 1568. Put to death by her hoateas, 1587." A pair of elk'a horns, fonnd in a bog in Ireland, and branching out to a width of 9 feet, adorn the walls. Ascending a wide stone staircase you enter the chapel, where the chairs and cushions are covered with ancient needlework, and the walls with painted tapestry depicting subjects of Scripture history — viz., the conversion of St. Paul, the punishment of Elymas the Sorcerer, St. Paul pleading before Agrippa, and his ship- wreck at Melita. The dining-room is wainscotted to a considerable height, and hung above with family portraits, among them being the builder of the house and her second husband, and the beauti- ful Duchess of Devonshire, by Sir Joshua Reynolds ; and over the chimney-piece is this inscription : — " The conclusion of all things is to fear God and keep his commandments. — E. S. 1597." The drawing-room is also wainscotted and hung with ancient tapestry representing the story of Esther ajid Abasuerns ; and here are many valuable pictures, especially one of Arabella Stuart, who spent her early days at Hardwick with the Countess of Shrewsbury. On the grand staircaEe leading to the state apartments is some very fine tapestiy, part of which, judging from the costume of the figures, ia probably of a date anterior to 1428, the date of the tapestry Fig. 120.— HAEDmcK hall. in the long gallery. The presence chamber is of fine pro- portions, the walls being partly covered with tapestry which depicts scenes in the history of Ulysses, and with partly plaster ornamentation peculiar to the Elizabethan period. The furniture is of the same period, consisting of cabinets and tables and chairs from the old house, and deserving of particular attention. A door leads out of this room into the library, from the windows of which a charming view is obtained of the ruins of the other house and the western flower garden, and further on is the Queen of Scots' apart- ments, containing a bed, the hangings of which are said to have been worked by the Royal captive. The picture gallery, which is 169 feet long, 122 feet wide, and 26 feet high, is hung with ancient tapestry and covered with portraits of the family of the noble owner, and of many other celebrated characters. Among the most interesting are those of Henry VIII., Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots, Cardinal Pole, Bishop Gardiner, the Countess of Shrewsbury, her husband Sir WiUiam Cavendish, the first Earl of Devonshire, and Thomas Hobbes ; which with many others — as appears from an inventory of the pictures in the poBsession of Lady Shrewsbury — once adorned the walls of the oldur house. A flight of steps made of solid oak leads up to the roof, which is covered with lead, and commands a most extensive and varied view of the beautiful park and surround- ing neighbourhood. Far away towards the west are seen the distant hUls of the Peak of DerbyBhire, and on the eastern side of the house the eye wanders over a richly wooded plain in the counties of Nottingham and Lincoln. At a stone's throw from the present house stands the ruins of the old Hall, in which the Countess of Shrewsbury lived and died, and where the philospher Hobbes breathed his last. Unfortunately a great portion of this building was taken down in the reign of William HI., and desolate are the remains of this once noble pile. The giants' chamber, however, so called from two colossal figures over the chimney-piece, still exists, and is of such beautiful proportions as to have been thought fit for the pattern of a room in the Palace of Blen- heim. Other rooms there are almost entire, having ornamental chimney-pieces, and the windows of which command extensive views of the surrounding country ; but they are fast falling into decay, and the ruins of this magnificent house once occupied by the great and noble of the land are tenanted by the owls and bats, which haunt the Ivy now covering in great luxuriance the walls of its deserted chambers. The park to which we have already referred is remarkable for its fine old Oaks. One we measured, and it had a bole 30 feet in circumference at the height of .5 feet from the ground". During the last few years many improvements have been made by J. G. Oottingham, Esq., agent to the Duke of Devon- S8i JOURNAL OP HORTIGULTOKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 80, 1876. shire and the Marqnia of HartLngton, con8i8ting chiefly of new plantations and groups of trees so judiciously placed as to render the park one of the most picturesque in the county of Derby. Mr. Cottingham has also ever been anxious to promote the comfort and meet the wishes of the numerous visitors to Hardwick, and he has done much for the general benafit of the placo. As soon as the visitor is within the precincts of the western court he at once perceives that everything harmonises with the architectural arrangements of the mansion. A broad herbaceous border runs along the end and down one side of the court, while on the other side is a Yew hedge 8 feet in height, so shaped as to form a continuation of the coping of the wall. The flower beds are cut out in the turf, the letters " E. S." being conspicuous among them. A plan of the flower garden will be given next week, when the reader will have an idea of the style of bedding which prevails at Hardwick, and which is so arranged as to present perfect sheets of the most varied and brilliant colours. The two grand Cedars of Lebanon at each side of the entrance gates were planted forty years ago. Leaving the west garden by a side door the visitor enters an enclosure of eight acres on the souih side of the mansion, which has been laid out in the ancient style by the Lady Louisa C. Egerton. It is divided into four parts by avenues of Yew and Hornbeam hedges running north and south and east and west, the grass walks between them Joeing 20 feet wide and in excellent condition. The first part contains the croquet ground, surrounded by fine evergreens and Conifers, and amongst them will ba found a handsome Cupressus macrocarpa, Wellingtonias from 30 to 10 feet high, fine Silver and Golden variegated Hollies, Austrian Pines, Evergreen Oaks, grand old Yews, and ancient Walnuts, the trunks of which average about 15 feet each in circumference. The second part, which is in close proximity to the house, is a fruit orchard, and Apples, Pears, and Plums are well represented. The third is chiefly taken up with Filberts and other fruit treps ; and the fourth is entirely devoted to vegetables. Mr. E. Wilson is the gardener, and, as might be expected from his training at Chatsworth, is a thoroughly practical man. His skill and taste are evidenced in every part of the gardens at Hardwick, and the visitor will notice in the herbaceous border 200 yards long a collection of plants and flowers which is hardly to be equalled by any other in the United Kingdom. The Hall and grounds at Hardwick are thrown open to the public, who come to them in great numbers during the summer months from Sheffield and other neighbouring towns and villages; and we can hardly picture to ourselves a prettier sight than the one afforded by those who, at other times seldom out of the sound of the rumble of machinery, are now wandering through the quiet groves of Hardwick, or sitting down on the green turf to enjoy the social meal ; and we believe that the privilege thus accorded to the public by the liberality of the noble owuer is gratefully appreciated, and tends not a little to lead multitudes to forget the cares and anxieties of arduous toil in the pleasure they derive from visiting, though for so brief a period, " this scene of other days." NIPPING FROSTS AND TENDER PLANTS. Whatever difference of opinion there may be among the soi- enced as to the way in which frost acts injuriously on plants, there is none whatever among practical men as to its dis- organising and destructive agency. It does not matter to him whether disorganisation and death are brought about by rupture of the cells, consequent on the congelation of the enclosed fluids, or rather, as some think, by the congelation of that which permeates the intercellular spaces ; the prac- tical fact is all the same. The winter brings its nipping frost, and susceptible subjects, if unoarod for, are caught and either killed outright or maimed. No one ought to cherish the advice of the gentle Mantuan more kindly and pray for mild winters than the gardener; for the fine talk with regard to " season- able weather," the snow taking away the cold, purifying the air, and all that — severe winters, such as we just have had a sharp inkling of, are unquestionably notorious for running up the death-rate both of men and plants. In both cases this may unquestionably be largely modified by means of pre- cautionary and remedial measures, if judiciously availed of. To some of these, as regards plant life, we now purpose to allude, with a view to throw out a few useful hints, as also to anticipate the inquiries of correspondents. With regard to preventive measures, there is none more im- portant than, in the first instance, trying by all means to secure, as much as may be, firmness and ripeness of newly- formed growths previous to the resting or winter period. Next, it is of importance that, in the absence of demand, the supply of moisture at the roots should be greatly reduced, and the soil kept on the side of dryness rather than otherwise — just moist, neither wet nor saturated. Having the foliage of house plants dry when frost is anticipated, and keeping it so during its continuance, is a point not to be lost sight of. Sur- facing over the soil with dry moss or other light material, or placing the pots in which the plants are growing within others of a size or two larger, so as to retain a stratum of air between, are aids not to be despised. With regard to external mea- sures for protection, it should be borne in mind that the great point is to prevent radiation, and the glass, that universal plant protector, is one of the most efficient of radiators. This being the case, it will be well to bear in mind that if, with a view to guard against the effects of frosts, recourse is had to external covering of glazed structures, such covering should not be of a kind or so placed as to be a most efficient conductor of heat instead of preventing its radiation. Therefore such coverings, if of matting or textile fabrics, should always be so arranged as to keep them from actual contact with the glass, and allow of an inch or so stratum of air between them and the glass, which stratum of air will be as a warm blanket and most potent protecting agent. It is in this way that double- glazed houses are so efficient in reducing risk to plants and lessening the consumption of coal. Where other and ex- temporised coverings are availed of, they should be always such as will not lie closely or solidly, but rest elastic and lightly on the glass, with air filling their every interspace, such as dry hay or straw, dry leaves, moss, or fern. It will bo well to bear in mind that vegetable tissues may be actually frozen and yet come again aU right, provided a rapid thaw is guarded against, and the normal condition allowed gradually to come about. We have a familiar instance of this in the case of pitted Potatoes. It after frost sufficiently severe to reach them, the pit be opened and the tubers suddenly exposed, they are done for. If, on the other hand, the pit be allowed to remain intact and not disturbed for some time, no harm is done, and the tubers come out in good condition. This will explain why it is autumn-planted Potatoes come safely through, and that we so often see among corn succeeding Potatoes fine healthy plants^of the latter growing from tubers which chanced to remain in the ground with perhaps very little, or scarcely any, depth of soil to protect them from frost. Here we have a lesson never to expose frozen plants suddenly to artificial heat, sun- shine, or light. When the action of frost on soft, succulent, free-growing plants, such as Cinerarias, Calceolarias, and the like is inconsiderable, and there is no disorganisation of the tissues, placing them in shade and syringing with cold water are familiar and successful agents in restoring froat-bitten subjects. Fearing that we may not have yet seen the worst of the present winter, and that sharp frosts and anxious hours are yet before us, we have thought it not unseasonable to throw out these few hints with regard to preventing or modifying the injurious effects of the plantsman's dread — the nipping frost. — {Irish Farmers' Gazette.) NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING. Camellias. — One of the most sought-for flowers at this season of the year is the Camellia. For the decoration of the green- house it is a gem, and those who attend balls and other parties so prevalent at this time are not willing to go without a flower if it can be obtained. Many an amateur will grow a Camellia where he might grow other plants with less trouble and more certainty of plenty of bloom. The fact is that the plant is esti- mated by many to be able to take care of itself, being supposed to be of that hardy nature as to be sure to flower when the time comes round. This is wrong, for the Camelha needs as much attention as any other plant. There are seasons when it will apparently do without the attention that other plants require, but it is only when the preUminary treatment has been good. The Camellia is a plant which ought to have a good founda- tion laid at the beginning, whether it be grown in a pot or tub, or planted out. For pot-culture the one-shift system is the best, which obviates repotting every year ; but for this system effectual drainage must be provided and good soil. The latter might consist of rich loam of a turfy nature, and sufficient sand to make it open; this will last a long time and support the plant well. I have often thought that the best way of growing December SO, 1876. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTrAGE GARDENER, 585 Camellias is by planting them out ; they are not very vigorous- rooting plants, and they are better let alone after being properly placed; and it is astonishing what a small place a plant requires in regard to rooting space, but it must be abundantly supplied with water — in fact, if the plants are rooting well they can scarcely have too much iu the ordinary way of watering. It is not often that a plant in vigorous health casts its buds — a cir- cumstance so prevalent about here this season. The plan of turning the plants outdoors after the growth is made is a matter that needs more care and attention than is nsnally given. Wherever they are placed the pots ought to be plunged or protected from the sun in some way. The roots being so fleshy and so fond of moisture, any neglect in water- ing with a fierce sun playing upon the pots does more injury than many people imagine, and it is these sort of checks with an irregular course of treatment that causes the buds to drop. Camellias are plants that require a very even temperature, and at no time require much heat ; but during the time they are making their growth — that is, after the bloom is over, they require most, and not at that time more than (J0°. They like moisture overhead at most times, and especially when making new growths. After the growth is made particular care is neces- Bary that the plants are not turned outdoors too soon, for this is a most dangerous time, as the sudden transition from the even temperature of the house to the variable temperature outdoors, perhaps one hour cold and the other warm, does an amount of mischief which cannot be remedied at no time during the season, and is one of the principal causes of the Camellia falling into bad health, and when that is so these are among the most dilHctUt of plants to bring round. — Thomas Record. DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOEK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. KITCHEN G.IRDEN. We have been digging vacant ground and borders for early Peas and Potatoes. The borders for Peas ought to have been dug in October or early in November; for it does not give the Peas the best chance to flourish if sown in a week or so after the ground has been dag, unless it should be dry, which is not the case this season. When the ground is wet at the time of drawing the drills there is usually some dry material that has been turned out of the potting- shed, or, what is better, the sur- face soil from inside Vine borders that has been removed to allow of fresh dressing; this is used to fill up the drill instead of the wet surface soil of the border. The Peas are sown in drills across the border 3 feet apart, and we sow thicker at this season than we do later, when the seed is not so liable to acci- dents. Should the weather continue favourable the Peas will be sown before this is in the hands of the printers. It is neces- sary to tread as little upon the ground as possible when it is wet. Rather than tread upon the ground we have a few boards laid down to tread upon when drawing the drills. There is some difference of opinion about manuring the ground for Peas. There are some who grow fields of Peas in this neighbourhood for market purposes, and they seldom apply manure for Peas, but they are usually sown on ground that has been heavily manured for the previous crop. Our ground is always manured for the first crop, and we prefer to trench the mantire in. If this is not done it is dug-in deeply. The varieties that are sown now for the earliest crops never grow too much straw. We shall trust entirely to the two early varieties of Mr. Laxton's— William I. and Alpha; they are both blue Peas, the latter is a trifle later than the other, and is a wrinkled Marrow. With the above will be sown a few rows of Dr. Hogg for comparison. It was tried last year with the later crops, and our impression is that this is the best Pea that Mr. Laxton has yet sent out to the public. We shall also place single layers of the carl;/ Potatoes in shallow boxes in the course of a few days, just covering the tubers with cocoa-nut fibre refuse. They are now lying in a dry loft and are sprouting. If they were left where they are for a month or six weeks the sprouts would be drawn-up weakly, and would have to be removed at the time of planting. We shall place the boxes in the cool orchard house as near tho glass as possible ; the tubers will in such a position sprout more Blowly, and will be strong plants at the time they can be trans- ferred to the border. Those who can command glass lights or any of the numerous glass protectors are fortunate, and ought to use them for their early Peas and Potatoes on the wall borders. Cauliflower plants under handlights are doing very well this season. The lights are removed every day while the weather continues mild. Of course the plants are kept clean, and slu^s are destroyed if there is any trace of them on the plants. We have other plants under glass frames which will be planted out early in March if the weather is favourable. In a cottager's garden close to us may be seen a healthy lot of Cauliflower plants, and the owner of them seldom fails to have Cauliflowers in almost as early as we do, and at that time the heads com- mand a good price in the market. He has no glass, but pnta his plants out under the shelter of a low bank facing south. He has some short litter at hand to throw over them in severe frost. The worst enemy to them seemed to be the slags, to which the old bank and litter affords shelter. Sow Mustard and Cress in boxes, to be placed in vineries or anywhere where there is a little heat. PINE HOUSES. It does not seem to be universally believed that to grow Pinea successfully there ought to be three compartments which can be heated separately. We know a gentleman who thought that in one house Vines and Pines, Cucumbers and Melons, could be tolerably well grown. It would be possible for such a miscel- laneous collection to exist together, but none of them would give satisfaction, and those who wish to grow Pines well must have three houses — the fruiting house for established plants, which ought to be the largest ; next to it in size should be the succession house for intermediate plants ; and a smaller house or lean-to pit for crowns and suckers. The suckers which were potted early in September last year are still at rest, and will not be started for two or three weeks. The lean-to pit cannot be heated above 50' in cold weather, but we can command 55" except in very severe frost. The other houses are also at rest, and the temperature is from 55° to 60'; at night, or it may be 1)5° when the weather is mild. The higher temperature will not unduly excite the plants if the hot-water pipes are only moderately warm. A number of fruits in the fruiting house are swelling nicely with a low night temperature, say 55" to 60". Smooth-leaved Cayennes that have thrown up early in December have not been ripe until the following June, but the fruit has been of good quality, and has carried off first prizes at the London shows in that month. The temperature of the tan beds is about 80" or 85". CUCUMBER HOUSE. The occupants of this structure will not continue in health if considerable care is not taken both iu ventilating the house and in applying the proper amount of heat and atmospheric mois- ture. Fresh air must be admitted every day by opening the top ventilators a little, unless the weather is unusually severe. Oar houEe is kept at G5? at night, with an increase of from 5" to 10° by day. Then as to atmospheric moisture, one cannot give in- structions about this unless the heating power of the pipes is taken into account. If it is necessary to heat the pipes very much to raise the required temperature, then it will be necessary to sprinkle water about very frequently ; when it is not necessary to heat the apparatus so much, less moisture in the atmosphere will be required. The growths ought not to be allowed to become crowded. PEACH HOUSE. It is now a good time to start the early Peach house. 0! course the trees have been pruned and the branches trained to the wires. The inside borders should have a thorough watering. In previous numbers it has been stated that the Peach-house border should not be allowed to become dust-dry. The night temperature should not be above 50" from artificial heat ; 15° will be high enough at first. The trees in later houses that have not yet received any attention should be pruned ; in doing so save the moderately strong wood, cutting out entirely the moafc vigorous shoots. All the young wood that is furnished with single blossom buds will have a leaf bud at the end ; such must not be cut back unless there should be a triple bud on the shoot, the centre one of which ia sure to be a leaf bud, which will form a leader to the branch for next year. PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES. There is now a goodly display of flowering plants to be obtained in the stove, although many that were in flower a mouth ago are still iu beauty. The different varieties of Epiphyllum are very showy and most distinct in character. Small plants struck from cuttings, and potted in 60-sized pots, are arranged on the outer edge of the stages, and very pretty they are with the richly- coloured flowers clustering on the pendant growths which hang over the sides of the pots. Standards 1, 2, or 3 feet high are very effective when placed with the stems rising through an undergrowth of the dwarfer species of exotic Ferns. A very useful old plant which we also have in plenty at this season ia the Thyrsacanthus rutilans. It is very easily grown from cuttings, which make large flowering plants the first season. The pendant panicles of red flowers have a very novel effect. Very useful both for decorative purposes and for cut flowers is the Euphorbia jacquinifcflora. It has also the merit of being easily cultivated, and forms nice flowering plants in the winter from cuttings of the previous spring. Eranthemum pulchellum is also a very beautiful and distinct stove plant; its intense blue flowers are closely arranged on short terminal spikes, and are abundantly produced. It is one of the easiest cultivated plants we have, and strikes freely from cuttings. We fumigate the houses frequently to destroy thrips. The plants at this season will not be injured by as much smoke as will kill the insects. Washing with strong soapy water is re- commended to kill thrips. It will do this if the insect can be 586 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTtJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 80, 1876. touched with the water ; bat this cannot always be done, and we know that frequent fumigations at this season will destroy the pest. Mealy bug is equally troublesome ; tobacco smoke does not annoy it much. The only sure way to rid the house of it is to watch the plants every day or two, and destroy every iusect that can be found, either by washing, or if the plants are not much infested with it, the bug may be picked-oS by hand. FLO'WER GARDEN. Since the snow with the accompanying frosts have disappeared, the ground has been so wet that it has not been possible to wheel barrows over the walks or to tread on borders with the feet. As soon as the surface is a little hardened by frost the Roses will be mulched with rotted manure. The lawn is swept and rolled about once a week or ten days. The grass has a roujih uneven appearance in winter when this is not done. It should neither be rolled nor swept during frosty weather. If a roller is passed over grass when it is crisp with frost the blades of the grass are broken, and when the thaw comes the decaying grass is very unsightly. Bedding plants are looked over occasionally, and all decay- ing leaves picked otf. Zonal Pelargoniums of the tricolor and variegated section were potted-off in September and October. The more hardy green-leaved sorts will now be potted as soon aa possible. Auriculas are looked over about once a week ; the leaves are decaying rapidly, and have frequently to be re- moved. They cause mould and decay in the stems sometimes if their removal ia neglected. Carnations and Picotees in frames are remarkably strong and healthy this year. The lights are removed entirely on fine days, and they require but little water at the roots. Pinks have to be pressed into the ground aiter frost, by applying the lingers of each hand round the roots. — J. Douglas. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Secretaries will oblige us by informing us of the dates on which exhibitions are to be held. Westminster Aquarium. April 12th and 13tb, May 10th and 11th, May 30th and 31st, July 5th and 6th, October 4th and 5th. Maidstone (Roses). June 21st. Mr. Hubert Bensted, Eockstow, Maid- stone, Sec. Spalding. June 21st. Mr. G. Kingston, Sec. SouTHPORT. July 6th, 7th, and 8th. Mr. E. Martin, Sec. Helensburgh (Roses). July 12th and 13th. Mr. J. Mitchell, Sec. Dundee (International). September 7th, 8th, and 9th. Mr. W. E. McKelvie, 26, Euclid Crescent, Sec. TEADE CATALOGUES EECEIVED. James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea. — Catalogue of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds, Implernents, d-c. Sutton & Sons, Reading. — Illustrated Amateur^s Guide and Sj)ring Catalogue. James Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London.— Illustrated Vade Mecum and General Seed Catalogue. William Paul & Son, Waltham CroBB, London, N.— General Seed Catalogue. James Vick, Dorchester, N.Y. — Illustrated Floral Guide and General Seed Catalogue. Dicksons & Co., 1, Waterloo Place, 'EdmhuTgh.—Descri/ptive List of Gladioli. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *^* AH correspondence should be directed either to "The Editors," or to *' The Publieher." Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid- ably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un- justifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub- jects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Books (A. W.). — " Keane's In-door Gardening "' may be had from our ofiQce if you encloBe twenty postage stamps and address. American Blioht (S. S.).— The Rev. Mr. Eadelyffe states :— " The qnantity of salt is not of particular congtquence; a couple of double hamUuls in a stable bucket of fresh slaked limewash would be Bufficient. I believe the lime without the salt would destroy the blight. Lichens or moss on the trees greatly favours the blight and also stops-uji the stomata of the skin. Lime-and-falt wash will destroy them aLd cleanse the trees." Oyster Shells (IK., AV;i«f»(7/tm).— Whether calcined or bruised they must be prepared at home. In a furnace they are easily burned, and inachemist'a large iron mortar they are easily pounded. Continuous Cropping (Jtf. A. U. B. L.),— Lettuce sown in March or early in April would be off early in July ; but as that is too late for sowing Veilch's Petlection Pea, you may at the early part of June remove every fourth row of Lettuce, they being in rows a foot apart, and sow the Peas in the place of the Lettuce. The Peas will be ready in September, and may be cleared off by the first or second week iu October, when you could plant Lettuce to stand the winter in the ground after the Peas, the Lettuce being sown the third week in August. Lettuce and Eadish may be followed by Celery, but the Celery would not be off in time to be again followed by Lettuce. Cabbage planted after the Lettuce and Radish would be off at the end of September or early iu October, and might be followed by Lettuce transplanted. The befit summer Lettuce is Paris White Cos; Hick's Hardy White Cos is also excellent. Annuals for Cut Flowers {Idem). — ^Ageratum Imperial Dwarf, Chry- eanthemum carinatum IJunnettii flore-pleno,C. carinatum Dunnettii, double golden; Centaurea cyanus major, 'Delphiniuius French hybrids (if sown early tbey will flower the same season though they are perennials); Heli- chryenm monsfrosum varieties, pnrticularly useful for dried flowers for winter bouquets; Leptosiphon dcnsiflorus albus. Mignonette Large-flowered pyramidal, Sweet Pea in various colours, Scabious dwarf, Sweet Sultan, purple, white, and yellow; ^Ten-week Stocks, *Pbloi l>rummondii vars., *Aster Dwarf Bouquet. Those marked with an asterisk require to be sown in a hotbed in March, and the plants pricked off an inch apart in pans or boxes when large enough to handle, and grown-on in gentle heat, hardening well off and planting out in May. Piping Required for Warm Stove ['Nut., Heading). — One-foot run of 4-inch ])ipe, or 1-Ioot superficial of heated surface, is not suflicient tu heat and maintain 15 cubic feet of air to a stove temperature; 2 feet should be the minimum of piping to heat to a warm stove temperature 15 cubic feet of air, and with double glazing this amount of piping will be sufficient, as the temperature will be less liable to cool than is the case with single glazing. It is a great mistake to restrict the piping, for when that is the case the heated surface requires to be kept at a high temperature, and the furnace to maintain it needs to have in it a fire in a high state of combustion, and the greater the fire the greater will be the velocity of the heat in the direction of the chimney, more fuel being required and a greater proportion of the heat generated escaping by the chimney. Liquid Manure for Azaleas {Amateur). — These and other hardwooded plants ^'rowing in peat soil do not require liquid manure, or only in a very weak state, and the best for them is one peck of soot and fresh cow dung mixed with sixty gallons of water, and applied twice a-week during growth, or when the plants are advancing for flowering, the pots being full of roots. Except in experienced hands the application of liquid manure to hardwooded plauts is best omitted, as its injudiuious use is often attendediwith disastrous consequences. Ammoniacal Liquor fob Destroying Weeds on Walks (J. IJ.). — It will certainly kill most of the weeds when applied at full strength, or cause them to be very much browned, yet from the high fertilising character of the liquid the weeds will grow considerably stronger the following season. Be- sides, it ia a great waste of manure, the ammoniacal liquor being valuable for watering during growth diluted with sixteen parts of water, especially vegetable crops; and applied at half the dilution, or one pint to a gallon of water, at the time of sowing or planting, it is a good preventive of insect pests and a valuable fertiliser for the crops. If you apply it for destroying weeds, do so in dry weather in April. A better remedy for weeds on walks is to dissolve lib. of powdered arsenic in three gallons of cold water, boil, and keep stirring ; then add seven gallons of cold water and 2 lbs. of crushed soda ; stir the whole well whilst boiling, and with a rose watering-pot apply to the walks in dry weather, from March to May inclusive being the best time. The above quantity will be enough for 25 square yards. An inclining board should be placed at the sides of the walks or grass to keep off the hot hquid. Destp.oying Ants on Lawn (TT. S. B.). —We were once greatly troubled ■with acts, but now are remarkably free of these troublesome pests. For the past three seasons we have had penned near the lawn hens, foster parents to young pheasants, and it is certain the ants have become very scarce. A hen in a coop with a brood of chickens would uo doubt answer as well, the coop being placed near the nests or haunts of the ants, moving it as circum- stances require. Guano sprinkled over the nests will drive the ants away, and arsenic mixed with treacle and smeared on pieces of tile or slate will destroy all that piirtake of it, but great care ia required to be taken in the use of this virulent poison. Eajsing Plants from Seed for Rockwork [hUvi). — Alyssum sfixatile coin pactum, Antennaria dioica minor, Arabis alpina, Aubrietia grtcca, A. pur- purea grandiflora, Campanula tarpatica, C. carpatica alba, Diantbus neglectus, Erinus alpinus, Saxifraga aizoon minor, S. Cymbalaria, S. longifolia, Silene caucasica, S. Schafta, and Yeronica saxatilis and Y. prostrata are suitable. Seed should be sown in April in pots or pans well drained, and filled with a compost of tui-fy loam and sandy peat in equal proportions, with a fourth each of leaf soil and silver sand, the compost sifted, and the surface of the pots or pans made very fine and smooth, and well watered, standing for a few hom's, then water again, and when the water is soaked in scatter the seed evenly over the surface and just cover it vfith very fine soil. The pots or pans abauld be placed in a sheltered position, and so that the sun does not fall upon thfm from 8 A.M. to 5 p.m., or shade from the sun for that period, the main point being to keep moist without having to resort to frequent water- ings. When the young plants are large enough to handle prick out in pans prepared as for the seedlings about an inch apart, treating similarly, and before they become crowded plant in the rockwork, shading until established. Seeds of rock plants are not in given kinds always prncurable, hence we advise you to procure a collection of half a dozen or a dozen kinds as you may wish, stipulating for good free-growing hardy kinds. Gesnera exoniensis Flowers Losing Colour {A. B.).— The loss of colour is the result of the plants being grown at a distance from the glass, and not having light suflicieut to bring out the high colour, with probably a deficiency of heat and moiwture during the growing season. Afford a position near the glass, and a moiater atmosphere and brisker heat, with partial shade iu very bright weather during grjwth, but full exposure after August. A temperature of 65^, rising tD 80° or more from sun, is desirable when in growth, and G0° to 65' from fire heat when coming into bloom. A compost of turfy loam, sandy fibrous peat, and leaf soil, in equal parts, with a sixth each of silver saml and old cow duug, the whole well mixed, broken up rather small, but not sifted, will grow them well. W'ater moderately, not allowing the foliage to flag for lack of it, nor the soil to be soddened by too frequent waterings. Heating a Small Greenhouse {C. E. P.).— Had you been certain of a proper supply of gas we should, in preference to any other mode of heating — you having httle time to spore— have advised you to have a gas-heated boiler December 30, 1875. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 587 and 3-inch hot- water pipes, a flow and return, along the front and both end^ or, if the piping niay not be taken aeross the end of the house from the door- wny, iiiterferintt with that arrangement, have pipintr in front or at back to inuki.' the quantity of piping required, which will, to exclude front, require about 50 feet of 'J-inch piping. Owing to the presHuro of gaa being not more than half after midnifiht, we should have a stove boiler, and fix it in the Bhed at the l>ack of the Rreenhouse, having attached to it the quantity of 2-inch hot-water piping above named. A boiler of the kind named would not require very frequent attention. PouLTHY DcNQ (G. jT/.).— It ia applicable to all plants and crops that need manure. Containing much ammonia it must be used cautiously. An ounce to a gallon of water for potted plants. For kitchen-garden crops it may be applied an inch deep on the surface before digging. Dessert Pears for Durham (^NoW/tt-rncr).— BeurreSuperfin, Oct.-Nov.; Doyenne da Cornice, Nov.; Mort-chal de Cour, Nov.-Dfc; Marie Louiae d'Uccle, Oc/.-Woi'. ; Thompson's, Nov.-Dcc. ; FondantedeCharneu, AfoJ'.-Dcc; Comte de Flauilre, Dec. ; Hacon's Inoomparablo, D>c.; Winter Nelis, Dfc.'Jan.; Beurre Bachelier, Jan.; Forelle, Jan.-Fcb.; Beurre Sterckmans, Jan.-Feb. Coal Tah for Fencing (S. P. P.).— Applying it at this season to the outer side of the fence would not injure trees on the inner pido. We have Rome boarded fences drcGsed with Stockholm tar, and we have found it injure the leaves in eummer when the sun melted the coating. You ehould only use a coping- hoard before the blossoms opened, and remove it again when the fruit ia set. The small quantity of rain water from it would not iojure the trees. Peas for Succession (2(7f»u).— 'William I. ia the best early. Add G. F. "Wilson to the other two sorts yon name. Planting Border Facing East {J. F. £.).— We have a border in pre- citiely the same position as yours; it is also sheltered by shrubs. Part of it has been planted with herbaceous plants, and tho remainder with roixed bedding plants. Both have succeeded remarkably well. Wo trenched and manured the ground first, and the subsoil is well drained. N.4MES OF Fruits {!(. L.).—l, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Gravenstein ; 3, Hol- laudbury; 4, Alfriston; the other two nut known. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONICLE. POULTRY, PRESENT AND FUTURE. It is said we can get nsed to anything in time, and we believe it ; and altbough we can recollect some years ago at school we had a round-hand copy telling us that "familiarity breeds con- tempt," we can give only a qualiiied assent to it. There are certain things that occur annually and seem to be more pleasing each time. It is so with our present task. For many years we have been accustomed to take a review of the past year as it bears on our favourite pursuit. We can imagine how many, on reading our words, will participate in our feelings when we say the paramount is gratitude that we have been spared again to the end of another year. Oar task is easier than it was of old. The subject is more generally understood. Improvements have been suggested and carried out, and the capabilities of every breed of fowls, &o., tested to the utmost. To those who, like ourselves, have watched the progress of the pursuit, it has often been matter of surprise to see with what facility the requirements of judges have been met. It has seemed merely a question of time. "We are not yet, however, so far advanced in manufacturing colour as onr German neighbours. Some years ago a man offered to make any bird (Pigeon) we liked in three years; we had one coloured in the most grotesque style and sent it. We had the fac-simile alive within three years. This has been done in England in poultry. We can get anything to a feather, but we do not yet find wo advance much in providiug a larger amount ot food ; neither is there as great an advance in the quality of the poultry offered for sale as there is in the beauty of shape and plumage for exhibition. The number of shows proves the great interest still taken in the pursuit, and shows how deep-seated is the love of natural history in most minds. The prices still realised for good birds prove that the friendly competition of a showis popular. We must, however, believe that there is another future for poultry, and that it must supply more and better food than it yet does. Poultry should not remain the luxury it is, nor should it be impossible to get a really good fowl in a country town. The principal cost of rearing and fattening it is not in outlay but in labour. It will not pay to hire to do that which may be done by ourselvts. We are not about to say that every- one should breed and fatten poultry, but we do say that where anyone is disposed to pay personal attention to the subject, especially in the matter of feeding, poultry will pay its own expenses if it does not leave a profit. Our old friends the Cochins have shown still with what facility the Eastern breeds acclimatise. The same may be said of the Brahmas and the French breeds: they not only adapt themselves to our climate but they improve both in size and constitution. Those who have noticed onr latest novelties in the shape of Houdans and Cruve-Cteurs must have remarked the great increase of size. There is ebb and flow in poultry as in all other things. Some years ago the Spanish was one of the principal classes, and many can recollect a celebrated show where two pens were sold for i.'200, and single birds commonly made £'20 each. Now they are aa good as ever, but they make only a moderate class. The Silver-pencilled Hamburghs again have fallen both in numbers and quality till they have become a small class. The Golden do not require the same mention, but they do not hold the position they did. Their quality, however, has not suffered. Dorkings have fallen oft in numbers at the great shows. They have held their own in other respects. After an absence of many years the Black Cochins have re- appeared in tolerable numbers. Bantams have visibly decreased during the past year. Even at the largest shows the Sebrights cut but a poor tigure, and the Game are less numerous. Had the old spirit been alive the pretty little Cochins would not have been allowed to die out. A pen of them now would make a large sum. The Rouen Ducks have in every way distanced the Aylesbnrya. Malays have looked up during the past year. Turkeys have made progress, not, perhaps, in the weights of the prize pens, but taken as classes they have been heavier. A recent introduction — the class for ornamental waterfowl — has exhibited not only beautiful but rare specimens. The lately rare Carolina and Mandarin Ducks are now shown in classes. The varied Whistling Ducks, the Bahama Teal, and even the Bar-headed Geese, have been seen quietly viewing the hundreds of spectators who stayed to look at them or who passed them by. Pigeons have increased in popularity. They have always been pets, but never so generally so as at the present time. Many years ago, perhaps nearly half a century, we were struck with the Pigeons in our German Noah's Ark — many coloured; some with coloured wings and white bodies, and some juet the reverse. As we stood them in a row, resting on two stumps and their tails, it was often remarked by our seniors, who were "o' the fancy," that the Germans allowed their children to colour them to their fancy, for such birds had never existed. We now have every bird and in any numbers. We have warmed on our subject and have gone on writing just as if we were talking to one of our numerous friends. We have much pleasure in it. We have prospered and do prosper, and we like to believe we have only friends for subscribers, readers, and contributors. We are thankful we have nothing to disavow ; and while we look with pride on the years of public favour we have enjoyed, we still believe we move with the age, and it is our purpose to do so. We cannot believe that, during this year of 1875, we have caused pain to anyone. We are sorry if we have, for we have not done it willingly. We seek to do impartially and aright, and to all with whom we have to do, and whom we thank, we heartily with A Happy New Yeab. TUNBRIDGE WELLS POULTRY SHOW. This Exhibition was held on the 17th, 18th, and 20th inst. The entries were fair and the quality good, but there were several other shows held on the same days in other parts of the country, which must have damaged the entries here. The great drawback, however, was the detention of the birds over Sunday. We know for a fact that two of the greatest exhibitors in the neighbourhood refused to countenance this Sunday business, and would not send a feather. We really think they did well, for there can be no occasion for a country show to have a Sunday included at all; and really the late lamentable goings- on at another Kentish show held a few days ago where the birds were kept over the Sunday — when specimens were changed and birds got out — will make exhibitors nervous, we hope, of enter- ing at them. We really do wonder they can countenance the fact, for there is no doubt exhibitors have it in their power, by not supporting such exhibitions, to stop the practice. Mr. Leno and Mr. Martin judged the poultry, and their awards were satis- factory. Mr. P. H. Jones awarded the Pigeon prizes, except in the Homers where Mr. Cotton adjudicated, both alEO satisfac- torily. DorJiinf/s were good, but not up to the standard of the last Show. The cup went to a grand pair of Coloured birds. We did not care for the way this variety was classified, as it gave no chance to the Whites and Silvers against the Coloured, which could be entered in every class. CocJiins were a nice lot, the Buffs really admirable. The cup went to a fine pair of Buffs in beautiful feather and of much quality. Second and third were good birds, well-coloured and large. In the next class a fine pair of Whites were first ; we liked the hen very much. In the next class Lady Gwydyr's bird was a splendid fellow. Beyond the prize birds there was not much else up to the mark in this class. Brahmas were very good in quality and quantity; they did ample justice to the good fare provided for them and came in goodly numbers. The cup went to Greeting for a grand old cock, monstrous, deep and good in colour. In hens Mr. Ans- dell's old hen looked very well; adult Lights were nice, and we are glad to see Mr. Scott winning again with his old loves. Dark Brahma cockerels were very good, the winners really excel- lent ; while the Lights made two large classes of much merit, the cnp going to an admirable pullet. The noticed birds too 588 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December SO, 1875. were all good. Spanish were very fair, a Bristol pen of chickens deservedly winniug the cup. The quality was certainly hetter than the average at conutry shows in this neighbourhood. French were a beautiful lot. They seem such favourites with all, and the Houdans seem making rapid progress as table and egg-producing birds. Adults won most of the prizes, for in these varieties as in Asiatics the second moult quite altera the birds, making them deep and massive. We liked the awards in the Cri'ves, and saw no reason for grumbling as we believe some pretended to do. Hamhurghs last time replied so badly to their invitation that on this occasion the classes were much reduced. On this occasion the quality was capital, and the Pencilled especially made an admirable collection, nine of the ten pens entered coming in for cards. A nice pen of Gold- Bpangled won first in their olpss, but the Pencilled won the cup. Game had three classes and the quality was good. Nice Brown Beds took the cup, the cock a very good chicken. Black Beds were perhaps the weakest, but here the prize birds were good and the cards carefully placed. Polish were capital ; pen after pen was worthy of a prize. The White-crested Blacks were admirable and seem generally looking up. We are well pleased by it, for we know of no more striking breed where proper accommodation can be given to them. The Variety class was good. Black Hamburghs, Malays, and Leghorns won prizes, each pen being good of their kind. The Sale classes were large and the quality very fair. Many pens were above the usual sale-class standard, and found new homes, we should Bay, speedily. Game Bantams were fair, and the Laced in the Variety class nice pens. The local cup was won by Mr. Lawther with a fine pair of Dark Brahmas. Waterfowl were very good, the winning Aylesburys and Eonens as good as any we have seen for a long time. The Variety Duck class was interesting and pretty. Caro- linas won first ; Indiana coming in a nice second, rather large, but good in colour. The Pigeons were a capital lot, Mr. Maynard's Carriers up to a very high standard. This gentleman won the cup and ten out of the fifteen Carrier prizes with really wonderful birds. Dragoons were good, the cup going to a fine Blue cock beautiful in shape and style. Mr. Whitehead sent some good pens and deservedly did well with them. Pouters were wretched. In two classes there were only three pens entered. How odd this is ! for at other shows with less prize money we may find a dozen pens. But this we often notice in so many breeds : a class may be quite strong in one place in one week, and the next week in the same neighbourhood there may not be enough birds for the prizes. Tumblers were fair. Barbs good, and Jacobins very good, all colours coming well to the front. Fantails were fine, and we should like to have seen a few more cards up. Turbits made a really excellent class, Mr. Salter again being to the front. Owls were very charming, an exquisite White African coming in first. Antwerps had two classes and made a fair dis- play. There is an immense amount of interest taken in the Deighbourhood with this variety, and we were consequently surprised to find so little local talent. Homers had three classes and made up eighty-six pens. Many of the birds looked as if made and ready for business, and to win in such competition ■was an honour indeed ; the greatest interest prevailed in these classes among the fanciers. The Variety class was a nice col- lection of half-a-Ecore of pens ; the second-prize Hunt was a good bird, and looked like a late Birmingham winner. The Sale classes were large, and the quality above such receptacles as a rule. Altogether the Pigeons made ft great feature of the Exhibi- tion. They do not suffer so much, many of them, from incarce- ration for many days as do the poultry, and so the Sunday did not influence their entries so much. We believe the place of exhibition could only be had in a certain week, and hence the date; but there could be no necessity for a four- days show including a Sunday. We furnish full awards below. The point cup was won by Mr. Maynard. DOBKINOB.— 1,G. Kllis. 2, K. Cheeaman. 3, E.Darrant. DijUKiNOB.— ] , (J. Trist. 2, T. & H. Heath. DoBEiNQS.— Cup and 1, F. Parlett. 2, K. Cheesman. 3, P. Offilvie. c, G. Trist. Cociuits.—Cinnamon or B((J7.— Cup and 1. Lady Gwydyr. 2 and 3, MrB. A. Christy, he, Henry Lingwood, Mrs. A. Christy, c, G. Dowlier. Any other r(j/.—l,C»pt.G.F. Talbot. 2, Lady Gw>dyr. 3, J. K. Fowler. Beahsias.— Ivrtrfr.— Oirf fiinh.—Cui^ and 1. iiorace Lingwond. 2, Lady Gwydvr. S, Ph. F. Le Star, he, M. Sandtord, J. K. Fowler. Miss E. C. Shuter, T.'F. Ansdell, J. F. Smith, c. Dr. G. A. AnRier, T. F. Ansdell. Hr^uuas— Dark —Old iird^.— 1, T. F. Ansdoll. 2,Newnham &Manby. S.J. F. Smith, vhc, E. Pritehard. BBAiiMAB.—Lip/i(.— C/rf &irrf«.—l, Horace Linffwood. 2, E. Scamraell. 3, R. Bird, he, Capt. Savile. Rev. F. T. Scott, c, Capt. Savile, G. A. Angier. BBAmiAS.— Li(;/it.— OW birds.— 1, Kov. F. T. Scott. 2, S. Pitt. 3, J. Bradshaw. c, J. Long. Brahmas.— Darfc.—Ci'rrfs 0/1875. — 1, Horace Linffwood. 2, A. Bamford. 3, Lady Gwydyr. ftc.W. Birch, c. Mrs. Braithwaiie, E. Haywood. BtunuAS.—DaTk.— Birds of 1875.— 1, R. B. Wood. 2, Horace Lin^wood. 8, Newnham & Manby. he. Ph. F. Le Seur, Misa E. C. Shuter. Bbahmab.— Lindf.— Birrfg of 1875.— 1 and 2, Capt. Savile. 3, S. Pitt, he, T. Evans, J. Bradshaw. c, H. Slopbcns. Bhaiimas.— Z.i{//i/.~B(rd« of 1H7.'> —Cup and 1, Capt. Savile. 2. R. Bird. 3, Dr. G. A Angier. v^ic, H. Stephens, /tc. 3. Pitt, H. Lingwood. c, R. J. Foster. Spanish.— Cup and 1, G. K. Chilcott. 3, J. Boulton. 8, A, Hewea. he,Vh. F. Le SueoT, J. Francis. HorDiNS.- 1, J. W. Mojle. 2, R. B. Wood. 8, F. Lake, he, W. Bring, W. O. Quibbell. J. K. Fowler, c, J. E. Clarton. Ckeve CcncillL'd.~\ and 2, H. Pickles. 3. F. W. Meynell. llA'sninftons.—GoM-spanoled.—l, H. Picklea. 2, J. Lont?. 3, T. E. Jones. Silver-spangled.— Cajy, J. Lonf?. 2. H. Picklea. 3. J. B. Slater. HAMUuRona.— ZJ/(jcA-.— 1, Stott 4 Booth. 2, T. A, Wright. 3, J. Long, he, H. Picklea. Game Bantams.— B/dcfc Beds.—Cii-p, R. Y. Ardatrh. 2. W. F. Addie. 3. A. S. SuRdpn. vhc, A. Smith, R. Brownlie. he, E. Morgan, T. W. Anns, Shnmach and Daft. W. Adams, W S Marsh. c,W. Andrews. H.Dixon. Brown Reiis.— 1 and 2, S. Beighton. 3, T. Barker, he, Shnmach & Daft. Any other variety.— I, K. Brownlie. 2, J. Robinson. 3, F. Warde. vhc, T. Barker, he, G. Evans, G. Hentley. Bantams.— Biacft or White Eose-covibrd —I. H.J. Ludlow. 2, W. H. Shackle- ton 3, J. Long, he, R. H Asbton, C. W- ' lodney. c, C. W. Gedney, G. Vierers, C. Refd, G. Parkham, J. Moores. Any otJicr varietu.—l and 2. M. Leno. 3, R. A. Boiwsier. he, E. Pritchard, L, G. Morrell, G. Holioway, juu., Mrs. J. Longo, J. K. Lawther. c, Jlrn. handf >rd, W Atkina. SELLING Class.— ZJdH^rtms oH'y.—l, W. F. Addie. 2, E. Durrant. 3,J. Oscroft. he, E. Mori,'an, Mrs. J. Longe, H. Dixon (?). Anv f.TiiER Breed.— 1, J. Pilblam (Golden Polanda). 2. Rev. N. J. Ridley (Malays). 3, J. Gusterton (White Minoroas'. he, W. D. Little (Silkies), P. Thomas (Sultans). VccKB.—Aylesbjiry or Rouen.— ^, 3. K. Fowler. 2, E. B. Snell. 3. J. Long. Any other variety.— 1 and 2, A. & W. H. Silvester. 3, G. L. Morrel. he, W. Boutcher, M. Leno (2). P. Ogi,vie. Any Vabiett.— 1. Miss E. Shuter (Dark Brahmas). 2 and 3, T. Charrington (Coloured and White Dorkings), he, W. Speller (Dark Brahmas). Mrs. E. Soames (Houdans), Any Variety.— FoiriB or Ducks.— I, E.Haywood (Dark Brahmas). 2, H. T. Sothara. S, J, Isard (Dorkinge). 4. J. Akeraian. vhc, J. Pilbiam (Golden Poland), he. C. Rodwell (Aylesbury Ducks), P. Thomas. Selling Class.— Cocfc or Drake.— 1, C. Bod well (Partridge Cochin) 3. Capt. saville (Light Brahmas). 4, Mies M. E Campain (Aviesbury drake). i''ic, A. Kitchen (Dorking), he, G. D. Harrison (White Cochin). Miss A. Sharp (Cr*.-ve- '"cearj, Ivery & Son (Coloured Dorking). T. A. Wright (Black Hamburgh), E. Winwood, G Bentley. Mrs. L. L. Sparks (Buff Cochin), — Skinner (Spanish). c, W. Smith, jun. (Game). Selling Class —Hens or Pullets.— Cnp, Capt. Savile (Light Brahmas). 2, W. Birch. 3. T. Charrington. 4, M. Leno. i^hc, P. Thomas (Cochins), Mrs. E. Soame-i (Houdans). he, G. H. Harrison (Dark Brahmas). H. E. Broad (Golden Polands), Ivery & Son, G. H. Payne. PIGEOMS. PoDTERs.-l.L. Allen. 2, G. HoUoway, jun. vhc, J. Bowes, he, A. V. By fori, e, E. L. Muggleton. CARRiERa.- Cup, J. Cucksey. 2, R. Pazze. 7>/fC, T. K. Cucksey. he, R. Pazze, jun., (2). c. A. Bromley, C. F. Herriett. Col. C. F. Hassard. Barbs-I, W. W. Pyne. 2, H. Yardley. TriMBLERs.— 1 and 2, L. Allen, vhc and c, &.. & W. H. Silvester, he, H. Yardley. Fantails.- 1, J, F. Loversidge. 2, A. A. Vander Bleersch. vhe, 3. H. Lover- sidpe. he and c, J. Walker. DRAGof.NH.— 1 and 2, R Woods, rhc, L. Whitehead. Tie, G. Hale, L. Allen. C, H. Yardley. C. F. Herrieff. J.ACiiHiNS — 1 and 3, L. Allen, vhc, he, and c, A. A. Vander-Meersch. Antwerps —1, J. J. Bradley. 2, H. Yardley. vhc, 3. E. Warner, he, G. Piper, c. J. Donaldson. Tl-kbits.-I, C. A. Crafter. 2 and he, L. Allen, c. A. & W. H. Silvester. Owls.- 1 and 2, J. Bowes, vhe, L. Allen, he, E. W. Van Senden. c, 3. J. Sparrow. Any other Variety.— 1, L. Allen (Trumpeters). 2 and vhc, A. & W. H. Sil- vester, he, H. Yardley, M. Martin (Toys), c, A. Hives (Scanderoons), M. Martin (Russian Trumpeterti). Antwerps.- P'our irorfcina- 1, J. W. Barker. 2. F. Lubbock. 3, C. Payne. vhc, J. 3. Sparrow, he, J. W. Barker, J. J. Sparrow, G. Bentley. c, P. J. Cheffins. G. C. Butler. R. Penwill. Selling Ci.\sb.— Single Bird.— I, 3. Bowes (Foreign). 2, E. Flicker, vhe, A. & W. H. Silvester. J. T. Theobald, he, G. Murphy (Almond). A. Hives (Ice), c, G. Holioway, jun, (Poutar), S.Livermore( Black Carrier). A. P. Bvford (Pouter), L. Allen (Black Carrier). Patrs.— 1, A. P. Byford (Barba). 2, G. Murphy (Almonds), vhc, J. T. Theobald, he, G. Murphy (Black Mottles), A. A. Vander-Meersch, A. Ward (White Poutera). c, A. A. Vander-Meersch, A. Ward (Archangels), E. L. Muggleton, L. A'len (Barbs). CAGE BIRDS. Norwich.- near Tellow.—l, G. & J. Mackley. 2. J. Athersnch. "i. Caplin nnd Fairbrass, vhe, 3. Athersnch. he, Caplin & Fairbrasa, G.& J. Mackley, J. Adams, c, R. J. Pope. NtjRwicH.— Clear Biif.—l, G. & 3. Mackley. 2 and 8. J. Athersnch. vhc, 3. Athersnch, Caplin & Fairbrasp. he, Caplin & Fairbrasa, G. &. J. Mackley, J. Adams, c. 3. Yallop, A. Colman. N..Rwicn.— ,l/arfci?(i or Variegated YeUov.—l. G. & 3. Mackloy. 2, J. Ather- f.uch. 3. Caplin & Fairbrass. vhc, 3. Athersuch, Caplin & Fairbrass, G. and J. Mackley, J. sleep, he, J. Yallop. c. J. Yallop, Caplin & Fairbrasa. Norwich.— 3/arfced or Variegated BujT.—l, Caplin & Fairbrass. 2, G. & J. Mackley. 3. J. Athersuch. vhc, G. & J. Macklev, J. Yallop. he, R. J. Pope, J. Yallop. c, Caplin &, Fairbrass. E. W. Lulham. L. Gill. J. Yallop. Noawicn —Crested Buff or yHloio.—l, 3. Yallop. 2 and 3, G. & J. Mackley, vhe, J. Athersuch, Caplin & Fairbrass, J. Yallop. he. R B. Newsom, Caplin and Fairbrass, J. Yallop. c, R. B. Nfiwsom, Caplin & Fairbrass, W. Evans. l.zz.\RD^.—Oold or Silver —I, 2, and 3. Caplin & Fairbrass. r'lC, J. Athersuch, Caplin & Fairbrass. he, Caplin & Fairbrass, W. Evanp. Lancashire Toppies and Plain Heads.- 1, 2, 3, and c, J. Yallop. v/ic, R. B, Nt-wsom, R. J. Pope. G. & J. Mackley. Cinnamon Bt-ff.- 1, 2, and S, J.Adams, vhe, J. Athersuch, E. W. Lulham. c, Caplin &. Fairbrass. Cinnamon JoNQUE.—l, R. J. Pope. 2, J. Adams. 3. J. Athersuch. fftc, Caplin and Fairbiaaa. he, Caplin & Fairbrass, G. & J. Mackley. Canary.— ^Hi/ other i^ariety.— 1, 2, and he. Caplin & Fairbrass (Belgian). S. J. Athersuch. vhc, Caplin & Fairbraas, R. B. Newsom, W. Evans, c, B. B. Newsom. Six Norwich Canaries.— 1 and 2, G. & J. Mackley. 3 and vhc, Caplin and Fairbrasa. he. 3. Yallop, J. Adams, c, E. W. Lulbatn. Six Lizard Canaries. — 1 and 2, Caplin i^ Fairbrass. 3, R. B. Newaom. he, W. Evans. Goldfinch Mule.- 1 and 2, G. & J. Mackley. 8, E. W. Lulham. vhc, J. A. Sleep, J. Adams, c, 3. Meredith, W. Evans. Selling Class.- 1, G. & J. Mackley (Norwich). 2, J. Athersuch 3. Caplin and Fairbrass (Norwich), vhc, Caplin & Fairbrass (Norwich), J. Athersuch. he, 3. Yallop (Norwich), Caplin & Fairbrass (Norwich), c, A. Colman (Buff- ori-'sted). Bullfinch.- 1, T. Newmarch. 2 and vhe, 3. Yallop. c. Oakey & Bamber. GoLDKiNCH.— 1, C. W. Gedney. 2, J. W. Johnstone, vhc, Oakey &. Bamber. he. S. Cook. c. 3. A. Sleep. Linnet.— 1. T. Newmarch. 2, S. Cook, Any Variety of British Bird.— 1, II. Humphrey. 2, S. .\rthur. he, 3. Yallop. Grey Parrot —1. E. Durrant. 2, J Ingles. 3. W. fl. Baker. Cockatoos.- 1, M. George. 2. J. W. Ilott. vhc. H. Cross, he, E. Newmarch. BcDQERioARH.— Pair.- 1, C. W. Gedney. 2, T. Newmarch. CocKATiELs.— Prt(r.— 1, J. Meredith. 3, C. W. Gt>dney. Love Birdb.- Pair.— I, C. W. Gedney. 2, T. Newmarch. Wax BiLLa.—7'(jir.—l.T. Newmarch. 2,3. y^-*, and he, C. W. Gedney. Java Sparsows.— Pair.— 1, E. Sweeting. 2, Oakey & Bamber. 3, T. New- march, c, C. W Gedney. Foreign Bird'*.— Any other uftWefj/.-l, J, Meredith (Bine Lorry). 2 and S, C. W. Gedney (Virginian Nightingale, Parrakeeta). vhc. Miss A. Cowie. he and c, W. H. Baker ( Parrot) Collection cf Foreign Birds.- 1 and 2, C. W. Gedney. MONTROSE POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. There was a large number of entries, and amongst them many good birds. Dorkings came first in the prize list, and a very poor lot they ^ere — only two entries forward, and these only fair. Spanish were a better class both in merit and numbers, and were not difficult to judge. Nest came Cochins, which formed the best class in the Show, and contained several pens of great escel- lence, but what the Judge was tbiukiug about when he gave his awards we cannot imagine. First were a pair of old and ugly birds ; once upon a time they may have been good, but their day had long gone. Second were, we understand, Whites, but as there was no second-prize card put up we cannot be positive. If however, the birds named were second, and they were the only Whites in the class, the decision was of a piece with the first. The best pen by far was the third, Mrs. Duncan's, which contained a good cockerel and a fine old hen ; second we would have put Mrs. Stevens's highly commended pen, third Mrs. Duncan's highly commeaded pen. The judgment was simply inexplicable, and to add to it the first-prize pair won a special over a really fine pair of Brahmas in nest class. Here the Judge seemed to have awoke from his deep sleep and the class was well done. First a good large cock and fine hen ; second a nice youDg pair; third good hen, cock just fair. Gavie were good and the awards correct. First a fioe pair of Brown Reds, second same colour but coarser. Polands were a good class, nearly all Golden. First were a grand pair, but there was no lack of quality in this class, which is so seldom honpured with a separate classification. Hamhurghs were very numerous, and in most cases were fairly judged. Silver-spangled were the best lot, and the winner being very fine. Golden-spangled first, a very bad pen ; cock like a Dorking in shape with a very bad comb, the worst pen in the class. Game Bantams were a very large class, and many good birds had to put up with a bare notice. First came a pen of Mr. Brownlie's Piles ; second a pen of very stylish Black Keds; third also Black Reds and good ones. There could be no doubt as to this class being well judged. Sebrights were however, as far wrong. First Silver contained a cock with'a very bad comb; the best by far were a pen of Creamies, pen 41 (Dallas.) The nest class was to all intents and purposes a Black Bantam one, though meant for any variety. First were a good pen of Blacks, though we have seen far better belonging to the same owner. Second and third also Black. The Spelling classes held some eood birds, notably the first-prize cockerel (Polish.) Aylesbury Ducks only mustered three pens, but those good ; while fine Rouens won the Duck variety class. There was nothing of note amongst the Geese and Turkeys. Pigeons. Here we were glad to note an improvement in the classification of the Pouters, and a consequently more numerous entry as well as a great advance in quality. Pouter cocks had eleven esbibits : first a grand bird but of a bad colour (Red) ; se- cond also Red, but though a good one also deficient in that point ; they were however undoubtedly the best birds. Third went to a fair Mealy. Pouter hens were headed by a nice Black, which also won the special for best bird in the first five classes. Second a stylish Blue, third Black. Young Pouters numbered eight; first was a good Red hen, a stylish bird with a nice pair of legs ; second White (cock) with as good a pair of well-set-on legs as any Pouter in the Show. Carriers were not very numerous, but we certainly liked the second, a grand Black hen far before first a bad-coloured Duu cock, but we understand the Judges thought the former a cock also. Barbs were.escept the first, only middlin"-; there however were really good Yellows. Tumblers, first Kites and we think two hens ; second, Red Agates, the cock very wry-beaked ; third, Almonds, a good pair, well-coloured cock, hen bad in that respect, but both good heads. Highly commended were nice Yellow Agates. CommonTumblers were fair; third was best had they been m order, but one bird was very ill. Fantails were, escept two pens, bad; first were a nice pair but not up to the third, though we must confess they were a better match. Jacobins, Turbits, and Trumpeters were not very numerous nor the quality first-rate. English 590 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. [ December 30, 1876. Owla were the reverse, being extra fine. Nans and Magpies were good; while in the Variety first went to Foreign Owls, second to Archangels, and third to Ice. We published the awards last week. BELFAST SHOW OF POULTRY, &c. The North of Ireland Ornithological Society's Show was held in the Ulster Hall on the 15th and 10th inst. This place is well chosen for the purpose, and the Show was well managed by a stafT of thorough fanciers. The entries were in advance of those of last year, and the quality was good in all the sections. The pens were supplied by Messrs. Turner of Sheffield. Dorkings headed the Hat, and these, and most others, were shown singly, the Dark Greys being very good, as also the Silvers, the cocks being especially good. In Buff Cochin cocks there were some grand birds ; the winners were of this year. Hens were even better, and very uniform in quality. In cocks the cup was won by the Buff priced at £5 in the catalogue ; and in hens a grand old White was awarded the piece of plate. Par- tridge cocks were very good. Dark Brahma cocks were very good; but of the rest both Dark and Light little can be said, the Lights being positively poor. In Spanish were some good birds, the first-and-cup cockerel one of the best seen this season ; second also good; third an aged bird. In hens a most extra- ordinary bird wasplaced iirst; the second a grand pullet. Game were not numerous, but the winners good, the cup going to a capital Pile cock. Euudans were a fair lot; the La FVche very fine, and won the cup. In Hamhiirrjhs the Golden-pencils and Spangles were much better than the Silvers, the cup going to a most perfect pen of Pencils, closely pressed by another pen of that variety. These were all in pairs, as also the French and all the Bantams. Game Bantams were poor except the winners, the Blacks being extremely good— better, in fact, than any we have seen this year. In the Variety Sebrights were the winners. Malays were very good, and the Polands also. In the Variety class the Black Hamburghs and Guinea Fowls were the winners. Both the Selling classes were very large, and there were some good cheap birds. The Rouen Ducks were a fine lot, but the Aylesburys not so good. In the Variety class first were Mandarins, second Spotted Bills, and third Garolinas. Pigeons were a grand display, and were placed in a separate part of the Hall. The show of Pouters and Carriers being one of the best seen this season, the members' classes contributing birds of high quality, and in many of the standard classes almost every bird was noticed. The Short-faced Tumblers and Barbs were not numerous, and the Bed .lacobins not as good as we expected to find; but the Yellow, Black, and White Jacobins were most splendid classes, amoug which it would be almost difficult to particularise. Trumpeters were very good, the com- bination of feet-feathering with rose and crest, so long desired, seem to be on the point of attainment. There were some very good Fantails, the Blues being uncommonly good for that colour. Owls, English, were very good, and the winners Blue. Turbits of both classes were really good, a Silver winning the cup. The Nuns were perfect. Dragoons and Antwerps very good also, and well placed. There were some heavy Selling classes, with the quality of which we were not particularly struck, though many pens sold very well. IiOBKiKGs.— Coloured, crceitt Silvernrrrii—Cock.—l, Cup, and 2, J. Walker' 8. W. G. MuUiRan. he, W. U. Kicc. W. H. Ciabtree. c, Eev. S. A. Brenan- Hen-1, J. Walker. 2, W. H. Crabtree. 3, J. Hollwey. vhc and fcc, W. G- Mulligan, c, W. H. King. DouKitiaa.—Silvcr-Grry or White— Cocl!.—!, W. G. Mulligan. 2, J. Stevenson. 8. W. H. King. c. Miss De Courcy Drevar. Hen.—l and Cup. J. Walker. 2, W. H.Kirg. 8, J. StcvenBon. fic, W. G. Mulligan, e, Miss De Courcy Drevar, W. G Mulligan. Cochins.— Sujr or Cinnamon— Coek.—l, Cup, and 2, M. Mahoney S. W. G. Mulligan, vhe. W. H. Crabtree. he, Mrn. Polliiek. Hen—l, F. Rebertson. 2 and 3, W. G. Mulligan, he. W. G. Mulligan, M. Maboney (2J, Mrs. Hutchinson, Capt. Sullivan. W. H. Crabtree. c. D. Sullivan. Cucmsa.— Any oilier variety —Cock —1. W. U. Crabtree. 2. W. G. Mulligan. S, Dr. Stoney. he, W. G. Mulligan (2), M. Maboney. c, W. Sbaw. R. P. WUliams. Ben —1, Cup, and 8, W. Whitwortb. 2, M. Mahoney. he, W. G. Mulligan, F. Pernn. BEiimAB.- Dark.- Cock.-l. Cup, 2. », and c, W. G. Mulligan, he, A. Comyns, 3un., H. J, M'Bride (2), E. Bright. Hcn.—l, W. U. Crabtree. 2, W. G. Mulligan. 8, li. Niven. c, W. G. Mulligan (2), H, J. M'Bride. BBAHMis. — Liu/i^. — Coc/i— 1 and Cup. W. H. Crabtree. 2 and 3. E. T. Herdman. if™.— 1, W. H. Crabtree. 2 and 8, T. Herdman. c, D. Sullivan, A. Field. ; SPANisn— Cocft —1, Cup, and 2, W. G. Mulligan. 8. W. Martin, he, J. A. and M. I. Smyth, J. Boss, .J.Powell, lIen.—\, J. Powell. 2, J. A. & M. F. Smyth. 8, J. Ross, vhc, he, and c, W. G. Mulligan. GiME. —Blaci Red or Brown Red.-Coek-l, J. F. Walton. 2. F. Robertson. B, J. Ferguson. Hcn.—l, J. F. Walton. 2. Fnrness & Sudall. 8, F. Robertson. (iiUE,—Any other variety —Cock.— 1 and Cup, J. F. Walton. Sen.— 1, J. F. Walton. 2, Furneaa & Sudall. HoDDAKs.— 1, W. Whitworth, jnn. 2, W. Martin. 3, E. T Herdman. CREVE-CtEDH AND La Fleche.-1 aud Cup. Miss L. Stephenson (La Fleche) 2, W. H. Crabtree (Cri"ve-Co>url. 3, E. Walton, he, F. Watson, jun. (Crevc- CCEur). e, W. B. Maxwell (1 a Flecbej, A CarswcU (Criive-Ciour). HAMBCKQHS.-(3o(d-«;/ali(r(«i,— 1, H. Beldon. 2. (i. & J. Duckworth. 8 and vhc, J. CrawlOrd. e, Dr. stoney. .Sili'cr-siMiiolfd.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, Asbton and Booth. 3, F. C. M. Smith, c. J. Ross. Hambdkghs.— GoW-i>f7ifii/f(/— 1 and Cup. H. Beldon. 2,G.&J. Duckworth. S, J. Barlow. Silvcr-jtencilletl.—l, H. Boldon. Polish.— 1, H. Beldon. 2. .1. H. Millner. 8. Miss De Courey Drevar. Malays.— 1,2, and 8. H.J. M'Bride. he, J. K. Millner. c, J. MacMillan. BAKriMs.— Same.— 1, E. Walton. 2, W. Sbenton. S, W. Martin, c, J. N. E. Pim. i3(acfc,—l and Cup, J. Walker. 2 and 8, E. H. Ashton. site, E. Walton. he, W. Shaw. Any other variety.— 1 and 2, A. Robertson. 8, Miss Donnelly, iic, J. N.R, Pim. ANY oTiiEit Distinct Vakiety.— 1, J. Ross (Black Hamburgh). 2, H. Beldon. 3, P. Smith (Guinea Fowls), c, J. Girdwood (White Guinea Fowls). Seh ing Class.— C'ocfc.— 1, J. Ross (Black Hamburgh). 2. J. Ferguson {Black Red Game). 3. E. Malcomsun (Partridge Cochin), he. M. Mahunv (Cochin), F. Roberts. in, Furness & Sudall, W. H. Crabtree. W. Whitwortb, jun. e, E. T. Herouiau. E. Malcomsou (Partridge Cochin and Dark Brahma), J. Arnold (Dark Brahma). Sllllno Class.— Hcn-s or Pullets— 1,M. Mahony (Cochin). 2, Fumesa and Sudan. 3, K. P. Williams (Dorkmgs). v)tc, F. Robertson (Buflf Cochin), J. K. Millner. he. E T. Herdman, F. W. Zurhorst, W. H. Maxwell (Dark Brahma), c. W. G. Mulligan (Brabmas and Dorkings), E. T. Herdman, E. Malcomson (Partridge Cochin), H. J. M'Bride (BulT Cochin), W. V\ hitworth, jun , W. H. Crabtree. Ducks.- iioiifii.— 1 and 3, W. G. Mulligan. 2. J. Walker, vhc, J. Girdwood. /ic, J. Girdwood, W. G. Mulligan, W.B.Maxwell, G M'Dowall, F. Robertson, M F. Smyth, c, W. G. Mulligan. Ayleabnry,— 2, i'.RohertHon. 8, W. Martin, J. Walker. Any other variety.— 1 and 8, \V. Martin. 2, J. Walker, -vhc, R. P. Williams (Ruddy Shells), he, G Jamison (Black East Indians), E.P.Williams (Shellftl, W- Lindsay (Mandarins). Tukkeys.— 1, J. Walker. 2, F. Watson, jon, 8, Eev. N. J. Ridley, he, 3. G, Boyd. PIGEONS— MEMBERS' ONLY. Pouters.- Vouuff Cock.— I and 2, J. Walker, Young Hen.—l, Mrs. Ladd. 2, 3, and c, J. Wallace. CAKRiEns.— B^acfc or Dun.— Young Cock or Hen.—l, 2, 3, and lie, J. Mont- I gomery. Barbs.— rou7H7 Cock or Hen.—l, 2, and 3, W. A. P. Montgomery. OPEN COMPETITION. Pouters.— B/.w« or Black-pied.— Cock, 1, Cup, and vhc. Rev. W. C. Bnllen. 2 aod c, R. Fulton, he, J. WaUaoe. Uen.—l and 2, Eev. W. C. Bullen. 3 and he, E. Fulton. POUTERS.— /fed! or YeUow.pied.—Cock.—l and 3, R. FuPon. 2, J. H. Hutchin- son. 3, J. Wallace. He7i —1 and 2, Eev. W. C. Bullen. 3 and c, E. Fulton. Pouters —ir/i(^c.—Cocte.— I, W. A. P. Montgomery. 2, J. H. Hutchinson. 3. Mrs. Ladd. he, R. Fulton, c. F. W. Zurhorst, J. Wallace. Hen.- 1 and Cup, R. Fultm. '2, Rev, W. C. Bullen. 3. F. W. Zurhorst. he, J. H. Hutchinson, v. W. Zurhorst, Mrs. Ladd c, Mrs. Ladd. Carriers —Black.— Cock.— I, he, and c, J. Montgomery. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. Hen.—l, R. Fulton. 2 and vhc, J. Montgomery. 3, SV. Lindsay, he, J. Mont- gomery (2), R. Futon. Carriers. -Z>HH.—Cocfc.—l, Cup, and 3. J. Montgomery. 2, R. Fulton. Hen. — 1, Cup, and 2, R. Fulton. 3, he, aud c, J. Montgomery. Tumhlers. -Shor(-/aeed Almond.— Cock.— I, Cnp, and 3, R. Fulton. 2 and he, M. Stuart. Hen.—l. 8. ant c, M. Stuart. 2 and he, R. Fulton. TnMBLERS.— .S'hor(-;acerf. any other colour.— Cock.— I, Cup, 8, and c, M. Stuart. 2 and he, E. Fulton. iJen.— 1, 2, and 3, M. Stuart, he, W. A. P. Montgomery, c, R. Fulton. Barbs.— Coe/c— I, Cup. 2, and 3, W. A. P. Montgomery, he, R. Fulton, e, F. W. Ewart. Hen.—l, 2, 3, and vhc, W. A. P. Montgomery, c, F. W. Ewart, R. Fulton. Jacobins. -Rfrf.—Cocfc or Hen.— I, 2. and he, J. Frame. 8, E. A. Scale. Yellow.— Cock or Hen.—l and Cup, J. Pyper. 2, J. Frame. 8, E. E. M. Rujds. he. J. H. Hutchinson. Black.— Cock or He/i.— 1,2, 3, and he, J. Frame. Any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—l, J. Gait. 2 and 8, J. Frame, he, J. Gait, J. Frame 12). A. J. Anderson, e. E. E. M. Eoyds, J. Frame (2), A. J. Anderson. Trumpeters.— Zl/rtct.— Coe/.- or Hen.— I, 3, and e, J. H. Hutchinson. 2 and he, R. Fulton. Any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—l, Cup, 2, and he, J. H. Hutchinson. 3, R. Fulton. Fantails.- U'hile.— Coefc or Ben.— I and S, J. Walker. 2, J. Waters, vhc, J. F. Loversidgc. Any oilier colour. -Cock or Hen.—l and 8, E. A. Seale. 2, A Robertson. Ov.La.—Enolisli.—Cock or Hen.—l, R H. Unsworth. 2, R. Woods. 8, J. Gardner, he. F. W. Ewart. c, W. G. Henry. TuBBiTS.-Bed or Ycllow.—Cock or Hen.—l, E. A. Seale. 2, W. G. Henry, c. E. A. Seale, A. & R. Hutchinson, R. Fulton. Any other eolour.—Cock or Hen.— 1 and tup, R. Woods. '2, R. Fulton. 8, E. A. Seale. he, E. A. Seale, A. J. Anderson, c. W. S. M'Gibbin, F. Waring. NuNs.-CocfcorHcn.- 1 and'2. E. A. Seale. 3, T. Rcid. Deaooons.— iJiuf or Silver.— Cock or Hen.—l and 8, W. Smith. 2 and he, E. Woods, he. R. H. Unworth. Any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—l, Cup, 2, and 3, R. Woods, he. F. Robertson. ., , j Antwerps.— Slior(/aceti —Cock or Hen.—l and 2, C. Gamon. Long-faced.— Cock or Hcn.—l and 2, C. Gamon. 8. F. Robertson. Flyint, Tumblers.— Brarrf,s.—Coefc or Heii.-l, E. H. Unworth. 2 and 8, T. Reid. he, F. Waring. T. Eeid, R. Fulton. Balds —Cock or Hen.—l, T. Reid. 2 and 3, R. H. Unworth. he. J. Waters. F. Robertson. Any other colour.— I, J. Wilson. 2, J. V. S. Crawford. 3, F. Robertson, e. J. Waters. ANY OTHER Variety.— Cocfc or Hen —1, W. Brown (White African). 2, E. A. Seale (Red Magpie). 3, J. Waters, J. Wallace (Lace Fan) rhe, E. A. Seale (Fire Pigeon), R. Fulton (Turbiteen). he, F. W. Zurhorst, J. Wallace (Ice). 'sellisg Class, -CoeJ: or Ilen.—l, W. A. P. Montgomery. 2 and 3, J. M',Upin (Carrier and Barb), he. F. W. Zurhorst, J. Piper (Jacobin), J. M'Alpm (Jacobin). c, A T. Anderson (White African Owl). , , „ , t Selling Class.- 2'air.-l and 2, W. A. P. Montgomery (Barbs). 3 and e, J. M'Alpin (Jacobins), he, W. S, M'Gibbin (White African Owls), J. Pyper (Jaco- bine), J. M'Alpin (Jacobins). CAGE BIEDS. Nopwicn.—Ctenr.— Hen.— 1, W. Slitt. „ ^,. _ Norwich —Mdrfcfii or Variegated.- Cock— I, Cup, and 2, W. Stilt. Ben,— 2 and 8. W. Stitt. , , , „,,. ,, Belgian.— i'eitoie.-Cocfc —1, Cup, and 3. J. S. Watson. 2 and he, J. Elliott. c,W. Stitt. Hen.-l and 2, W. Gault. 3, W. Stitt m o,„ BELGiANS.-BuJT.-Cocfc.-l aud S, J. EUiott. 2, W. Ganlt. he and c, W. Stitt. Hen.-l and 2, J. S. Watson. 3. W. Gaw. c, W. Gault. „ ~ o „.. SooTCH.-J'eiloic.-C'oeJ;.- landCup, J Twecdie. 2, D. Duncan. 3, T. Scott. he, J Watson, e, W. Gaw. Hen.- 1, J. Twecdie. 2, D. Duncan. 3. T. bcott. he. P. Harrington, J. S. Watson, T. Fo.\. c, J. Elliott, W.J. Thompson. ScoTCH.-Bu/r.-Cocfc.-l, J. Pcttigrcw. 2, T. Scott. 3 and he, D. Duncan, c, J. Callaghan. Hen.-l, J. M'Nab. 2, T. Scott. 3, J. CaUaghan. lie, W. Stitt. c. J. M'Bumey. _ ,. „ „, ^ .* i... ScoTCH.-Fieefccii or Pied. Yellow.— Cock.-2,3. Pettigrew. 3, T. Scott. M, J. S. Watson, e, J. CaUaghan, D. Duncan. Hen.— 1, J. Pettigrew. 2, J. A. Prvde. he and c, W. Callender. „ , „ .^ Sc-iTCH.-FIcch-cii or i'leti -ButT.-Cock,-l, T. Scott. 2. J. CaUaghan. 3, W. Callender. he, J. A. Pryde. e, R. Burns. Hen.— I, J. Pettigrew. 2, T. Scott. S.J.Watson, c, J. M'Nab. , ^., Canaries.- Jni/ other variely.-l, 2, and 3, W. Stitt (Golden and SUver- spangled Lizards). „ ,. „■ or MvLKs.— Any vnriety.—l, G. Jamison. 2 and e, W. G. Mulligan. S, J. Crawford. , ,^ ,ao i.\ British Song Biro.- I, E. Burns (Goldanch). 2, G. Jamison (Goldanch). 3. J. M'Bumey(Goldllncb). SELLING CLA88.-1. W. Gaw. 2, J. M'AIpln. 8, J. M'Buruey. c, J. M Nab, J. A. Pryde, J. M'Alpin. , ,„ „, Parrots.-I. a. Crawford. 2, T. Smyth. 8, J. S. Watson, lie, J. S. WatBOn, T. Crawford (2), J. Pyper. c, J. Stewart. JvDOTis.—PouUr!/ : Mr. M. Leno, The Pheasantry, DnDstable; December 30, 1875. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER, 691 Mr. E. Hntton, The Aviaries, Padsey, Leeds. Pigeons : Mr. P. H. Jones, Fulliam ; Mr. T. J. Charleton, Bradford. Ctioc Birds : Mr. W. A. Blakston, Sunderland ; Mr. T. Christie, Glasgow. NORTHERN POULTRY AND PIGEON CLUB SHOW. Tms'was held on the 21th and 2Jth iust. in the Volunteer Drill Hall, Aberdeen. The awards were as follows :— Dov^KXsas.— Coloured, except Silver-Grey.— Cock.- Cup and I, J. Clark. 2, A* Allan. 8, Mra. Grant, he, Mrs. Grant. Mre. G. Arinitsteiul, Mias A. Sinclair- c, J. Smart. 3e)i.~l, W. Snowie. 2, Mrs. W. I'erKUBaon. 3, Mrs. Murrison- he. Mrs Grant, tr, J. Henderson. fionKiyos —Silver-Grey or While.— Cock.— 1, Mrs. A.Masflip. 2, J. "Watson. 3, W. Mefl. he, J. Kae. c. G. Blaob. ife/i.— Cup. 1. and 2, G. Black. 8, Mrs. G. Armitatead. he, W. Meff, J. Slitchell. c, J. Mitchell. Cochins.— Cocfc.—l. Mrs. J. Davidson. 2, Mrs. G. Armitstead. 3. H. Gordon. 7ic. W. Smith, A. Fraeer, A. Bowie, c, A. Burnett Hni.— Cup and I, Mrs. Hendrie. 2, Mrs. Davidson. 8, A. Burnett, he, W. Smith, A. Bowie, J.Dargie, A. Burnett, c, Mra. G. Armitstead, A. Bo-nie. Braiimas.— Cof/c-— Cup and 1, Rev. G. Wilenn. 2 and he, A. Burnett, 8 and c, J. Thompson. 7/cji,— 1, J. Sandeiiian. 2, 11. Gordon. S.J.Leslie, /u:, J. Leslie, J. Thomson, c, R. Sheret, l;ev. G. Wilson. Spanish.— Cocfc.—l, J. Dargie. 2, K. Oas. 3, J. Duncan. Hen.—Cnp and 1, J. Okp. 2, R.Ops- 8, J. Hay. /ic. J. Dargie. HtiDDANs.— Cocfc.— Cup and 1. J. Smart. 2. J. Duthie. 3, Miss M. Carter, he, Mrs. H. Robinson, J. Duthie, R. Mowat, Rev. U. H. Allen. Hen.—l and 3, J. Duthie. 2. Miss M. Carter, he. J. Duthie, Rev. U. H. Allen. Game.— B/acA: or Brown Bed.— Cock.— Cnp and 1, C. Jamieson. 2. J. Millar. 8, T. W. Mitchell, he. J. Salmond, R. M'Kenzie, C. Jamieson. Hen.—l and 3, C. Jamieaon. 2, D. Forbes, he, C. Webster, c, J. Clark. Game.- Any othervaritty.—i, J. Millar. 3,W.Baillie(Duckwing). 8, D. Ander- son (Pile). B&^jBVtiQns.-SiU-er-span^lcd.-Cock.—l, D. Forrester. 2 and 8, J. M. Camp- bell, /ic, G. Beattie. c, G. Campbell. Ht-n.-l, J.M. Cambell. 2, W. Hadden. 3, D. Furrester. he. T. Gilroy. UAMBVRGna.— Golden-spaJigh'd.—Cock.—Cnp and 1, T. Dougal- 2. D. Gal- braith. 3, J. Matthew, he, W. Mearns. Hen.—l, T. Dougall. 2, T. Gilroy. 8, W. Mearns. he, Mrs. J. Henderaon. HAMBL'itaHS.— Go^f *»r SilrerpeneiUcd.— Coek.~l, T. Dougal. 2, J. Baillie. S. G. i.ain;,'. he, B. Ogg. c, J. Taylor, P Campbell. Hen.—l, P. Campbell. 2, G, LaiDff. 3, Mra. C. B. Taylor, c, W. Haddeu. PoLANDS.— 1. J. Taylor. 2 and 3, Mrs. J. Henderson, he. J. Gilmour, jun. Any other Variety.- 1, G. Caithness (Black Hamburghs). 2, Mr.s. J.Hen- derson (Creve-Cceurp). 3. J. Smart (Cr-ve-Cosure). he, Mra, H. Robinson (Turkeys), c, P. Maedonald (Cr.-ve-Caims). Selling Class.— Cocfc. —1, J. Dargie (Cochins). 2, W. Mitchell (Cochins). 3, T. Gilroy (Partridge-Cochins), he, P. M'Donald (CrOve-Cojure). A. Allan (Dark Dorkings), G. Shewan (Houdans). c, J. Reid (Golden-spangled). W. Webster (Dorkings). Ben.—l, W. Snowie (Dorkings). 2, W. Meff (^ilver-Grey Dorkings). 8. W. Hendry (Game), vhc. Rev. G. Wilson (Brahmaa). he, G. Beattie, T. Dougal. c,J. Rae (Silver-Grey Dorkings). DvcKS.—Aiilesburp.—l. A. Skinner. 2. A. Barnett. 8, A. Cowie. DvcKS.— Any other variety.-l, P. Campbell (Rouen). 2, T. Low (Rouen). 3, 1, Gerrard (Rouen), he. Miss M. Carter {Shell Ducks), A. Bowie (Black Indian), R. Robertson. Game Bantams.— BZacfc or Brown Bed.—Cock.—Cnp and I, A.Walker. 2, J. D. Donald. 8. J. Baillie. he, W. Metf. Hen.—l and 3, W. Home. 2, Mra. Reid. fie. W. Meff, Game Bantams. — .dnj/ other variety.— Cock.— 1, W Bisset (Dnckwing). 2, Mrs. W. Ferguson (Pile). 3, J. Baillie. He/i.-l, J. Leslie (Duckling). 2, Mrs. C. E. Taylor (Pile). 8, Mrs. W. Ferguson (Pilp). c, W. Bissett (DueklinK). Bantams.- ^Hf/ other variety. — 1, T. & W. Kerr (Gnlden Sebrights). 2, J. Dallas (Sebright). 3, J. D. Dunald (Black), he, J. Matthew (Black), R. H. Ashton (Black), c, J. Taylor. PIGEONS. Vo-DTERS.— Blue.— Cock.— Cap and 1, B. W. Bryee. HfH.— Cup and 1,R. W. Bryce. 2, J. Mitnhell. 3, W. Hendry. Pouters.— Tr/H7t'.—Cocfc.-l,W. Hendry. 2 and S, J. Grant. Hen.—l and 3, W. Hendry. 2, J Grant. Pouters.— row7ig.— Cocfc.— 1 and 2, R. W. Bryce. 3, J. E. Spence. he, J. Grant, c. W. Hendry. Hen.— Cup and 1, J. Mitchell. 2, J. Grant. 3, R. W. Bryce. Carriers.— Cocfc or Heii.—l and 2. A. Smith. S, R. W. Bryce. Dragoons.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, W. Hendry. 2, J. Cowley. 3, J. Cowe. Barbs.— Cocfc or Hen.— Cup, 1, 2, and 3, K. W. Bryce. he, J. E. spence. TiMBLERS.— .S7ior//i(Cfrf. — Coffc or Ben. — I and 3, R. W. Bryce. 2, J. E. Spence. Common— Cock or Hen.—l, J. Cowe. 2, J. Shield. 8, J. Gilmour, jun. Fantails,— Cocfc or Hen.—l and 3, W. Hendry. 2, J. E. Spence. Jacobins.— Cocfc or Hf7i.— Cup, 1, 2, and 3, R. W. Bryce. he, J, Gilmour, jun. Owls.— Ccicfc or Hen.—\ and 3. R. W. Brvee. 2, W. * R. Davison. Nuns.- Cocfc or Hen.~l, A. Duthie. 2. j. Gilmour, jun. 3, W. Hendry. Abchangels.- Cocfc or Hen.— 1, .1. M. Rodgera. 2, J. Cowe. 3. D. Knowles. Any other VAmETV.- Cocfc or Hen.—l, R. W. Bryce. 2, J. Cairns (Swallow). 3, A Cowie (Frillback). Seliing Class.- 1, J. E. Spence. 2, J. Cowe (Black Pouter). 3, J. Cowley (DraRoons). Judges. — Poultry: Mr. A. Paterson, Airdrie. Pigeons: Mr. A. Frame, Larkhall. CUPAR POULTRY SHOW. The second Exhibition of the above Society was held in the Corn Exchange, Cupar, a place well adapted to the purpose, on the 23rd and 24th inst. The entries were much more numerous than formerly, and the quality in all classes vastly improved. There were two classes for Dorkings — viz., for Silver-Greys and Any other colour. In the former a pair of large and good Coloured birds won, and well deserved their place, while second and third were also nice. In the latter all the prizes went to Darks. The first-prize pen contained a splendid cockerel with a fair hen ; second a fine hen, but cock not so good ; third fairly nice birds. Spanish were an extra good class. The first, a grand cock and exceedingly stylish pullet, were claimed at the catalogue price, i'lO, and not dear either; second not quite bo fine, but still anything but bad; third also good. Bralimas, first went to a very tidy pair of birds ; second a nicish cock, but too leggy, with a hen of the same stamp, still we think them properly placed ; third we would have placed Mr. W. G. D uncau's highly commended birds, a fine hen, but cock by no means first- rate, still better than the thiid-prize winners. Scotch Greys were not numerous, only five pens putting in an appearance. Cochins, the winners were first and second Buffs, all really fine; best hen in first pen, best cock in second ; third Whites. Nothing else near the winners. Spangled Harnhnrghs were a large and good lot. First and second were Silver-spangled, and good ones too, their only fault being imperfect in comb ; third were Golden, and we suppose that was the reason thoy were third, as there were better Silvers in the class, notably Mr. Park's highly com- mended pen. Pencilled reversed the matter, all the prizes being won with Golden. First a finely pencilled hen with a good cock, though his comb is a little on the small side ; second and third very near them, while highly commended (Mr. Lock- hart) was but little behind. The next class was for chickens of the following varieties — viz., Dorkings, Brahmas, Scotch Greys, and Cochins. Easily first came Dark Dorkings, a magnificent pair ; while a nice pen of Brahmas and fair Cochins were second and third. The Variety class for young birds contained the usual mixture. First were a really grand pen of CrO.ves, second fine Spanish, third Golden Polands. Game came next; Black Reds first. In this class nothing striking turned up, but in the next, Brown Reds, the first-prize pen was first-rate, the hen an especially fine bird; second very little behind ; and third birds which were quite worthy of their position. All the prizes in the Game Variety class were won by Duckwings. Game Bantavis Black Red) were a fine lot. First a good cock and still better hen ; second and third well placed. Brown Reds after the last class seemed poor, still they were better than usual. In the other Variety Game Bantams Mr. Brownlie won with one of his well-known Piles. In the Variety poultry class first went to magnificent Golden Polands, second to fine Black Hamburghs, third Silkies. Aylesbury Duclis contained some nice birds, but only the winners were right as to bills, all the rest touched with yellow, Rouena were better, and the prize birds were extra good. The Selling classes contained a large number of birds, many of which found purchasers. Pigeons. — "White Pouters had four entries only, the first nearly up to the mark, and the same may be said of the next lot, in which the first Black were the only birds worth mentioning. Fantails, only four entries, were the best class in the Show of Pigeons as far as quality goes, but certainly second was the worst pen of the lot. Tumblers, first were fair Kites, two hens we think; second Almonds, third Agates. Variety class, first Foreign Owls, second Blue Turbits, third wretched Barbs, highly commended fair Turbiteeus and Yellow Magpies. Mr. Hutton judged both poultry and Pigeons. DoREtsGs.—S ilver-Greij.—l, A. M. Dougall. 2 and 3, W. Haghson. he, D. Annan, T. Williamson, c, D. Sime, D. Annan. White, or any other Colour. — 1, D. Annan. 2, Lieut.-Col. Rice. 3, M. Goodall. vhc, J. Rutherford, he, J, Conacher. Spanish.- 1, J. Nerval. 2, W. Hughson. 3, W. M'Beath. he, R. Weir, c, A. Edmondston, jun. Brahmas.— 1. J. A. Dempster. 2, Miss G. Morrison. 3, D. Annan, he, Lieut. Col. Rice, W. G. Duncan, c. W. W. Bruce, Misa M. G. Rutherford, Lieut.-Col. Rice. Scotch Greys.— 1. Miss M. G. Rutherford. 2, 3, and c, R Weir. Cochim-Chinas.— 1 and 2, Mrs. A. G. Duncan. 3, Mrs. G. Armitstead. he, J. Dargie, W. Smith. Mrs. Oswald. HAytDURQsa.-Spangled—l and 2, Mrs. Keddie. 8, J. Ireland, he, A. Grant, W.R.Park PcHci^erf.— 1. A. Pratt. 2, W. R. Park. 3, K. Adam, u/ic, J. Lock- hart, he. J. Nes9, A. Wallace, jun. c, D. Hutton, A. Wallace jun., D. Cheyne. Dorkings, Bbahjias, Scotch GiiEvs, and Cochin-Chinas. — C/)'cfcf«s. — Cockerel and Pullct.—l and 3, Mrs. G. Annitstead. 2, Miss G. Morrison, he, A. Miti-'hell, Mrs. G. Armitstead. e. Mrs. G. Armitstead, Mrs. Oswald, J. Ruther- ford, J. Sandiman, C, H. Handyside. Any other Variety except Bantams.- Chickens.— 1, W. R. Park (Creve- Coeurs). 2, W. M'Beath (Spanish). 3, A. Laird (Golden Polands). he, J. B. Brown (Creve-Cffiurs), A. Edmonston, sen. (Spanish), W. Webster (Brown-Reds) c, G. Miller (Houdans). GAME.-BirtcfcRcrf.— I.Mrs. M. Dacres. 2, J. Miller. 8, W. Chambers, he. J Henderson. Broivn Bed.— I and 2, W. Webster. 3, R. Stewart, he, J. Hender- aon. c, W. Nicoll. Any other Colour.— \, J. Hall. 2, M. Cruickshanks. 3, J. Fisher, he, W. Webster, c, M. Cruickshanks. Bantams.— (?ai/if.—B?rtcfc Bed.—l. R. Brownlie. 2. K. Adam. 3, R. Gowana. ftc, J. Watson. J. R Kiigour. A. Walker, R. E. Frew. Brown Bed.~l, D. Cheyne. 2 and 3, J.Black.jun. Jhj/ o(/icr coZour.— 1, R. Brownlie. 2, R. Anderson. 3, Misa B. P. Frew. c. R. Gowana. Miss R. C. Frew. Bantams.- Jny other variety except Game.—l, J Rutherford. 2, Miss B. P. Frew. 3. J. A. Dempster(Sebrights). vhe. Miss K. Frew. Any other Breed— 1, J. Laird, jun (Golden Polands). 2, G. Rutherford (Black Hamburghs) 3, R. E. Frew, he, J. B. Brown (Creve-Cceura), J. Smart (Cffve-Cceurs), J. Sandeman (Cnve-Cujurs), R. Milue (Houdans). M. Tod (Houdans). c. A- Edmouston. sen. (Houdans), P. M'Donald (Cr100 1 6 0 0 4 0 6 0 0 0 a 0 ditto bushel 4 0 10 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes dozen 3 Asparagus );*' 1^0 0 French bundle 18 Beans. Kidney. . . . 4 sieve 1 Beet, Red dozen 1 Broccoli bundle 0 Brussels yprouts i sieve 2 Cabbage dozen 1 Carrots bunch 0 Cap*-icnms ^lnJ 1 Cauliflower dozen 2 Ci'Iery bundle 1 Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 Cucumbers each 0 pickling dozen 1 Eiidive.. dozen 1 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Uerbs buDOh 0 HoTseradieh bundlo 4 Leeks bnnch 0 d. B. 0to6 0 0 0 (I 0 2 Lettuce dozen French Cabbage .... Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress puonet Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley.... doz. bunches Parsnips dozen Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do... Radishes., doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Salsaly bundle Scorzonera bundle Seakale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes dozen Turnips bun h Vegetable Marrows, 6tol 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 4 n 4 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 r^^^rsrM^^f^M^ ~(^AiC ^■■J-: ^\.y ^•^nn/vw y\ ^^-A^. 'tj J^/O/I/J W)^r^^ ^MAMMm^k:^ /m.:m\:... /> MmLZZ/ ^ ^^^^^^■V^vJ^*- New York Botanical Garden Library 3 5185 00266 2599 ■^^:^^'^i^2m^^ ■!■■ ■'^^- ■<)/j^.^^'^- --^>n<^ m^m^-^i mmmm ^f^#l^4' ''"^^/^^^^; '/f-h--^. ^^^!^a-: Vl-.-!.i.W: ^^5;>. iJik :^^^. ^\^:::<^: :^^^ ^^^hi'^S^^ mmM ?^>^d^n/v ^.>^^nn?i' ^^: * W'fc ^X^ CTC . r|^ '1! ^^< lo^